Full text of "Pennsylvania archives .."

See other formats

This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project
to make the world's books discoverable online.

It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.

Marks, notations and other marginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.

Usage guidelines

Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we have taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.

We also ask that you:

+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.

+ Refrain from automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.

+ Maintain attribution The Google "watermark" you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.

+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liability can be quite severe.

About Google Book Search

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web

at|http : //books . google . com/

-♦ ^

■ --^v

►

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIV

BBUKTTED AND AltEAXaiD

FROM ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS

ur Tn omci or m

SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALT

CONFOBMABLT TO ACTS

GeSbB'A* iCS'^EMBLT,

FKBRUABT lfi» 1861, ft MABCQ 1, 1862.

SAMUEL HAZARD.

COBOffENGZNG 1783.

VOLUME X.

PHILADELPHIA:

PRINTED BY JOSEPH SEVERNS & CO.
1B64.

: T -r I

^\ A '-

/9/^3?/

PBEFACE.

With the close of the year 1788, npon which in this Tolame we hare en-
tered, will terminate the original limits assigned to the duties of the Editor by
the act of 16th of Febmary, 1861 ; — bat inasmuch as the Colonial Records
have been completed in 16 Tolnmes, extending the date to 1790, — ^the legis-
lature, at their last session, introduced into the ** appropriation law"— the
following section, authorixing the Secretary of the Commonwealth to oontinot
the publication from 1788 to 1790 — thus rendering the period embraced in
both works the same.

Section 67. ** That the Secretary of ttie Commonwealth is hereby autho-
rixed and required to continue the printing, publication and ^tribution of
the PennsyWania AroblTes, firom the year one thousand seren hundred and
eighty-three, to the year one thousand seren hundred and ninety, in con<-
formity with the requirements of an act entitied « an act for proyiding for
the publication of the Colonial Records and other original papers in the
office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth ;" approTod the fifteenth day
of February, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one, and the supple-
ment thereto, except so far as issuing proposals for the publication of the
same ; Provided^ That the cost for printing and publishing the same shall
not exceed the price per Tolume contracted for the publication of the said
ArehiTes under the abore recited act; and when so published, shall be
diatributed in the same manner, and to the same persons, as proTided by the
seTcral acts reUting to tiie distribution of said works."

ApproTed Hay 9, 1854.

An Act to prevent and stay Suits against
Inhabitants op Wyoming during the timk^
therein mentioned, 1783.

Sect. I Whereas Commissionerfl, duly anthorised and appointed
agreeable to the ninth Article of the Confederation of the United
States, to hear and determine the Controversy between the Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania and the State of Connecticut, have adjudged
and decreed, <^ That the Jurisdiction and Pre-emption of all the
<< Territory, lying within the Charter Boundary of Bcnmylvania^
'' and claimed by the State of Connecticut, do of Right belong to
'* the State of Pennsylvania^*

Sect. II. And Whereas this House, taking into Consideration the
Situation of the present Settlers under the late Claim of the State
of Connecticut, at that Part of Wyoming eastward and northward of
Nescopeck Falls, on the East Branch of Susquehanna, have agreed
to send Commissioners to make Enquiry into the Cases of the said
Settlers, and to encourage as much as possible reasonable and
friendly Compromises between the Parties claiming, and therefore it
is highly improper that any Proceedings at Law should be had for
the lieoovery of any Lands or Tenements during the said Enquiry.

Sect. IIL Be it there/ore enacted, and it is hereby enacted by the
Representatives 0/ the Freemen of the Commonwealth c)/" Pennsylvania,
in General Assembly met, and by tAe Authority o/same,ThtLt every
Writ and Process whatever granted or issued, or which may hereafter
be granted or issued, for any Owner or Owners, Claimant or Claim-
ants, against any Person being now an Inhabitant on said Lands at
Wyoming, in order to ' dispossess any of the said Inhabitants or
Settlers of the Lands or Tenements in his, her or their Occupancy,
shall be, and the same are hereby declared to be stayed ; and on
Motion, all further Proceedings thereon shall be quashed by the
Court to which such Writ shall be returnable, until the Report of
the said Commissioners shall be laid before this House, and Order
shall be taken thereupon.

Sect. IV. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That this Act shall be and continue in Force until the End of the
next Sitting of General Assembly, and no longer.
Signed, by Order of the House,

Frederick A. Muhlenberg, Speaker

Enacted into a law, at Philadelphia, on Thursday, the Thirteen
Day of March, in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hun-
dred Eighty and Three.

PETER Z. LLOYD,

Clerk of the General Assembly.
Indorsed— VLm\i 18, 1783.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783.

Sir,

John Nicholson to Council, 1783.

Compt. Generals Office, Philada. March 15th, 1783.

i beff leave to reqnest That an order bo drawn ujpon the Treasurer
in my favor for five hundred pound state money for paying depre-
ciation Certificates agreeable to act of Assembly, the money reo'd.
upon last order is entirely Expended.

• I am Sir, with very Great Bespect,

your Ezoellenoy's most Obed. Humble Servant

JNO. NICHOLSON.
(public Service.)
Directedf To His Ezcelly. John Dickinson Esq., Preadent.
Compt Gen. Office.

Rbtubk or Dbticenoys of CLOATHnras &c., BELOKaiKa

TO THE Hbssian Troops, 1788.
Betum of Defficencys of Cloathing. &c, Necessary's Missing by
Being Detained in Chester County, belonging to the Hessian
Troops.

Lancaster, March 15th, 1783.

Fensllva- Currency.

d.:

».

SSrLarge Kegitnental Blankets belonging

to Prince Heredittry BcgitDent @ pr.

Blanket • .

9 BhtrteoftheysfferB,@pT. Shirt

1 Pair StooliDg, @. / ,

7 Pack^ from Europe ooutainipg.

7 Doaen mettle Buttons @ pr, Do«.

1 Piece of Nan Kin^ @

6 Shirts @pr. Shirt

6} Yard Fustian @ pr yard-

6 Yard DrilliDg @ do .

8} YardblewCloath @ do ,

6 Yard red Shtllong @ do

6 Silck Hanckerchiffts @ pr, Hande-

kerchiffls*

1 Cap @ , ,

6 Yard Lanea @ pr. yard .

Total,

Lewis Flaehshaar^ Pay Quart. Mr.
Major of Re^. de Bose.
Wm. Armstrong Capt 61th & D. Q. M. Gen.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

Deficiencies in the British and Germah Cloathino.

Total Amonnt of Deficienoies in the British & Qerman Cloathing,
with all Extraordinary Charges incurred hy the Stopping of it ia
Chester County.

Philadelphia, 19th March, 1783.

Amount of Deficiencies in ye British Cloathing, &c.,
as ^ Betarn, ....

Ditto, Hessian Cloatbing, do.,

Ditto, Anspach Ditto, do.,

Extra Charges paid for Waggons when prevented

receiving the Oloathing, .
Ezpcnccs of French Guards (^ Wilmington to Phila-
delphia & Lancaster,

Ditto for four Expresses from do. to do.,
Capt. Armstrong's Ezpences from 1st Jan., the day ^
the Cloathing was stopped, to 11th March, the I
day he received what was not embescled, J
Qr. Mr. Titt, his assistant, from ditto to ditto,
Qr. Mr. Flaclcarsha of the Hessians, from do. to do.,
Qr. Mr. Daig of the Anspacbs from do. to do..
Exchange at £6 f) Cent on £515, 10, which Capt. ^
Armstrong was obliged to draw for on New York V
to pay the above Expences, . )

£2539

2906

31
21

245

122
61
61

1 5

17; 9
511

17 6

10
5
5

18 7

Amount of Cap. Armstrong's Charges.

Charges given into Capt? Armstrong by Wm. Davis'

& Wm. Sharpley, Conductors of Waggons, for 1

they, with Twenty-three Waggons were detained [

by the Seizors, . . . . j

£6197
102

Total.

rf6299

1' 2

Errors Excepted. WM. ARMSTRONG,

Cap. 64th H. D., Q. M. Gen.

Pres. to Delegates of Congress, 1783.

March 19, 1T88.
Gentlemen,

The Council having ohservcd that by the fourth of the provisional
articles agreed upon by the Commissioners of the United States and
of his Britannic Majesty, it is declared *' that Creditors on either
side shall meet with no lawful Impediment to the Rccoverv of the
full Value in Sterling Money, of all bona fide debts heretofore con-
tracted,'' are unanimously of opinion that these Expressions have an
Extent & force, that unless properly regulated, may be attended bj
Consequences inconsistent with Justice, Humanity or Equity.

There may be no particular Hardship in oalling npoo British

8 PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVES 1788.

Debtors for payment^ that KiDgdom not having been the seat of
War. The Case is totally different with Respect to Citizens of these
states who are Debtors. It is needless to repeat to Gentlemen of
yonr Information the various and severe Calamities with which this
Country has 'been overwhelmed in the Course of the unprovoked
War. Ton are sensible not only how general and grievous these
afflictions have been, but that the Effects must continue in very ooa«
siderable operation for some time.

We therefore desire that You will use your best Exertions in
Congress to have Instructions immediately sent to our Commissioners,
requiring them to take Care that in the definitive Treaty of Peaee,
or by some Convention with Great Britain, citizens of the United
States may be allowed a reasonable Time for the payment of their
Debts to British Creditors.
I am^ Gentlemen,

Your very humble servt.,

JOHN DICKINSON.

The Delegates of Pennsylvania, in Congress.

Resolution op Assembly. Boundary Line, 1783.

State of Pennsylvania, In General Assembly,

Saturday, March 22, 1783, A. M.

The Report of the Committee on the Message from the Sapreme
Executive Council, relative to the line run between this Common-
wealth and the State of Virginia, read March 5, was read the second
time, and adopted, as follows, (viz,)

Your committee who were directed to confer with the Supreme
Executive Council on the report of the Commissioners for lonning
the line between this State and that of Virginia, having performed
that duty, beg leave to report.

That taking into oonsideration the resolve of this House, dated
March 2, 1782, It appears to have been the opinion of the General
Assembly of this State that a temporary line, which might be run
at a moderate expence, would answer the present purposes, and serve
as a boundary to the end of the War, or until the States might be
in more tranquillity, and better able to encounter the expence that
would attend the final settlement thereof. And we find that the
General Assembly of the State of Virginia, by their resolve, dated
the first day of June last, have agreed thereto.

We also find that in pursuance of said resolves, and in conjunction
with tho State of Virginia, Council have caused the said line to be
run and marked agreeably to the plan laid before the House*

Resolved, that this House do approve the said report, and con-
firm the said line run by Messieurs Nevil and McCIean, as the
boundary line between this State and that of Virginia, until the
final settlement thereof be obtained.

That the Supreme Executive Council of this State oommunicata

PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVES 1783. 9

the reflolntioD of thiB House to the Legislature of Yirginia^ as soon
as conveniently may be, and in the mean time issue their proclama-
tion signifying the same ; and requiring the inhabitants included
within said boundary to pay due obedience unto the Laws of this
State. Extract from the Minutes.

PETER Z. LLOYD,

Clerk of the General Assembly.
Indorsed,

1788, March 22d. Resolution of the General Assembly ; their
approbation of the line lately run between this State and Virginia.

Read in Council the 2v>th, and Proclamation issued for quieting
the minds af the Inhabitants.'''

Report of a Committee of Assembly, 1783.

Your Committee appointed on the Message of the Supreme ex-
ecutive Council, with the report of the proceedings of the Comp-
troller Genera], concerning the settlement of the Accounts of
Timothy Matlack, Esq', Secretary to said Council, Beg leave to
report That they have taken into consideration the proceedings of
the Comptroller General, by which it appears the said Secretary has
charged the State with a very considerable sum, and which the said
Comptroller declares is altogether inadmissable and prays to be in-
structed by the Honorable the Council or Assembly, it is therefore
the opinion of your Committee that the most eligable mode of bring-
ing this business to a final settlement, is for the Comptroller Gene-
ral to prosecute the said Timothy Matlack, Esq', in the Supreme
Court, in Order to try the contested points by a Jury^ & therefore
recommend the following resolution :

Resolved, that the Comptroller General of this State proceed to
the tryal of the contested points, in the Accounts of Timothj
Matlack, Esq', Secretary to the Supreme executive Council, by a
Jury in the Supreme Court, and that he be hereby authorized to
employ Counsel for that purpose.
Indoriietfy

Read 1 time. Mar. 22, 1783, and on motion, and by special order
read 2 times, and adopted. f

Sec'y of Foreign affairs to Pres. Dickinson, 1788.

(Circular) Office for foreign affairs, Philadelphia,

24lh March, 1783.
Sir,

I have the honor to enclose an abstract of the preliminary Arti-
cles for a general peace, Signed the 20th of January, 1783. Tbej
were brought by a vessel that arrived last night from Cadiz^ dis-
patched by^Couut d' Estaing to recall the oruizers and privateers of

♦ See Col. Rec, Vol. XIII., p. 540.
. t 8«e Gol. Bee., Vol. XLIL, p. 688, 640. John Armstrong Jr., waa ap-
pointed Secy., March 26.

10 PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVES 1788.

his most Christian Majesty and his Sahjeots. Tho' not official, they
leave no room to doabt this happy event on which I sincerely con-
gratulate Yonr Excellency. When the wisdom of the United
States shall have re-established their credit & strengthened their bond
of UnioD, which will doubtless be the first work of peace, we shall
have every reason to hope that this will be a happy & a flourishing
Country.

I have the honor to be, Sir, With great respect,

Yonr Excellency's Most obedient & most hnmble servant,

ROB. R. LIVINGSTON,
Directed, His Excellencyi President Dickinson.

Pkeliminaribs of Peace, 1783.

Philadelphia, March 24th, 1783.
His Most Christian Majesty's Cutter the Triumph, commanded by

the Chevalier DDQUESNE, arrived this Morning, in 36 days

from Cadiz. By her we have the following very agreeable and

important Intelligence.
The Principal Articles of the Preliminaries of the Peace of the 20th
of January, 1783.

France to retain Tobago and Senegal.

France to restore to Great Britain Grenada, St. VincentSi Domi-
nique and St. Christophers.

St. Eustatia, Demerarai Berbice^ and Isseqnibo shall be restored
to the Dutch.

Great Britain to restore to France, Goree, St. Lncia, St. Pierre,
and Miquelon.

The fishery of France and England on the coast of Newfoundland
to remain on the same footing on which they were left by the treaty
of 17 03, except that part of the coast from Cape Bonavista to Cape
St. John's, which shall belong to the English.

France to be re-established in the East Indies, as well in Bengal
as on the east and west coast of the Peninsula, as regulated by the
treaty of 1763.

The articles of the preceding treaties, concerning the demolition
of Dunkirk, to be suppressed.

Spain to retain Minorca and west Florida.

Great Britain cedes East Florida to Spain.

An agreement is to be entered into between Spain and Great
Britain, about the cutting of wood in the bay of Honduras.

Great Britain to retain the Dutch settlement of Negapatam in the
East Indies.

Great Britain to restore Trinqcmalc to the^Dutch, if not re-taken.

St. Eustatia, Demararaand lii'equibo, to be^restored by the French
to the united provinces.

Great Britain acknowledges the sovereignty and independence of
the thirteen united states of America.

The limits of the united states to be as agreed upon in the proyis-
ional articles between them and Great Britain, ezocpt that they ahall

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 11

not extend farther down the river Mississippi than the 82d degree
of north latitude, from whence a line is to be drawn to the head of
the river St. Mary, and along the middle of that river to its month.
Copy of the heads of the preliminaries of peace, signed the 20th of

Jannary, and transmitted by express on the 22d by the marqnis

de Caffries. ('Signed,)

Cadiz, February 11, 1783. ESTAING.

We Caesar Anne de la Luxerne, Chevalier of the Order of St. John
of Jerusalem, Marechal des Camps and Armies of (he King, Minister
Pleoipotentiary of His Most Christain Majesty to the United States
of North America, &c.

Make known to ail those whom it may concern, that the Chevalier
Duquesne, lieutenant commanding bis Majesty's cutter the Triumph,
who arrived this day at this port, has communicated to us Orders, in
form of a Passport, which he received from Count d'Estaing, Vice-
Admiral of France ; of which the following is a Copy.

" CHARLES HENRY COUNT D'ESTAING, Vice Admiral of

France, Lieu tenant-General of his Majesty's Forces, Knight of his

Orders, &c.

It is ordered, that monsieur the chevalier Duquesne, lieutenant
commanding his majesty's cutter, Triumph, do sail as soon as possible
from the bay of Cadiz, and inform all vessels that he may meet of
the happy re-union of the belligerent powers. It is ordered, in the
name of bis majesty, and by me, to all ships of the line, frigates, and
other vessels belonging to his majesty, that he may meet, that they
abstain from all hostilities against the ships of war and merchant
vessels of his Britannic majesty, but, on the contrary, that they
give them all necessary aid and succour, and every testimony of a
union re-established under the most happy auspices, by the prelimi«
naries which were signed the 20th of this month, of Jan. in the
present year, it is ordered also, in his majesty's name, that all vessels
armed for war and on a cruise, do return into port. After having
given them a copy of this order, he shall take their names, likewise
the date of the day that he shall have furnished it, and shall notify
to them that they shall answer personally for every deed which thej
may commit contrary thereto.

Monsieur the chevalier Duquesne, in virtue of the present order,
which serves him for a passpor^ shall carry a flag of truce, he shall
particularly cruize in those latitudes where he presumes he may
meet the greatest number of French privateers, and shall endcavoor
to overtake them. If the events of the sea shall conduct him to any
of the French colonies, or upon the coasts of the united states of
America, he shall communicate the present orders, to the governor
of the place, and to the armed vessels of the different nations that
may be then there, he will likewise shew the present passport to all
vessels of war belonging to his Britannic majesty with whom be
shall speak, and give them a copy signed by him, if they shonld
desire it. He shall likewise pay them every rospcot, which the first

U PUNNSTLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

moments of a re-union demands ; the objecl of his mission, (for the
good of humanity, and as much as is in my power) being to hasten
its happy effects.

Cadis, the 10th Febmary, 1783.

Signed, lyESTAINd.

By Order, MARTtN." '

And desiring to give all necessary Authenticity and Notoriety to
these orders. We certify by these Presents, that the above is a true
Copy. -

We likewise certify^ that M. le Chevalier DuQuesne has informed
us, that M. le Comte d'Estaing directed him to desire all vessels that
he should find ready to sail in the different ports where he should have
occasion to go, to delay their departure from said ports, until the
arrival of official accounts of the signing the Preliminaries, the news
of which cannot fail to arrive soon on this continent.

Given at Philadelphia, in our Hotel, this 24th of March, 1783.
LE CHEVALIER DE LA LUZERNE.*

Capt. Wm. Armstrong to Pres. Dickinson, 1788.
Sir,

Inclosed I send you a List of the Waggoners' Names who were
stopped in Chester County, when on their way with British Cloath«
ing from Wilmington to Lancaster.

As Sheriff Gardner says Four of the Waggons were not stopped
along with the other thirty-four, he will now be able to ascertain
their names ; But as it certainly was owing to the others being stopped
that they did not proceed to Lancaster, I must expect that he will
find them out, & see that they do proceed accordingly, where a receipt
will be given for every article delivered, & the amount dedaetod
from the return of Deficiencies that I gave in on the 19'^ Instant ;
But as there is now a prospect that our Prisoners will soon be sent
to New York, it will be necessary to Limit the time of Delivery to •
short period.

As I have Business of Consequence which obliges me to return ta
I^ew York & prevents my being able to wait for the Completion of
this Business, I am to request your Exoelleocy's Answer to mj
requisitions of the 19^ Instant, in order that I may lay it before His
Excellency S' Ouy Carleton. If th#nght necessary, I don't suppose
there will be any Objections made to my returning here some time
henoe to finish it.

With the highest respect, I have the Honor to be

your Ezoellenoy's Most Obed* Humble Serv',
W- ARMSTRONG,

•Cap*64«'»&D.Q. M. Gen.

Philadelphia, 25*^ March, 1783.
The Honorable President Dickinson.
« From a hand bill printed by David C. Claypoolo in Market street.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783.

Philadelphia, 2b^ March, 1783.
List of the Waggoners' Names who did not arrive at Lancaster
with the British Cloathing with which thej were loaded at WiU
miDgton, from the Flag of Truce Ship Amazon, John Flojd^ Master.

Thomas Tally,
Phillip Jackson,
Jasper Basson,
Wm. MoClintock,
Wm. Long,
Isaac Johnson,
Thos. Bird,
Wm. Elliott,
Jno. Frame,
Geo. Waddle,
Isaac Miller^
Thomas Cloud,
Wm. Cloud,
John Forward,
Thos. Bird,
Elisha Tally,
George Davis,
Joseph Loyd,
John Booth,

Elisha Baldwin,

Wm. Sharpely,

Wm. Tally,

Wm. Reid,

David Cochran,

Jas. Adams,

Andw. Gihson,

Thos. Gibson,

James Robertson,

Joseph Boggs,

John Price,

Charles Springer,

Solomon Price,

John Miller,

Maj*" Dan* Adams, drove by a Negro.

John Crosby,

Andw. Reed,

Jeremiah Wilson,

Adam Glendinniog.

Total, 38— W- ARMSTRONG, Capt. 64»^

Sir Guy Carleton to R. R. Livingston, Esq., 1783.

Sir,

New York, March 26th, 1783.

I have rec'd your letter of the 24th Inst, enclosing a resolution
of Congress of y* same date taken in consequence of the arrival of
the Cutter Triumphe, commanded by Lieut. Du Quesne, with orders
of the 10th of Feb'y last, given at Cadiz, by Vice Admiral D'Ehtaing
for him to put to sea & cruise on such stations as he shall juilge
most likely to meet with ships of his nation, & inform them of the
happy reconciliation of the belligerent powers, & to order all their
ships of war to cease hostilities against ^flose of Great Britain, the
preliminary articles of a general peace being signed the 20th of
Jan'y, you thereupon are pleased to express your expectation that
I would think the information thus conveyed ** sufficiently authentic
'^ to justify my taking immediate measures to stop the further
effubion of blood."

For my own part I have hitherto abstained from all hostilities, &
this conduct I mean to continue, so far as our own security would
permit, but how great soever my desire is to put an entire stop to
the calamities of war & whatever respect this information may

14 PENNSYLVANIA AROmVES 1788.

doserTO, yet I do not find myself thereby justified in recommending
measoreB which might give facility to the fleets & armiea menacing
any part of the King's possessionsi to carry their hostilities into
execution.

To adopt a measure of^this importance it is necessary I should
receive orders from home, which I may reasonably expect every
hour, as a cruizer sent out on other purposes is already arrived at
Philadelphia, & I assure Sir, I only wait the official certainty of this
great Event, to assume the language and the spirit too, of the most
perfect conciliation & peace.

I perceive Sir, by the resolution enclosed in your letter, that
Congress has thought fit to consider this information as authentic &
thereupon has taken one considerable Step towards carrying the
terms of peace into immediate execution. Another not less important
I presume has been taken, or is taking. With the cessation of
hostilities I perceive, is connected in the 7th Article of the provi-
sional treaty an engagement that ''All prisoners on both sides shall
be set at liberty," of this event therefore I hope likewise speedily to
receive the very necessary & welcome notice, as I shall find the
highest satisfaction in seeing released on all sides, men, upon whom
the evils & calamities of war, have more peculiarly fallen.
I am Sir

your most obt. & most hum. servant,

GUY CARLETON.
Copy.
Directed y

Robert R. Idvingstosi Esqr.

Capt. Thos. Robinson to Pres. Dickinson, 1783.

Wyoming, 26th March, 1783.
Sir,

Your Excellencies Orders, and Instructions to me of the fourth
Intlknt I Received on 13th But Such was the State of the Weathefi
the Roads and the Freshes in the Creeks and Rivers as Rendred it
Impracticable for me to noarch before the 19th and on the 23d I
Arived here, with much oifficulty, (where I met Captain Philip
Shrawder,) I Imediatly Took posession of the garrison with Every
thing belonging thereunto. I Also met at the same place Capt.
Peter Sumers, Late of the 4 Pennsa Regt., who had been sent here
to Collect and Carry away the Remainder of the (Continantal)
Military and other stores from this post. As I Had Carried no military
stores to this post I therefore Judged it Improper to Let the garrison
be Intirely destitute of Amunition, I therefore retained some part
of the Military stores (for which I gave Captain Samers a Reoept,)
and herein Inclose your Exoellenoie a Return of the same.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVEB 1788.

Preyioas to my arrival here the Indians had Either Killed or
Captured two men at some DiAtance from this place, I Have also
received Aathantick Inteligence of one man being Captured in
Buffalo and of parties being about That neighbournood, and Munoy.
I also beg leave to assure your Excellencie that a strict Attention
and Regard shall be paid to every part of your Instructions to ma.

I am Sir with Every sentiment

of Esteem & Bcspect >.

your Excellencies

most obedt. Humble servant.

THOS. ROBINSON, Capt'n of P. Rangers.

Return of Continantel Militia Stores Retained by Captain Thomas
Robinson of the Pennsylvania Rangers^ For the use of the Gar-
rison at Wyoming, 26 March, 1788.

No.

Bozes;

9
12

Rounds Shot,
Do., •
Cannister,

Do.
Orape, .
Do., . . ,
Swivel Case,
Round swivel,
Swivel Case,
Case . . .

No. Rounds.

. 21

. 81

. 24

. 18

. 40

106

. 88

. 7

ToUl,

814

6 papers Tubes,
8 pairs Drag Ropes,
10 Sticks port fires,
1 Dark Lantron,
8 Spongesi
4 SooopSy
6 Worms,
4 Oil Cloths,

J}ir€cied,

His Ezoellencie, John .Dickinson, Esquire, «Prendeni of Ae
Supreame Executive Council of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Per Capt. Peter Snmers.

8 lbs. Lead,
2 lbs. powder,
18 Bayonets,
5 Old Shovels,
1 Old Pine Cheat & Desk,
a Quantity of Rotton Slow*
match not fit for use.

16 PENNSYLVANIA ABOHIYES 1788.

John Nicholsok to Pres. -Dicktnson, 1783.

Comptr. Oenerars Office,

Philada.. March 26tb, 1783.
Sir,

Permit me to request that an Order may be drawn upon the
Treasurer in my favor for the sum of fifteen pounds specie for paying
sundry Contingent expenses of this office for which sum I will
account.

I have the Honour to be,

with respect your EzceU'y most obedt. servant,
JNO. NICHOLSON.

Directed^

His Excellency, The President of Penna.

John Nicholson to.Pbbs. Dickinson, 1788.

Comptr. General's office,

Philada., March 26th, 1783.
Sir,

I beg leave to request that an Order may be drawn in my favor
for the further sum of .five hundred pounds state money for paying
depreciation Certificates agreeable to directions of Assembly. The sum
last rec'd is expended.

I have the honor to be with respect

your Excellency's most Obedt.

very Humble servant,
JNO. NICHOLSON.*

Directed^
His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esqr., President of Penna.

Answebs of Hon. Obo. Brtan, 1788.

The answer of Oeorge Bryan, fourth Justice of the Supreme
Oonrt of Pennsilvania, to certain questions proposed by his Excel-
lency the prerident & the honorable the Council. March, 1788.

First,

Whether Commissions of oyer & terminer, as they have been
usually iasued in4hb State since the revolution, in general; and

« 8e« Col. Beo., Vol. XIU., p. 641.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783. 17

partioulnrly whether a Commission of oyer & terminer lately issued
for Westmoreland & Washington CountieSi are agreeable to the Con-
fltitation & laws of this State.

Answer^

The Aot of Assembly of 1722, for establishing Courts of Jas-
iice, appoints, that the Justices of the Supreme Court, who then
held at the pleasure of the governor, should be justices of oyer &
terminer. This Law especially, if taken into consideration with the
Act of 1718, for the advancement^ of Justice, doth not make the
Judges the only Commissioners of Oyer & Terminer in capital cases.
And if such construction might have been taken on the passing,
yet long contrary usage & acting seems to have decided the point.
The standing Judges at Westminster are not the only Commia-
sioners of oyer & terminer in England, & even since the act of Wil-
liam the Z*f by which independent Commissions & salaries were
established for them, no suoh idea has been entertained. Nothing
has passed in Pennsilvania, as I know of, at or since the Amerioan
revolution to introdace any alteration upon this point. It may,
perhaps be suggested, that this authority in the Council, may be
abused, as it enables that board to select Judges in a particular case,
to hear & try with design to prevent a fair & equal hearing. But
such doings ought not to be presumed. They would bo too odious.
I am of opinion, that there may be cases of atrocious offenoe in
which such Commissions would not only be legal, but proper. Aa
to the Commission issued lately to Westmoreland and Washington
Counties, with Blanks in it for the names of the accused ; I should
think it void for that circumstance. But the uncertain description
of these persons leaves the matter without all doubt. Such a writing
could give no authority whatever to the Commissioners. The whole
proceedings under it must be null, in my opinion.

Second,

Whether the modes directed by the Acts of Assembly for the
appointment of the Justices of the peace by the Council, without
Elections by the people^ are warranted by the Constitution.

Answeri

By the 80th section of the Constitution, if the freeholders of any
district, incline to have a justice of the peace appointed in such
district in a manner different from the mode therein directed, the
Legislature may gratify them; but that the Assembly upon the
neglect or refusal of the freeholders to choose, may authoriie the
executive branch to appoint is not clear to me. Perhaps the Council
upon suoh neglect might Commission Justices of the peace, till the
proper Electors resume their rights under the general power givea
m the 20 Section to supply all vacancies. However, this is not a
case like that of vacancies in the places of Sheriffs & Coroners, offi-
cers, essentially necessary to the oompleat organisation of justice &

18 PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVES 1788.

which Coancil must immmediately fill ; whereas the negleet of two
or three distriota in a County ta ezerciBe their priviledge of eleoting
Justices of the peace^ would not be attended with any great inoon^
vcniency.

Upon starting this question another idea has arisen. It has been
asked whether the authority by the ninth Section given to the leg-
islature, to incorporate Towns, Burroughs, Cities & Counties^ in-
olndes, not that of oonstitutinff Mayors, Aldermen & Burgesses of a
different appointment from the Constitution, with the powers ft
jurisdiction of a justice of the peace? — I think not, unless the
major number of the freeholders be desirous of it ; and this be pro*
perly manifested to the Legislature. For such communities were at
common Law long before the institution of Justice of the peace,
who came in by statute. Many corporations of this kind sub^t in
England, which have no such Magistracy in them, under their Char-
ters. The City of Westminster* for instance, is governed by a high
Steward & Burgesses, who nominate a bailliff, which acts as a Sher^
rif. The justices for the Liberty of Westminster, who are specially
commissioned by the Crown, have the care of the peace, ft hold a
quarterly sessions to hear and try offenders. Yet the Corporation
of this City holds Courts of common pleas and a court similar to
the Courts Leet, which determines upon nuisances ft other oflfences.
" By Holt chief justice, tho' a man be a mayor, it doth not follow,
'Uhat he is a justice of the peace; for that must be a special grant
in the Charter.^' Raymond 1830. The Legislature may therefore
erect Corporations of Towns, without thereby constituting Justices of
the peace within such Communities, ft the Constitution upon both
these heads is very consistent, especially, as the very mode of the
SO Section may be established in such Towns. But if any variation
be designed, it should seem, that the freeholders be called together, ft
that they request it in a special manner pointing out the perman*
ancy & manner of choice.

If the authority to incorporate Cities, Towns ft Counties oould
be supposed necessarily to include a right to give the jurisdiction
of a Justice of the peace to a Mayor, Alderman or Burgess, the
80th Section of the Constitution might be easily evaded, altogether
by incorporating every County for certain purposes. Nay I the
priviledge of eleoting the Sherriff by the freemen might be wrested
out of their hands by a like artifice. For a Bailliff might be con-
stituted to do the duties of the Sherriff within such County, Town
or City. And the argument would be strengthened by this circum-
stance, that Baylifis of Corporations are as early as the introduction
of municipal governments borrowed from France ft Italy soon after
the Conquest. The Communities of Cities were an assuagement to
^e rigor of the feodal Government, whereby the inhabitants of Towns
were protected ft supported in their independency of the neighbour-

* See the case of New Samm Strange, 1164.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 19

ing Lords, & therefore sach priviledges were once of great conse-
qaeoce to the traders and artmns. Hence they were eagerly soaght
for in England. It is remarkable that the old burroughs are all
within the Lands of royal demesne, & therefore it must be inferred
that the King alone favoured these franchises. The great freeholders
without doubt, were anxious to hold the people down under the
servile condition of Villeinage ; a species of Slavery^ which yet ob-
tains in Russia, Poland & divers other Countries.

How far the authority of the Assembly, in constituting Magis-
trates, with jurisdiction equal to Justices of the peace, has been ex-
ercised constitutidnally in reviving the Charters of Chester and
Lancaster, or in framing a municipal police for the Town of Carlilei
I am not fully informed. But if the consent of the major part of
the freeholders in these Burroughs, has not been expressed so as to
justify the innovations made by giving power to the freemen an-
nnally to choose justices of the peace; I can hardly think the Bur-
gesses under these incorporating Acts, however, improved the man-
ner of doing the business may be, possess any more jurisdiction
than that of conservators of the peace. These Magistrates will do
well to enquire into this.

There was an Act of Assembly passed in 1777, authorising the.
Council to appoint Judges of the City Court. As these magistrates
exercise power to hear & determine concerning the peace the
Council has heretofore carefully Commissioned Justices of the
peace to sit there.

But as to the Law of 31st August, 1778, whereby the Counoil
was directed to appoint justices of the peace upon the neglect of the
freeholders to elect, I do not think it will warrant the Council to
proceed accordingly. The Acts of Assembly passed in 1777, 1 shall
give like answer to. These last 1 always considered as tcmpyary.
No unconstitutional use^ as I remember, was made of them.

Northern Liberties^ 24th March, 1783.

GEO. BRYAN.*

Answers op C. J. McKean, 1783.

Queries proposed to Honourable the Judges of the Supreme Court
and to which, Counoil request that they will be pleased to give
answers.

1. Whether Commissions of Oyer and Terminer, as they have
been usually issued in this State since the Revolution, in general, and
particularly whether a Commission of Oyer and Terminer lately
issued for Westmoreland and Washington Counties, and the pro-
ceedings thereon, are agreeable to the Constitution and Laws of this
State?

♦ See CoL Reo., Vol. XIIT., p. 548.

20 PENNSTLYANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

2. Whether the modes directed by Acts of Assembly for the
appoiDtmeDt of Justices of the peace by the Coancil, without Eleo-
tioDS of the Peoplci are warranted by the Constitation 7
Council Chamber,

Philadelphia, March 20th^ 1783.
Answers.

1. It rather appears to us, that Commissions of Oytr & Terminer _
as they have been usually issued in this State since the Revolution,
if they are all conformable to the precedent shown to us are warranted
by the Constitution and Laws of this State. These commissions are
by the common law, and are not restrained by any Statute, Act of
Assembly or the Constitution, and have the sanction of long and
constant usage prior to the Revolution. But we humbly conceive,
they should be granted with great caution, and only upon very
urgent occasions, when the offences are of a very heinous nature and
require immediate punishment ; and after they are executed, they,
together with the proceedings thereon, ought to be returned into the
Supreme Court. Special commissions, granted on the complaint of
particular persons, are prohibited by divers statutes and void. .

The commission lately issued for Westmoreland and Washington
Counties and sent to us, in which the names of the persons to be
tried were not inserted by the pouncil, but by another hand after
it had passed the seal, &c., and after it arrived in those counties, and
in which one of the offences is insufficiently described, is in our
opinion bad. A Warrant for felony, signed and sealed by a Justice
of the peace, having a blank for the names of the party to be arres-
ted and afterwards filled up by another person, has been adjudged
void in law.

2. We are of Opinion, that no appointment of a Justice of the
peace €ot any city or county can be valid, unless he has been pre-
viously elected by a majority of the freeholders of some ward, town-
ship or district, or unless this mode is desired by a majority of the
freeholdere to be altered, before an Act of Assembly is made for the
purpose.

TBO. M'KEAN*.

Philadelphia,

March 21'^ 1783.
Indor$edy

From Judges, March 28th, 1783. Answers of the Hon. Chief
Justice Thos. M^'Kean & Qeorge Bryan, Esquires, to certain ques-
tions put to tbem, upon the subject of Wra. Hank's trial & convic-
tion, and the laws respecting Justices of tbe peace.

Read in Council the 2bth of Maroh. Entered, (does not appear
to be.)

♦ See Col. Rec, Vol. XIIL, p. 543.

PENNSrLYANIA AUGUiyES 1788. 21

Resolution op General Assembly, 1783.

State of Pennsylvaniai In General Assembly.

Thursday, March 11, 1783, A. M.
The Petition of Divers Owners of Land within the bounds of the
settlement at Wyoming claiming under Pennsylvania, read March
8th was read the second Time.
Whereupon Ordered,

That the Gommissioners, appointed Feb'y 25th, to fulfill the
Duties enjoined in the report of the Committee adopted Feb'y 20th|
respecting the settlers at Wioming, attend at Wioming on that
service on the fifteenth Day of April next.
Ordered,

That the Surveyor General or a Deputy under him be Directed
to attend the Gommissioncrs with the Accessary Papers on the Day
above Mentioned.
Ordered,
That the foregoing resolutions be Published in the News Papers.
Extract from the Minutes,

sigu'd PETER Z. LLOYD,

Clerk of the General Assembly.
A True Copy.
Certified this 5th Day of April, 1783.

Jno. Lukens, S. G.y

Rear Admiral Digby to R. R. Livingston, 1783.

New York, 27th March, 1783.
Sir,

I have received your letter enclosing me the resolve of Congress
with a copy of a letter to his Excellency Sir Guy Carleton, but as I
have as yet received no Official accounts from England, I must wait
till you on your side relievo our Prisoners before I give that general
relief to yours I so much wish.

There can be no reason for detaining our prisoners one moment,
as Congress must suppose the peace signed — I shall take every pre-
caution in my power consistent with my duty to stop any further''
mischief upon the Seas, But should recommend the preventing any
Vessels sailing as I have not yet received sufficient authority to ena-
ble me to withdraw my Cruisers.

I am, Sir,

Your very Obedient

Humble Servant.

ROB' DIGBY.
Directed^
To Robert Livingston^ Esqr., &o. &c.
Vol. X.— 2

22 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783

Lt. John Cummings to Pkbs. Dickinson, 1783.

Hanna's Town, March 29th^ 1783.
Sir,

I had the hoDour of receiving your Exoellenoy's Instrnotions of
the 11th of December last in pursuance of which I inclose a Return
of the state of the Company for this Present Month. I have not
had it in my Power to send any Earlier. I could wish to have had
your Excellency's Instructions in what manner to have made these
Reports, as I may perhaps he deficient in matter of form. That
part of the Company which is now present were on furlow the
Months of January and February last on account of the scarcity of
Provisions, &o. The Savages had already began their cruel Incur-
sions on the Frontiers ; last Week they killed two and took two
prisoners about ten Miles from this Place near Brushy Run. I
could not learn what number there was of the Enemy. I only hear
of four that were discovered. They were so bold as to Endeavour
to break open the House, but were bravely repulsed by one Man
and one Woman who were within, but without any arms or weapons
of Defence. One of the Indians attempted to push his Gun in at
the Door, which those on the inside of the Room seized and broke,
upon which the Indians left them. Tbe Inhabitants of the Fron-
tiers seem more discouraged thb Spring than they have been, having
flattered themselves with the most sanguine hopes of peace, which
hopes they now think are Frustrated.
I have the honor to be

Your Excellency's most Obedient
and very humble Servant,
JOHN CUMMINS,

Lieut. Westmoreland Rangers.

A Return of Captain Thomas Stokely's Company of Rangers for
Westmoreland County for the Month of March, A. D., 1783.

Captain on Parole. Lieutenant Present. Ensign Present.

Present fit for Duty, - 15

Prisoners of War, - 16

Deserted, - - - II

. Total, 41
JOHN CUMMINS,

Lieut. WestmoreFd Rangers.
Directedj

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esquire, President of the Supreme
Executive Council; Pennsylvania

]m:nnsvl\'axia aiiciiixks i:^.;. -j.

(ait. rillLll' SlIUAWDER TO PrB8. DICKINSON, 1783.

Wyoming, March 29, 1783.
Sir,

In Obedience to yonr Excellency's Orders I took Possession of
this Fort the 2l8t inst. and Captn. Robinson arrived the 2Uh.
From Captn. Summers who had been pent here by Mr. Ilodgden for
the military stores belonging to the United States we received some
necessary Ammunition for the Artillery at this Post hoping to meet
with your Excellency's Approbation as the Ordnance otherwise
would have been entirely U8clcss. Powder, Lead and Flints for
Rifles and Muskets we stand very much in Need, neither is there
any at Northumberland. The Conduct and Behaviour of the
Inhabitants resembles that of a conquered Nation very much. They
had several Meetings concerning their public affairs this Wcek^
Keeping the Result thereof a secret. Yesterday Morning they sent
one Mr. Harvey to Connecticut to a Recording OflBce for Copies of
the Names of the first settlers on Susquahannah and when they took
Possession of the Land. Ry another Gentleman I was informed
they had wrote to the state of Connecticut to bring on another Trial.
Last Tuesday they held Court but adjourned again the same Day.
As the Law of Pennsylvania is not established yet and that of
Connecticut abolished, the Body of the People a Concourse from
difl^erent states among whom there is a Number of the bad Kind, who
by taking advantage of the Times, would be willing to defraud the
better sort; I would therefore entreat your Excellency and the
Ilon'ble Council for Instructions how to conduct in Case People
come of their own accord or are brought before. I would further
beg your Excellency's Orders, what to do when some of the Penn-
sylvania Claimants should come up to plant a little summer Grain
as those new acquired People say, they will not suffer the Penns'a
Landholders to plant any Thing, neither will they permit some of
those Connecticut Pennsylvaniaos to raise any Grain on the Ground,
who had done so last vear under Connecticut Claim. Mr. Gore
of this Place, who had been sent some time ago to the Assembly of
the state of New York with a Petition for a Grant of Land thirty
Miles Square at Aghquague on this Side of the Lake near the Head
of the River Susquahannah, returned last Night and brought the
News that the Petition of the Wyoming Settlers had been granted
and that he was to go up & chuse the Place.
I have the Honor to be

with the greatest Respect

your Excellency's Most obedient

and most humble servant,

PHILIP SHRAWDER.
Directei?,

His Excellency; John Dickinson^ President; Philadelphia.

24 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783.

Cap. Shrawdbr to John Van Campen, 1788.

Wyoming, 30 March, 1783.
Dear Sir,

(Copy.)
At and since my arrival at this Place the Inhabitants are ex-
ceeding reserved and to judge by appearances the generality of them
does not like the Pennsylvanians to an Excess — last Monday they had
a Town meeting to sound their Purses whether they can master as
much as would pay for a Tryal, but not coming to a determination
they adjourned till Wednesday for it seems some is for Pennsylvania
& others not — on Tuesday they had Court, as far as I could hear
nothing was done at that so they adjourned again for the Defendants
will call their authority in Question, and the Court cannot support
their authority by force. Mr. Justice from below the mountaia
near Delaware (whom you know & I not) continues to issue warrants,
or precepts, but Mr. Yarrington the Constable swears he'll not serve
any more warrants, as the Justices can do nothing after a man is
taken. On Monday Col. Butler arrived here, and the day following
he and several of the principal Inhabitants was over the Kiver to
Shaweney, but whether on private (as they wou'd fain make me
believe) or on Public I cannot tell. On Thursday they had a Town
meeting here, when they agreed according to Capt Spaldings Infor-
mation to me, to send Mr. Harvey to a certain Place in Connecticut
for a Copy of Records to see what time the first Settlers came here
and who were they ; accordingly Mr. Harvey set off yesterday morn-
ning. But by the way of another information I heard thev had
wrote to the Governor and assembly of Connecticut about having
another Tryal for the soil, if not for Jurisdiction ; for the People
are divided, some for one some for the other, and some for both.
They have also appointed a Committee last Thursday to confer with
the Committee appointed by the House of Assembly. Cap* Spalding
is one of those for Wyoming, he is the truest of any which I have
seen yet, hie Interest doth not lay here at all, he claiming only a
certain place near the Standing Stone, on which he formerly lived.
Other Gentn. pretend ignorance of Court and Town Meetings to
me, although I am very certain of the contrary & it is very likely
they arc absent in Person but present by Proxv at those Meetings,
for some particular reasons give me leave to tell you my opinion in
the matter; notwithstanding the Assurances you have had, the Con-
duct & deportment of the People indicates a great dissatisfaction for
the State of Pennsylvania. Before I could be up, I had wrote a
Letter to Col Dennison & Cap' Shott, setting forth the sentiments
of both Branches of the Government concerning the dispute, but
during the whole time of my presence here, I have not seen Mr.
Dennison yet. Gap' Robinson who came up on Monday last and
went off again on Tuesday last, informed me there was no Knap-

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 25

sacks at all at North'- 1 herewith send you a Letter which I had
wrote some time ago, hat for want of an Opportunity could not for-
ward it^ inclosing both pay and muster Roll, if you have not received
any Money for me on that aeoount please to send them down. Th«
other Clothing is exceedingly necessary — To have provisions trans-
ported up here, I made application for Waggons, but could not get
on the States Account— I was therefore nnder the disagreeable ne-
cessity to engage them myself, but when Logan and Myself came
within about 15 miles of Wyoming, we met 3 Men, who, when they
met the Waggoners, told them that Logan had desired them to order
the Waggonsback to Zawits's and there to unload. As this was en-
tirely against my Orders & knowledge & encreasing the Expenses^
(besides the Detention of Provisions which might have occasioned my
leaving the ground again) for the cost Days, which Vandermark in-
sists to draw pay for, I would therefore request the favor of yon to
settle this matter with Logan, for Vandermark says it is his real
opinion that Logan desired these Travellers to order the Waggons to
the above mentioned place.

I have the Honor to be
With due Respect, Dear Sir,
Your most obedient and
most humble servant,
(Signed)

PHILIP SHRAWDER.
Directed^
The Hon"' John Van Campen, Esq', Lower Smithfield.

Pees. Dickinson to DsLEaATES in Congress, 1783.

In Council, April 4th, 1783.
Grentlemen,

The particular Circumstances of this state render an attention to
Indian affairs indispensably necessary; and as the present time
seems in several Respects favorable, for obtaining a final and
advantageous settlement of all Differences, We earnestly desire that
you will use your utmost Exertions in Congress, to prevail on that
Honorable Body to adopt without Loss of Time the most effectual
measures, for making Peace with all the Indian nations.
I am with great Esteem

Gentlemen,

your very h'ble servt.,

J. D.
In dor ted f

To Hon'ble the Delegates of Penn'a in Congress. 1783, April
4th.

26 PENNSYLVANIA AKCHIVES 1784.

Commissioners for Drfbncjs of thb DelawarBi 1783.

To the Honorable the Supreme Executiye CouncU of the State of

Pennsjlvania.

We the Commissioners appointed to procure and equip an arma-
ment for guarding and defending the navigation of the Bay & River
Delaware, most respectfully beg leave to represent, That as no doubt
DOW appears to remain that Hostilities are ceased, conceive it our
Duty to request your permission for us to dispose of the armed
Vessels under our direction belpnging to the State, in order to enable
us to close our accounts with the Public. We also wish to know
whether your Honors would not approve of having the military
Stores belonging to those Vessels that are not perishable, deposited
in the State Magadne, as at this time we apprehend they wou'd sell
for very little money.

We have t^e honor to be

with every respect

your Honors H'ble Servts.,

JNO. PATTON, -)

FRAN'S. GURNEY. VComr's.
WIIiL'M. ALLIBONE,)
Indorsed,

Read k ordered y* ihey be directed to sell the armed vessels under
their direction & deposit the military stores in the public magazine.

EzEKiEL Robins to Hon. James Irvine, 1783.

New York, April 6th, 1783.
Dear Sir,

I am happy to inform you that the long expected Packett has this
morning arrived, she sailed the 24th February, and brings us the
official accounts of a Peace, we understand by private Letters there
is great eommotions amongst the Ministry respecting the matter, to
morrow, its said a proclamation will be isued by the commander in
Chief. David Sproat informs me that he had received his orders from
the Admiral to discharge all the Marine Prisoners to Morrow, a
happy deliverance Indeed, he likewise waited on me yesterday and
acquainted me that he had received a Letter from the Councill for
me to make up my accounts and pay what monies remained into bis
hands, that the Councill Expected it had been done before this, I did
not osk him to produce his Letter as I believed it not to bo the case,
1 think there is no reason that the State of Pensilvania should pay
for what they never received ; as they never received any supplies from

« See Archives, Vol. XIII., p. 662.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783. 27

him, sboald wish to know your sentiments, would have wrote Conneill
respecting the matter but tboaght it as well to mention the matter
to you, should be glad to hear from you by some safe conveyance
wishing you every happiness.

I am with Respect & Esteem,

D' Sir, Yours Affectionately.

EZEKIEL ROBINS.
Directed f Honb^ James Irvine, Esq% Philadelphia.
Indoned, .

" April 11, 1783. Letter from Ezekiel Robins to Gen. Irvine rec'd,
& ordered that Mr. Robbins bo informed that Mr. Sproat's demand
was not authorized by any act of theirs/' &c.*

War Office to Pres. Dickinson, 1783.

War Office, April 8, 1783.
Sir,

I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency a late resolve of
Congress.

I am with perfect respect,
Your Excellency's

most obedient servant

W. JACKSON.

Assist* t SecJ^ at War.
Directed^
His Excellency, the Presd't of Pennsylvania.

Resolve of Congress, 1783.

By the United States in Congress assembled, April 4, 1783.

Resolved, That the several States be required to suspend all
enlistments for any Regiment or Corps in the army of the United
States until the further order of Congress.

CHA. THOMSON, Sec'y.

Pres. Dickinson to Delegates in Conqress, 1783.

April 11, 1783.
Gentlemen,

As a considerable number of negroes belonging to Citizens of this
State are now in New York, we should be glad that the most effectual
Measures may be immediately taken by Congress, if it is not already
done for securing such property, conformably to the seventh article

♦ Seo Col. Rw., Vol. XIII., p. 553.

2S PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

of the provbioiif^l article, between the United States & Qreat Briiaih
signed the 80th of November last.

I n,JSk Qentiemen with great Esteem & regard,
Your obe<&ent and hnmble seryant,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed^
Honble the Delegates of Penn'a in Congress.

Thos. Fitzsimons to Pbbs. Dickinsok, 1783.

Sir,

The Proclamation for a suspension of Hostilitys being now pub-
lished, the Commercial people of this City are anxious to know
whether Vessels or goods coming into this state from Great Britain,
or any of he^r ports, or Colonjs can be admitted to entry at the
Custom house.

I haye been requested to ask the opinion of your Excellency & the
Honble Counoill upon this point and as it may be of Considerable
Consequence to the commerce of the state, I hope your EzceUenoy
will be pleased to take it into Consideration, & favor me with your
answer or Publish it, if that shall be thought most Expedient.
I have the honor to be,
Your Excellcncys

Most Obed't H'ble Serv't.
THOS. FITZSIMONS.
Directed^

His Excll'y, The President of the Supreme Executive Conncill.
Indorsed^

April 12, 1783. From Honble Thomas Fitzsimons.

John Nicholson to Pbbs. Dickinsok, 1783.

The State of Penn'a.

To John Nicholson, Dr.
To one Quarters Salary as Comptr. Oonl., duo the
13ih inst. jei25 0 0

Sir,

Permit mc to request that an order may Issue upon the Treasurer
in my favor for the above sum.
I am with due respect

your Excellency's

most obedt. Humble servant,

JNO. NICHOLSON.

Comptr. General's Office, April 14th, 1788.
Directed^
His Exceiry, John Dickinson, Esqr., President.

* See Col. Rec, Vol. XIII., p. 655.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783.

Certificates op John Nicholson, 1783.

The followitig persona have applied and made oath agreeable to
law that their Certificates respectively have never been alienated|
They are therefore entitled to receive one year's Interest due there-
upon Tho 10th of April, 1782, agreeable to the following schedule,
viz:

Abraham Gordon, a fifer 3d regiment,
Captn. John Nice, late of the 6th reg.

2 Certif.,
Captn. Bernard Ward, of Attlee's regt.,
Dootr. Wm. Smith, late senr. Surgeon

Genl. Hospl.
Ensign John Green, late of the Militia,
Jeremiah Hornhethe, a Matros Artillery,

Principal.
;e46 5 11

Interest.
£2 15 6

879 11 8
202 0 0

22 15 5
12 2 4

1029 8 3
6615
63 13 6

61 14 10
4 0 0
8 16 4

JNO. NICHOLSON.

Comptr. General's Office, April 17th, 1783.

The following persons have applied and made oath agreeable to
law that their respective Certificates have never been alienated they
are therefore Intitled to receive One year's Interest dae thereon to
the 10th of April, 1782, Conformably to the following schedule,
vis:

Lieutenant Samael McClellan, Late

Lieut. Fg. Camp,
Captain Ebenezer Carson, late of the

10th reg.
Timothy Bums, kte private 8d reg.,
Matthew Maguire, Captn. Lt & P.

Mr. Artillery reg.
Lieutent. John Strieker, of the

Second reg.,
Dennis McCarthy, administrator to

the Estate of Morgan Connor,

late Colo. 7 th reg., Dec'd,

Principal. Interest.

£267 18 8 £16 1 5

297
59

17
8

17
10

1
10

895 14 0 28 14 9

201 2 6

12 1 a

27 16 1

462 13 2
JNO. NICHOLSON.
Comptr. General's Office, April 17th, 1783.

30 PENNSYLVANIA AJICIIIVES 1783.

CORRBSPONDENCB BBLATIVB TO WYOMING, 1783.

Wyoming, 17th April, 1788.
OentlemeD,

The Committee appointed to Represent the Claimants under tho,
State of Pennsylvania, beg leave to address you and bid you weU
come to Wyoming, as the liepresentatives of the Honorably Assembly
of this State, four appointment and appearance hero will we
hope answer the good Purposes intended in the attainment wl^^reof
we assure that every proper Indeavour shall be on our part so far as
our Interest or personal influence extends, we wish as much as PofH
sible to bury in Oblivion, the Treatment our Assodates an4 felloi^
Citizens have received on those Lands, on which we furst entened
peaceably and quietly under the Lawful Authority of tt^b Govern-
ment But cannot help Observing that some of the fairest Charao*
ters and most worthy Citizens have lost their lives, by men who
forced us and others from our Possessions, even without the pre-
tention of authority from any Government Whatever. And for
years have bid defyance to the laws & Powers of Pennsylvania, we
find by the list of injured Purchasers, that we are Called to Repre-
sent the Widows and Orphans of Many brave men who have fallen
in ibe Common cause of their Country as well as ourselves, and
others, Who have impowered us to Appear for them. Our Grait and
only ^ is to set forth facts that are incontestably, True. To Wit,
that we were in quiet and Peacable Possession of those Lands be^
fore the intruders from Connecticut came here ; that they took Pos-
session by force. Plundered us of our property and Effects, and
Compelled us to abandon ottr Settlement fairly Purchased from the
lawful owners.

But we trust the day te now Come or near at hand, when civil
Oovemment will be restored and the laws Executed, so as to iprotect
us and our Associates from any further insults ; That the State of
which we deem it an Honour to be called Citizens, ^iU extend its
Wholesome Laws to this quarter, and that in faturo we shall enj6|i
the Blessings of Civil Government, and Re-possess the Property
Wrested from us by lawless Force.

The unanamous and impartial decision of the Court which lately
decided upon the Jurisdiction and Preemptiop of this Country
Opens the way for a fair and full enquiry into the Justice of our
Claims as individuals, the foundation of which will doubtless be laid
before you by the Proper Officers. We have only to assure you
that we shall patiently wate your deliberations, and pursue the steps
that your prudence shall point out for Recoverin>i; of our Rights, as
we deem it our duty to be directed by your Opinions, and to Recom-
mend them as a present Law here. We must beg your Honours
will be Patient in hearing the Complaints of our Constituents,

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 81

which we shall ]/u[ before you from time to time. By this mode we
shall fully inform you of the Situation of the Sufferers, and your
Wisdom will lead to the most Effectoal Measorcs of Certain Ee-
dress.

We are in behalf of the Claimants under Pennsylvania, now As-
sembled at Wyoming^ and by order of the Committee.

ALEXR. PATTERSON,
Chairman.
Dtrectedf

To the Honorable the Commissioners appointed by the General
Assembly of Penns* for Certain Purposes. Now at Wyoming.

No. 2.
Answer of thk Commissioners.

Sir,

The Commissioners appointed by the Honble the General Assem*
of the State of Pennsylvania to endeavour to Compromise the dis*
pute subsisting between the Citizens of said State and those formerlv
of the State of Connecticut, and Report a mode of introducing Civil
Government into this part of the state, beg leave to Return yoo
their sincere thanks, for the Polite Welcome you give them, as tho
Representatives of this State, to Wyoming.

The Sentiments you express of using your endeavours and Per*
sonal Influence to promote the ends of our Mission in this County,
Viz., the Peace and Happiness of its Inhabitants by burying in
OUivion the former ill Treatment you, your Associates or fellow
Citizens might have received are perfectly Agreeable to us.

Allow us to assure you that as our duty dictates, so our inclination
will prompt us to hear with Patience & pleasure what you may
think proper to offer on this subject, 9nd afterwards to determine
with Candour and Impartiality on such Measures as may have a
tendency to Establish Justice, Peace, and the Regular exercise of
Good Government in this part of Pennsylvania.

With Sentiments of Respect for the
Gentlemen who you Represent, we are
Sir, your most Obt. and
Very humble Ser*»,
JOS. MONTGOMERY.
Chairm".

Wyoming, April 18, 1783.
Signed in behalf of the Commissioners.
Directtdj

To Capt. Alexander Patterson^ Chairman of the Claimants under
Pennsylvania.

32 PENNSTLVANU ARCHIVES 1783.

No. 3. m

A. PATTXasoN (OhairmaD) to the GoMMissiONxas.

Wyoming, Ap> 22-*, 1783.
Gent.,

The Committee are honoured by your answer to their address, the
Assurance you. are pleased to give them of attention to the rights of
the Citizens of this State, calls for their Grateful Acknowledgements
and so perfectly harmonizes with the Sentiments of the Committee
That we are instructed to Commit ourselves wholly to your Direc-
tion in future, and in doing this are Confident, that our rights ^re
in the Hands of those who will have a watchful eye over them.
We are Sorry to Observe so much of the Old leaven Remaining in
the Sentiments of the People of Connecticut & Expressed in their
last Conference with your Honours, their Humanity would it seems
permit us and our Assosiates to Gow any where over the wide world,
DO matter where, Provided they may enjoy our Lands, they Cannot
Conveniently spare us one foot for the Support of our Families, We
think this an ungrateful return to the goloid People of this State,
and so far short of the Expectations of the Legislature whose Hu-
manity and Pity Consigned to Oblivion all Past Offences by a Law for
the Purpose ; And whose wisdom pointed out the only way of informal
tion to the House of Assembly of the Real dispositions of the Con-
tending Parties. Wc beg leave only to Surest to your honours
that wo have reason to think the Obedience to the laws of this state
by many of those people, will not bo durable — Unless such Pledges
are taken by your Honours as cannot admit of any evasion or denial
hereafter, if that Assurance be once given, and the Pretended Claim
under Connecticut Relinquished in writing Publiokly, Planely and
unequivioally, we wish them Afterwards every Indulgence that your
Honours may Judge Generous in us, and worthy of the Approba*
tion of the Assembly of Pennsylvania, and all the World.

We propose to give them leave with Covenants of Warrant for
holding their Possessions one year from the first day of March next,
at the end of which they shall deliver up full Possession of the whole ;
They shall occupy half the Lands, Mow half the Meadows, Dwell in
the Houses they now Possess, and Cultivate their present Gardens,
and if they have any opportunity of disposing of their Hutts, Barns
or other Buildings, they shall to do it and to remove them off at any
time between the present day, and the first of May, 1784. The
other Moiety or half of the Cleared Lands and Meadows to be pos-
sessed by us and our Assosiates and no Impediment be thrown in our
way to enjoy. The Rev<> Mr. Johnson to have the full use of all
the grounds he Tilled for two years, etiding the first of May, 1785.
The Widows of all those whose Husbands were killed by the Sava-
ges to have a further indulgence of one year, after 1*' May, 1784,
for half their poEScssions & a square in tho Town to be set apart for

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. -83

their use, to which they may remove their Houses, and at the End
of the term sell them to the best advantage for their own use ; Wo
think a Refusal of those terms hardly Possible, but if Stubbomess
and disaffection to the laws of this State are yet to Continue, We
Trust your honours will be Convinced that on our parts, we have
not had in View merely our own Private Interest, but that our offer
will appear Just and Charitable before God and man.

With every Sentiment of Respect, we are Gentlemen,

your most obedient^ in behalf of the Co nmittee & by order,

A. PATTERSON, Chairman.

Directed, To Honble Jos. Montgomery^ Esq'; Chairman of the
Commissioners.

No. 4.
John Jenkins to th£ Commissionebs.

Gentlemen,

We duly Roc** yours of the 22*' Ins*, inclosing the address and
Proposals of the Landholders of this State by their Committee, and
altho we must Confess that their Elegant manner of Address is far
beyond us, yet we hope our Plain Country way of Communicating
our Ideas will be forgiven, but we cannot help taking Notice, that
in their Address they Complain of a proposal that was made by uei
before your Honors being Very ungrateful, which to the best of our
Remembrance was, that it had been intimated by some, that it was
Probable this State would out of Courtesy bestow some thing, in
the land way on the Settlers and Claimers of the Lands here under
Connecticut, they were only Ask'd that if that was Granted out of
Courtesy, whether they would not Exchange and Suffer us to enjoy
our Peaceable Possession here by way of Compromise; their answer
was that they were able to Apply for Lands as well as we. We are
Extreamly sorry to entertain the Idea that in a Compromise we or
they should instead of looking at the designed and desired Object,
Be forming Mountains out of Mole Hills, we do not think in the
lawful defence of what we Esteem to be Our own can with any Jus-
tice be Termed a disaffection to Government, we would add the
Petition we laid in before the Legislative body of this State, we was
in hopes would be Considered of as we find it is, and if that is
Granted, or any other Satisfactory Measure Can be come into by
way of Compromise, as we would first take all Lenitive Measuresi
and if nothing is Effected by this Method of Treating. We must
have recourse to the Ninth Article of confederation, as that is the
only way Pointed out for the Tryal of those Lands Claimed under
different States, and altho we mean to pay duo Obedience to the
Constitutional laws of Pennsyl*, yet we do not mean to become Ab-
ject Slaves as the Committee of Landholders Su'^c^est in their Ad-
dress to your Honors.

n PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783.

Tho proposals made by the landholders under Pennsjl? * by their
Committee, through you as Mediaters between us seem to Appear
to our View to be far from even retaining their own Ideas or rather
Contracted from those presented before your Honors, and do na
other Conditions thim a total disclaim and Imediate Surrender of all
Claims will Satisfy them ; what their Claims are we know noc, only
they say they are under Pennsylvania; we Expect they are mado
Acquainted with ours, and from that Possibly would wish to have
it given up, for fear it should Overballance theirs. But we cannot
as we are Joint tenants with a much Greater body of Joint Propria-
tors than is here, without their Joint Consent give up our Claims to
those Lands in dispute, nor yet do we think that the proposals by
them made would tend to peace, and as they are so far from what we
should Call Reasonable, that in short we Cannot Comply with any
part of their Proposals — without doing the Greatest Injustice to our
Joint Claimants, ourselves the Widows and Orphans, and as we seem
to be verry far devided in our Ideas, are sorry to say we have no
Expectation of Coming to any Amicable Compromise, yet we would
wish for their Patience to see if the Legislative body of this State
cannot devise some Measures in their Wisdom, for the Mutual Bene-
fit of the Whole, if they shall not be able we would on our part
wbh that a Happy End might be put to the dispute by a Speedy
Tryal Agreeable to the Ninth Article of Confederation which will
fully Satisfy uS; and wo will fully Comply with.

With Esteem & Respect, we are
your Honors most Obd^ Humble
Ser^ Signed behalf of the Con< by

JOHN JENKINS.
Wioming, 23 Ap', 1783.
Pirectedf
To the Hon^** Board of Commissioners.

No. 5.
Jaoob Johnson To the Com**' of the Pennsylvania Landholders, &o.
Gentlemen,

I thank you for your distinguished Favor shewed to me the
widows, &o., in a proposal of Indulgence^ Permitting us to reside in
our preaent Possessions and Improvements for the present & suo-
oeeding Year. Altho I caimot ' Consistly accept the offer, having
Chosen a Com** for that purpose, who are not disposed to accept of
or Comply with your proposals. However, I will for myself ^as an
Individual) make you a proposal agreaUe to that Royal Presjdent,
Sam^ 9*^, 16*^, & 19*^ Chapter, if that dont suit you and no Com-
promise can be made, or Tryal bo had, according to the law of the
States, I will say as Mepheboseth, Jonathan's son (who was lame

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783. ?6

on both bis feet) said to King David, Sam> 19^ 30, jea let him take
ail. So I say to jou GeDtlemcn if there be no resource, Neither by
our Petition to the Assembly of the State of PeDOsyvania or other-
wise, Let the Landholders take all. I . have only this to add fof
my Consolation and you Gentlemen's serious Consideration, Vis ;
that however the Cause may be determined for or against me (l^
this present uncertain State of things,) there is an Inheritance in
the Heavens, sore & Certain that fadeth not a way reserved for me|
and all that love the Saviour Jesus Christ's appearing.
I am Gentlemen, with all due

Bespect, & good Will your
Most Obd< Humble ServS

JACOB JOHNSON.
Wioming, Ap» 24^, 1783.
To the Gentlemen Com*% &c.

N.B. it is my Serious Opinion if we proceed to a Compromise ao»
cording to the Will of heaven that the lands (as to the Right of
soil) ^ equally divided between the two Parties Claiming, and I
am fully Satisfied this Opinion of mine may be proved even to
a demonstration out of the Sacred Oracles. I would wish you Gen-
tlemen would turn your thoughts and enquiries to those 3 Chapters
above refered to and see if my Opinion is not well Grounded & if
so, I doubt not but we Can Compromise in love and Peace — anj
save the Cost and Trouble of a Tryal at Law.

No. 6.
Alkx. Patterson (Chairman) to Commissioners.
Gentlemen,

By the Reply of the Committe of Connecticut to oar Proposab
(a Copy of which we were favoured with by you,) we find those
Gentlemen have thrown off the 3iaEk at lost, and in their own
Plain Country tcay tell you they are Sorry to say they have np Ex-
pectation of Coming to any Amicable Compromise ; they might hav^
added with equal Truth that they never Intended to do any thin^
but what dire Necessity obliged them, the forming mountains out or
Mole Hills never Originated in the mind of the Peaceable Citizens
of Pennsylvania, unhappy for our quiet, that it entered into the
Kcstless imagination 6f the Susquebannah Adventurers, their de-
signed & desired Object is to hold by force the Lands which we have
fairly purchased and possessed in quiet, under the lawful Authoritj
of this Sute ; It Cannot be Possible that Ideas of holding our Pro-
perty otherways than by force, conld enter the minds of even the
least informed of them, petitions may bo wrote and Committees Ap-
pointed to talk with you and us, to Lull the Stafce, but actions speak
louder than words and proofs as Clear as demonstrations is in our
power to Shew their insults to this State and Contempt of its Laws

86 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783.

— thej try to pervert the meanipg of words, and to offer generotu
to an Extreeme, they Keply that they mean not to become Abject
Slaves as the Committee of Landholders Suggest in their address to
your Honours — to Refuto this we only have to appeal to yon for
the Rectitude of our measures and endeavours to do good. That
we required a full ezplisite and unequivocal disclaim of their Right
to our Lands is True, for we can rely no longer on Promises made
only to amuse us, fatal Experience has Convinced tis that we have
been too Credulous, whether they know our Claim or not is of little
Avail, your Honors know them well^ they have been laid before
you, we are not acquainted with theirs and the Judgement of the
Greatest Court in the United^States assures us that their rights are
not to be understood any more than the Application of the
Ninth Article of the Consideration in the Case between them and
us.

We^ leave the Explanation of Joint Tenants and Joint Proprie-
tors to those Qentlemen learned in the Law Jointly and Severally
to form their Ideas from, and Paroell it out amongst tho Joint
Claimants in Grants of six miles Square to the South seas, we shall,
however, follow the advice of those Gentlemen in every Prudent
Act and patiently wait for the decision of our Assembly, and have
to lament that the Generosity of this State, and your Zealous En-
deavours to Accomplish the laudable ends of your Mission have
been fruitless in this Instance. Be Assured Gentlemen that our
Constituents and ourselves are Impressed with the Highest sense of
your good intentions to Promote Peace, Order and good Govern-
ment in this Country, and we flatter ourselves through your means
& Just representations of our Situations/^we shall obtain huch Speedy
Redress as the Wisdom of the Legislature shall think adequate to our
wants, and the laws of the State be extended and Supported so as to
Protect the innocent and Punish the Transgressor of every Denomina-
tion in the Ready Execution, of which we bee your honors will
assure the Legislature that we shall behave like faithful Citizens.

Please to accept our warmest Wishes for a Safe Journey home to
each of you, & believe us to be with Sentiments of the Highest
Esteem and Regard^

your most Obd* and
Very hum* Serv*".
ALEX. PATTERSON.

Chairman.
Wioming, April 24, 1783.

Signed in behalf of the Committee.
Directed^

To the HonouraM^ Joseph Montgomery; Chairman of the Com-
missioners.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

No. 7.

A List of the Householders of the Different Settlements
Wyoming who wish to Support the Laws of Pennsylvania.

Samuel HooveTi
Thomas Hissam,
Helmes Chambers,!
Joseph VanormaUi
Eph" VanormaUi
Nicholas Brink,
John Lanterman,
Nicodemus Travis^
John Borelin,
Low Kennej,
Pilitiah Pierce,
Ebenezer Taylor,
James Brink,
Thomas Brink,
Peter CbamberS|
Peter Taylor,
Samuel Drake,'
William Brink|
Thomas Parks,
Benjamen Baser,
Elisha Courtright,
Nath^ Devenport,
William Beatle,
Peter Devenport|
Conrad Lyons,
Peter V" houteUi

James Spraig,
Benj* Bailey,
The- Bolurn,
John Hide,

Douty,

Stephen TuUer^

Harris,

West,

Tho» Brown,

Abitt,

Jos. Ellott,
Jabias Sells,
Paul D. Shott,
Henry Tousman,
Isaac Bennett,

John Pillbury,
John Miller,
James Brink,
Elisher Decker,
Benj* Russell,
John Jacobs,

Woodworth,

Darias Parks,
Riah Steaphens,
Thomas Bennet|
John Nobles,
Diah Nobles,
Elisha Lipenwell,
James NobleSi *
Lebias Stubs,
Sam* Tubs,
Nathan Barlow,
John Heway,

Galp,

Benj* Gamer,
■ Church,
Jon* Church,
John Roberts,

Harry,

Henry Dedcer,

Under Conneoticat.

William Ivory,
William Ross,
Lord Buttler,
Robert Young,
Jabas Fish,
Justis Jones,
Abel Perington,
John Hagerman,
Matt"" Hollaback,
Nathan Dennison,
W- Hooker Smith,

Fitzgirl,

Jilis Slocom,
Simon Spalding,
James Sutton,

Billings,

Jacob Woodcock,
Derith Woodcock,
George Charles,
David Brewster,
Joseph Huzerman,
John O'Neal,
James Johnston,
William Fish,
John Hollaback,
Johnson,

Drake,

James Grimes,

Terrell,

Allenton,

Moses Brown,

Wardner,

Sam> Sheppard,
Jesse Drake,
Persevere Cooly,
Jer* V» Gordan,
Henry Johnson,
Tho» M'Cluro,

— Jones, Junior,
M'^Stanbury,

Obediah Gore,
Lieu* Meyers,
Samuel Gore,

Jauslin,

William Slocom,

Evans,

Buck,

Trucks,

Sandford,

Jacob Johnston,

Johnston,

Reuben Herrington,
John Fitch,
Ab. Westbrook,
Ephriam Tylor,

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHn^ES 1783,

Thomas Reed|
William Jackson,
Leonard Weatbiook;
Daniel Qore,

Jewell,

Fred. Jackson^
Price Cooper,
Joseph Randell,
Alsa Burnom,
Charles Annest,
Robert Jemmison,
Nathan Northoop,
Ransell Franklin,
John Habbert,
Samuel Coe,

Trip,

Nathan Bullock,
Joseph Cory,
Samuel Ayres,

Alldon,

Reuben Cook,
Nannassa Cody,
Jonab Rogers,
Benjamin Cole,
Roben Jones,
Isaac Benjamins,

Daniel Ingison,

Ncsbit,

Samuel Ransom,
Phinias Nash,

Badlook,

Benjamin Harvy,
Nathan Kinsley,
Frederick Evelant|

Heth,

Nathan Cook,
Nathan Cary,
John Cary,
Ishmail Bennet,

Walder,

Yeal,

Elijah Innman,
Richard Innman,
Thomas Kenney,
Daniel Sherrod,
William Hibbard,
Edw* Spincer,
Caleb Spincer,
John Durrings,

Baleding,

Daniel Pierce,

Abel Pierce,
James Adderton,
Assial Adderton,
Sam* HallioU,
Benjamin Jenkins,
Old Jenkins,

Windship,

Jon* Foresight,
John Blanoher,
Rob* M'^Dowell,
Phinias Pierce,
Partial Terry,
Jonathan Terry,
Solomon Bennet,
Thomas Todder,
Richard Brook,

Bingdam,

Leb Hammon,
John Hammon,
Josiah Hammon,
John Jenkins,
Stephen Gardner,
And^ Blancher,
Frederick Smith,
Joseph Hammon,

Prbs. Dickinson to Dei^qates in Congress, 1783.

Gentlemen,

By a Law of this state the Introduction of British goodft is forbid
during the war. Many respectable Merchants of this City have
applied to Council desiring to be informed,* if British vessels may
in the present situation of affairs be admitted to Entry. We there-
fore earnestly wish to know the sense of Congress on this point,
whether the United States are now at Peace with Great Britain.
The Decision of this Question belongs to the national Council, &
will when made clearly produce uniformity of proceedings throughout
the States : But without it, there may be contradictory sentiments
& measures among them.

I am gentlemen with great Esteem

your very h'ble servt.,

JOHN DICKINSON.
April 18th, 1783.
Directed,
The Delegates of Pennsylvania.

* See page 565.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788, 89

Petition RoBsfeT Turner— State Flag, 1T83.

To the honoursblo the President & Ezeontive Council of the State

of Pennsylvania.

Greeting That yonr Petitioner has taken Care of hoisting On
public Occasions the State Flag on Market Street Wharf & been at
an ezpence in the same humbly prays that your honours would be
pleased to take the Same into Consideration & allow him such pay
AS you in your Wisdom seem meet.

ROBT. TURNER.

Thursday morU; 1788^ April 24th.
Directed^

The Honourable' The President & The Executive Council of the
State of Pensylvania^ Present.

Samuel Hodqdon to CfouNciL, 1783.

Return of Military Stores forward to Harris's on the Susquehanna
for the use of the Troops to be employed on the North Western
expedition.

12 Arm Chests q' 800 New French Muskets & Bayonets.
2 ditto. & 1 Box q' 40 Rifles.

40 Screws & Wipers^
40 Bullet Moulds.
100 Shot pouch with Horns,
28 Boxes q* 40,248 Musket Cartridges,

4 do. q' 869 lbs. Musket Ball,

2 do. q' 2000 Musket Flints,

1000 Pistol do.
866 Brushes & Wires,
400 Screw drivers.

Philadelphia, 20th April, 1788.
Sir,

The above mentioned Arms and Stores were delivered the State
of Pennsylvania, for the use of the troops, destined for an incursion
into the savages' Country in the month of September last, none of
which have been returned.

with esteem

I am yours,

SAM. HODGDON, Com. M. S.
Direct^dj

John Armstrong, Junr., Esq , Secretary.

* See Col. Rec., Vol. XIIL, p. 688,

40 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

No. 1— 'GORBUSPOHDBMOE OF Bbv. Jahbs Finlbt, 1783.
OeeU Goonty, Maryland, April 28, 1783.

Ab y* Hon'ble Counoil over which yonr Ezoellencj prerides was
pleased to appoint me to fulfil y* Intentions of y^ Legislature bj
endeavouring to bring those deluded Citizens in y western counties
to a proper Sense of their duty, who seemed disposed to separate
from y* Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, & erect a New & Inde»
pendent state & left it with me to act as prudence might direct, &c.
And, as I undertoook this business, they doubtless had a right to
demand, & therefore may justly expect me to give an account of my
conduct herein; which| may it please your Excellency; was as
follows :

Immediately upon y* receipt of y* appointment^ & your Excel-
lency's Instructions, which were of singular use to me, I set oflF; &
endeavoured to gain all y* knowledge I could of y* sentiments &
conduct of y* people in y* different parts of those Settlements.
And, as I found y* y* Inhabitants on y' east side of y* River
Youghioganni were mostly opposite to a New State, I passed them
by. A considerable number of those between s' River & y*
Monoungehela, as well as a great part of Washington County, I
found to be fond of it ; being misled by a few aspiring, & I suspect
ill designing men, or by men who had not thorowly considered y*
whole matter ; which later was y« case of some of y* Clergy. I
also found y* y* Act to prevent y* erecting any New & Independent
States, &o. ; & likewise y« Act for y^" sale of oertun lands therein
mentioned, &o., of v* 8d of December last, quite intimidated &
discouraged y*> populace, who had been buoyed up with y« hopes
of easily obtaining, & prospects of great advantage by a New State ;
& y^ even y* Ringleaders were for eating in their words & putting
a new face upon their conduct ; so y* y* design of y* Legislature
was partly effected, yet y* people seemed rather hushed than con-
vinced : Therefore I called upon a number of y* Ministers & other
Gentlemen, conversed with some & wrote to others, as well as
cautioned y*" people after Sermon against having any hand in such
Schemes.

The Substance of my conversation, cautions, & letters is to be
found in y* copy of a letter I herewith send your Excellency ; &
which is nearely y* same with many I wrote on y*> occasion; &
which, in a leasure hour your Excellency may give a glance to, if it
may be thought worth while.

I carefully concealed my appointment from every one ; nor did
any appear to suspect it. But while some approved of my conduct,
others^ viZ; y* New Statesmen alledged I was too officious : yet I

* SeepoBtea.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783. 41

suspect appeariDg in a public Character in y^ affair would not have
answered any better end. I concluded however that having j*
letters in their hands & reading them one to another, as I found
was the case, they would be obliged to attend to y* arguments. I
hope some good is done; & cannot but believe y^ y* New State
affair is over at present. I was six weeks in y< country ; & would
have tarried longer had it appeared requisite for y good of y* State,
But, I must tell your Excellency y* I fear much opposition will be
made, especially by those disappointed in their expectations about a
New State, & artifice used to evade a tax, I was greatly opposed in
this ; & could not answer y* objections against a tax in cash, other-
wise than by alledging y^ y** Assembly would surely adopt some
easy measure which y* people could comply with ; & I hope this
will be done, as those Settlements are nearly destitute of cash.

If a Campaign should be carried on to y" westward this summer
or fall in order to check y« insolence of y* savages, who have already
killed & captivated many; y« people, I doubt not, will readily
contribute in grain or wheat, each man his share of y* tax; & by
this means will be brought into y* custom without either force or
disputation. And if it should seem good to y* legislature until
money shall circulate more extensively, to appoint active & honest
men to receive y" publick dues in flour & convey it to New Orleans
to market, y* people would this way not only pay y« public tax, but
also take out patents for their lands. So that in a short time many
thousands would come into y treasury, which otherwise need not
be expected. With an ardent wish for y* peace & prosperity of
your Government this comes from your Excellency's
most obedient k humble Servant,

JAMES FINLET.
Direded^

To His Excellency, John Dickinson, President of the Supream
Executive Council of Pennsylvania.

No. 2 — OoRRBSPONDENCB OP Ebv, Jahes Finlby, 1788.

Dunlaps Creek^ March y« 18; 1783.

I have long bad a desire of settling in this country, but have
been discouraged by y* Spirit of opposition to Government y^
appeared among many, And their late motion for a New State seems
to me even more unreasonable & dangerous than any former attempt
especially y' of erecting themselves ; which it is said has been pro-
posed by some.

That this motion for a New State is not only premature, k unjusti
bat also dangerous to y* Settlement, will appear by a few considera-

* See Col. Rec., Vol. Xm., p 617.

42 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783.

tion. — If you consider y Burthens would necessarily ensue you
cannot think y* for years to come you would be equal to them.
You would be obliged to support a Convention in framing a Con-
stitution : & afterwards a greater number of Counselors & Assembly-
men than you now have : Also a President, Judges of y* Supream
Court, with Delegates in Congress. You would likewise have to
contribute for supporting Ambassadors abroad & an Army at home,
which, more or less, must still be kept up ; & also for discharging
y« national debt contracted in y" present war. Paper money you
know, would not do; Gold & silver would be required for all these
purposes. — But could they be expected from a people always &
justly pleading their want of such cash ? I fear they would find y*
New State's little finger thicker than y Old State's loyns; & y they
would soon complain, as y*> members of some weak States begin to
do that, "The support of Government is too heavy for them."
Whereas continuing as you now are much of y* above expences
would be cut off.

I must also tell you y* y* motion for a New State seems unjust :
For, consider y*, Pennsylvania has as good a title to all y* lands
within her lines as any State in y Confederacy; or, as any of you
have for your plantations : And, I may say, guaranteed to her by
y* other States. The lands in this settlement y* were claimed by
Virginia are now acknowledged by y* state to be y*' right of Penn-
sylvania ; & y" lands claimed by Connecticut on y* other side are
now by a Decree of Congress confirmed to Pennsylvania also ; to
which y* Inhabitants of said lands have subpaitted — Consider like-
wise that there has been a great expenditure of both blood &
treasure in part for your defence ; & a large sum (I am told an
hundred & ten thousand pounds sterling) promised to y* late Pro-
prietor to enable him to discharge debts probably contracted with a
dependence on his claim to Pennsylvania. This heavy debt to him
had been contracted in order to have you as well as others exempted
from future propriatory demands. l?ou know S', y* part of y* un-
located lands has been allotted to y* officers & soldiers in y* Penn-
sylvania line for their encouragement in y* defence of your civil &
religious rights; & y y remainder is considered as t fund for
disharging y* aforesaid debts.

These things considered, can your people think it just to attempt
being erected into a New State within y* claim of Pennsylvania
without her consent, & without having made any proper compensa-
tion to her? .Would they desire to defraud y« men who fought for
them out of their lands? Or can they think those brave men
would not resent y ungrateful treatment, & defend their property
sword in band 7 Or can your people desire to shift paying y" debts
which honour & confidence both urge to see discharged ? Can they
attempt to lay y* foundation of a State in iniquity & deceit, & yet
expect y* blessing of y« righteous Governour of y* World ? Have
y* subjects of any nation attempted, especially by violence, to dis-

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783. 43

member y* State, unless on account of intolerable tyranny practised
against them ? But, I suppose, y<> warmest contenders for y point
among you, alledge nothing of that nature. This New Settlement
has rather been nursed like a child by y* old. The Council, Presi-
dent, Judges, Assembly, Delegates in Congress, & y« Army have
all hitherto been supported out of the Treasury into which you havo
yet put nothing, & some even refuse to do it. And why should
such a Nursling attempt to desert y parent before it can stand
alone ; & while, if it were a State must appear contemptible & with-
out weight in the scale of £mpire ? This is surely ridiculous ! In
Tain are y* first Colonies of America urged as a Precedent. They
had no other refuge in their first settlement, but were constrained
by hard necessity to begin their Government with a few families or
be without laws. Yet they had y advantage of being without
debt, which is not your case.

If any alledge great inconvenience in being connected with y*
other part of y State, I answer y* y* difficulty is not greater than
in some other States, & far from being insuperable. The usual
business of each county can be transacted in itself without difficulty ;
& if tryal of causes in y Supream Court can be had without much
expence by y* Circuits of y* Judges ; while y* attendance of mem-
bers of Assembly is defrayed by y' State in general. Should y*
distanee from y« present Seat of Government be thought a griev-
ance, petitioning for removal to a place more central could not be
blaimed, & no doubt would be granted as soon as y" arguments for
auch a removal should appear to your Representatives weightier
than those against it. The f>amc measure might be taken for having
a land office established among you, y' want of which many com-
plain of.

All these things considered, I think it no wonder y* Congress (aa
I am told,) treated a late application for a New State with disregard
& I doubt not ever will while matters continue as they are. And
if you should without y consent of Congress erect yourselves into
a State, & by faction & violence dismember y' old, you would cer-
tainly incur y Displeasure & bring y" force, not only of Penn-
sylvania, but of all y* States upon you, since they are bound to
assist & defend each other in y* possession of their rights. I
tremble to think y^ before we are well emerged from a war with
foreigners we might be called to stain our bands in each others
blood I There are many who considering these things think k oven

* say, y* y motion for a New State must & does originate with ill-
' designing men, who desire to save their Estates at present. &

* make opportunities for advancing themselves to posts of honour &
'profit hereafter; but cover their designs with pretences of public
'good. And, say they, we know y* by such pretences, & by y* same
'class of men y* Settlement has been kept in confusion year after
'year to y« detriment of y* Publick k hurt of Individuals; & y*
' when one Scheme fails another is invented." Hence they alledge

44 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783.

y* wben j' motion for a New State has had its operation some other
affair will be brought on y* carpet. If this be true, I may say, how
long will yon suffer yourseWes to be imposed npon ? However, I am
of opinion that there are several Gentlemen who are far from any
ill design, but thro' mistake or simplicity are led in. I wish them
to consider & retreat before it be too late.

Yon are all professors of Christianity, It surely requires men to
be honest, peaceable & submissive, attending to y* one thing needful.
But y* measures pursued by some have a different effect. They
gender animosities, contentions,, & many evil works ; & may end in
confiscations, banishment, & blood. There are different Denomina-
tions of Professors among you ; strict notice will be taken of all ; &
observations made on such of these as appear most refractory &
ungovernable. I wish all may avoid confirming y*" opinion of some
Gentlemen at y* commencement of y* war. They argued against
it, alledging y% " if we were independent, our back Settlements
especially thro' y* avarice & ambition of petty Statesmen would
become a New Germany, a Seat of Contention & field of blood.
Upon y* whole I would recommend to all what I design to do
myself, viz., cheerfully to pay y« annual tax, which I doubt not y*
Assembly will make as easy as circumstances will admit, & as soon
as may be, to get their lands patented ; which may now be done on
perhaps y^ easiest terms will ever be had. By this means you
might in some years be pretty clear of y* debts mentioned; &
might, if it should then be thought necessary, with a better face
supplicate for a New State; which to attempt at present seems both
foolish & unjust.

I have been labouring for y* good of this Settlement these
thirteen years ; & my constant wish for this, & y* I & my Children
may be allowed to live with you in peace & in y* fear & love of
God prompt me to be thus laree on this subject. And I am sure
my Character requires me to endeavour to prevent especially publick
evils, & to promote Righteousness & Peace in y* land. In y**
meantime I am^ with all due respect, S"*,

yours Sincerely

JAMES FINLEY.

P. S. As I wish y thoughts I have suggested may be duely
considered by y people, so it cannot be disagreeable to me y* you
shew this letter to as many as yon think fit.

PENNSYLVANIA ABGHIYES 1788. 46

Pres. D10KIK8OF TO Delegates in Cokgrbss, 1788.

In Council^ Pa.^ Apl. 29th; '88.
OeDtlemeOy

Council wrote to yon some time ago, degiring that jon wonld
endeaYonr to have the most effectual measures speedily adopted by
Congress for making Peace with the Indian nations. Having lately
received advices that about forty Inhabitants of this State have been
killed and taken by them, & having good Reason to be assured, that
these Hostilities will be continued along the Frontiers; we- think it
our Duty earnestly to repeat our Request.

Perhaps the United States might appear more respectable to those
nations at a Treaty to be held with them after the Delivery of
Niagara & Detroit tolls by the British; but, in the meantime, we
hope such steps may be taken, as may be the means of saving
many lives, and preventing great Calamities. We wish Congress
would be pleased to consider, whether it might not have a good
effect upon the Indians, to inform them by authority, that Peace
has been made with Great Britain, the articles of which are now
carrying into Execution ; that the Back Countrv with all the Forts
is tnereby ceded to us ; that they must now depend upon us for
their Preservation and, that unless they immediately cease from
their outrages, & remain quiet till we can hold a Treaty with them
at Niagara or Detroit, we will instantly turn upon them our armiei
that have conquered the king of Great Britain, and now have ok
other Enemies to employ their Valour, and extirpate them Arom
the Land where they were born and now live : But, that if thoT
behave as they ought to do, they shall be treated not only justly,
but friendly. Such Intelligence as this with the advance of a
proper Reinforcement to Genl. Irvine at Pittsburg, & the Exertions
of the Troops under his Command, might put a stop to the cruelties
of the savages, or at least pretrent their becoming more extensive.
I am Gentlemen

with great Esteem and Regard

Your &o*.|

J. D.*
Indarsedj

1788, April 29th. To Hon'ble The Delegates of Penn'a in
Congress.

* See page 46.
Vol. X.— 3

46 PENNSYLVANIA ABGHIYES 1786.

John Nioholsok to Fbbs. Diokinsok, 1788.

Sir,

I beg leave to request that an Order may be drawn upon The
Treasurer in mj favor for fiye hundred pounds state money for the
purpose of paying the one third part of Depreciation Certificates
agreeable to Law, The sum last ree'd is intirely expended.
I have the Honor to be

with the Greatest respect

your Excellency's

most obed* Humble servant,
JNO. NICHOLSON.
Diredii?,

His Exceiry^ The Presid't of Penn'a^ present.

Bbsolves in CoNaBSSs, 1783.

In Congress, May 1st, 1783.

Resolved, That the Seo'y at War, talce the most effectual measures
to inform the several Indian Nations, on the frontiers of the United
States, that Preliminary articles of peace have been agreed on and
Hostilitys have ceased with Great Britaiui and to communicate to
them that the forts wif bin the United States i^nd in possession of the
British troops will speedily be evacuated, intimating also that the
United States are disposed to enter into friendly treatys with the
different tribes and to inform the hostile Indian nations, that unless
they Immed^ cease all hostilitys, against the Citizens of these states
and accept of these friendly proffers of peace, Congress will take the
most decided measures to compel them thereto. .

Ordered, That the Sec^ at Warr, transmit the proceedings of Con-
gress herein with copys of President Dickinson AQen* Irwine's letter
to the Comm' in Chief ft the Comm'* Ibr Indian affairs in the
Northern departm^

Sec'y ARMSTRONa to Wm. MACnLAT, 1783.

In Council; 2d May, 1788, Philada.
Sir,

The late Indian outrages upon our frontier, have induced Coancil
to direct, that an immediate supply of amunition be forwarded for
their defence. I have it therefore in command to express their

JGNNSYLVANIA ABCHIVES 1783. 4t

wishes, that tivo boxes of Musanet Cartridge & 300 flints fit for
rifles he forwarded from the Military stores under your direoiion to
Capt. Robinson now at Wyoming.

Conyeyance is supposed to be easy and frequent — the propriety it
seizing the earliest, wiU suggest itself.

I am Sir, with the highest respect^

Your most Obed* & very hum. Serr*.
JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jr., Sec^.
Gen. Potter or Col. Hunter will take charge of it at Sunsbury.
The enclosed letter, which I beg you to forward with the amunitioni
is to that purpose.

J. A.
Directed^

fblick service,
illiam M'Clay, Esq., or in hi» absence to M^ John Harris^
Harris's Ferry.

Sbc'y Armbtrong to Grn'l Potter, 1788.

D'Sir,

With this letter, you will receive two boxes of musket cartridges
and two hundred rifle flints, which Council has thought proper to
forward to your frontier. It is their intention, that it be sent from
Sunbury by the first safe conveyance to Wyoming. The letter
addressed to Cap* Robinson may go with it Councill think it
unnecessary to suggest the slightest motive to interest your attention
to this boaiocsfl.

I am, Sir,

With the highest esteem.

Your most obed' Hum. Serv^
JOHN AftMSTRONG, Jr., Sec^y
In Council, Philad-, 2d May, 1783.
Directed^

Public service.

Hon; Major Gen. James Potter, or in hie abeeaoe to Samuel
HuateTi Eeq.j Sunbury, ^ .

48 PENNSYLYANU ABGHITS8 17M.

Tbouab FnsfiKiMom to Pass. DioKnisdF, 1788.

I have the bonor to hand the Oeundll in a6t of Congress passed
the 1*^ Inst."*" k I hqxi in a lew days, other vieaaares will be adopted
to giTe fiirthcr satisfaotion to the state upon Indian affairs.
I hiTja the honor to be,

Y' Bzoeli^ most obed<*h'ble senr*.

THOMAS FITZSIMONS.
May 4, 1783.

His Exoeirj the Presid't of the Supreme Exeoative Connoill.

John Nicholson to Pres. Dickinson, 1783.

Compt' Generals Office, May 5th, 1783.
Sir,

I begleare to request that an order issne otf the Treastirer in my
favor for five Hundred pounds state money for the purpose of paying
one-third part of Depreciation Certificates. The sum last rec* is
neiurij disbutsed.

I have the Honor to be,
With much respect,
. Your Sxeeiiency's obed.
Humble servant.
JN« NICHOLSON.
Directed^
^ His Excelleney, the President of ^Pennsylvania.

Oapt. Thomas RoiiAsoir to Pres. Dickinson, 1783.

Northumberland, May 8th, 1783.
Sir,
Tfa« Instruetkmi of Cfouuctll Diatod tnay 5th, I Ret)« this 4th Juue,
] Ins^ on my way from Wyoming to thi^. town, the Anranitioti
_ .Mentioned was then on its way to Wyoming. Hitherto, Every
Measure has been Taken to preserve a friendly Intercourse Between
the Soldiery & the Inhabitants, & I have the Pleasure to Inform
your Excellenoie that the Measures I Have Made Use of Has had
the Desired Effect.

^ See page 4C.

PSNNSTLYANIA ARCHIVEB 1788. 4S^

With Respect to the InhabitantSi there tre a great Manj Wrang-'
Kng Dispates Chiefly owing to a pelfering as well as Letegions
Spirit wbieh Seems verj Natural to sone of them.

In all saeh Gases they have Imediate recourse to ns as there are
no C^f el Officer in the plaoe, and many of them thought To avail
themselves of the Opportnoity, Imajining no Law was to take Hold
of them ; they Proceeded to take and Make use of their Neigh-
bours Property at Pleasure And even to Disposess others.

Upon which I Imediately Interposed^ Cboo^iDg such as I thought
freebt of that Letigous Dbposition & who Dest knew the aflfairs of
the Place for Information, and have so Far Prevailed in that Re-
speot as to preserve (by their own Accounts) a beter Regulation
than has ever been Amone them before.

But Notwithstanding Sieir Seeming Compliane^ There is Still
a refactory Spirit among them, though they Wish to keep up a good
appearance — of these afiairs I am well aware and am Very Giraul
to keep them at A proper Distance.

And Your Ezcellenoey may be assured that no Endavour Shall
be wanting on my part to keep Good order Among them Ull Civel
Authority takes place^ and I have no Doubt of proceeding therein.
From Some Encouragement they Have Received from the Assembly
of York State, a party have been Choosen to View some Land As-
signed them for a settlement ; Which Pftrty is now Returned, But
I am not able to Learn the Intentions of the people on the Rieport
of their Commissioners.

I am with Every Sentiment
of Esteem & Respect,
Your ExoeUencies Most
Obedient Humble Servant,

THOS. ROBINSON.
Capf.
Directed J

His Excellence, John Dickinson, Esq', President of Sup" Ex^
ecutive Council^ PenneT Pbila^

GiK. 8t. Glair to Prbs. Dickinson, 1783.

' ' '^' PhilVMay 9% 1783.

Gentlemen.

Colonel Porter has called upon me to certify to Council the Rank
he was entitled to in the Pennsylvania Regiment of Artillery
previous to the Reduction that took place on the first of January
last. He had been a louji; time the eldest Captain of the Regiment
rose to the Majority, and by the Resignations of Colonel Proctor
and Lieut. Col. Forrest became entitled to the Rank of laeut. Col.

PEfXSILTASIA AHaillJEB 178L

,U*

4mU he KB dnrijr Mtitkd t» the Sok af Cdoad
I hOT* the hoMT to ke vitk

yon Boit oMnicBt Scfmt,

Hit Kwddlemef, Joha DiskiMOB, Btqne, IVoideat nl tW
iMmabfe Ito MprMMcxMOifv Ooaoeil, of F^nsjlTmaii.

1782, Jbj 9lh, Fran General Stndair. Joae SO^ 1783, Oid«
flwt a Letter be writteo bj the Seerefary to the Seeretaiy at War,
obeerrioff that in the Coainiianon to Col> Porter, the Woid ^Coaa-
flumdant^' b omittedL k dearing that it maj be added, aa he waa
enatled to the Bank of Ideni< Col> CommaDdanty Mi the tiine of
iiining the laid Conuniaaion*

JoHH Nicholson to Pass. DiCKurso^r, 1783.

Conpt Oeneral'a Office, Maj 2(Hh, 1783.
Sir,

The annw of State money I hare hitherto rec'd have been applied
for the pnrpoaei thej were adTaooed, and farther applications reqnire
farther advanoea. Shall be mach Obliged by an Order from the
Treaanrer in my fayor for the farther Sam of five hundred pounds,
lor paying id part Depreciation Certificates.

I hare the Honor to be, With much respect,

Your Honor'a most Obed. Humble ser.,
JNO. NICHOLSON.
The Hon'blo James Ewing, Esq , Yiea President

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVE8 1783. 61

Comm'rs of Taxes for Philadelphia (To., to Pbsbidbnt
DiCKiKSONy 1788.

To His ExcelleDOj; John Dickinsoiiy Esq., President, and thd
Honorable, the Supreme Execative Council of the Commonwealth
of P'ennsyl^&nia-
Gentlemen,

When we sent out the Duplicates for the State Money tax, it did
not appear to this Board that the holders of the Continental State
Money had a right to expect an allowance of Interest due on that
money in payment of their taxes, as the Law seemed to point out
another mode by which the Interest was to be paid. The County
Treasurer said he oould not receive the money with such an allow-
ancC; for that the State Treasurer would not take it from him in that
way ; We therefore Greeted the Collectors to receive and pay it into
the Treasury as the other State Money made payable by law, for
this tax, and they have accordingly paid into the Treasury about
2400 Dollars, without abatiog the Interest. It seems a number of
Gentlemen have refused to pay this tax in any other money than
that in question, nor in this without an abatement of the Interest,
which retards the collector of the tax, and has oooarioned the State
Treasurer's application to the Attorney General, for his opinion on
the subject, on the receipt of which he bad agreed to receive into
the Treasury the Continental State Money, abating the Interest, and
the Oonnty Treasurer in like manner. Before we give any further
orders to the Collectors on this business, shall be much obliged to
Ibe honorable Council for their advice and direction in the premises.
We submit it whether some other eonsistent mode may not be
adopted for discharging this Interest than for theColleotors allowing
the same lb receiving of taxes, which we apprehend would lay open
to sundry abuses.

We are, Gentlemen,

Your most obedient

and very humble Servants,

GUNNING BEDFORD,
JOHN BAKER.
Philada., May 21st, 1783.
Directed^
lib Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq.| Prendent^ &c., ft., &o.

i% PS^NSTXiyANU ABCHIVES 1788.

John Njfinoisojx so Y. F., Jamss EwiKa, 1788.

Comptroller General's Office. May 24th, 1783.
13k,

I beg leare to requ^ tbat orders may Issue npon t}ie Treaaor^
in favor of Wiiliam Bradford, Jun.^ Esq., Attorney Oei^xal of ib^
State; and James Willson, Esqaire, for forty pounds eaQh| the fe^
charged by them in the cause depending between this Commonwealth
ft Tmiothy Hatlacki Esquircj late Secretary of the Supreme Execu-
tive GouncQ.

I have the Honor to be,

With the highest respect,

Tour Honor's most Obed. Servi,

JNO. NICHOLSON.
Directed f
The Bon'ble James Ewing, Esq., Tioe President.

BspAiBS ov Febt Housbs, 1788.

At the Bequest of the Honourable, the Executive OonncylLi, ww
have Examined the pest houses on State Island, and have estimated
the Expenoe of putting the whole in the same iiepare tbat Some of
them are in at present, and are of ofunion that it may be done fov
four hundred pounds. If Counovll shall think proper we will pro4
cure JIf aterials and Gktt the whole Compkated on the usual Seins
and without any unuecessary delay.

GUNNING BBdI-ORD,
THOS. NEVELL.
26th May, 1783.

Delegates oy Pebtnsylvania to Council, 1783.

The Delegates of Pennsylvania present their respoctful Compli-
ments to the Hon'ble Council & inform them that the Secretary at
War is authorized by Congress to repair & deliver the New Prison
to such Person as Council shall please to appoint to receive Posses-
sion thereof.

2 June, 1783.

Directedy •

His Excellency, The President & The Hon'ble Council of Penn-
silvania.

PJSKNSTLVANIA ARGHIVBS 1783. 68

John Nicholson to Pres. Dickinson, 1783.

Compi General's Office^ Jane 5th; 1788.
May it Please your Ezeellency,

. The State money I hate reoetTvd is all expended, I therefore beg
Ieaf<e to reqnest an Order for the farther anm of five hnndred poondi
for paying a third of Depreciatioa Certificates.
I am with much respect.

Your Excellency's most Obed. servant,

JNO. NICHOLSON.

His Exeellenoy, John DiekinsoB| Esqaire, President.

Sbor't. Armstrong to Rob. Morris, 1783.

Phil-, Jane 7th, 1788.
Sir,

In reply to yonr letter of yesterday, I have the pleasure to inform
you that this Board have already gone into your wishes on the Sub-;
jeot of the collection and payment of taxes. A lato presaine letter
has been written to the different County Commissioners, and among
other considerations more partid in their application, the necessitiea^
of the army — the justice of their claim and the foreign engagementa
of Congress have been powerfully Urged.

I am. Sir, Ac, Ac,

JOHN ABMSTBONG,*
jttn* Seif .

pRES. Dickinson to Survbyor Gen., 1788,
(In Council, P*.)

Sir, ;

The Intelligence received by us of Hostilities committed on th^
Frontiers of this State by Indians, induced us to deferr giving Yon.
directions for surveying and lajing out in Lots, the Tract o(
Land first described in the Law, entitled /^ An Act foi the Ssdf of
certain Lands, &c., passed on the twelfth Day of last March, until m%
had taken sofne previous Steps for Facifitating the Execution of
that Measure, and bad Reason to hope that Circumstances were so
far matured as to be more favourable to the Design of the Legisla-
ture.

* Bte-Col. Rec, Vol. XIH., p. 694.
3*

64^ PBNNSYLYANIA -iBCHIVBS W83.

We now would have jon to proceed immediatelj in that Bossi-
ness, oopfomiiDg Yoonelf therein to the said Aot

We apprehend that yon should begin with the surveys of the two
Tracts, each of fhree thoosand acres reserved for the use of the State.
Ton will then j;o on to survey the rest of the I^nd, & to lay 4>«t
& number the Lot% so that the Lots being contiguous one to an-
oiheri the Plot of them may form an aceuxate Draught or Map of
the Country.

In this Map we desire you to insert the Courses of the Several
Waters, and their general Depth with all Possible exactness, and
to note the Places of mines, if any, Proper Situations for Towns
Mill seats & any other remarkable Advantages.

We also earnestly wish that the particular Quality of each Lot
may be ascertained in the Draught or in a Schedule annexed to it,
& such a precise Description be given as may be practicable.

It will DC a Matter of great CoAscqueooe to have the Courses Dis-
tance, A Boundaries of each lot determined with the utmost preci-
sion, for encouraging the Sales & for presenting future Dispute ; &
We should be glad that you may avail yourself of Natural Bounda-
ries as much as may be consistently with the Description of the Lot,
& a proper Form of the Lots, & that the Water may be divided as
the nature of the ground will admit to the several Lots where such
natural Boundaries do not occurr. Boundaries should be distinctly &
thoroughly marked.

We confide much in your Integrity & Ability for the performance
of this Work so important to the State ; and as we are assured that
ton will employ no person under you, but such as are in every
Kespect worthy of so high a Trust, it irill be needless to say more
on that subjeot, but this that we expect the surveys of every Lot
to bo made with aa much Care & nicety as can be practiced, and that
every person employed be bound not to give to any person or per-
sons whatever, any advice or Information concerning the Quality or
advantage of any Lot or Lots, except the"* Return to be made to
Council as is herein before mentioned.

If any Indians converse with you on this Business, you may as-
sure them that those Lands are within thCrBoundary of Pennsylvania,
and though the king of Oreat Britain has ceded and finally relin-
quished them, and we have full power to maintain our title by force
of arms. Yet we sincerely intend to treat them, as our ancestors
treated their Forcfeithers, and to deal friendly with them, if thej
will suffer us to do so.

We shall write to General Irvine to afford you all the assistance
ft proteetioil in his power. We think his advice may also be very
useful

I am. Sir, Your obedient
and very humble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVSS 1788. 66

Street Commiss'rb. to CouiirciLy 1783.

His ExcelleDoj, John DickiDSOD^ Esq', and the honorable the Sup-
reme EzecQtiye Coonoil of the Commonwealth of Penosylyania.

The Street Commissioners are abont regulating Fifth Street, be-
tween Chestnut & Walnut Streets, in order to carry off the Water,
make the Street a more convenient Passage, and that it may appear
decent to the many Strangers k others who pass that way to the
State House, &o.

Altho' it is not in the Commissioners power to pave this Street at
present, and therefore cannot legally call on those who own Estates
fronting on the street, to pave the Gutters & Footways yet we beg
leave to mention* to the Honorable Council that if this is done be-
fore the east side of the State House square, the Passage would be
much more convenient| and perhaps much more reputable to the
State.

GUNNING BEDFORD,
SAMUEL M'LANE,
JOS. CAUFFMAN,
FREDERICK KUHL,
CHARLES MARSHALL.*
Philadelphia, June 10th, 1788.
Directed,
His Excellency^ John Dickinson^ Esq^ ftc.| &c.

Pbbs. Dickinson to DsLsaATBS in Congbess, 1783*

Gentlemen :

We observe in a Resolution of CongreVd'of the 26*^ of last Month,
that Furloughs are to be granted to non-commissioned Officers &
privates inlisted to serve during the War.

We earnestly desire that you may prevail with Congress to have
this Resolution executed in such a Manner, that a sufficient garrison
may still be maintained by the United States at Fort Pitt. We are
informed by the Secretary at War, that some of the Maryland LinCi
if not of the Pennsylvania Lane also, are inlbted to serve for three
Years.

We also wish you to represent to Congress, that the Troops of
this State are expected to arrive in a few Weeks from South Caro-
lina, & in a sickly Condition ; and We hope that proper provisions
will be made for their Dismission in as comfortable Circumstances
as the situation of Affairs will admit.

I amj Gentlemen^ &c*,

J. D.
/nJoriccf,— June 11, 1783.

« 8ee CoL Bee., Vol. XIII., p. 697, 002.

66 PSNNSZLYAKUL ABCHITES 1788.

Sec't Armoteonq^ to Gbn. Wm. Irtinb, 1788.

Setf^ Offioe, P-, Jane 19tb, 17S3.
Sir,

As Gonnetl have oome io a determiaation to make sale of tbe
lauds appropriated. bj lawibr the redemption of the depreciation
eertifieatefly thej have aooordipglj instmcted tbe Sorvejor Oen. of
the State to proceed with all possible dispatch in the first steps of
that bn^iness. He has oar directions to call upon you for adyicei
and suofa Other Assistance as it may be proper and convenient to
give. We flatter ouraelves that many advantages to the.State may
be derived from both.

I am^ Sir^ with much rsspect^

your most Obedient Humble Servant^

JNO. ARMSTRONG, Jr., Seo>.
//K^orfadf^-^une 12^ 1783.

Gov. HarbisoNi of Ya., to Prbs. Dickinson, 1783.

In Ck>uneil, Jane 12*^ 1783.
Sir,

A Number of tbe Inhabitants of that Tract of Country which
falls by the temporary ' Line between the two States, within the
Bounds of Pennsylvania, complain that the Conditions upon which
it was acceded to on either Side have been departed from, and
Measures adopted by your State which deprive them of those rights
they held, and subject tl^em to Censure for their Conduct while
in Office, and in performance of the Duties they owed to this
Government.

The Titles to Lands acquired under this State, which were stipo*
iated to be oonfirm'd to. the Proprietors if they should fall into that,
are stated to be laid aside, and they put on the same footing with
thoee originally within the Bounds of Pennsylvania, by wbiob they
are subjected either to the loss of the Land, or to the payment of an
additional Sum of Money for a ConfiriAation of their rights, a Con-
dition in either alternative contrary to the express engagements of
ihovtwo States.

Iney further complain that the Officers of Militia who obeyM the
Orders of the Executive of this State in repelling the Enemy and
defending the frontier previous to the temporary Boundary LinCj
are subjected to Suits before the Courts, whose decisiods have been
against them, by which nieans Punishments arc affix'd to Actions
which are not criminal, and the late Citixens of this State harrass'd
and oppress'd with Expence for performing the Services which they
owed to their Country.

PENNSTTLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 6T

This 18 tbe Subject of the Memorial of these Citnens, who miDglai
also, SaspknoDs that the^e Measures haye been adopted, and they
sabjeeted to Injury, more from a Spirit of resenlment and displeiif
sure to them from their Acfaohment to this State, than from any
ether Cause. jm

Nothing farther of the proeeedings of your State upon this Smb*
jeet than what I haTe from these Memorialists, whieh I am inclined
to pay the more Attention to from the Consideration of the Character
of the Gentlemen who sign it. It is with pain I ha^e heard their
Complaints, bein^ conTitt<M it hvth been the Intention of your Oofu
emment to comp^ with its enfagenents and do them Justiee. But
as Citisens who elaim rights under this Ooremment, they are entitled
to Attention ; and I therefcM^ give you the Contents of their Memoi
rial. I doubt not if personal reseiltiAent httth mingled itself In UhI
proeeedings of your Stat^ it hath tal[en Place more in the ezecutiotf
than in the Object of the Laws, more in the personal resentment and
jwrty Spirit of those to whom this Duty is committed, Uian in a de-
sign of the Legislature or Ezeetrtive to do them Injury. At th«
same time, therefore, that I desire the fevor of your Excellency to
communicate to me what hath been done on this Subject, I doubi
not but you will take such MeasuMs, either with the Legislature if
the Evil originates there, or the Officers of Government in thai
quarter, if they have transcended their Duty, as will remove the
Cause of Complaint which aggrie^pes these people.

The difficulties under which these States have for some Time since
greatly labored, are nearly at an End« Those internal arrangements
which more immediately demand the attention of each respective
State upon the close of Uie War, will soon be accomplished, and we
shall, I doubt not, find it equally convenient to either State to run
and establish a regular & final Boundary between them, an Event
not among the most inconsiderable of the Blessings of Peace.

I have the Honor to be, with Sentiments of perfect Esteem and
respect,

your Excellency's most obedient

and most Hum. Servant,

BENJ. HARRISON.

His Excellency John Dickinson.

Prbs. DioKiNsoif TO Thomas Smith, 1788.

June 14, 1783.
Sir,

In Compliance with your Request by Letter on the 24*^ of last
Month, Council will ^now give their Opinion on the Questions
proposed.

As to the first, the General Assembly having, by an Act for the
Settlement of public Accounts; passed the Day before the Law

68 PBNNaYLTANXA ABCHIVBS 1783.

mtotioned by yoU| yested ^'fiill Powers in a Commissioneri for
liquidaUng & selling in specie Yslae, «U Geriifioates given for sup-
ples by public Officers to Individuals, and other Claims against the
United States of America by Indiyidaals for supplies furnished to
thj^army, the Transportation thereof & contingent Ezpences thereon
wubin this State/' We apprehend that the CerUficatea alluded to,
would be thus liquidated & settled by the said Commissioner before
they are presented to you for payment of a year's Interest

As to the second — ^We think that the persons claiming payment
of Interest under the Act, should give the necessary proof of these
Fants — ^for it's that the. Certificates were <»iginally issued from the
lioan Office of this State to persons who then were or since become
Gitisens. of this State, or were give^. or granted for Articles
furnished, of service done and performed by persons who then were
Citisens of this State — secondly, that the persons claiming are now
^ actually resident within the same/'

By ^* reasonable proof," may reasonably be understood such proof
as in your Judgement is satisfactory Evidence of Truth. You will
call for every Voucher & Document that can assist you to make a
Seterminstion, k which can be obtained. If Dojabts remain, the
Claimant must produce, if he.caHi sufficient Testiqaony to remove
them, or fail in his Demand. *

As to the third — It seems to us that the Interest on tho Certifi-
cates therein referred to, should be computed according to the

Depreciation.

I am, uhj with much respect,

Your obedient and very humble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.

14»^ June, 1788.

Fra's HoPKiNSoi? TO Pees. Dickinson, 1783.

To His EsoeUenoy the President & Honourable the Supreme Execu-
tive Council.

Gentlemen :

Agreeable to Law & Usage, T enclose my Account of Fees received
as Judge of the Court of Admiralty for the Quarter ending the 13^^
lost., & amounting to £73 4, duly certified by the Register.

Praying your Honours to grant me a Warrant on the Trcaaurv
for £50 on account of Salary, I have the Honour to be^ with all
tlespc'ct,

Gentlemen, Tour most obedient
and very humble servant,

FRAS. HOPKINSON.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 178Si 69

Samuel Hodgdon to (Council, 1783.

Philadelphia, 18tb Jane, 1783.
OcDtlemen,

SooD after the reduotioD of Fork, Congress ResoWed — that two
Pieces of Ordnance, six Pounders properly inscribed, should be
presented to Count de Grass ; two pieces were accordingly left here
for that purpose^ but through mistake in March last thej were
deliyered the State of Penna. in lieu of two received from them at
the commencement of the War. A favourable opportunity now
presents for sending them to France, and as others cannot be bad
timely, I am directed by the Secretary at War to request your
honorable board would give an Order for the return of those men-
tioned upon an assurance of their being replaced as soon as two
others can be brought on from the Army ; the Carriages belonging
to the pieces are not wanted, as we have those on board that are
more suitable. Should be much obliged by an early answer.
With profound respect,
I am, Gentlemen,

Your most Obedient Servant,
SAM. HODGDON,

Com'y. Mil. Stores.
Direcitdf

Hon'ble The Supreme Executive Council.
Indorudf

18th June, 1783. From Sam. Hogdon, Esq., Com'y M. Stores.
28th June — Ordered that Mr. Stiles be directed to deliver the two
pieces of Ordinance, Six pounders, which became the property of
this State upon the reduction of York in Virga., to Sam. Hodgdon,
Esq., upon his receipt & engagement to rephice them as soon M
possible:

Pres. Dickinson to Col. Humpton, 1783.

Copy.

Sir,

If the Soldiers from Lancaster do not voluntarily submit & put
themselves upon their march for that place, I think it absolutely
necessary that they should be disarmed k sent under a Guard.

If you will have occasion for the Assistanob of the Militia yea
will pleaae to give, the intelligence.

60 fmsBTijVAmk AfioHtyss nsd.

I am informed that a][>oiit forty men have joined tbe others since
Saturday. I desire that these Men nay be iastantly disarmed, &
ordered instantly to quit the City & its neighhoorhood^ & to repair
to tMr respective flomes. - < '

I am with the .

greatest Esteem^ Sir,

, j.oar nyo^ obed't ten^l,

JOHN DICKINSON.

June 26th, 1788. '

CoIL HwnptoD.
Indanedf

On Tuesday, the 24th of Jone, I veo^d a note from the President
of Congress between 8 & 4 o'Glook — that note a^joorned the CoB"*
gress to meet at Prinoeton on the Thursday following.

Tnesdi^ night we kept guard at; the Bank on Intelligenoe reo'd thai
it was to be attacked by the soldiers. Oenl. Irvine £ myself up all
night ; Oenl. Ewing indisposed.

On Wedn'y Eyeninff the^ soAdiers paraded before my House —
were addressed in obeidieno^ td orders, put themselves under the
command of their offieersj & retired peaceably to their Quarters in
the Barracks.

On Thursday, at 12 o'Clock, the soldiers from Lancaster submitted
to Command, & that Evening began their March to Lancaster undes
their officers.

M. L.

VmB. DiOKIKSON ZO P&SS. of OONGBBSSy 1788.

Sir,

The Minister of France, who has been a witness of the last
transactions of this Day, has obligingly offered to convey to Con-
gress my account of their happy comuusion. He is now waiting to
receive it in my House, and that Circumstance with the great
Fatigues I have lately undergone, having been up all the last night,
will, I hope, apologize to Congress for this short & imperfect
Dispatch.

This Day, about twelve o'Clock, Council received from the Com-
mittee of officers appointed by the Soldiers in the Barracks, theb
requesti^ attended with a Petition of pardon from Council for their
misbehaviour.

As their proposals contained no sabttission to Congress, Conneil
unanimously informed those of the Committee who attended, that
we should not take their proposals into oonsideittion^ttnkss thoy

PENNSYIiVANIA ABCHIYES 1788. 61

ahould first mtke a full and satisfactory snbmissioii to Congress, and
we directed the attending members of their Committee to com-
mnnicate this unalterable Kesolution of Council to them.

This was immediately done, and at the same moment Orders
were issued by Council for a Guard of five hundred men to be im-
mediately assembled, and for the Militia of the City and Neigh-
bourhood to hold themselves in readiness for action on the shortest
notice, having received intelligence that an attack upon us waa
intended this afternoon.

The negooiation for the desired submission was continued, and
with the prudent and highlv commendable management of Colonel
Humpton so well conducted that six of the leading Serjeants among
the Soldiers first attended me, submitted and impm)bed two ofliceni|
a Mr. Carberry, deranged, and a Mr. Sullivan. Colonel Humptoi^
and a number of Citisens then repaired to the Barracks, and thiv
afternoon, just at Dark, all the Soldiers, except some of those lately
from Lancaster, appeared without their arms nefore my House.

I then addnest wem, reminded them of their unprecedented and
henioua faults — approved the Evidence given of their dutiful dispo-
sition— insisted on their instantly putting themselves under the
command of their officers, and yieldifig to them a proner obedience
— that as a stronger proof of the Disposition mentionea, they should
at the end of twenty-four Hours use their arms to reduce the Sol-
diers who lately came from Lancaster to obedience, unless in that
time they should of themselves return to obedience and put them-
selves on their march for that Town under the command of such of
their Officers as should be in this City^ in which service the Militia
should co-operate with them.

The Soldiers being dismissed were ordered to retire to their quar^
ters in the Barracks under the Command of their Officers, & they
instantly obeyed. I am informed by Officers in whom I am per-
suaded I may confide, that the Mutiny is suppresti except among
some of the Lancaster Soldiers.

I told the others, that in Consequence of their good Behaviour I
should recommend them to Congress for pardon — and I hope that
they will act in such a manner as to obtain a Restoration to the
favor of Congress. — ^I shall give orders for the apprehending of the
two Officers.

I am Sir, &c., &c.^

JOHN DICKINSON.*
Philada., June 26th^ 1783.
Directed^

His Excellency The President of Congress.

♦ See Col. Rec, Vol. XHI., p. 6 12.

<a PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783.

Prbb. Dickinsok to Prb8. of Gongrbss, 1788

Sir,

Yesterdaj Eyening the Soldiers from Laneaster began tbeir March
Ibr that Plaoe, under the Command of their Officers. Those in the
Barracks behave very quietlji & are desirous of being dismist.

Colonel Hampton informs me that Letters were sent by the prin-
cipal authors of the late Disturbanoe, to excite General Armand's
Legion and Colonel Mojlan's Regiment, to join in the Mutiny. The
present Disposition of those Troops I know not ; But I expect to
Tcoeive immediate advice of any movement of Importance among
thefflj which I shall communicate to Congress.
I am Sir, your very Vble servt.,

JOHN DICKINSON,
Philadelphia, July 27th, 1788.

Mr. Thomson, who does the Honor of charging himself with the
Letter, will deliver to Congress a Copy of the last proposals of the
aoldiers to Council, & of the Act of Council thereon.

His Excellency, the President of Congress.

Lieut. Col. A. S. Depjszstw, to Major Douglas^ 1783.

Detroit, June 29th, 1783. ;
Sir,

Your letter addressed to Mr. Elliot has been brought in here open
by an Indian, & delivered^ to n^e^ I therefore dispatch Mr. Elliott
into the Indian*c6untrj. to meet you & cooduot you to this place.
I desire therefore for your own safety that you may not enter into
any negotiations with the Indians till your arrival here, where a
Oen'l Council with the Chiefs of the several Nations is at present
called, therefore any deviation from the measures already taken may
be detrimental to the whole.

I am, Sir your most obed. Servt.,

A. S. DBPEYStER,
Lieut. Col., Commanding Detroit
Major Douglass.

(Copy.)

PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVES 1783. 63

Sbc'y Abmstronq to thb Sheriffs, 1788.

Philadelphia, Julj^ 30tb, 1788.
Sir,
I have the directions of Council to desire you forthwith to take

effectual measures for apprehending and securing a certain

Nagel, late Serjeant of the third Pennsylvania Regiment, who, it is
said, is gone from hence to the County of Berks. He is charged
with having excited the late disturbances among the Soldiery in this
City. Council depend much on your exertions in this Business, and
request you to conduct it ^ith as much secrecy as possible ; should
he be so fortunate as to secure him, you will immediately inform
Council thereof, when they will take further order respecting him.
I am. Sir, your obedient & very humble servt.,

JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jr., Sec'y.

To the Sheriff of the County of Berks.

A similar Letter written to the Sheriff of the County of Berks to
apprehend Captains Henry Carberry and James Sullivan of the
Penna. Idne.

Conference with Indians, 1783.

A Council held with the Chiefs & Warriors of the Six Nations &
their Confederates at the Council Fire kindled at the Onondago Set-
tlement, losioha, July 2d, 1783.

Present.
Lieut. Coll. Butler.
1 Bowen,
Lieutenants, y Dooksteder,

) Jacob Servois.
Mr. Wilkinson, Scc'y.
Mr. N. Stephens, Interpreter. *
Abeel, a Seneca Chief, spoke as follows :

Brothers, Two of our young men (Oneidas,) went from their Yil-
lage without the advice of any of our Chiefe, to Canawarohare (a
Village settled by some Oneidas who have acted in favor of the
Americans during this war) as a visit to their relations & acquaint-
ances. Shortly after their arrival 40 of the Americans came to th^
same Village & informed they wore on their way to view the 6
Nation Indian's Country & to build a House at Onondago for Oen.
Schuyler. Next morning the Chiefs came and saluted the two young
men in the usual manner, after wbioih they expressed their sorrow
that the Chiefs of the Six Nations did not attend a Counoil with
Oen. Schuyler last spri )g, agreeable to his reauest. They then
reported Gen. Schu} lcr*s speech in Council as follows :

^ PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVES 1788.

Brothergi ^^ I im direoied by CoDgress to call yon together & in-
form ^OQ that Peaoe is at last agreed on between the Kings of Great
Britain^ France, Spain and the Americans. The great spirit above
has helped & giTen va snooess, & with the assistance of France have
conquered the King of England. We are now Masters of this
Island k can dispose of the lands as we think proper or most con-
yenient to oorselTea. That the Bang of England can never hereafter
make the lei9t claTm to any nart of it At the commencement of
ihiB war many of oar People left as, some went to Niagara ft others
to different places where the King's troops lay ; these people have
forfbitod every part of their lands & property to us for so doing,
which mastM a cdivineing proof that we are the conquerors. At
that time I requested the Six Nations to lay still & not interfere in
this war ; but no attention was paid to my advice, they therefore are
now in the same ntuation with those people who left us, their lands
forfeited in the same manner. As we are the Conquerors we claim
the lands & property of all the white people as well as the Indians
who have left b fought agm/ituB. We enquired of the King
what he intQpded. to do for the Indianoy as we expected that ha
would have been very particular about them. He being the person
who should have considered their situation ; but the King answered|
What can 1 dof Nothing ! You have conquered me therefore do
with them what you pUaaeJ*

'^ However, it is not yet so bad with the Indians, as they can
move across the Lakes, those parts still belong to the King. I
desire you (the Oneidas) to acquaint the Chiefs, ftoa., of the six
Nations with what I have now said, and that they have no assist-
ance to expect from either the Xing or Congress in future. All
the upper Posts are now our property, and I expect to go in a short
time to speak to the six Nation Indians, k should they not meet k
give me full satisfaction between this place k Fort Stanwix on my
way up I shall then prepare myself as a WarriQ)*i proceed thro'
their Country to humble their pride, k make them my prisoners, &ca.
I shall look upon the Oneidas k Cayagas In a more favorable light
than the other Nations, as two of the Cayacas -"Iiave beeu. with me
during the war. The Six Nations must not by i^iiy means whalever,
be stopt by Col' Butler, k should he at any time ikll into our lumdS|
he undoubtedly will be hanged." . • *• ^r , * *'

When this speech was delivered -io Brig* GeiP BI*I»iRi, (le 0m^
tradioted it flatly k declared to the Six Nations, thti'iflMtd 0I49 s
fabricated by some designing bad people — ^That he could tUnuri
them, such a speech never had been made by Oen^ Schuyler, ^ihajj
he never authorised any other person to make it for him ; lul^ her
(Brigadier Oen> McLean) cOtil^ iMsure the Six Nations, the be^did
not believe the United Sutes had* any intention of driving the In-
dians out of their Country, tliat^eing a measure contrary to their own'
interest^ A that they were not to l^eljeve such idle stories, but shut

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783. 66

their ejea agaiiMit such designibg bad people ; To liaten only to
what he would tell them, & he ahould always tell them the truth.

Tnmsmitted Gen^ Sohuyler, m copy of this from Albany of the 2«
of August, 1783.

B. DOUGLASS.
(Copy.)

Secr'y. Armstronq to Thomas Scott, 1788.

Secy* Office, Pa.
Sir,

By order of Council, I enclose a Copy of a letter lately received
from the Governor of Virginia; as the trustees of the peace of
Pennsylvania, & the rights of its Citizens, Council feel themselves
obliged to attend to every oomplaint which may be offered against
those who are entrusted with the execution of Her laws, however
improper the oharacter of oomplaint may be. It is the object
therefore of this letter to enquire into the grounds of the charges
exhibited by Mr. Harrisson, & to request your repoii upon iha Sub-
ject as soon ss possible.

I am. Sir, with muoh Bespeot, Yoan, &o.

J. A.,

jrSec'y-
Indorsed,

1783, July 2nd.

Sbcr'y. Armstrong to John Litkbnb, S. G., 1788.

In Council, July 2*, 1783.
Sir,

In consequence of some late information that combinations have
been formed in this City, & elsewhere to engross large tracts of the
best part of that land which has been assigned by law for the re*
demption of the depreciation certificates and pUns have been laid to
oonceal the relative value of the lots, &o. to be laid out by yon, &o.y
Ac. I have the directions of Council to express at onoe their orders
ft desire that in the execution of your business all abuse of trust
may be guarded against with the utmost eare ft assiduity, ft that
the late instructions of Council unon this subject be striotly adher'd
to. I need not sugsest how muco the hopes, wishes ft intentions of
government wouldHbo defeated by a successful combinatioa of this
kind.

66 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783.

There is a second pcnnt upon which Coancil hsTc their apprehen-
sions. Their information on this head is derived from the same
source. It is this, that some arts will certainly he tried to lead the
people whom jon may employ in laying out this Country — to hrcak
in upon that tract, which has heen set apart for the accommodation
of the Troops. Should this be done, much uneasiness to the State
& great injury to the Soldiery will follow — to prevent both it be-
comes an object of much concern to Council, & a very important
part of your business that the boundary as pointed out by law —
should be defined with the utmost Care & precision.
With much respect. Your

Most Obd* Hum. Servant,

JNO. ARMSTRONG, jr., Jr.,

Secretary.

Pees. Dickinbon to Gen. Howe, 1783.

In Council, July 3', 1783.
Sir,

I am obliged to yon for the politeness with which you have com-
municated the order you have received, by your letter of yesterday.
Your Character induces Council to rely upon the assurance given as
to the Rule of your Conduct & of those under your Command.
I am with the greatest &
sincerest Esteem Sir, your
most obedient & most
humble servaot,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Indarsedf— To Major Gen. Howe in Philada.

Pres. Dickinson to Brig. Gen. Irvine, 1783

» In Council, July 3*, 1783.

; Sir,

We are obliged to yon for the communication in your Letter of
the 3' last ; and have given such Instructions to the Surveyor Gene-
ral, as we hope, will be of nsC; in preventing the Mischief appre-
hended,
i We wish to do every thing we can for the Benefit of the State, &

I for rendering Justice to the Officers & Soldiers; and; therefore

I should certainly appoint some Military gentlemen to act in Con-

I junction with the surveyor, if we had the power.

PENN8YLVAJNIA AECHIVES 1783. 67

The Measure would in all probability be advantageous ; and we
thould be pleased if your pmdenoe would avail itself of your situa-
sioD, to secure the Pennsylvania Line against the Schemes of those
projectors, who prefer their own gain to more generous Considera-
tion.

We should also be glad if you would procure due Care to be
taken of the two Tracts appropriated to the State^ and prevent the
Timber from being destroyed.

I am^ Sir, with the greatest

k Sincerest Esteem, your
most obd* hble. Serv%

JOHN DICKINSON.
Indortedf

1783, July 3rd. To Brig. Ocd. Irvine, Com. at Fort Pitt
Gen. Irvine.

Sheriff of Bucks Co. to Secr't. Armstrong, 1783.

Beading July 3, 1783.
Sir,

Sheriff Ereamer being absent at a Considerable distance from
Town when the Dispatches from you arrived ; I judged it necessary
as Deputy Sheriff to open them, and on his behaljf acquaint you
that Sergeant Nagle having been committed to the Oaol of this
County, some days ago, by Justice Levan for boasting of bis mutin-
ous and Seditious, behaviour towards his Excellency the President
and the honorable Congress, was this day delivered to Sergeant
Beetle, who was sent for him by Col. Butler, who has taken him
strongly hand-cuffed and under a Guard to Lancaster.
I am, with great respect,
Your obedient hum. Serv^,

PETEB FILBEtLT.
Directed, — (On public service.)

John Armstrong, Jun', Esq., Secretary to the Supr*"* Executive
Council, Philad*.

W PBNKSTLVANIA ABGHIVBS 17%.

David Sproat to Prba. Dickikson, 1788.

New York, July 6th, 1783.
Sir,

Sinee my ttppointment to be Comminnry of Prisonen your
Ezcelleiioy msy easily be informed, that I have at all times coDtri-
bated as mnch as it has been in my power to roliere their distress
and make confinement as oomfortable to them as possible.

No fund being appropriated to famish them with clothing, beding,
&«,, which they stood very mnoh in need of; every Fall of the
year, after Jkiaking a requisition to the American commissary to
sbpply them, I set a Suoscription on foot to raise money for that
purpose and never failed in procuring the sum wanted, untill la^
year Giroumstances joined to prevent it. As no public oharge was
ever intended to be made, no particular account was ever kept of the
individuals to whom the different articles were issued, some of the
prisoners got more and others less according as their wants required,
without regard to the Country or State they came from.

In the Month of January last, aft^r the prisoners had been chiefly
supplied with their winter Clothing & beding, a Shallop arrived here
from Philadelphia with about 180 Bis. of Flour and some potatoes,
addressed to a M' Robins of this place, with instructions to him to
apply the proceeds in purchasing neoessaries for the prisoners
banging, as be said to that State only. I expected that he wouM
have gone hand in hand with me in the business, however he has
never paid me any part of that money which amounted to at least
.X800 the profits on which was sufficient to supply the whole of the
Pennsylvania prisoners here at that time, but he objeeted to the
peatest part ot them, in particular to the whole of those taken in the
S* Carolina who mast have perished had I not supplied them, and
they were chiefly belonging to your State, a oiroumstance which
perhaps M' Robins' constituents did not know when they gave him
those orders.

Inclosed I send a Copy of the account by M' Francis Oumey who
has seen the vouchers and will explain the matter more fully to your
Excellency who's known Character leases no dOnbt with me, thAt
you will be pleased to take such steps for my reimbursement, of the
part you think equitable to pay, for the honor of the State over
which you preside. With every sentiment of esteem and most
perfect regard,

I have the honor to be.

Tour Excellency's most obedient,
humble Servant,

DAVID SPROAT.
Directed^
His Excellency Gov' Dickinson.

PENJJCSYLVANIA AKOHIVES 1783. 69.

Dblbgates in Congress to Prbs. Dickinson, 1783.

PriDccton, July 7, 1783.
We have the honor to Acknowledge the receit of your Excel-
lency's letter of the b*^, and to transmitt herewith, the papers you
require.

The paragraph you are pleased to particularize in the Report of
the Committee appears to want precision, & to he Capahle, of a
cpnstnictipn, which we really helieye was not Intended. We will
moye eraoh an amendment as will better Express the fact, & what
yrt oonceiye to be the Intention of the Committee ;, & we have not
the Smallest doubt but Congress will agree it. If there are any
other papers, that Council may think necessary, they will please to
Signify their pleasure to us, & we shall think it our duty to procuro
them, & to Communicate every material transaction that Occurs
during our attendance here.

We are with Great Respect,
y ExcelU" m~» hble. Serv*%

TH08. FITZSIMONS,
JOHN MONTGOMERY.

Col. Rich. Butlbr to Prbs. Dickinson, 1783.

Lancaster, July 9«% 1783.
Sir,

. I have reo' a letter of the 3' Inst, from Major General Howe
directing returns of the troops here, those furlough*' provisions &
ainoe the mutiny with prders to re-call those who were oonoemed in
the troubles & to take back their furloughs 3 This I apprehend will
be difficult, they being Scatter^ into so many different parts of the
country but as it is an order from a Superior, however impolitiok it
may be, T shall endeavour to execute it.

1 have had Sergeant Nagle bro't from Reading by three of the
Active mutineers, who I sent for him, two others of the princples &
one Abettor, are ia this town gaol iu Irons, another capital fellow
one Smith, who assumes the title of a Serjeant, a british deserter, is
still about the city. I think him a very proper object for punish-
ment add refer to your Excellencys opinion the propriety of ad*,
vertising him, inclos' is his description & the deposition against Seij^
Nagle. I have wrote Qen^ S* Clair respecting a tryal.

I have felt a little uneasy at the Congressional reflections on the
State, hope when they cool they will think better of the State of
Penna*.

I have the honor to be Sir, with
the greatest respect & Friendship,
your Excellencys most Obd* Hub. St.|
R. BUTLER, Col», 3*,

P. B. Comdg.
His Excellency John Dickinson, Esquire, President.
Vol. X.— 4

70 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

Brig. Gen. McLean to M. Douglass, 1783.

(Copy.)

Brigadier Gen^ McCeao presents his compliments to Mr. Dong-
lass, and Cap <Macullj, & requests the favor of their company to
dinner to-morrow at three O'Clock. A verbal message bj the
Servant will be sufficient.

The Brigadier will be much obliged to Mr. DouglasSi if ho will
be so good as to send him to-morrow a copy of kis^ instrnctionsi &
of the resolve of^ Congress to be transmitted to the Commander in
Chief in Canada to facilitate business.

Sunday Evening, 13*^ July, 8 O'Clock.

Ephbaim Douglass, to Gen. McLean, 1783.

(Copy.)

Niagara, 16« July, 1783.
Sir,

After having already so fully communicated to you my instrac-
tfons from the Sec^ at War. The resolve of Confess whereon they
are founded — my wishes in obedience to these instructions k my
earnest desire of having an opportunity of communicating them to
the ChiefJB of the Indian Nations, a repetition of any part thereof
would now be as useless as improper; but that my character may
be defended from the imputation of irresolution, negligence or
want of alacrity in the execution of my duty, I take the liberty
to request that yod would iavor me in writing with your reasons for
declining to suffer me to assemble the Ohie£, &nd to make known
to them the message I am charged with by the United States: And
from the personal civilities I have already received, as well as from my
opinion of your character, I flatter myself ^ou will readily grant
me this request.

I am, with all possible respect
Sir, Tour most Obed. Servant,

EPHRAIM DOUGLASS.
Hon'ble Brig' Gen^ M'^Lean, Command* at Niagara.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783; 71

Gkn. McLean to Major Douglass, 1783.

Niagara, 16th July 1783.
Sir,

I am favored with jour letter of this date, in answer to which,
I am to iuform jou that it is roj wish, & ought to be that of every
honest man to promote friendship, cordiality and reconciliation
between the subjects of great Britain and the citizens of the United
States and that I shall for my part always follow that role — You Sir,
have been so obliging as to deliver me a copy of your Instructions
together with the resolve of Congress, upon which they are founded
& I should have been happy to have had it in my power to comply
with yeur wishes but circufastanced as I am in a subaltern station
it was out of my power, until I had received the orders of the
Commander in chief. My sentiments on that head, I had the
honour to communicate to General Lincoln Secretary at War to the
United States, by a letter dated 16th of May, last. An additional
reason that weighed greatly with me, and rendered it impossible for
roe to admit the publication of your instructions, was, that part of
them were conceived in terms that I judged to be unnecessary, if not
improper, and must have been a reflection on any British Offioer
that would give his consent to their being published. I apprehend
Congress to be unacquainted with the situation in which I stand
with respect to Indians, there are 3,000 of them victualled here
daily ; these, in fact, are a part of this Oarrison, as to provision &
cloathing — and the impression that the communicating your instruc-
tions to them ; would (in my opinion) briog on disputes that might
be disagreeable to the service & the troops under my command, &
for which I should be justly blamed, till I had received the sanction
of the Commander in Chief. The pacific disposition- of the United
States to the Indian Na^ons, I communicated to them, when E;
received Gen'l Lincoln's letter, & I shall repeat it by the Super-
intcndant immediately — ^you are now acquainted with the pacific
disposition of the Indians & I can assure you, there is nothing they*
wish for with greater anxiety, than peace and friendship 9ith the
United States. They have fore some time past been greatly alarmc<{
at the several severe messages said to be sent them from Albany,
but I have endeavored to quiet their apprehensions on that score.
I cannot conclude without declaring, that in my hiimble ^pitiion Con-
gress could not have employed any Man better qualified than your-
self for carrying on a negotiation with the Indian Nations & I greatly
lament for the reasons 1 have mentioned, that it is but of my power;
to act otherwise than I have done, until! have the authority
of my superiors, which I shall transmit by a flag of Truce to the'
State of New Ycirk, the moment I receive them.

I have the honor to be &~,

ALLAN MACLEAN-
Directed, — To Bphraim Douglass, Esqr.

(Copy.)

72 PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIYES 1783.

Dklsoatbs dt (yOHGBSss TO Pbbs. Diceinson, 1783.

c PrincctoD, Jalj 16, 1783.

Sir,

The Letters with whieh the Delegates were honored respecting the
farther Proceedings relatiTe to the Mutineers were dnij reoeiTed &
the Enclosures oommunicated to Congress. Your Ezoellenej's
Explanation of your Gonduct in oppoation to the Misrepresentations
contained in Serjeant Nagle's Deposition has also heen laid before
Congress. The Papers jour BxceUenqj wishes to hare furnished
cannot be found at present in the Secretary's Office. A further
Seareh will be made & if more suceessfnl the Papers shall be sent.
It is presumed Counoii hsTe the originals of whioh it is conoeiTcd
only copies were transmitted.

I have the Honour to be

with great Respect & Esteem

your very obd. Serrant,

BIGHABD PETEES.
Direetedf
To His Excellency President Dickinson.

Extracts PRQM a Letteb, 1783.

Pittsburgh, July ISth, 1783.
Sir, ,

I take the earliest opportunitj of informing you & Council of
some designing People in this Quarter, in raising disturbances
amongat the Ignorant People, vis'* * * * * ♦
I' am informed |tbat they have Reported, that there is a Remon-
strance laid before the Assembly of Virginia, to have an appeal to
Congress in regard to the boundary lately agreed on Between this
State and that of VirgiDia, & to have commissioners reappointed to
Run a Line agreeable to the Meanders of the Delaware, that the
Line is not finall v settled & that by taking the Line in the manner,
mentioned it would be much in favour of the State of Virginia & the
People who would wish to live out of the State, by spreading these
Reports it Creates an uneasiness amongst those' People who would
be food to take hokl of any thing that would offer to Screen them-
sf)lves from the Law of this State, Council well knows that these
People have always been dissaffected to this Oovemroent, some
eBipctual steps ought to be taken to fix the boundary finally, other-
wise, we sfaall always be troubled with these kind of People, if you
should think that the hint I have given will be off service, you'll
excuse me for troubling you with this Letter, & I shall be happy in
haviug it in my power to serve the State. ♦ ♦ ♦ #

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 73

Georqb Bryan to Pres. Dickinson, 1783.

22clJulj, 1783.
Sir, .

I attended carefully to the enquiry which your excellency was
pleased to reccommend to me yesterday. Upon going to the Cor-
runer's house, which is nigh to mine, I learned from Mrs. Rush, that
he had held an inquisition on the body of Molineaux, lately killed
in a violent manner.

This morning Mr. Rush himself was with roe. He represents the
aflfair as follows ; that about ten in the Evening, two persons were
passing thro Cedar Street near the wharf, when one of them heard a
cry, near by *< I am stabbed :" that he immagined that it was the
voice of his companion, & interfering, layed hold of a man, two
others running off at same time clad in short cloathes like seamen ;
that his Companion asked him <* what are you about 7" To which
the other said, << I thought you were stabbed" ** No, was the reply,
I am safe," Upon which the prisoner was let go. The saylors aa
they seemed to be, went down street towards the wharf. Molineaux
never spoke afterwards, but died in 5 or 6 minutes.

The Coroner further tells me, that he introduced the Evidence to
the Chief Justice, lest he might be blamed for the darkness of thU
homicide, which perhaps will Qcyer be explained.

Shall I presume to hint to vour Excellency, that in such cases
rewards have sometimes brought forth witnesses. In this citse, It
might shew a laudable exertion in the Executive power to protect
foreigners of whatever nation ; for I presume the deceased was a
Britbh Subject, besides the deed is in its nature highly mena-
cing. But this Idea, I submit to your Excellency's better judgment|
hoping you will excuse my mentioning it.
I am

may it please your Excellency
your Excellencies,

most obed't hum Servt,

. GEO. BRYAN.

P. S. I should haxp done myself the honour of waiting on you
in person this morning, had I not taken medicine for my cold.
Directed

To His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq. Pres. of the State of
Pennsylvania.

* See Proclamation in Col. Rec, Vol. XIII., p. e2^.

74 PENNSYLVANIA AKCHITES 1783.

Elias Boudikot to Pbbs. Dickinson, 1783.

PriDceton, 26 Jolj, 1783.
Dear Sir,

I hare the bon'or of inclosing yonr Excellency the copy of a pri-
Tate letter I lately reoeiyed from a Member of GongreaSi while in

I oar City. I incloae. it for yonr information, aa I think * * *
eing the oonfidcotial friend of Carberry & SnlliTan, may be likely
to know more of their Schemes than any other person.
I have the honor to be,

with great respect,

yonr Excellency's
Olied' k very hnmb. Senr*,

ELIAS BODDINOT.
Directed, — His Eieellency John Dickinson, Esq., Presid. Ac, of
Pennsylvania.
Elias Dondinoi.

Philadelphia, 17 July, 1783.
Sir,

I dined yesterday at Bristol in company with a Mr. * * *.of
Chester, who informed me that it was to his house Carberry and
Sullivan came when they fled frooi the City, Carberry being an old
acquaintance of his. That they made him acquainted with their
situation, and told him they put their lives in his hands, and that
he must shelter them till they could make their escape. That he
inform'ed them of a British Ship, outward bound then lying in the
Biver, and, at their deiure, went on board and applied for a pas-
sage for them. That the Captain informed him that the Births were
taken up, and he could not receive them unless the passengers con-
sented. That no objections being made, the two men left his house
& went on board about 12 o'clock in the night of the same day they
came down. He informed me they came on Horse back, and
brought a black boy with them to take the horses back.

« ♦ ♦ gives Carberry a very good name, but says Sullivan talked
in a strange way — that he took him to be in liquor — that he had a
pair of loaded pistols with him and swore .he never would be taken
alive — that if it was attempted lie would shoot somebody with one
of the pistols and with the other blow his own brains out.

This is the best account I have heard of the escape of these men,
and I communicate it to your Excellency, rather with a desire of
satisfying you, as to the manner of it, than from an expectation that
such inforioiation will be of use to the Public. * * * who assisted
them, does not seem conscious of having done wrong. How far he
is culpable by the laws of the State, I cannot undertake to say.

I am, &c.,
B, M« * * *

PENNSTLTANIA AECHIVES 1783. 75

Provingb Island Hospital, 1788.

Sir,

The Trudtees of tho Province Island, otherwiee State Island, have
appointed Nicholas Fitzsimons to be keeper of the Hospital there. —
Colonel Bayard, who is gone oat of Town, has good recommenda-
tions of him. It is hoped he will execute the trust with satisfaction
to the honorable Board.

We are Sir,

Your most obd. Servants,
GEO. BRYAN,
ROBERT KNOX.
Philadelphia, 26<* July, 1783.
Dlrededj
To Mr. Secretary Armstrong.

Com. of Taxes of Bucks Go. to Pees. Dickinson, 1788.

Bocks County, July SI-*, 1783.
Sir,

This acknowledges the Receipt of a Letter from Mr. Secretary,
dated the 24th Instant, together with the Duplicate of another of
the 20th of May last, respecting the arrearages of Taxes in this
County, particultfly those of the class and effective Supplies. In
answer thereto we would wish to assure tho Honorable Council, that
we have not been inattentive to their Notices on this Subject;
knowing also the Demands of the Law therein, as well as the public
Neoessities, we have constantly endeavoured to fulfil our Duty ; And
though our Exertions have not had the desired Effect in its fullest
Extent, we yet trust, & have good Reason to believe, that, generally
through the County our Sucoess has been equal to the Abilities of
the People. The War left them poor and since its Condnsion they
have not had Time nor wherewith to enrich themselves. In this Sense
we humbly conceive its Effects do still operate. Notwithstanding
these Considerations we have urged them hard ; the Collectors have
been notified often, threatened and summoned to answer for Delin-
quency— their Plea constantly is an absolute scarcity of Money \ in-
somuch that when they distrain for Tax, they cannot sell, especially
where the Goods belong to the Persons who used to pay freely when
they could ; and in Case of Sale, that the Purchasers themselves
are often unable to make immediate Payment, though Owners of
considerable Estates. Knowing, or at least believing from our own
Observations and Experience, that these Pleas were just, we have
indeed thought it hard and impolitic to execute the Rigours of the
Law upon the Collectors; and though some of them may have
possibly abused the Lenity shown them, either by Remisness, or an
appropriation of the public Monies to their own Purposes, we do not
know it, & hope there are but few such.

76 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

HaviDg given jour ExcellcDCj and Council the Causes which
retard the Collection of the Taxes, in this County, which proceed
from the Scarcity of money ; we heg leave to mention another very
disagreeable one, and that is a Difficulty of procuring CollectorSi
owing priuoipally to the Insults and Abuses of a Band of Robbers,
who lufest the Middle and upper Parts of the County, and who
have robbed us of large Sums, which by the Way makes our arrears
much greater than otherwise they would appear. Men think an
Appointment of this kind hard in those Parts, as it exposes their
Persons and Properties to certain Danger, against which they have
it not in their Power to guard. They consider the Latter, in some-
Sort as doubly at Stake — liable to be carried off or destroyed by the
Hand of Violence in Part, and to make good out of what shall re-
main, the Loss of any public Money of which at the same Time
they may be deprived. These with other obvious Considerations,
arising from the Poverty of the People, induce many to choose a
Pine rather than the Office. New Appointments are made, but
Time lost.

But not to trouble your Excellency and Council too much, we
would just represent further, that from the Information of our
. County Treasurer, he has paid into the State Treasury, what he
' thinks our full Quotas of the Class Taxes and Supplies for the Year
17^1, taking into the Account the Sums lost by Robbery as afore-
said, and those paid by him to Pcnaoners within the County. With
Respect to the Supplies for 1782, we must acknowledge the County
. largely in Arrear, having yet paid on Account thereof, but about
;£9024, and of the Supplies for 1783, nothing is yet collected.
Nevertheless Justice to ourselves induoes us to repeat that as Com-
BUBsioners, we have not been wanting in our Exertions to obtain
speedy Collections, and Respect to the Supreme Executive of the
State, superadded to every other just Consideration, directs us to
assure the Honorable Council that these Exertions shall be con-
• tinned.

For the further Information and Order of Council therein, there
will be delivered herewith, the examination of sundry Persons
respecting some late Robberies.

We are Sir, with the greatest
Respect, your Excellency's,
and the Uon'*'* Councils,
humble Servants,
SAML. SMITH,
FRANCIS MURRAY.
Directed^

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esquire, President of the State
of Pennsylvania, in Council.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 77

Jacob Smysbr to Prbs. Dickinson, 1783.

YorktowD, August 6th, 1783.
Sir,

A Letter from Council dated May the 20^^, very lately oaroo to
our hands, which urged us to sue a Number of Coilect^rs^ but am
made sensible of the Distreses of our Inhabitants.

Upwards of two hundred Head of Cattle have perished last
Spring in this County, the Crops failed and the Inhabitants dis-
tressed to no little purpose.

The Letter of July the 24th seems very feeling and threatning,
and if closely pursued ruinous to our County, few Individuals could
Escape the doal, money has no Circulation with our Inhabitants, as
it can have in other more Populous Places.

We haye taken every Necessary Step to Discharge the Supplies in
Arrear, and find it very distressing, and still not Satisfactory to our
£2:pect>ations. The >Iildew and hail hath destroyed many fields
of Orain in this County this Year, which is still more threatning to
us ; and Collectors have already brought Goods to town, upward of
twenty miles, on which they have distrained for the discharge of the
Taxes, and met with little encouragement of the Sale.

Our Treasurer intends going to Philadelphia in a very short time,
who will give a very Satisfactory Acc^

I am with Bespect Sir, Your Excellency's most
Obedient & Hble, Serv^

JACOB SMYSER.
Directed^

To His Excellency John Dickinson, Esqr., Presd' of the Supreme
Executive Council of Philadelphia.

Pbss. Dickinson to Council, 1783.
Sir,

I am not able to attend Council to-day, being a good Deal india*
posed.

May it not h% proper to send a Copy of Governor Harrisons last
Letter & Incloshre, to the prothonotary of Washington County, with
Directions to communicate it immediately to all the Judges, Justices
& Officers of Distinction in that County, and to report to Council
with all possible Dispatch, the particular Circumstances relating to
the Cases of Campbell, Cox, Ik the Militia Officers, mentioned in the
proceedings of the Virginia Assembly.

I am. Sir, your most obd< serv^,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Thursday Morning.
Directed, — G en* ■ E wing.
Indorsed.— hjkg. 7, 1783.

* An extract was sent, the letter not found, nor is It printed, See Col.
Reo. Vol. XIIL p. 689.

4* *

78 PBilNSYLVANU ABCHIYESr 1788.

Secr'y. Armstrong to Prothonotary op Washington.
OotJNTY, 17o8.

7th Aug*, 1788; Seoretaiys Offioe.
Sir,

Enolosed ia an extract from a seoond letter lately received from
the Governor of Virginia, upon the subject oJT our laws & their iU*
ecution in that tract of Country, which has been ceded to us by the
agreement of the Slat of August, 1779. It came accompanied by
a xeaolntion of their last Assemblv — a cop;^ of whiph is also en-
closed. It is th49 desire of Council that you will communicate these
papers to the Magistracy of vour County & report to me with all
possible dispatch, the particular circumstances which attended the
oases of John Campbellj Col. &c., &c

I am Sir, &o.,

JOHN ARMSTR0N9,
jr. Secretary.
Prothonotary of Washington County. ^

Sbc'y Armstrong to Tags. Scott, &o., 1788.

Secretary's Office,

Philadelphia, Angnst 7% 1788.
Sir,

Inclosed is an Extract of a second Letter lately received from the
Governor of Virginia, upon the subject of our Laws & their Execu-
tion, in that disputed Tract of Country whicb has been relinquished
to us by the agreement of the 81*' of Augu-t 1779. It came aocom-
panied by a lUsolution of their Assembly, a copy of which, together
with a copy of the Ratification of the agreement afi^resaid by our
Assembly, on the 28* of Septr, 1780, is inclosed. It is the Direo-
tion of Council, that yon will immediately oommunicale all thesa
Papers to the whole Magistracy of your County, informing them,
that it is the firm & unanimous Besolution of Council, as they are
convinced it is of our Oen^ Assembly, to adhere inviolably to the
Stipulations contained in the agreement between the two States^ that
tboy expect the Magistracy and all well disposed persons who regard
the Honor er peace of the State will also punctually observe the said
Stipulations, ft strictly require the same attention to them from
others.

Council are of opinion, that no persons holding Civil or Military
offices under the State of Yirginiay should be in.^y manner molested
for regular acts done by them in either of those capacities in pursu-

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 79

anoe of the Laws of that State prior to the agreement before meur
tioned.

You. will please to report to Me with all possible Dispatch the
particular CiroumBtanees attending the cases of John Campbell,
iiieut. Colk Coxe, & others alluded to in the inclosed Resolution.

I am, &Cy

J, A., Jr., Sec^*.
Indaneij

August 9^, 1788. To Thomas Scott and Michael Hufinagle,
Estj".

GovEBNOA or South Cabolina to Fbbs, Dicsjbson, 1788.

(Circular.)
Government House,

Charleston, S* Carolina, IS*^ August, 1788.
Sir,

The Legislature of this State, baying denred me to write to the
several Oovemors of the United States, requesting that thej would
be pleased to furnish me with a list of the names of those Personr,
who, have been proscribed or banished from their respective States ;
I therefore to that end, npw do mjself the Honour of addressing this
mj circular to you, and will be much obliged to jou for your An-
swer of Compliance with the said Request, as soon as may be conve-
nient, that! might lay the same before them at their next sitting.
I have the Honor to be,

with the greatest Respect,
Sir, your most Obedient,

and very Hbble Serv*,

BEN. GUEBARD.
Directe(fj

His Excellenoy. the President of the Executive Conneil of the
State of Pennsylvania.

COMMISSSIONERS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTT TO PrES.

Dickinson, 1788.

Carlisle, August 14*% 1783.
Sir,

We rec* your late letter with a former one inclosed urging the Pay^
ment of Public Taxes of our county, previous to which we have wrote

* Bough draft Ml, wiling of Ftes. DioUaaon, see answer, page 80.

80 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783.

and otherwise pressed the Collectors of the different Townships to
their duty and have sued several of them. We are convinced of the
necessity of raising the public taxes and beg leave to assure jrour
JBzcellonoj that it b neither inattention in na or want of reflection
on the important subject that makes an apology for our Condoot
necessary. With us me arguments derived from the effects of the
War doth not altogether cease to operate altho of late labour hath
its price. The Farmer (who -hath been frequently called from his
Family to Military Service anduinable to obtain Labourers to culti-
vate his Farm) cannot consistant with his labour make money of his
present Crop before be hath put in his Seed. We believe the Peo-
ple in our County in General have a disposition to pay the Taxes as
far as in their power could they be indulged with time to raise it out
of their produce notwithstanding the difficulty they labor under for
want of circulating Cash — Collectors have Distrained and Could not
sell any property for want of Buyers, some persons indeed who have
demands on the Public think it very bard to pay.lftxes while large
sums are due them. We Humbly submit these remarks to your
Excellency's Consideration and Hopefor indulgence from the Honorap
ble Council, untill the people have tihie to carry what, they qan spare
of their produce to Market and in th&meau time we i^Ul not fall to
use our Inflaence in raising the taxes of our Oountj.
We have the honor to be

with all due rcspeot|

your Excellencies

Most obe4' & H"« Serv<*,
JOHN AGNEW,) p^„„
SAM. LAIRD, J ^^"^ •
Directedj

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esquire, President of the Su-
preme Executive Oouncii, Philadelphia.

Fav* by Stephen Duncan, E8q^
Indorsedf

August IS'^, 1788. Letter from Comm'rs of York County. '

Thos. Scott to Pres. Dickinson, 1783.

Washington Connty, August 15% 1788.
May it please your Excellency :

I have received Councils Sundry letters inclosing oopys of papers
lately received from the Governor of Virginia^ and in obedience to
the orders of Council, beg leave thereupbn to report:

* See page 79, also CoL Bec«, YoL ZUI., p. 678.

PENNSYLVANIA AKCHIVES 1788. 81

That I know of no departure from the Compact between the two
States, and believe there has been none on the part of the Court of
this County.

That I know of no ifteasure adopted by this state, or any of its
officers, whereby the rights of the late Citizens of Virginia are in
any degree Infringed upon ; were those rights which they are said
to have held, and whereof, they are said now to be deprived, ex-
plicitly mentioned, perhaps I would be able to give some satisfaction.

That I conceive the infringment on landed property stated in the
memorial, could not possibly happen without act of the Legislature ;
if the case of M*" Campbell be meant by this suggestion, I know
nothing of it further than that he hath been prisoner with the
Indians for some years past, and may have missed of Ingrossing
large quantities of land at a low price, by Commissioner Certificates ;
some other of the Inhabitants of Washington County have likewise
missed of that opportunity, bv means as little Criminal, and I could
wish to see the whole relieved, and put on an equal footing.

The case of Col* Cox is shortly thus, prosecutions were Instituted
against him for assaults and batteries in useing compulsory measures
to draw forth the Militia of Washington County, By Virtue of
orders issued by Col^ Penticost in Character of Lieutenant of
Yougbagania county, for the Service of Gen* Clarks expedition
down the Ohio in 1781. Which orders, as well the people who were
thus compelled to service, as the Generality of tbe people of the
county oould not conceive to have proceeded from the authority of
Virginia; not only because of the previous agreement of the Several
Legislatures, but from the orders Given by that state on that occar
sion, to the Lieutenant of Monangohola county: Viz. that be
should connne his authority lo the South side of Dixon's & Mea8on9
Line Extended, although the Greater part of that county lay North
of that line ; on this Ground as well as on full conviction of the
Legal extention of the Jurisdiction of this State, the people very
Generally disobeyed those orders, and these prosecutions were com-
menced.

This being the true State of this Gen' Case, and although his
conduct on the ocasion was exceedingly disrespectful to the court,
He coming at the head of a party in a Tnmnltious & contemptuous
Manner, continuing ahoot the Streets in that manner until evening;
and the same night an attempt was made upon the house in which
the court was held, and part of it Thrown down ; yet so far was
personal resentment and party Spirit from mingling with the
proceedings of the Court, that a disposition to soften the prosecu-
tions was observable in most of the officers, and CoP Cox was ac-
tually acquited. How this Can be termed a Judgement against him
for a Considerable sum, &c., I cannot understand. It is true that
on account of his behaviour already mentioned, I charge him Clarks
fees. There was Indictments against one other Gen* who was also
acquited and discharged with out fees ; and there is a Suit depend-

82 PENNSYLVANIA AKCHIVES 1783.

log against two others for things of the same natare, done at the
8a«« time ; But there never was a decision of Court againat anj
Virginia officer, as such, for any cause whatever.
I Have the Honor to be.

Your £xcelleno'y
Very Humble Servant,

THOS. SCOTT,
Protr of Washington County.
Diredifd,
His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq', President, &o.

Commis'rs of Taxes of Lancaster, Co. to Council, 1783.

Lancaster, August 16th, 1783.
Gentlemen,

We received your Letters of the 24th: July last, setting forth the
necessity of collecting the several Tases. the Demands we are per«
awaded are pressipgly great,, and previous to. your Letter we have
done every thing in our power (excepting patting the Law in foree,)
to have the out standing Taxes collected. But there is a difficulty
arrising in collecting that we are at a loss how to advise in— *8ome
People have the money by them and those for the most part have
never give themselvea much concern about the Time of paypneoU
Others have it not aod has appropriated a great part of their; Tim#
in serving ihe public and have little or nothing left but publio
Certificates or unsettled accounts, and appear but just beginning the
World anew. This latter Class Humanity would advise forbearanoe,
and how to discriminate is difficult and perhaps dangerous. If People
could be so good natured as to lend Money to those that wanted|
The Tazcp n^iffht soon be paid. But those who can spare Money do
not like to risk it especialy to those who have been most active jn
the service of their Country.

However we still hope that as a Bemarkablo Providence has car-
ried us through a greater DiiOiculty than this, we are in the greate#|
hopes that er'e long. we will be able to comply with whAt is required
of us.

We are Gentlemen

with much respect

your obedient and

very humble Servants,

SAM. BOYD,
WILLIAM SMITH.
J}irectedf

To John Armstrong, Esq', Sec''' to the Executive Council)
Philadelphia.

PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVES 1783. 88

Copy of Report of Ephbaim Douolabs to Secy, at Wab,

1783.

Princeton, 18th Angaat, 1788.

In obedience to the instructions you honored me with on the 6th
of May last, I have used every endeavour in my power to execute
in the fullest manner your orders, and give effect to your wishes j
and though I have not had all the success I at first hoped, I jElatter
myself the following report will not only shew that I have attempted
all in my power, but that essential good consequences may justly be
hoped from my endeavours to obey your Commands.

On the 7 th of June, I left Fort Pitt and travelling about two
hundred miles by the old trading path, arrived on the 16th at the
Delaware & Huron settlements on the Sandusky Kiver, but before
I reached the Villages I fell in with two young Delawers who had
known me formerly, appeared rejoiced to see me, and conducted me
to the principal Town of that Tribe. Captain Pipe who is the
principal man of the Nation, received me with every demonstratioQ
of joy, welcomed me in the most friendly manner and treated me
with greater Civility than is usual with them in time of profound
Peace. In a speech of gratulation which he delivered on my arrival,
he felicitated me and my Companions on our safety through a long
& dangerous wilderness, and himself, on seeing his brethren of the
United States once more enter his door in a peaeable and friendly
manner 3 but told me, as his Nation was not the principal one, nor
had voluntarily engaged in the War, it would be proper for me first
to communicate my business to the Hurons and Shauneze, and
afterwards to the Dela wares. That he had announced my arrival to
the Hurons, and expected such of them as were at home would
very shortly be over to see and weloom me. This soon happened b^
he bad expected, but as none of their Chiefs were present, I declined
speaking publickly to them, knowing that I could receive no authen*
tic answer, and unwilliog to expend unnecessarily the Wampum 1^
had prepared for this occasion. I informed them for their satisfaction
of the peace with England, and told them that the United States
were disposed to be in friendship with the Indians also — desired them
to send for their head men, particularly for the Half King who was
eone to Detroit : to send also to the Shauneze and such of the Six
Nations and Delawares aa live on the Miami River, and that when
these were all present, I would deliver to them publickly the par-
ticulars o^the business I was charged with.

They all readily agreed to this proposal, and returned to their
homes apparently very well satisfied : but the Hurons nevertheless,
failed sending to Detroit, partly thro' the want of authority in the
old men present^ and partly through the assurances of the Wife o£

84 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

the half Eiog who was confident her Husband would be home in
two Days, and therefore a journey which would require six or
seven was altogether unnecessary.

The Pipe sent away for those on the Miami agreeable to hia
promise, and learning that Mr. Elliot, one of the agents in the
Indian Department resided with the Shawneze, and must neoea-
sarily be acquainted with my coming, I wrote to him by the Pipe's
Express, requesting him to concur with our Messenger in communi-
cating to the ShaWneze, that I was charged with a Message from
the United States and desired them to attend as soon as possible—-
I also gave him an invitation to be present if he could make it con-
venient. Though I promised to myself very little from thb Lettery
I knew it could do no possible harm — and though I did not hope
he would give himself any trouble to serve me, I thought the possi-
bility that the compliment of it might prevent his opposition worth
the trouble of writing it.

On the evening of the 18th, a runner arrived from the Miami
with intelligence that Mr. Elliot had received dispatches from
Detroit announcing the arrival of Sir John Johnson at that placd—
that in Consequence, the Chiefs and Warriors were desired to repair
thither in a few Days, where a Council would be held with them.
They were also directed to take with them the War or Tomahawk
Belts, which had been delivered to them by the King to strike the
Americans with. This was an intimation which had .been long ex-
pected but never till now received; for though they had been
repeatedfy forbid to continue at War against the Americans the
Tomahawk had still remained in their hands, which is a deviation
from the ancient Customs of the Indians^ and therefore the more
astonishing to them.

I perceived that this invitation would necessarily draw off a
number of the principal men, but determined to wait the return of
our Messengej' before I would take any further resolution, and in
this suspence I continued till the evening of the 22d, when he re-
turned with speeches from the Chiefs in that Quarter, im patting
that they had made every preparation for coming agreeable to owt
requests to hear what I had to say to them, but just when thej
were ready to mount their Horses, they were stopped by the arrival
of ten men who preceded a body of sixty other Southern Indians
coming upon basiness from the Nations North and East of the Ohio
and Mississippi Rivers. That in consequence of their coming they
would be obliged to deUy their visit to us for a few Days, but would
not fail to come so soon as they heard the business of these peoplcj
could not however determine how soon.

The intervention of this unexpected delay, the uncertainty wher^
it would |end — the anxiecy of the Sandusky Indians to obey the
summons from Detroit, the absence of the Half King who was now
no longer expected till after the Treaty there, and the certainty of
receiving no answer when he was not in Council^ induces me to

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783. 85

yield to the imporfdnity of the Pipe, and attend to his representa-
tions. He pressed me to accompany him to Detroit, assuring me
that it ironld be useless to wait the coming of the Indians from the
Miami, that they would spend their time in useless Counseling there
till the Treaty at Detroit would come on, and that if I even oould as-
semble them I could obtain nothing from the Interyiew — ^That if the
Half King was present he would not undertake to give me an answer
without consulting the Chiefs of the Huron Tribe at Detroit^ and
that these would determine another without first asking the advice
of their Father the Commandant.

. Finding that I had little to hope from continuing at Sandusky,
and likely to efieot as little by visiting the Miami if my Horses had
even been able Co have performed the Journey I determined to pro-
oeed to Detroit by the nearest route, though I began to be doubtful
I should not f succeed in my wishes there ; determined however to
leave nothing unattempted which promised even a probability of
success. — I concurred with the Pipe in a message to the Miami lo-
diaos, ' desiring that rather than wait to hear the dispatches of
these Southern Indians, they should advise them to continue their
Journey to Detroit where they would certainly meet the Six Nations,
to whom their business must be ultimately delivered, as the Deputa-
tion in consequence of which they had performed so long and diffi-
cult a journey, had originally proceeded from them — We desired
'them to send us an answer in three days what Resolution they would
> take and when we should meet them where the roads unite, that we
might go together to Detroit.

We waited till the 29^ in hopes of receiving an answer but none

came, 'tho we had several Messages, some intimating that they

. could not pome over to us, and desiring the Hurons & Delawares to

. attend at the Shawnese Town»-«-other accounts said the Chiefs of

that Nation were gone to Detroit.

We now made every preparation for our departure, but fearing I
might not agiiin have so good an opportunity, I made use of this to
give the Pipe every information respeoting my business, and to
explain to him the Preliminary Articles of peace, which I found
had not only never been oommunicated to them by authority, but
that the acoidental information they had occasionally received had
) been in some respects contradicted by the Officers of the Crown ;
particularly that part which related to tho evacuation of the posts
on the Lakes.

I left Sandusky on the 80*^ accompanied by the Pipe and two
other Indians in addition to my former Companions, and travelled
onwards to Detroit till the afternoon of the I*^ of July when we wore
. met by M' Elliot and three other persons from that place, whom the
Commandant had dispatched for the purpose of conducting us thither.
The Indians who had left the Towns after my arrival, had given
the intelligence at Detroit, and the Letter I had written to M' Elliot
had also been carried there by some of those from the Miami. In

86 PENNSYLVANIA AEOHIVES 1788.

conseqaence of this GoL Depejstcr liad sent H'' Elliot to me with a
Letter No. 1 *

I was now nearly half way from Sandusky to Detroit, and- eouM
neither take or alter a resolution in conaequenoe of this Letter, hut
continued my joiimey with my new Oompanions — till the 4*^ when
I arrived at Detroit, where I was reoeived with much politeness and
treated with great Civility hy the Commandant, to whom I delitrered
your Letter, shewed your instructions and pressed for an opportn-
nity of communicating them to the Ladians as soon as might be.
He professed the strongest desire of bringing about a reconoiliatioa
between the United States and the several Incfiah Nation^-^declared
that he would willing! v promote it all in his power ; bnt that until
he was authorised by his Superiors in Command, he oooUi mot con-
sent that anything should be said, to the Indians relative to the
boundary of the United States; for though he knew from the King^s
Proclamation that the war with America was at an end, ha had had
no official information to justify his supposing the States extended
to this place, and therefore could not consent to the Indians being
told so ; especially as he had uniformly declared to 'themi that he
did not know these Posts were to be evacuated by the English.
He had no objection, he said, to my communicating the friendly
offers of the United States, — and would chearfully imike known to
them the substance of vour Letter to him.

In the morning of the 5*^, I received an intimation, from Colonel
Depeyster, through Captain M'^Kee, that it was his wish I would go on
to Niagara, so soon as I had recovered from the fatigue of my joumej.
In consequence of this I waited on him in the afternoon, and pressed
with greater warmth than yesterday, the necessity of my speaking
to the Indians and receiving an answer from them. I pressed him
to suffer me to proceed on my business without his xnterferenoei
and offered him my word that I would say nothing to them respect-
ing the limits of the States, but confine myself to the ofier of PeacCi
or choice of War, and the Invitation to Treaty. He would not
retract bis resolution without further orders from the Commander in
Chief, and I was obliged to submit however unwillingly : But must
do him the justice to acknowledge that he made every oflfer of civility
and service, except that which he considered inooofflatent with his Dnt v.

On the 6*^ I attended the Council which Colonel Depeyster held
with the Indians, to which be had yesterday invited me. After
delivering his business of calling them together, he published to
them your Letter and pressed them to continue in the strictest amity
with the Subjects of the United States, — represented to them the
folly of continuing hostilities, and assured them that he could by no
means give them any future assistance against the people of Ameria.

At this meeting were the Chiefs of Eleven Indian Nations, com-
prehending all the Tribes as far South as the Wabash. They were
Chipewas, Otawas, Wyandots or Hurons, Shawneae, DeUwareSi
* The p^»en referred to by Nos. have not been found.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783. 87

Eickaboos, Oweocbtanoos, Miamis, Pootawotamies and PieDkisbta
witb a part of tbe Senecas ; most of whom gave evident marks of
their Sati&faolion at seeing a subject of the United States lo that
Country. Tbej carried their civilities so far that mj lodging was
all day surrounded with crowds of them when at home, and the
Streets lined with them to attend my going abroad ; that they might
have an opportunity of seeing and saluting me, which they did not
fail to do in their best manner, with every demonstration of joy.

On the morning of the 7th I took my leave of Colonel De Peyster,
after having received more civilities from him than the limits of
this report will sufifer me A^ enumerate; but not Hill I had the
honor of writing to you by my Oaide, whom I directed to return to
Fort Pitt 60 soon as the Pipe should be ready to return to San-
du«key on whom I depended for his safe conduct thither^ and to
provide one to accompany him to Fort Pitt

I arrived at Niagara on the 11th, was inipodnced to Gkneral
Maclean who was prepared for my coming, delivered him Colol.
De Peystcr's Letter and was received with every mark of attention
but ho declined entering upon any business this Bay.
ItId the morning I waited again on the General at bis request.
Ho, asked for my Instructions which I produced, and afterwards, at
bis request, the Resolve of Congress alluded to. He expressed an
earnest desire that the Indians should live in peace wiib the United
States, declared that he bad most effectually put a stop to all
hostilities, and had already given you this Information, — that be
would be answerable for their future good conduct provided they
were not molested by us — regretted that he had not at present such
information from below as would justify his concurring with me, or
even permiting mc to call the Indians together — that he bad every
reason to expect Sir John Johnson very soon, who he supposed
would bring such instructions as would remove every difficulty, —
that however he considered the pnrport of my message anticipated
by the pains which had been taken to dispose the Indians to peacC|
which appeared to be the grand object of Congress.

In case Sir John did not arrive in two or three days as be ex-
p^ted he proposed to me the alternative of continuing downward to
the Commander in Chief or of furnishing bim witb Copies ef my
Instructions and the Resolve of Congress which be would transmit
to him for his orders thereon. He lamented that miscbevious
people among us took too much pains to alarm the minds of the
Indiana in this quarter, by inventing and propapating speeches,
which the Indians were taught to believe came from persons in
power among the Americans. In proof of this he produced the pro-
ceedings of a Council lately held with the Indians, which contains
an alarming t>pcech said to have been sent to them by General
Schuyler. At my request he gave me a Copy of it witb bis own
remarks at the bottom No 2.

lu conficquence of this speech and his assuriDoea to the Indiani|

88 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

the six nations had sent to that part of tbe Oneida Tribe wbich bad
remained in the interest of the States, forbidding them to brin^ any
fatars messageSi hot snob as were written or otherwise TiaiUe in
Belts or Strings. That they would be glad to bear in this manner
whatever the United States bad to say to them.

Oolonel Butler the Superintendant at tbe post was sent for and

. corroborated every thing that the General said of the peaoable dis-
position of the Indians, unless they were compelled to a eontnnry

. conduct by tbe Americans seising on their Lands which both asserted
the Six Nations would never quietly submit to. They recommended
the measure of Congress sending somciiierson to give-them assurances

• respecting their Landsi if it was their intention to leave them to the
natives, and the General offered to promote it with all his Interest,

• to be answerable for the safety of the Commissioners and also engage
for the Iiidians good behaviour and willingness to meet the Com«
missioners of Congress at any place after receiving such assurance.

Captain Brant came from the Mohawk Village to see me and was
introduced by the General, in whose presence we had a conversation
on the subject of the Indian's Lands — Brant insisted that they would
make a point of having them secured before they would enter into
any fitrtber or other Treaty. In the evening I bad a pnvate con-
ference with him at his own request in which I explained to bim in
the most circumstantial manner every thing relating to my business
with the Indians and had a good deaf of friendly argument with him
on the subject, too long to insert here.

On the evening of the 18th, I received a note from tbe General re-
questing a Copy of my Instructions &c., to send to tbe Commander
in Chief to facilitate business. No. 8. I sent him word tbat he
should be obeyed, and early in the morning began to execute my
promise, but before I had finished copying them, I received a verbal
message that he wished to see me at his quarters. I finished t]be
Copies and waited on him with them.

He informed me that be had sent for me to show me tbe Copy of
a Letter he was writing to Oolonel De Peyster. It contained instruc-
tions to that Gentleman in consequence of my representations of tbe
murders committed by the Western Indians in the course of Qie
last spring, and since by his account, they had been positively forbid
to be guilty of any such outrage. He pressed Colonel Depeyster
very earnestly to examine minutely into this afiair,-— to forbid tlte
Indians in the most positive manner to be guilty of such future mis-
conduct,— to order them to deliver up immediately such prisoners
as they had captured throuffh the spring into the hands of hiih-
self or his officers,— and further to tell them tbat if they did not
desist from these practices the British Troops would join the Ameri-
cans to punish them.

He afterward read me the Copy of a Letter which be had written
you in answer to yours by Mr. Bull. Not doubting that this Letter
IS in your possession, I only mention it as it was the introduction

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783. 89

to ao address to me contaioiog the same sentiments, which ended in
an intimation that I might return home as soon as I thought proper,
that whenever J pleased he would furnish me with a Boat & men
to carry me to Oswego, would afford me every other assistance in
his power and write to Major Ross the Commandant at that place
to give me every assistance I should reqnire.

f soon concluded that this invitation to leave the place arose from
t&eJmportunaoy of the Indians to hear publickly the message which
my coming had promised them, and his refusing permission to
Captain Brant to take me on a visit to the Mohawk Castle convinced
me of the justice of this conclusion,

I employed such arguments as I expected would be most likely to
prevail on him to permit me to speak to the Chiefs publickly before
my departure, and answered (as I thought) all his objections, one of
which was to that part of my instructions which said the King had
been compelled to make peace, which he said would convey to the
Indians the Idea of bis being conquered, and might induce them to
an insolence of behaviour that would .become disagreeable to him and
perhaps injurious to the service. To remove every exception on this
head I offered to suppr3ss the word compelled but he avoided giving
me any direct answer to this proposal, — insisted much on the pacific
disposition of the Indians, again pledged himself for their behaviour ;
assured me of their desire to cultivate the friendship of the Ameri-
cans, and declared that he was authorised by the Chiefs to tell me
80. He then informed me that previous to my arrival the Chiefs
had applied to him to write to his Excellency General Washington
on their behalf with offers of friendship, and regretted that he had
not such orders as would justify him in doing it, especially before
the Superiotendant Ceneral had made the proper communications to
the Indians on the part of the Crown.

Frustrated in every attempt to obtain a public audience of the
Indians and receive their answer to yoQir message. I wrote. to General
Maclean on the I6th for his refusal in writing (No. 4) which he
immediately gave me (No. 5) and on the same day I set off for
Oswego, after having experienced from General Maclean every
species of polite attention, except that which duty as well as incli-
nation bid me most wish for and every civility fVom his Officers, and
from the Officers in general at all the Posts I had occasion to visit.

''^Sensible how difficult it is to say just enough on any subject, I
am afraid I have protracted this report to too great a length and yet I
suppressed so many remarks and conversations which were interesting
at the. time, that I am also afraid I have not been sufficiently explicit.
I have confined myself to bare recital, without any commentary of
my own, to avoid the imputation of obtruding opinion where it
might be considered my duty to relate facts existing abstractedly.
But I will hope your forgiveness for saying that the assiduity of the
British Commanders to restrain the Indians from hostilities still
wanted the visit which by yoor command I have made them, to satisfy

90 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

the iDdians that they had nothing to fear from the enmity of tho
States. They are now convinced from my risquing snoh a joamej
through their Country and from the communications I have made
to them individually oo my way, not only of our friendly Sentiments
toward them, but also of our confidence in theirs^ which must iti-
some degree beget a similar confidence in them. And though I*
bring no public answer from the Chiefis^ owing to the motives of duty
or policy which opposed it I think myself sufficiently authorised
from the many opportunities I had of learning their SentimentSy
both from themselves and the Whites who are in their confidence, to
assert that I know them to be heartily tired of the war and sincerely
disposed to Peace.

I have the honor to be, '
with the highest respect Sir|

Your very bumble and most obedient servant,

EPHRAIM DOUGLASS.
The Honble. Major Qeneral Lincoln^ Secretary at War.

Resolution of Congebbs, 1788.

By The United States in Congress Assembled,

August 2l8t, 1783.

Whereas it is stipulated in the 7th article of the preliminariea
agreed u^ the 80th Day of November, 1782, between the Pleni-
potentiaries of his Brit«nio Majesty & of the United States, '< that the
King of Great Britain shall order and cause all Archives, recards,:
Deeds and papers belonging to any of the said States or their Citiiens
which in the course of the War may have fallen into the hands of his
Officers to be forthwith restored and delivered to the proper States,
and persons to whom they belong.''

Resolved, That the Commander in Chief be directed to make ap-(
plication to his Britanic Majesty's Generals commanding at New
York and Quebec for the immediate delivery to persons authorisedr
to receive them, of all Archives, records. Deeds and papers belong-
ing to any of the United States or to any of their Citizens which
may have fallen into the hands of any of his Britannic Majesty's
Officers during the course of the War.

CHA. THOMSON, Secy.
Indorsed^

1783 Pensylvania, August 21st. Resolution of Congress respec-
ting delivery of Archives, Deeds, Papers &c*, by the British
General^.

* See Col Rec., Vol. xm., p. 681.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783. 91

County Town op Westmoreland Co., 1783.

Hannas Town, August 23d, 1783.
Sir,

IVe Received yoar kind favour of the 24th, April last & are
nmeh Obliged to yoa for joar kind Instructions Respecting the
Pnrehaae of a Pieoe of Ground to build a Court House & QotA for
the utilitj of the County. We the Subscribers Trustees for the
County of Westmoreland, having met & upon the reconsidering the
Bitoation of the County, & having a due regard to those ooufilieb to be
laid off, we do certify Hannas Town is the most Central & Conve-
nient place for the holding the Courts of Judicature in the said
County.

Witnefls our Hands the day & year above Written.

JOHN CAVET,
JOSEPH ERWIN,
ROB'T. HANNA, Trustees.

Directed^

To hifl Excellency John Dickinson, Esquire, Pi^s'dt and the Sn-

preame Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

MsMOfiUL OF Major Michael Ryan, 1783.

May it please your Excellency,

lo January 1776, 1 received recruiting orders from Col. Wayne
having had the appointment of Lieu't in Cap't Lacys company and
Adjutant to the Reg't, The recruits I had raised I marched to
Cheater delivered them to the Commanding officer who ordered them
to be bilittedoD the Inhabitants, as we were not then furnished with
Tents or Camp equipage. My duty as Adjutant engrossed niy whole,
tinae and attention, consequently the Capt 1st Lieu't , -and Ensign
oommanded and regulated the Company 3 notwithstanding thia I
was served last Thursday at Chester with a Ca. Sa., obliged to pay
£40 specie for the Soldiers Board or go to Goal. My situation was
^leculiar, on business of consequence from Alex* (where I now reside)
to this City, one day's delay would have injured me capitally, I there-
fore flave my note for that sum payable in one Month. I hope your
Excellency will take this affair into consideration and not let me
suffer unjustly as I can assure your Excellency that all the Money
I received for 4 years service would not am* \o that suin in specie
altho' I was a slave to the Army from the commencemsiit of the

92 PENNSYLVANIA ARCmYES 1788.

War tUl I resigned, haviog eerred as Adjatant, Brigade Hajori
Inspector of a Brigade, and Division &c.

I have the honor to be

your Ezoellencjs ob't Sorv'ti

MICUAEL. RYAN.
Phil'a Aug't 24th 1782.
Directed^
To Ejv)ellency John Dickinson, Esq^^i

CoMBfissiONEKS ov Taxbs Nobthahpton, Co. ITSS*

Easton, August 25th, 1783.
Sir,

Yours of July 2ith, 1783, inclosing a duplicate of your Letter
of May 20th, has beet received — permit us to assure yon that we
received the Representations of Council on the Subject of the col-
lection of taxes in thb County with every mark of Respect, and
paid every attention to them, that is due to that honorable Body.—
No Exertions on our parts have been wanting; But the Arguments
derived from the Effects of War, whieh vou are pleased to say have
hitherto been urged with great plausibility, do not yet cease to
operate. We sincerely rejoice at the prospect we now have of soon
enjoying the Blessings of peace, k we should be ungrateful indeed,
if we did not cheerfully contribute all in our power to reward the
brave k deserving Men who have contributed Uight years military
Services to the Defence of their Country ; but Money has not yet
began to circulate at this distance from the Capital, & it is yet too
early for the I nhabitants to have received any Profit from their late
Harvest. It is Inability alone, k not a backwardness of Disposition
that has prevented the payment of all we are in arrear. It is la
vain to Expose the Goods of the Inhabitants for Sale, for there are
none to be purchasers. We know the Demand Government must
at this Juncture have for Money, & we are anxious that the hono^
of Council & the State should be supported. Please to assure
Council, we will exert ourselves to the utmost to have their Wish* s
& Commands comply'd with, k we remain Sir,

With much respect,
Your obedient H^>< Servants, ^

HENRY BANNETT,
HENRY LAW ALL,
Commissioners North. County.
Directed, (On Public Service.)

John Armstrong, Jun', Esq', Scc'y to the Sup. Executive Coamil
of Pennsylvania, Fbiladulphia.

PENNSTLVANIA ARCHIVBS 1788. 9S

JoHir KiCHOLSOH TO P&B8. DlOKIKBOV, 1788.

Gonptrolkr Genetals Offiosi
Aiig'2<^il788.
Sir.

I beg leave to Bequest that an Order may be drawn npoit the
iVearaMr in my fiiVor for the Bom cf ftheen pmiiida specie to defray
tte OoBlingeftt Expenses of the Qffioe^ for which sum I will ao-
oemik

I hare the Honor to be.
With Remeot Sir,
Your Most Obed.
Hamble Servant.

JNO. NICHOLSON.
Dirtctedj
His Exoell^ The Presid., in Council.

B. Shobm AKBR TO Wm. Moobb, 1788.

I oommnnicated yoor request to my Father respecti^g the Corpo-
ration papers, &o., &c., early aflter mv arrival m this CSty, who
very chemully consented to deliver them to any person properly
authorised to receive them, and the more so, as having come to ^e
resolution of etnbarkiiig for En^atid. It cannot after this detirminaF
tion be attributed to those unworthy motives wch. his many kind
offices to Ateerieaa nwral prisoners and others during the last five
years of the War| has been ungenerously imputed,
i am with great Esteem,
and Sespecty &c.

B. 8H0EMAEEB.
NewTort, Aug»2e, 1788.
DirteUi^
William ttoore. Esq', In Philadelphia.

Wabdbns of Philadelphia to Pbxs. Dioeinsok, 1788.

To His Excellency the President, uA the Honourable Supreme
Executive Council of the State Pennsylvania.

The Wardens fbr the Port of Philadelphia beg leave to Inform
that in Obedience to the Order of Council of the 10th June,t
they AdverUsed in the several News Papers of this City, for mi

• See CoL Bee., Vol. XIIL, p. 671. f See CoL Beo.. VeL Xm., p. 60S.
Vol. X.— 6.

penoDS willing to Undertake the ^emoTal of the.CheTiMXZ De
l^reiie from tlra Ohtnel of (he BlTor Delaware^ to send m'tibMr pro-
poaitiona by the first day of July last ; we are aorry to aay thia
mode bad noi the deairad aflbet, aa no propo^la have been made.
Onq num. Indeed oflFered to Superintend the bnaineaa for One
Oainea ^ Bay, but aa thia was foreign to our Ideay of oonaequenga^ -.
nq Notioe.waa takenof it

. We further beg leafe to inform that in Obedienoe to Bemaai of *
Conpeil of the 5th Inat. *we have em|doyed Mear* Haalewood A Joj' :
to Hake Out an Exact Surrey of the bed of the River Delawa^ ,
from thia City to the lowermoat Part of BiUiiq;8 Port, ao aa to
Include the Situation of the whole of the Gheveauz De Freiae.

Thia Buaineaa we fizpeot will be oompleated early in the next
week.

We ate Hia Excellency's

and the Councils Most

Ob» Hum* ScrrS

FRAN8. GURNEY,
JOSEPH BLEWER,
JOS. DEAN.

Wardens of P. Phflad.
PhlladSAug* 28a, 1788.

John Nioholson to Piueb. DioKnrsov, 1788,

Comptroller G^nerala Offioe.

Aug*, 26% 1788. 1
Sir,

There- jve Applioations Made to me by the Artillery Artifioera
under the Command of Capt** Wylie and Jordan for the gratuity
of Nine pounda allowed by the Assembly to Retain aoldiera per
Reaolution of the 8*^ March, 1781— a doubt ariaea with me'
whether they are entitled to the benefita of the Said ReaolutioA, aa
they were not Adopted by the atate, aa part of our Line unttll aome
time in 1782, 1 pray the Inatmotipna of the Honble the Council.
And Have the Honor to be,
with great reqieot, Your
ExcelU* Obed* Serv^

JNO. NICHOLSON.

His Excellency, The President of Penna.

PBNNSTLYANIA ABCHIVBS 1788. fl»

John Lukbnb Seo't to Pbbs. Diokinson, 1788.

Sury^ Oeii» Office,

28«» August, 1783.
Sir,

Agreeable to your Order of the lO**" of Juue last, a Number of
Surveyors have been Appointed, and Received their Orders for
Surveying the land that is to be sold for the payment of Certificates
of Depreciation, and are gone forward on that Service, and th^
others are ready to follow, so as to be there the 10*^ of next Month.
They have Requested that I wou'd apply to Council for Orders to
General Irvine at Fort Pitt, to afford them a Ouard while in that
service, Tor at least while they run the West & North Boundaries of
B* Tract,) as they look on it not very safe to proceed without, and it
will be a great hardship on them to go there & not be able to pro
ceed to business so as to do all, or the greatest part of it this FalL
I Remain Tours, to Serve.

JNO. LUKENS,

Seo'y*
Directed,
To His ExcellelMy, John Diddnson, Es«, Preside, present

Report of Committkb of Assehblt^— Gov. Hareisov'b
Lbttbes, 1783.

State of Pennsylvania, In Oeneral Assembly,

Thursday, August 28, 1783.

The report of the committee, read August 27 instant, on the sub-
ject of Oovemor Harrisons letters, was read the second time, and
adopted as follows, vis.

Your oommittee to whom was referred the consideration of
Governor Harrisons letters of the 12th of June, and 23d of July
last, wherein it appears that complaint hath been made to the az-
eoutive of Virginia by a number of the ^ihabitants of that tract of
country which falls ^by the eztention of the temporary line betwixt
the two States) within the bounds of this state, that the oonditiona
upon which said line was acceded to, have been departed from, by
this State, and measures adopted which deprive them of those rights
which they held under Virginia, and fully confirmed in the Agree-
ment entered into by both States previous to the running the afore-
said temporary line, also that prosecutions were commenced, and
judgment awarded against the Officers of the Militia for obeying;
the orders of that State, previous to the running said line, whereby

• See GoL Ree., TeL Xm., p. 5Mw

96^ PmnrSZLYANIA AACHIYXS 1788.

the kie eitiiens of that state are harassed and oppressed with expenoe
for performing the senrioe whioh thej owed to tibeir eofemliT; dnlv
eonddering the substanoe of the foregmng complaints, together with
the renort of Ab prothonotary of Washington oonnty, who was
direotea by tlie Exeesdve of this State, to enquire fully into the
aforesaid premises. — ^Beg leave to report, that the foregoing oom-
plaints are groundless, with respect to any infrinffements haying
Deen made on the title of any lands acquired uncEsr the State of
Viiginia, and that any suits that were instituted against Lieutenant
Colonel Oox and others, were owing to their imprudent conduct in
executing orders, that were issued by that State subsequent to the
agreement entered into by this ft the State of Yirtfuiia, notwith-
standing in the trial of Uie said suit, the said Colonel Cox was
notraittra (with) payins the Clerks fees only.

Tour committee nirther considering that part of GoTetnor
Harrisons letter,' wherein he proposes running the boundary line
between this and the State of V irginia, as agre^ upon by the Com-
missioners at Baltimore in the jrear 1779, and taking into tow the
unhappy ntuatioo of the good eitiiens of this State setUed in Wash-
ingUm ooonty &dP, and the evil consequences that may attend delay
ill matters of such importance^ beg leave tQ offer the following
resolution.

Besolved, thai the Supreme Emntive Ceuaca be (^dlreeted) to
correspond with the Executive of Virginia, upon the suDJect of fix-
ing the mode and the most convenient time for establishing finally the
boundary line betwixt that, and this State, and that they be
authorised immedurtely lb appmnt Commissioners on the part of this
State, who, in coDJ unction with those to be appointed by the State of
Virginia, shall run the said line, this Honse being sincerely disposed
finally to asoertain the boundary between the two States as speedily
as possible.

Extract from the minutes,

J. SHALLUS, As«t CkA

of the Oeneral AsMnAly.
Ifuhnedf

29th Aug. 1783, Report of a eommittee of the B^use^ upon the
suljject of Qov. Harrison's tetters read ft adopted by the house.

JOHF NlOHOLflON TO PmBB. PioKmov, 178&

Oo»^ QcB. OCoe^

Sep" M, 17a8.
Sir,

Application bath been made to me in behalf of ffDdie of thoM
Traitors whose Estates have been OoniMated mi sold^ for a Certified

PBKNSyLVAMIA ABOHIVBS 178S. VI

Moomit €f the uMmBt of the Saki— This bo doubt h done in order
to solicit the British Court for some eompensation on teeonnt of
their losses — I beg leave to ask the advioe and dirsotion of your Ex-
oellenoj and Goancil whether there be any impropriety in giving it
I have the Honor to be

your Szoy*s most obediend

and very Hamble Serv't,

JNO. NICHOLSON-
Directed,
To His Exo'y the President in Connoil.

Sharp Delany to Sbo'y Armstrono, 1788.

Taesday Morning Sep^r 2d| 1788.
BearSlr,

Among the business transmitted by Coancil| a Petition or Memo-
rial of Cap'n Darie of the ship Do l&talng is mentioned^ & referred
to a Committee— The Clerk of our Honse says he never saw it^
The Capt'n is meiit in soma Determinaliony as he lyes at a great
daily ezpenoe- I would therefore request you may transmitt the
said Mem* to your humble

ftQhe»S«raat

SHARP DELANY.
IHrmsUd^
To Major Armstrong.

Jom N1CHOL809 TO Pbb8. DiOBHiBoir, 1788.

Comp. Ooft'I OOeoy

FUlad. Sept' 2d, 1788.
Sir,

I do myself the Honor to Inolose a Letter from James SeadeJBstt.
late Commissioner for Negooiating a foreign Loan for the use dPlM*
State, in answer to one Inad wrote requesting him to aooount ftr
monies advaneed him, before he sat out for Surcme—your Bzioenenqr
and Gonnc^ will peroeive, that he wishes your honorable Boa^ fo
oall him to a settlement of his aooounts, bv refering them to the
deeision of Indifferent persons. The part whioh I oonoeive he wish^
to havp determined in that way is the Compensation for his sesEvioes^
otherwise I suppose he would have no objeot&on against having b}s
aooount setdedf m the oommon and Legal manner — Ab the aUowande
f or his Setmes is s nMMsr of lo» MMk Magailiito te me to detei^

1» BBtfNSTLYAKIA jAiBOBXVEB 1788.

miiia — ^I beg left?e to reqiwBt that the Hononble^the dwiioil ougr
tok« Booh order thereio u to their pradenoe m$j ieem beet
I IiBTe the Honor to be

with the Highest respeet

year ExoeUenoy'e

MoBtOVtSerA

JNO. NICHOLSON.

To His Exoell'y The Presid't in Goancil.

Pres. oh Oonobess to Pres. Dickinson, 1788.

Princton l^pf r Sd, 1788.
Sir,

I hare rthe. honor of eneloeing to ^oar Exoellenoj the Copy of an
Aot 01 Oongr^ of the 2l8t tFltimO| in which yonr SMs jDiff
poaaibly bp interested.

. I am with very great reep^t

yonr Exoell^noys *_

meet: Obd't ft Teiy H'ble Serv't,

BLIAS BOUDINOT.*
Directed, '

To His Exoelleney John Diokinsoti; Esq'r.

Commissioners of Westmoreland to Pres. Dwkimow,

1788.

Westmoreland Coontyi September 4% 1788.
Hononred Sir,

Reoeiyed yonr Ciionlar Letter of the 2A:^\ of JnlyLfst yesterday,

and beggs leave to inform yonr Honour that we Have done all in

our Power to raise the Supplies of our County for the last Year —

but th^ Notion of Yiigju^ia affected the People of one Township so

much' as to cause them to pursue the Assessor with arms and Fin

afiter him ao that we cpuld not obtain the Property of that Township^

fcn^fafoh Berlin we oould not proc<^d to Quota the County. The

|.time for this year was far elapsed before the Supply Law came <o

.'Jliand;. immediately after we proceeded to our duties, and is likely

to meet with bad il^uooess, many of the Assessors not making any

'I^U^s, whicH pots ba9k Business, and eiqpects that mattera will he

l^mnoh as they Were last Year. Begg^ Your directions how to pro-

' ceed if they should — Hostilities has ceased oh Our Fronder sinqe

'the Spring, but the Inhabitants dare not Venture, as yet, to their

Flao6i^ iiW one £talf of the Qonnty being Eyacuated, and it inH

. r «9ew9«irt^tedPmidfliUar(^i!«ves%:NoT.4,17aSL.

PBNNSTLVA^IA ASQBXVm 1789. 89

not be in- our Power to get t Joft Betom of the Lindt-ridiall do
every thing we Poedbly oan in Bxertion of oar dntiee u Commif-
sionerti and hopes joa'U overlook the ^ilmea that we oannot poni-
blj perform.

We ajroi Ho&ofed Sir, with the greateit Beepect,
your Honor'a meet Obedient

and most Hnmble Servant,

W- TODi), -)

JOSEPH M'aABRAUOH, ^ OommiaiSoiierfi.

W- JACK. 3

To hia Bx»dlenoy John Dickinson, President of the State of
Pennsylvania.

Prss. Dioi^BON TO JOHK WktzxLi 1783.

Sirv

It 18 the sense of Ooimoil that a stock of eight weeks' proviaion
for the Complete Oomimniea of (M> privates each, be immediately
laid in at Wyoming for the submstepce of that Oarrison. To thb
pniposey Ooaneil have written to Captains Robinson & Shrawder'^
with direetions tooonsnlt yon upon the subject; — inquiring into the
quantity you msy now have on hand, & whether you will engage to

' contract for the supply of the rest They have the orders of this
board| to confirm the oontract, ft their assurances that money shall
not be wantin^^ to discharge it To this preference Council conceive

^yen to be enititled; ft from your general Acquaintance w^ the busi-
nessy ft the fidelity w^ w^ you have fulfilled your late engagements.

- You will see the necessity of deoiding at once>,as the Instructions
of Council direct that Captains Robinson ft Shrawder shall commSt
it to some other person, should it be inconvenient for you to perform
it immediately.

/ndbriftf|— 1783| September 5th.

iNSTRUCTIOirS TO MXSBBS. ROBIHSON AND ShBAWDU,

1788.

In Councili

Philadelphia, September 6tb^ 1788.
' Gentlemen :

In consequence of a Conference with a committee of the General
Assembly, it is judged proper that you should be reminded in a particu-
lar manner oonstantly to employ the utmost vigilance and alertnesa

100 PUNNgrLVANlA ABOBiTtB 1T8<.

ht the Moority «f tbe Fori al Wiomisg, ni for nudiiiifailitg Ob
pott whelro yoii vo now itationed.

Il is expected tkat yon will be io perfect prepanttoi at tttfr
moment io resist any hostile attempt^ whether openly or faisld&nifl^
made. Among odicr attoitiottSy it wOI be indispewably neoeasary
for this pnrposcy t|^t great cam shpold be taken not to snfier the
SoldierSi on any pretence wbateveri to absent themselves from the
Oarrison, either in an indefensible sitnationi or beyond the reach of
yonr immediate recall.

It » thought abeolntely neeeesary by Oonpcil, that a supply of
two Months' provisions ror both compasiesy calculating upon tlM
compleat estoblbhment of sixty privates to Mch company^ m nme-
diately conveyed into the Fort; po that the Qumm aify Mt in any
manner depend upon provisions from without during that ffnai*

That a single moment may not be lost — the important chuge of
procuring this supply is principally committed to you — for tho', to
guard agunst the expence of a double purchase^ it may be highly
necessary to consult IC* Weitslei and learn from him what sto» of
provisions he has now on hand, and what additional quantity ^e
may engage to proourci — yet it is intirely the sepia ^ Go^noili that
ahonld lie diaoover the least indifierence in iKx^ptbg tf^ bwneii^
or delay in the e](ecution of it, yoo-^nU ]|ouraalm l^QVee^ t9 o^p-
pleat his purchaseiu shoiild ttmy be ddacifo^ i^^a^q^^^'t f^ tffint
teansportations. ^ Honey al^ll not be irai^ti^ V^ PmK thipo
enmi^ementa.

It IS also our desire, thai as h^g 9^ it mf^ be neoiMiiiry tp Imp
up the Garrison, after tbe expiifation of the two H«)atj|ui proFijMi ^r
by this order, it shall at no nitnse tin^e be lef| without a iuppb 9t
one Months' proviaio^ in atook. T^ y ^^ wiU regVT^ la i^ itwmg
order.

With the most entiM relianpa upoK year fid^y, pm^Wli^ a«d
activity— I $^, Qentle^len^

Tour most ohedie&i servmnii

JOHN DIOKINSOMT.*

P. S. — On the receipt of this, you will immediately transmit a
return of the present efficient force of the Companies under your
command, with a state of your ammowtkoi and arms.

The indoicd letter to be sei^led and forwarded to M' Weitde.

Directed^ — On public service.
Oaptains Bobinson and Shrawder, of the Rangers at Wyoming.
* Bee OoL Bee, Tol. XUI., p. 678.

— t' r «-^

PBNNBTLVANU ABOmVES 1788. 101

DBLflGATBS IH CONaRBSS TO PfiBS. DlOKHTSON, 178S.

Princeton, Sep^ 5, 1788.
Sir,

Wd liave the Honour to lay before the Honble Conndli Copies of
■nndry Papers rektive to the situation of ASurs with the Hostile
Indians k respecting the Posts within the limits of the United Stateis
on the Northern & Western Frontiers possessed by the Troops of
His Brittannic Majesty. These Papers are referred to Committees
who have not yet reported. When any proceedings are had in Con-
gress we shall dnly lay them before the Coancil to whom we shall
transmit any fiiriher Information which may be received on this
Subject.

We have the Honour to be,

with the greatest Bespect & Esteem

your very obed. Seryants,
JAMES WILSON,
RICHABD PETERS,
JOHN MONTQOMERY.

We also transmit a Copy of the Financier's Statement of the Pay-
. jnents made by the several $tates in Consequence of the Bequisitiona
of Congress for the year 1782.

His Bzoellenoy The President & The HonUe S. E. Coancil pf
.Philadelphia.

Prss. Dickinson to Obnl. Cablsion, 1788.

In Council^ September 6**; 1788..
Sir,

Perfectly convinced, that a Begard for Justice has Place in such
a Character as vou hold, I am induced to make a Bejiuest in Behalf
of this State, which, I hoi>e, will meet with your entire approbation,
ft of course be attended with the desired suooess.

Several parts of this State have been lately infested by a sett of
Bobbers, k particularly by some of them within these last five
months who have committed many enormous crimes, ft in a very
cruel manner. Information has l>een received, that some of these
ofienders are now in New York. Their names are mentioned in the
inclosed proclamations ft Certificates* Indictments & Outlawry.

It is my Duty, to endeavour that the laws should be vindicated,
& protection afforded to the good People of Pennsylvania, by a mer«
ited punishment of such atrocious ft dangerous CriminaLi. Since

* See Col. Rec, Vol. XIII., p. 687.
5*

102 FBlmsniTANZA A!it(5mVBB iM.

they have at present avoided it by flight| I am happy, that yon it is
who nmst determiad; whether thAt nga of guill abaU Mrrt them
instead of Innocence.

Pennit me then, eavnastly to desire^ that yon will be pleased to
give proper (Mrden for seooring those of the offenders who are widijn
jonr lines, & for the Delivery of them to the penon who will liafa
the Honoi^ o^ pjpeseniiiig this Letterj fai sodk manner iiiat t^ey loiay
be safely brought to this Oitj.

I am whh Sentiments of very tf noerd Bebpetst,

Sir^ your Ezoellenoy'jB most obe^eni
and very homble Servant

JOHN INLOKINBOll.
DirecUdf
His Excellency Genend OarletoB.

Insisbuotionb fOB Captain Eluah Webd, 1783.

to yon Sir, Council have committed the delivery of the letters
inclosed. Hmt to Oovemor Livingstoti is ezpresrive of omr wibhes
that the State of New Jersey may render snob asAtaiidMi lb yott fti
the further execution of this businesSi as he inay tbitik ifteeessa^f .
The letter to (General Garleton is accompanied by such proolamaliehs
and <torlaficales of indictment and outlawry uiMer the Seal of the
State as will determine the justice of our request, and w# flaittr
ourselves the aquiescence of the GkneraL

If these hopes be well founded. He will issue an carder for the
apprehehsibn of the several persons inentioned in the inclosed list,
and probably commit some jMirt of the management to you. It will
therefore be proper before you leave this City to possess yourself of
as correct a description of the Men as possible and it may not be lUitis
upon your arrival at New York to attsob yourself to some one
acouainted with their persons and places of alSode.

We need scarcely su^^gest that next to the most inyiblable secrecy
the conduet of this busmesiB will require the utmost dispateh.

I am Sir,

Your most obedient humble Servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.

Pbxs. DicEursoK to Gov. LiviirosiON, 1788.

III Connoil, September 5% 1788.

I tm^ «bh D&f Wiltieti Id 0«aw«l Owtetpii, to iMtM tta

Delivery of some very atrooions & daDgerons offendtft^ tntBil tie

Laws of this State, who according to Information receifttd Mtnmm

:an Ne«f York. M' WoAdo who Will hate Iho Hoboi of BeUttting

i this Letter, is oharnd with the Dispatches fhr the Oenetil^ A kio

. MOeito the Giimindi if doUvered.

As 1ft MLj bo obsoltotelj neoassar j, in order to dMidttot thobi

wMtf to thii Oity^ thot somo assistanoe shottM bet.e^en by jKmr

State oa tkia oooasibii^ I ahal^aad I am pirsaoded tbia CbnMiAB-

weabh wiU atsoagiy tel iha obUqation^ if yoO^ 8iif^ vail ba ao^foad

: aa to give tha proper crdaia for this Ptarptsei

It map alao ho ai naeessaryi that the Ooncffal dioaM. he iaftmMd
.-ofyoor IntantioBs, ao Uwt thoMoMKuras homayUfKipoaad tO'tako
amy aobcido a>itb thani) ft lair^o no opportonit^ to tha oOnitlaM of
osoaping.

Any eipaodsa laaarad in GonsofMfioo of yoar .OsdoiO will bo
aheerfidly A giaioCiilly deteyad by this Stata.

I am with tho groatsst Estoem,

Sir, yonf SteellieDegr's

ttoat ob^ k ttOBi Bblo SotS

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directedf
Hii BmsUaaoy Qovamot . Liyingston.

Oath of Edward Fox, as Commibsiokibr, 1788.

State of PennsytTania, &<$*,

I Edward Fox do solemnly swear that I will truly and faithfully
ezeenie tbo OfBoe of Commissionor for a^Q«stf&g tha Aoaoontaof tho
General Hospital to which I am appointed, and the Powers in me
▼teted by an Act, entitled ^ An Act for the Settlement of the Pab-
lie Accounts of tho United States,^' &a, without favor, affe^on,
hatred, or maHoe, acoording to die best of my judgment and
abilities.

EDWARD FOX.
8<» of Sep., 1788.

1Q4 VltmSZLYAmA ABOHIYBB :17^.

COMIOSSIONERS OF PhILADBLPHU TO COUNCIL — OlD JaIL,

1783.

To Eii8 Ezoellenoy John DiokiDson Esq., Presidenti and ,tl|e
HoBonbU the SapremeEzecatiTe Cooneil of the ConnoawoAlth of
Flsiuuijlfaiii*.
•Gentlemen,

We aee by a paragraph in Oonnoila Message to the Honse of
AssemMyy that a preference seems to be ffiven to the appropriation
of the Oroand on which the M Gbol and work flonse stands Ae.,
for an Bzehange, and by a resolve of the Honorable Hoose of
' Assembly) that a committee is appointed to eonbr ?nth your Honor-
able Board; on that business; We hope it is not meant that the
'- appropriation shonld be made without a sofficient compensatioo to
this City and County ; the Estate in question will neat at least aiz'
'■ hundred Pounds per annumi exolusiye of the Materials now on the
premises^ which we suppose will sell for one thousand Pounds.
• altho* we have soque doubt as to the propriety of the Ezecntire
Council for the state at large having the disposal of the property
belonging to a particular Oountyy ezoept in extraordinary cases, yet
in the present instance had Council sufficient leasure from the other
and in general more important concerns of the State, we could have
no doubt, but this business would be effected folly, to the satisfaction
of the City and County of Philadelphia, in accomplishing of which
this Board will be happy to aflfbrd every assistance in their power.

We are Gentlemen,

Tour most obedt. and very hnmb. Servants.

RUNNING BEDFORD^
JOHN BAKER,
NATHAN GIBSON.
Philada. Sept. 15, 1783.
Directed^
His Excellency John Dickinson, Esqr., President &c.

Capt. Philip Shbawdbb to Prbs. DiCKivsoir,. 1788.

Wyoming, Septr. 17, 1788.
Sin

In obedience to your Excellency's Orders I have the Bonor jbo
transmit a Return of the Companies, arms and ammunition. Toiir
Excellency' Letter to Mr. Weitzel I have forwarded to Capt.
Robinson who is at preseot in Northumberland to be delivered by
him, but as we received no supply since June last,^ it is not probable
Mr. Weitzel can have a stock on Hand.

I would beg Leave to inform your Excellency that to maintain

PENNSTLYANIA AKCmVES 1788.

1Q6

this Po6l| I hvre for better tluin two Months past ez^nded nj
Credit as far as possible in pord^inJE Proyisions for the Ghirrisbn
and in order to be enabled to see thei Troops snpplied. I would beg
yonr Bzcellencj and the Honble. Board would be pleased to order
£300 to be forwarded to me bj Lieut Brb, wnom the utmost
Neoessitj obliged me to send.

With the greatest Respect,
I bsYo uie Honoi^to be Sir,
Your Bxoellenoy's Host pbedient,

and most humble Servant,
PHIL. SHBAWDBB G$ptn. P. R.
Dirededj
His Bxcellenoy John Diddnsony Esqr., President, Philadelphia.

Return of Captains Robinson and Shrawders Companies of Penn-
sylvania Rangers stationed at Wyoming, Septr. 17, 1788.

■

Capt'n Robinson's Comp'y Fit for Duty, i

Sick,

Capt'n iSchrawder's Comp'y Fit for Duty,

Sick,

Total,

2
2
2

25
8

20
4

One Box of Cartridges,
66 Muskets.

PHIL. 8HRAWDER, Oaptn. P. R.

Rbsolutiqn of Congress — ^iNDiAisr atfaibs, 178^ .
:The United States in Congress Assembled September 20th, 1788.

Congress took into consideration the report of a Committee con-
sisting of Mr. Duane, Mr. Peters, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Hawkins and Mr.
A. L^, to whom were referred instructions to the Delegates of Pch-
sylrania, and the same being read as follows :

<< That the legislature of Pensylvania be informed in answer to
the rec^uest of the Delegates of that State in consequence of In-
straotions from the sud legislature of the 18*^ Instant.

That Congress haye no objection to a conference bein^ held on
behalf of the State of Ponsylvania with the Indians on their borders,
rr'fipocting a purchase to be made by ft at the expense of the said

166

MSimfiw-irAittA akcmvKs vm.

State, of hn^ iHthm tbd fimittf thdrMf : pi^cled WeiftA^ttMktfl
relative ta peace or War with the aidd XbdiaAa he ^btevM liifo by
the said State, the power of holding tr^iifiea on this fttthjeoft belttg
vested by the ConfederaUon aoldlj in the tTnited States in GtmfimB
Assembled, and also provided that due notide 6f iltooh meeting be
piven to the Execatives of Vir^nia & New York who shall hkte It
in their option to send Commlssidhers to the said oonference/'.

A motion was made bj Mr. Oetry iteconded by Mr. EUery that
the &rther considentlbtl bf the report ber|K)stponed until Thursday
next, and en the question for postpiming, the yeas & nays being ro-
quhred 1^ Mr. Oerfy.

Mr. Foster,

Mr. Getry,

Mr. Holten,

Mr. Higgeasoni

Mr. Ellery,

Mr. Howell,

Mr. S. Huntington,

Newhampshire.
HassaohuHetts.

Rhode Island.

Gonneotioui
New Tork.
Ne# Jersey.

Bmsylvania.
Virginia.

North Carolina.

B. Huntington, ay.

Duane, no.

L'Hommedieu, ay.

no.

Mr.
Mr.
Mr.

Mr. Boudinot,
Mr. Clarke,
Mr. Condiot,
Mr. Fitnittttaion«,
Mr. Montgomery,
Mr. Jones,
Mr. Madison,
Mr. Mercer,
Mr. Hawkins,
Mr. Williamsen)
Mr. Read,

no. »

ay.

no,i

no.

no.^

no.

BO.

D«

South Carolina.

So the question Was lobt.
The report having been then amended so as to read,

''that Congress have no objection to a confbrdnoe b^ing held on
behalf of the SUte of Pennsylvania with the Indiaas on their bir-
ders for the sole purpose of aiakins a purchase by k at the eznenoe
of the said State of hmds within the limits thereof; provided that
due notice of such meeting be f;iven to tfie Executives of YirgSnia
& New Tork, who shall have it in their option to send Commis-
sioners to the said CenffMrence."

A motion was made by Mr. Higjgenson seconded by Mr. Holten,
farther to amend the report by addii^ after the word « thereof/' the
following words, "after terms of accomodation shall have been
agreed on between the United States & those Indians;" and on the
question to agree to this amendment the yeas & nays being required
by Mr. Gerry.

ttlatmLVAittA 'Afi6dtV£S 1?8S.

107

N^bampaliira

Mr. Foster,

Mf« OsftTi

Mr. HolteH)

Mr. HiffjgtiiMtti

Mr. Bffitjy

Mr. Howell,

Mr. S. HiliM9ftg^M|

Mt. B. Htmttb^Mi,

Mr. DttAti^,

Mr. i/HbmtetNBSQp

Mr. Bodciindii

Mr. CttmKKj

Mr. FitkriiiiiMfttgi .
Mr. Motitgotflcyyi
Mr. jotiQ8|
Mr. l|sunQti^
Mr. Meroori
Mr. Hawkite,
Mr. WHliattuM,
Mr. Ready

•J

»y

uonuwuuiik
Nrtr Totk» .
Ntfif Jrasey.

JTBIIpJlTSIinL
XVQnB UnOUIlS*

So«A Ctardiiuu
80 tlie ^QWdoii WIS loot.

A Dfnifen of fth» qiaslkm oH the report was then called for, &
CD the ^Qflition to agree ta the ftport as amended, m ikr ae Che pro-
iie0|ih# jeas and najB beiig raptured by Mr. Fitseimmona.

*y-

ny.
•7-
V-
^'

•y-

no.

M,
HO.
ttO.

bo.
to.

*y-

now ^X

•y

NewBamtMlifiro;
MiflifehttieitB.

BhodelUand.
Ctmiieetieat
New TMr«
New Jersey.

Fenaylfaaiia.

Maryland.
Yirginia.

North Ourolina.
Soath Carolina.

no. yx

no. )
to. Vtt
no. 3
tio.

Mr. Foster.

Mr. Gerry,

Mr. Holten,

Mr. Higgenson^

Mr. Eltery,

Mr. HoweU, no.

Mr. S. Hontington, ay^

Mr. B. Huntington, Ay.

Mr. Daane, ay*

Mr. L'Hommedien, by.

Mr. Boodinoty

Mr. Clarke,

Mr. Condiot,

Mr. Fitiaimmohii^

Mr. Montgomery,

Mr. Carroll,

Mr. Jones,

Mr. Madison,

Mr. Mercer,

Mr. Hawkins,

Mr. Williamson,

Mr. llead.

•y

1Q8 PENNSTLYANU ABCHIYES 17^.

So the question inm lost

A motion was then made bj Mr. Daane seoonded bj Mr. Bllei;
in the words following :

Whereas the Delegates of the State of Pensjlvaniay have lai
before Congress a resdntion of the legislature of Pensjlyania in tl
words following :

£ero the resolation of the 12th September, 1788., is inserted]
d the said Bele^tes b^^ving also laid before Congress an u
straction frpdk the said legislature in the words followingi Via r
(Here the instruotion, same date with resolution, is inserted.}'
Ilesolved, That the legislature of Peniylvania be infbnned i
answer to the said representation that as soon as an agreement sha
have taken place for the cessation of hostilities between the Unite
States & the Indians engaged on the side of the British in. tfa
prosecution of the war, (for which measures are now under deliten
tion,) Con^p-ess will chewfully consent to the negociation piRmose
by ike legi&lature for the purchase of the Indian Claimi to land
within the limits of that State.

On die question to affree to the foregoing motion the jeai ani
nays being required by Mr. Duane.

Newhampshire.
Massachusetts.

Rhode Island.
Connecticut.
New Tork.
New Jersey.

Pensylvania.

Maryland.
Virginia.

North Carolina.

South Carolina.
So the question was lost.

Mr. Foeteri

Mr. Gerty,

Mr. Holten,

Mr. Higgenson,

Mr. Ellery,

Mr. Howell, »j.

Mr. S. Huntington, ^J'*\

Mr. B. Huntington, •7-/ '

Mr. Duane, . ^^' .aw

Mr. L^Hommedieu, ay. j '

»y
•y-

Mr. Boudinot,
Mr. Clarke,
Mr. Condict,
Mr. Fitzsimmons,
Mr. Montgomery,
Mr. Carroll,
Mr. Jones,
Mr. Madison,
Mr. Mercer,
Mr. Hawkins,
Mr. Williamson,
Mr. Read,

»y.

•y- v

•yj ■>

'^^•jno
no.

no. yx

no. y
no. vno
no. )

ay.JD.
no. j *

Extract from the Minutes.

GEO. BOND,
DepirSeor.

* Xot inscrt^tl in tLia Copy.

1PBNN8TLVAHIA ABOHIYEB 1T88. »»

JoBii Wktck^l to Pebs. Pick&sqh, 1788.

Saabnry; SeptF 2S«, 178S.
K4J H plem yoov Eipalleney s

Tonr fATdr of Uie 5«^ Ipi^ dkl not oome to my faoDii tOl iko 17^
at which time I had no proriami on hand } hewevor, I selt to the
bnaine88 immediately, and ehall bare abofat half the quantity ready
Bn the Oonrae of Foor or Five days. The rest I will eompieate m
- a tarn daye af ter.««-f>I thank the Hononrable Coondl for the preHnreaee
they wera pleaaed to gite me^ and they may leet aflBOied that no
pains shall b^ waiiting to oompleat the bnemessi which I eonoeiwi
shall be able to do as socfi as any otbei» persoo whatsoerer.

I an^ with great respect,

yon^ Excellency's most Obedient

and very humble Serrant,

JN* WEITZBIi.
JXrectedj

His EaoeOenoy John Dickinson, Esquire, President of the Ex-
ecuti?e Council of rennsyl?ania| Philadelphia.

ISBTRTSamQ/fB 1(0% VfU. I4EB SbRJ^AHVS AJXp JOHH

McClueb, 1788.

Instraetiens ftir W* Lee Seijeanta & John McOhire.

Tou are to Ujce ^mmi^i^ chigree of the Fort, buildings & pub-
lusk p^pefty npw r^pi^^nii^^ at tbelPost of Mclntoph for A in behalf
of the Sti^to of PeniMvlT«uDiiai (iSxpep^ two pieces of Iron Cannon k
some water CaskSi ^e prpperty of the united States) and tbr^
thousand aores ot ]im4 reserye^ for the nee of ^aid 9tat# : whfixx 4e
tract is Surveyedi you will attend & make yourselves acquainted with
the lines ; in the mean time, you will consider it extending two miles
up and down the ri?er, and two miles back ; you will take care that no
waste is oommittod, or Timber cut down or carried off the premiseSi
and probiUl buildings to be made, or any Persons making Settlemento
or to reside thereon, or from even Hunting Encampmento, nor are any
more fiimilies to be permitted than your own to ii?e in Ihe Bam^ks
or any part of the Tract In case of necessity for reoccupying the
post for the United Stetesy you are to idve up the Fort to the
Orders of the Commanding Continental Officer at this place, retain-
ing only sueb part of the buildioffs as may be necessary for yon to
live in— :Bnt if the Troops should be so numerous as not to afford
' room for you— yon will in that case popnpy t^e Building without tl^e
* See page 116.

.110 PSNNSYLYAIilA AJBOHIYBB 1788.

Works, or build for yoarseheR on some oonvoDient place ; bat yoa
will on no Account whatever quit the place without orders from the
Ezecutire Oouncil of Pennsylvania or their Agent so to do — Whose
directions you will hereafter Obey in all matters relative to said Post
& tract of land. In case of lawless Yiolencei or persons attempting
to settle by force, or presuming to destroy any thing on the premisisa,

{on will apply to Michael Hoofnagle, EsqurCi or some Other juatioe
y the peace for Westmoreland County.
For your Care and trouble in performing in the sevml matters
herein required, you may put in Grain £ labor any (jnantity of
ground not exceeding one hundred acres, and Jceep or raise stodr to
the number of fiftv head of homed CaUle & £]ght Horses. Ton
will govern yourselves by these instruetions until the pleasure of the
Hon^^ Council is signified to your-Hmd you will give up peaoe^Ue
possession to them or their Order whenever they think proper.
Given under my hand at Fort Pitt, Sept' 28% 1788,

W- IRVINB, B. Gen'.
We severally engage to conform to the foregoing instniotions to
us. by General Irvine.

H. LOf

Witness,

John Rose.

Depositions BBSPsoriNa Arbsst of Joseph Doan, 1788.

Bedford, 26% 1788.
This Day, I, Mary Hay, Wife of Thoau» Hay, Under Sheriff and
Gaoler in and for the County of Bedford, in the State of Pennsyl-
vania, Do acknowledge to have received from Joseph Wilson, of the
State of Maryland, the Body of Joseph Dioan, mentioned in the Act
of Assembly entitled " ^n Act to encouraee the speedy apprehending
and bringiDg to Justice divers Bobbers Burglars and Felons,'' in
the Gaol of the County aforesaid, agreeably to the said Act.
Certified the Day & Tear aforesaid by

her
MART i^ HAT,
Mark.
Wife of the said Thomas Hay.
Witnesses present,

Tho* Burd,
James French.

' Bedford County, Ss.
We, the Subscribers, two of the Justices of the Peace in and for
the County of Bedford aforesaid, Do hereby certify to all whom it

PENNSTLYANIA ABGHIYSS 1788. Ill

may oonceni, that We were present and saw the aboTe named Jo-
.■eph WiUon|the Bearer hereof, deliver the aforesaid Joseph Doan
' to the above named Morj Hay, Wife of the said Thomas Hay, (who
is Under Sheriff and &aoler in and for the County, aforesaid, and
now abroad upon pablick Bosiness) in the Ooal aforesud ; at whioh
Time he oonfessed to na that his Name was Joseph Doan, and that
he is Father of Aaron Doan'& Mahlon Doan, mentioned in the
aforesaid Act of ABsembly.

In Testimony whereof, Wo have hereunto set our Hands the said
twenty-fifth Day of September, Anno Domini, 1783.

BARNARD DOUGHERTY,
DAVID ESPY.

Resolutions of Assembly — ^Purchase of Indian Lands,

1788.

Thursday, September 25, 1788, A. H.
State of Pennsylvania,
In Oeneral Assembly,

The committee appointed September 12, made report, whioh was
. read, and on motion, and by special order, the same was read the
. second time, and adopted, as follows, via :

The committee appointed to digest such plans as they might con-
. .peive necessary to facilitate and expedite the laying off and surveying
the lands appropriated for the redempUon of the military deprecia-
tion certificates, be^ leave after the fullest information and enquiry,
to report the followmg resolution for the consideration of the house.
Resolved ^^animously, That the supreme executive council be,
and they are hereby authoriied and empowered to appoint Commis-
sioners to hold a meeting with the Indians claiming the unpurchased
territory within the acknowledged limits of ^e State, for the purpose
of purchasing the same, sgreeable to ancRbt usage, and that all
expences accruing from the said meeting and purchase be defrayed
out of the Treasury of the State

Extract from the minutes,
PETER Z. LLOYD,

C9erk of the (General Assembly.
Directed,
The Hon'ble the Supreme Executive GounmL

Depositions respboting arrest of Mahlon Doan, 1788.

Bedford Oounty in the State of Peensylvania,

I, Mary Hay, Wife of Thomas Hay, Under Sheriff and Keeper of
the Oaol in and for the County of Bedford aforesaid, Do hereby

112 PENNSTLYANIA ARCHIYBS 1788.

ftoknoifledge tirat I bave tfaia Day reodyed the Body of Hahlon
Doaii|^ in the^Gaol of tbe County aforesud from John Sblonum
Hill^i who delivered tbe same to me agreeably to the Act of Aaiem*
bl;^ endtled ^' An Act to enooiirage the qpeedy apprehendboig and
bnngins to Jivrtipe iijets Robbie ^nrglan ana FeiooB.'*.
Certified the 27* Day of September, Anno Domini^ 1788.

Byrne

her
MAKT X KAY.
mark
Wife of the said Thomas Hay.
Test. Samuil MiASHLiNy
Samuil Skinnie.

Bedford County as..

We the Snbsoriben two of the Justices of the Peace in and for
the County of Bedford afore^id Do hereby certify to all whom it
may concern. That we were present and saw the abioTQ uamed ^ohn
Solomon Miller deliver the said Mahlon Dpan to Mary Hay wife of
tbe mSA Themaa Hsy, who is under Sheriff and €hu>Ier in llie Omnty
ef Bedford aforesaid and now abroad upon tbe Boshiees ef Ms
Office, in the Goal of the County aforesaid agreeable to the IMree-
tions of the said Act of Assembly ; at which Time be eonfessed to
US that his Name was Mahlon Doan, and Bon to Joseph I>oa9 men-
tioned in the said Act of Assembly.

Olven under our Hands at Bedford the twen^ perenth Ihj of
Slentember Anno Domini. 1788.

BARNARD DOUaHERTT.
DAVID ESPY.

Bedford, October 28^14788.

I aoknowledge that the within Named MaUon Doan waa DeUr-
ered into the Goal of the County of Bedford whereof I am Goab^r^

THOMAS HAT.

The within Named Mahlon Doan has a Blemish on one of his
Eyes and a sort of a Scar under it, has black hair, thin vissMdi
Slender made, down looking and about five feet seven or ei^ht inohes
high. As far as I remember the above is Mahlon Doans description.

BARNARD DOUGHERTY.

PhUad% December 17% 1783.

lndor$edf

The Goaler's receipts and Justices Certificate fox Mahlen Doan to
Johtf a MiUeff, Deeember 17% 1783.

* See page 110.

PSNNSYLYANIA ABOHIYBS 178S.

1)8

MoNTHLT Fat ov thb Ofhokks asd Soldieks or tbb
AiusiOAir A&MT, 1788^

Major Gknenl^ 166 Dollars. Qaarter, Masteri 16^
Briffadier, 126, [additional pay.]

Aios do Campi 50, Burgeon,

[inclodiog their pay as Offioers Surgeon Mates,

in the Line,]
Brigade Majors,
[indodioff their pay

in the Line,]
Chaplain,
Colonel,
Lieat. Colonel,
Mijor,
Captain,
lofiutenants^
Ensigns,
Pay master,

S additional pay.]
Ldjutant,
nsiditioBal pay.J
Quarter Master,
radditional pay.}
ottrgeon,
Mate,

Sexjeant Major,
Qoarter Maiter Seijt. 10,
SojeaDto, 9,

Drum Mi^or ft Fife do 9,
Brums and Fifae, 7i
Corporals, 7i

Privates, 6}

Artillery.

60,
IS Officers

75,
75,
60,
50,
40,
26}
20,
80,

13,

18,

59,

42,
10,

Seijeant Major,

59,
42,

Quarter Master Sexjt. 11,

Fife Major, 10 »»

Drum Major, 10««

Serjeant, 10,
Bomhardiers, 9,

Corporals, 9,

Chnmers, 8«»

Drums and fifes, 8<<o

Mateossis,. 8*<»

Cavalry,

Colonel, 98}

Lieut. Coloneli 75,

Major, 60,

Captains, 50,

Lieutenant, 881

ComeU, 26}

Biding Master, 83}

Paymaster, 80,

additionaL

Adjutant, 15,

iMlditional.

Quarter Master, 16,

additional.

Surgeon,

SomeoB Mate4

Sadkr,

iVdmpet Major,

Farriers,

Quarter Master Secy. 15,

Trumpeters, 10,

Serjeants, 15,

Oorporsk, 10,

DragpoBii^ 8}

42,
10,

11,
10,

tlolonel, 100 DL

Lieut Colonel, 75,

Major, 62}

Captains, 60,

Captain Lieutenant, 88}

First Lieutenant, 88}

Seeond iiavleianiy 88}
Pay master, 80,

[additional pay.]

Pay of the artifioers is the same Ma aftiUerj.

The above is the established pay of the American army.

War office, Sept 27th, 1788. JOS. CABLTON, Secy.

Il4 ' FBNNS7LTANIA ABOHIYES 1788.

Rbturk of Naval Offiokm, 1783,

Paid to the Oommifldonen for the defence of ) jHnauiA a o
the river IXflawtre. | ^^^*' ^ *•

Paid to Mr. David Sittenhoase, 4482, 1, 2,

do. << Mr. James Smith, 2883, 9, 2,

£41839, 16, 6.
22d of Sept. last.
Indorsed^

Return from Naval Officers, Septr. 30th 1783.

Mess. Doughsbtt and Espt to Frbs. DicEiNSoir— ^ors
DoANS, 1783.

Sir,

We be^ leave to inform your Excellency that on the twenty fifth
Day of this Instant September a certain Joseph Doaa rUie eldnr)
was brooght to the Gaol of this County by one Joseph vf illson <rf
Maryland and that on last Saturday Mahion Doan Son to thasd..
Joseph was brought by John Sallamon Milter of this County in lik^
manner to prison.

We are greatly uneasy on account of these prisdners, beeanie we
apprehend from the many threatnings thrown out in the. lower
Counties there may be an attempt made on the prison here to tdk»
them out and therefore pray to be directed as soon as possible, what's*
best to be done.

We are Sir,
with Tcrj great respect,

your Excellency's most Obedt. Hbbl. Servts.

BARNARD DOUGHERTY,
DAVID ESPY.*
Directedf
On public Service.

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esouire, President of the Suprema '•
Executive Council of Pennsylvania, JPhiladelphia.
Favored by Mr. Wm. Henry Jones.
Bedford, September 29th, 1783.

* See Oct 9

PlWltSTLyANIA ABOmVES 1788. lU

ImTRTrcnoKS fROM Briq. Obneeal iRvnnB to James Boggs,

1788.

Fort Pitt, Sepf r 80th, 1788.

Ton an to take Charge of the Tract of Land opposite Fort Pitt
nserved for the use of the State of PennsylyaDia, and not suffer
afty mate or Diatmction to be done of Timber, or Cat or Carried
off the Premiaes Exoepi what is herein mentioned. You will on no
aeaoont sllow Boada to be made Through The Tract, or landing
Plaoaa other than tha old one formerly uMd by the Indian TVadera,
ft ktdy by the garriaon — ^yoa will Ointionaly aroid giving offence
to Um Ooittman£nt at this Poat, and if any treapaaaea are Commit-
ted or Tiolenoe need yon will lodge Regular Complaint to Miohael
Hoofnagle Eaq., or aome other Juatioe of the Peace fov Weatmore*
Imnd County.

Toa are for your Trouble ft Care, allowed to Clear Land ft Raiae
Orm ao aa not to Exceed one Hundred aorea, ft you may keep
Bloek| not to Exceed Twenty Homed Cattle & Six Horaea, you are
not to Permit any buildings whataoever to be Erected, Except fw
the oaa ft OonTenienee of your own Familiea, jou may howeyer alow
the Troona of thia Oarriaon to Cut ft Cany off fire wood, if the
Commandinar oflfaser finda it Expedient to take from them, but you
muat Keep a Bender an aco* to Council of the Quantity so taken —
you mil alao hereafter govern youraelf by such orders or Instructions
M you nay BeeeiTe From Hia Excellency the President of the
■tate and you will Bender Peaceable Possession when Required by
Him, or the Lawfull Asent of the Honerable the Council : or take
mA Leaae aa they ahall think Proper.

I engage to aot conformably to the above inatructiona from
General Irvine.

JAMES BOOGS.
Witness, David Duncan.

N. B. — Untill the Tract ia surveyed it is considered to extend
two Milea down the Ohio River ft two miles up the Aligany ft two
milea back.*

178d|* September 80th. Inatructiona to Jamea Bciggs, for occu-
pying land oppoaite Fort Pitt.

* See page, 109.

1^<| PENNSYLVANU ABflHIYES 17«8.

BbSOLUTION 01* TEX GSflTBRAL AflgEXBLT QV COSmOIZOUTf

1788.

At a QMiend AaeemUv of tbe Qovenior and Oompany of the State
of OonDeeiiont. bcdacin ai New Hayen on the aeooaa Thonday of
OdtobT^], 1788.

Whereae this Biate haa the vndOuUed and eidtidye Bight tt
JwriadictioB & Pre-emption to all %ha LUttda 1/ifig Weet bf th«
Weetera liniti of tbe State of PefinqrlninM, k Imt ef tfie liie*
Biaaipi Riyw, and extending thtoughont froU thd Lalitnde 41^ M
Latitode 42^^ 2 norih^ bj tirtne of the ChaKer grantbd by BSilg
Charke the eeeond to tbe late Colony nM State a Oenneetidtttf
bearing date the 28^ day of Aprils Ai D.^ 1662, Whieh Okkn add
Oltle to make known fmf tbe inforlaatkA ef aB, to thd Eni thai
they may conform themselyee thereto.

BMDlyed, That Hia Bxeelteicy the€U>Mpn«r be deared to iMbe
hia Preolamationi deelaring and flBsevling the Bight of thie StaM
to all the Lands within the Umito aforeeaid A atiaotfy forUdd^M
all Penona to enter or aettle thereon, withont apeeial Itenee «
Anthority irat obtained from the G«(ieral Aeaenbly of ttiie State.
A tme Oopy of Becovdy

A fnie Copy of it Gopy^

£x* By iTno. SnunWl> Qoy.

At a General Assembly of the Goretn^r and Oompariiy of dw Stale
of ComieotioBt^ holden at New Hayen m the 2« Thnraday of
October, A. J>., 1783.

This Assembly being informed, since the Trial had 4n December
last between this State and the Sute of Pennsylyania of sobm
Evidence material to said Cause, then ck)6beale^ and suppressed
from the knowledge of this State or its amnts, and that there ia a
probability of aasoertaining other fiiets on wnieh to ground a reyiaioa
of said C&ose.

Besolved, that Eliphalet Dyer, William Sam^ Johnson, & Jesse
Boot, Esquires, heretofore appointed, be A they are hereby conthined
Agents for this State in the matter aforeetod & that they porane
their Enqniries after Evidence & make report to thia or
future Assembly.

A true Copy of Becord,

Ez« by Geo. Wyllis, Sec'.
A true Copy of a Copy,

£z' by Jno. Trumbull, Goyr.

PBNNSYLYANU AB0HI7BS 1788. 117

At a OenenI Assembly of the Governor and Company of the State

of Conneciienty holden at New Haven on the second Thursday of

October, A. D., 1783.

On tbe Report of a Committer respectinff the Inhabitants settled
mder the Claim of thb State West of Delaware Biver, accepted
and approved.

Whereas a large number of Inhabitants West of Delaware Siveri
and widiin the Charter limits of this State, settled there under tbe
Claim and Jurisdiction* of the said State having first, with the
approbation of the General Assembly thereof, purchased the native
right of soil ft for many years past have been incorporated, and in
the exercise of Government under the Laws of this State. And .
wheieaa by a late decree of Commissioners appointed for settling a
dispute mlative to Jurisdiction between this State and the State of
Peaoaylvania, the tract of Land possessed by the s* settlers is unez*
peetedly declared to be within the Jurisdiction of the Latter : since
whioh the said settlers as it is represented, notwithstanding their
having aoquired the native & possessing right as aforesaid, and
eorroberated their title by vast Labor ft ezpence in reducing the
said Lands from a wilderness state, and stood as a Barrier to Penn*
sylvania and other interior settlements, thro' a long distressing war,
in which most of their males, capable of labor or^deffence have been
fllain. Circumstances which entitled them to expect as well from the
Justice IS clemency of that great and opulent State the fullest
Protection for their Persons, ft to be forever qaiet in their Posses-
sions ; and for which they lost no Umo in applying to its legislature
by humble Petitions; yet notwithstanding to their great astonish-
ment and distress, they find themselves left to the mercy of men,
who claiming under the Proprietory Title of that State, are
prosecuting against them suits of Ejectment, and in some Cases
entering into their Possessions ft Labors by Force, Whereupon

Resolved by this Assembly, That it will in their opinion, be
expedient for the said settlers, as tbe only Remedy left them, to
apply to the Hon'ble the Congress of the United States, for a Court
to be instituted to try their right of soil and possession, pursuant to
the 9th of the Articles of Confederation. That it will be the Duty
of this State to countenance and patronize them in such application ;
and that the Delegates of the State, that shall be in Congress, be
directed to give them all necessary aid therein — And that His
Excellency the Governor be desired to address a fall State of their
Claims ft suflferings to Congress, and solicit the Protection of th^
Hon* Body, in their Behalf, untill a final adjudication of the s*
Cause shall be had.

A true Copy of Becord

Ex* by G. Wyllis, Sec^,

^ A true Copy of a Copy,

Ex* by Jon. Trumbull, Govr.
Vol. X-— 6

118 PENNSTLYANIA ABCHIVES 1783.

Memorial of Ephraim Douglass, 1788.

To the Hononble the Sapreme Eteoutive Council of the Common
Wealth of PennsyWania.

The Memorial of Ephraim Donglass hnmbly shewcth,

That haying to his principles made an early sacrifice of hig
interest, he entered into, and continued in the service of bis countrj
till the loss of health conspiring with other misfortunes obliged him
to retire at a time when his return to civil life offered him no
prospect of a return to his former pursuits in it. That he has since
earned a precarious subsistence by the accidental services he has
been occasionally employed to perform ; but being now altogether
without business and strongly desirous of obtaining some permanent
independent employment he looks up to your Honorable Body for
the accomplishment of that desire with all the confidence which a
knowledge of your justice and readiness in rewarding your faithful
servants can inspire.

That your Memorialist having heard of a new county being created
from a part of Westmoreland, begs leave humbly to offer himself •
candidate for the office of Prothonotary in the County of Fayette
and prays your acceptance of his services.

Tour Memorialist as in duty bound will ever pray.

EPHRAIM DOUGLASS.*
Philadelphia, 2 October, 1783.

Proposals for Supplying the Troops with Provisiok
AT Wyomikq, 1783,

Proposals for supplying the Troops with Provision at Wyoming by
Capt. Wm. Wilson.

for 1 lb of Bread or Flower, 3}
1 lb of Beef or} lb Pork, 5
1 Gill Liquor, &c., 2}

11
* See Col. Rec, Vol. XHI., p. 706.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 119

Petition John Reynolds, Gaolbe, 1783,

His Excellency, John Diokinsoiii Esquire, president of the State of
PennsyWania & the Sapremo Ezecative Coancil.

Whereas, William Tricket & Samuel Crandle Received Sentence
on Monday Last, to stand in the Pillory one hour this day for
Counterfeiting Coppers of Base Mettle; & Ann Pembroke Also
Beceive Sentence on Monday last, To be publickly Whiped, twenty-
mie Lashes for a Grand Laceny by her Committed, this punishment
to be Inflicted this day, as the Weather is so bad it may Indanger
the healths of the Criminals and they not so publickly Exposed, I
therefore pray his Excellency and the Supreme Executive Council
would be pleased to remit their punishments Untill Saturday Next.
I am with Great Respect his Excellencv's and the Supreme Execu-
tive Councirs Most Obedient & Humble Serv%

JOHN REYNOLDS,
Gaoler.

October 8«^ 1783.

Council to Dougherty & Espt, 1788.

In Council; Philad% October 9th; 1783.
Gentlemen :

Council has received your Letter of the 29th of last Month.*
The Board desires that the Sheriff of Bedford County may im-
mediately convey the Prisoners with the utmost Dispatch ft all pos-
sible privacy under a guard of six or seven men well armed to
Lancaster Gaol, & there deliver them to the Sheriff of that County,
to be by him safely kept. The State will pay the charges of re-
moving them.

In passing thro Cumberland County, the Sheriff of Bedford, will
if it is convenient obtain the authority, & if necessary the assistance
of the Sheriff of Cumberland.

Messieurs BARNARD DOUGHERTY and
DAVID ESPY, Bedford.

Report on Indian affairs, 1783.

The United States in Congress Assembled

Wednesday, October 15th, 1788.
The Committee consisting of Mr. Duane, Mr. Peters, Mr. Car-
roll, Mr. Hawkins & Mr. A Lee, to whom were referred Sundry

* See page 114.

120 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

letters and papers'*" relative to IndiaD affairs, report that they haTe
Btteutivelj oonsidered the several papers referred to them & have
conferred thereon with the Commander in Chief that their report
willr bo confined to Indian affairs in the Northern & Middle depart
ments, as they are defined by the Acts of Congress of the 12(h of
July, 1775, and to the settlement of the Western Country ; the
subjects being in the opinion of the committee inseparably con<
nected, and the committee not being possessed of materials which
enable them to extend their views to the southern district, that it is
represented, and the committee believe with truth, that although
the hostile Tribes of Indians in the Northern & Middle departments
seriously disposed to a pacification, yet they are not in a temper to
relinquish their territorial claims without further struggles. That
if an Indian war should be re-kindled, repeated victories might pro-
duce the retreat of the Indians, but could not prevent then^ from
regaining possession of some part of the distant and extensive
territorieS| which appertain to the United States, that while such
temporary expulsions could only be effected at a great charge, they
could not be improved to the smallei^t advantage, but by maintain-
ing numerous garrisons and an extensive peace establishment ; That
even if all the Northern & Western Tribes of Indians Inhabiting
the territories of the United States, could be totally expelled, the
policy of reducing them to such an extremity is deemed to be ques-
tionable, for in such an event, it is obvious that they would find a
welcome reception from the British Government in Canada which by
60 great an accession of strength would become formidable in case
of any future rupture, & in peace by keeping alive the resentment
of the Indians for loss of their country, would secure to its own
subjects the entire benefit of the Fur-Trade.

That although motives of policy as well as clemency ought to
Incline Congress to listen to the prayers of the hostile Indians for
peace yet in the opinion of the committee it is just & necessary that

* These are enumerated in a printed sheet and a portion of the for^^ing,
the introductory paragraph being as follows, to wit : The committee, consist-
ing of Mr. Duane, Mr. Peters, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Lee, to
whom were referred a report on Indian affairs, read in Congress on the 2l8t
of April last ; a letter from General Schuyler, one of the commissioners of
Indian affairs for the northern district dated the Uth of August last, with
messages to and from certain hostile Indians on the subject ot peace ; a let-
ter dated the same day, from Ebeneier Allen, employed to assist Mr. Bull, a
messenger sent by the board of war by order of Congress, to announce the
cessation of hostilities to the Indians in the western country ; a report from
the board of war, dated the 19th of August, accompanying a narrative of
£phraim Douelass, another messenger to the Indian tribes with sundry
enclosares ; a letter fl*om the commander in chief, with instructions accom-
panying the same ; extract of a letter to the commander in chief fh>m
general Ilaldlman, commanding for his Britannic msjestv in Canada, dated
the 17th of August; a letter from the commander in chief, dated the 26th
of August, and its enclosures, and a letter from brigadier general Irwine,
dated the 8d of September instant.

PENNSTLYANIA AEOHIYES 1788. 121

lines of property should be ascertained and established between the
United States and them, which will be convenient to the respective
tribes & commensnrate to the public wants, because the faith of the
United States stands pledged to grant portions of the uncultivated
lands as a bounty to their army, & in reward of their courage and
fidelity : k the publick finances do not admit of any considerable
expenditure to eztioguish the Indian Claims upon such lands : be-
eause it is become necessary by the increase of domestic population
& emigrations from abroad, to make Speedy provision for extending
the settlement of the territories of the United States ; & because
the public Creditors have been led to believe, & have a right to ex-
pect that those territories will be speedily improved into a fund
towards the security & payment of the national debt ; nor in the
Opinion of the Committee can the Indians themselves have any
l«asonable objection against the establishment recommended. They
were as some of them acknowledge, aggressors in the war, without
even a pretence of provocation, they violated the convention neutrality
made with Congress in Albany, 1775, & in return for preferred pro-
teetion and liberal supplies; & to the utter ruin and impoverishment
of thousands of Families they wantonly desolated our villages and
settlements, and destroyed our Citizens. To stop the progress of
their outrages, the war, at a vast expence to the United States, was
earried into their own country, which they abandoned, weaving then
the right of conquest, and the various precedants which might be
quoted in simihur instances, a bare recollection of the facts is suffi*
» eient to manifest the obligation they are under to make atonement
for the enormities which they have perpetrated, & a reasonable com-
pensation for the expences which the United States have incurred
by their wanton barbarity, & they possess no other means to do this
act of justice than by a compliance with the proposed boundaries;
the committee are of opinion that in the negooiation which they re-
commend ; care ought to be taken neither to yield nor require too
mooh, to accommodate the Indians as far as the public good will
admit, and if they should appear dissatisfied at the lines, which may
be found necessary to establish rather to give them some compensa-
tion for their Claims, than to hazard a war, which will be much more
expensive ; but it is supposed, that when they shall be informed oft
the estimates of the damages which our Citizens have sustained by
their irruptions, & of the expenses which the United States have
incurred to check their career, it will have a tendency to suppress
any extravagant demands.'' Whereupon,

Besolved, that a convention be held with the Indians residing in
the Northern and Middle departments, who have taken up arms
against the United States, for the purpose of receiving them into
the favour & protection of the United States and of establish boun-
dary lines of property for seperating & dividing the settlements of
the Citizens from the Indian Villages and hunting grounds ; & here-
by extanguiahing as &r as possible all occasion foe fat«i% As^Wp

122 PENNSYLVANIA ABOUIYES 1788.

ties, disqaiet & oontenlioQ ; that first, & as a prelimiDary, it sball be
reqaired that a^l the prisoners of whatever age or sex among these
Indians shall be deli?ered up.

Secondly, that the Indians be informed that after a contest of
eight years for the Sovereignity of this Country. Great Britian has
relinquished to the United States all claim to the Country within
the limits described by the second article of the provisional treaty
between the United States & the King of Great Britian on the
thirteenth day of November, in the year 1782/ that is to say, from
the north-west angle of Nova Scotia, &ca.

Thirdly, that as the Indians notwithstanding a solemn treaty of
neutrality with Congress at the commencement of the war, notwith-
standing all the advice and admonition given them during its prose-
cution could not be restrained from acts of hostility & wanton
do?astation, but were determined to join their arms to those of
Great Britain, & to share their fortunes, so consequently with a less
generous people than Americans, they might be compelled to retire
beyond the Lakes, but as we prefer clemency to rigor, as we pur-
suade onrseWes that their Eyes are open to their error & that they
have found by fatal experience that their true interest & safety depend
upon our friendship ; as the country is large enough to oontam ft
support us all, & as we are disposed to be kind to themi to supply
their wants and partake of their trade ; we from these eonsiderations
& from motives of compassion draw a veil over what is passed, and
will establbh a boundary line between them and us, beyond which
we will restrain our Citizens from hunting and setling & within
which the Indians shall not come, but for the purposes of trading,
treating or other business equally unexceptionable. Fourthly, that
the following lines shall be proposed to be mutually agreed upon &
established between the United States and the several tribes of
Indians who shall be efifected thereby ; Beginning at the mouth
of the great Miami River, which empties into the Ohio, thenoe
along the said River Miamis to its confluence with the Mad River,
thence by a direct line to the Miamis Fort at the Village of that
name on the other Miamis River, which empties into Lake Brie,
thence along the last mentioned river to Lake Erie, comprehending
all the lands between the above mentioned lines, & the State of
Pennsylvania on the East, Lake Erie on the North, and the river
Ohio on the South-East. Fifthly, that the commissioners for the
Northern & middle departments, or such other persons as may be
appointed by Congress, unite together in holding one convention
with the Indians inhabiting the districts aforesaid & their Allies &
dependants for the purposes aforesa' & only yield to separate con-
ventions in case of inevitable necessity. Sixthly, and whereas the
Oneidas and Tuscarora tribes have adhered to the cause of America and
joined her arms in the course of the late war, & Congress had fre*
quently assured them of peculiar marks of favour & friendship, the
said eommissioners are therefore instructed to re-asaore the said

PENNSYLVANIA AfiCHIYES 1783. 128

tribes of the friendship of the United States, that they may rely
that the knda which they claim as their ioheritanoe will be reserved
for their sole ase and benefit until they may think it for their own
adTantage to dispose of the same. Seventhly, that the said com-
missioners be, and they are hereby instructed to obtain a particular
aooount of the French Inhabitants at Detroit, Illinois and other
Villages within the territories of the United States, & that they give
assurances in the name of the United States, to those Inhabitants
who shall profess their allegeanoe to the United States that they
■hall be protected in the full enjoyments of their liberty, & their
just & lawfull property. Eightly, that the said Commissioners be, k
they are hereby instructed not to admit into a treaty with the said
Indians or sufifer to be in any manner connected with it any article
stipulation or condition whatsoever making or conforming or tend-
ing to make or oonfirm to any individual or individuals any Grant
or Grants of land whether real or pretended within the bounds of
the United States as before described.

Ninthlv, that the said Commissioners be, & they are hereby also
iDstracted to obtain Information of the numbers & place of resi-
dence of the Citizens of the United States, who have seated them-
■elves on the North-west side of the Ohio ; to si^ify to them the
displeasure of Congress, that they have taken this step with which
the public Interest and repose are so intimately connected without
permission or authority, and to discourage to the utmost of their
power, all intrusions into any of the territories of the United States,
within their respective departments.

And, whereas the trade with the Indians ought to be regulated &
■eonrity be given by the trader for the punctuid observance of such
leguUtions, so that violence, fraud and injustice towards the Indians
may be guarded against & prevented, & the honor of the federal
government & the public tranquility thereby promoted. Resolved,
that a committee be appointed, with instructions to prepare and
seport an Ordinance for regulating the Indian Trade, with a clause
thanin, Strictly prohibiting all Civil k Military Officers, particu-
larly all Commissioners & Agents for Indian affiurs, from trading
with the Indians or purchasing or being directly or indirectly oon-
OBTDed in purchasing lands from the Indians, except only by the ez-
m« iieenoe k authority of the United States, in Congress Assem-

The Members chosen Mr. Clarke, Mr. Carroll k Mr. Montgomery.
Sesolved, that the proceeding measures of Congress relative to
Indian affairs, shall not be construed to affect the territorial claims of
any of the States, or their legislative rights within their respective
limits.

The oommlttee in their report observe further that they do not
Oflbr the measures which they have suggested as a sufficient security
against the increase of feeble, disorderly k dispersed settlements in
those remote k wide-extended territories; against the depravity of

124 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 178S.

mannen, wbicli tbey have a tendency to produce ; tbe endleu per-
plexities in which thej must involve the administration of tbe affiiirs
of the United States, or against tbe calamities of frequent and
destructive wars with the Indians, which reciprocal animosities
unrestrained by tbe interposition of legal authority must naturally
excite, & that in their opinion, nothing can avert those complicated
& impending mischiefs, or secure to the United States the just and
important advantages which they ought to derive from those territo-
ries ; but tbe speedy establishment of Government & the regular
administration of justice in such district thereof, as shall be judged
most convenient for immediate Settlement & Cultivation.

Whereupon Re8o]ved,"that it will be wise and necessary as soon
as circumstances shall permit, to erect a district of the western
territory into a district Government as well for doing justice to
the Army of the United States, who arc entitled to lands as a
bounty or in reward of their services, as for the accommodation of
such as may incline to become purchasers and inhabitants, & in the
interim that a Committee be appointed to report a plan consistent
with the principles of the Confederation for connecting with the
Union by a temporary Governm^ The purchasers & inhabitants of
tbe said district untill their number & circumstances shall entitle
them to form a permanent constitution for themselves & as Citiiens
of a free sovereign & independent State to be admitted to a repre-
sentation in the Union provided always that such constitution shall
not be incompatable with the republican principles, which are the
basis of the constitutions of the respective States in the Union.—
The Members Chosen,

Mr. Duonoi Mr. Madison & Mr. S. Huntington.

The United States in Congress Assembled

Thursday, October 30th, 1783.

Whereas it appears that the application of the legislature of
Pennsylvania relative to a treaty of the purchase of the Indian
Claim to lands within the jurisdiction of that State, proceeded from
a respeotful attachment to the foederal Government, & a desire to
guard against prejudices, which might arise from the interferenoe of
their own particular views with the authority of the United States |
that the public interest might have been deeply affected by ne-
gotiation for such purchase, independent of & unconnected with the
General treaty, to be holdcn on behalf of the United States.

Resolved, that the commissioners for holding tbe convention with
the Indians under the act of the fifteenth day of October, instant,
give notice to the Supreme executive of the State of Pennsylvania
of the time & place of holding such treaty to the end that the per-
sons to be appointed by that State for purchasing lands within the.
limits thereof, at the expenoe of the said state, may attend for the
Sole purpose of making such purchase at the time & place appointed

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 125

for holding the Mid treaty, & the Gommissionen on the part of the
United Sutes, are instructed to give every assistance in their power
to tke commissioners who may l^ appointed on the part of Penneyl-
vania towards promoting the interest of that State as far at the
same may consist with the General interest of the Union.

Indorsed^ — 1783, rec* Jannary 24th. Report of a Committee
of Congress of the 25th September, 1783, digested into a Resole^
tion & Transmitted to the Gen. Assembly on the 29th of Jan.
J. A. Read 1 time Jan^ 29, 1784.

Michael Huffnaqlb to Maj. John Armstbong, 1783.

Pittsburg, September 25th; 1783
Dear Sir,

Inclosed I send you Col. Coxo's answer to the Questions I pnt to
him, which you'll please to communicate to Council, from the answer
of Mr. Campbell and Col. Cox they both mention that they look upon
me as an interested person. (I shall always think myself happy
and shall always be ready to comply with any request that Council
may demand of me Consistent with my duty) for which reason I
oould wish that some other person might be mentioned, although
at the same time if Council think proper that I should finish the
Business^ I shall with pleasure do it.
I have the Honor to be,

your most obt Hbble. Servt.

MICH. HUFFNAGLB.
Msjor John Armstrong.

I would mention that if I did not before that what Coz wae
Indicted for was for acting after the agreement.

M. N.
Directed^ — Mnjor John Armstrong,

Gabriel Cox to MicnAEL Huffnagle, 1788.

Sir,

I am not so much of a Lawyer as to be able perfectly to comprehend
the drift or meaning of the several Questions you were pleased to pot
to me, in yoor favour without date, but if I was to give my opinion^
would declare they seem rather calculated to perplex rather than
investigate the matter. I heartily and sincerely wish the Executive
Council to be truly informed of every thing relative to the prose*
cutions, or what might be now properly called persecutions against
me ID this County for executing my duty as an officer of Virginia
& shall be very ready to answer them or any person disinterested,
every Question that can lead to information on the subject, you or
any person can by recurrring to the Clerks offices of Washington
County have, if yoa choose to be at the expence. Copies of all the

12« yESSrlTLVASIA ABCHZTZS

O/ntfh* vf Ptf;b. ij vLoR^orien j:« mj j«« mk job vi£ a
V. '/'.piLs.u.jMU is «&:», sbi ^cm u>€t viH bf: fMOHBi at
k I* J!>i»&swftt %yJo^ Vjz mj WA bcug &:«« lanenkr aa

Evy yjsx Bcd Oli^ EOue. T

GASRIELOOX

DZLIKATZS 15 CC5Gi:££s 70 AS523C2LT, 17SSL

Prmcetoa, &pL ^Sd^ 17SS.
Etf*

W« Lar^e tL<e Dcatt to trasiiDii tLe Proeeeduigs of CwgiiM oa
tbt ifuljtei <vf tlie Iftfttrnctions of iLe Hooble. Hook itktiwe «i tki
pro^iied PareLiM '>f the Ibdla&s bh&biuDg or rfaimiag Piut «f tka
T«mUvj of J^^DLfylTania. Bj tfaoae Proeceding t^ Hows viii
^«e«iv« tbo oUtaclef to a Complknee with t&r Wirfca Tka
i'oiDiaitlet on Indian Aflkin hare made a Beport whkk is worn befora
CobgreMi & tbia Dajr ia appointed for ita Diacoaaoa. Tlie Prindpak
of ttiat iieport militate agaibfet the Idcaa of the Honaa with .~^

to tL« proiz/sed PorcLa&e. It u intended to inskft as Part of the
Forms of Peaoc that the Safagea shall withoot Compenaatioii
abandon Part of tbeir Conntrj to the United Sutes who daim it bj
il'ttk*\MH%\, A: as a lUtribution for the Expenoe k, Damaged ineuied
b/ tbe hostile k cruel Conduct of the Sarages eoolrarj lo the
Advice & Injunctions of the United States. A Boundary Line k
propoMxl to be established between the Indians k, the Citiaena of
these Htates k it was believed that if any partieokr State made a
Purchase it would obstruct the general Measures, as the Indiana
would not agree to the Dereliction of any Part of their Country aa
a Compensation for the Expences k Ravages oocasioned by the War
when they find that tho' tbe ecneral Council refuse it they^saa
obtain Money for it from the Indiyidual States. Whether these
Principles bo just or the Policy adviscable we do not pretend to
determine. We held it our Duty to state the Impediment preventing
Congress from agreeing to the Propositions of the States k leave the
lionble. Uouse to determine as they in their Wisdom shall think
proper

Wo have the Ilonor to be,

with the greatest Kespect your very obedt Servants,

JOHN MONTGOMERY,
RICHARD PETERS.
Directed^ On public Service,

lionble. F. A. 3Iuhlcnberg Speaker of the Honble Honae of
Aasembly of Pennsylvania^ Philadelphia.

PJBNNSYLYANIA ASGHIVSS 1788. 127

Bscftunixra Insibuctions fo& Majoe Moorb, 1788.

Reoruiting Instraction for Major Moore, 1788.

In Council Philadelphia, September 26ib, 1783.
Sir,

Agreeably to our Communioatioas of yesterday, you will prooeed
immediately to inliat and embody two Companies of Infantry con-
sistiDg oi one Serjeant Major, one Quarter Master Serje^it, eight
Serjeants, eight Corporals, Two Drummers, Two Fifers, and one
hundred and twenty six privates.

In performing this service you will please to conform strictly to
the following rules.

First, To guard against imposition, every Recruit, before his
attestation be signed is to be earfully examined, least he should
have a rupture, fits or some other disease which may render him
incapable of performing the more active duties of the Soldier. All
auch are to be absolutely rejected, and those of the best Character,
both as Soldiers and Men to be selected.

Secondly, When an unexceptionable Recruit shall be engaged,
you are to take or send him to some Justice of the Peace who
finding him to be sober, and having read to him the form of the
iulistment receipt and attestation is to cause such Recruit to sign
the said inlistment and receipt and then to administer to him the
oath herewith inclosed ; duplicates of which attestation inlistment
and receipt, the Justice shalj witness. Of these one oopy is to be
transmitted to this Board ; The otl^er you will retain in your own
hands.

Thirdly, The inclosed form of Enlistment receipt and attestation
is to be invariably observed.

Fourthly, As an encouragement to such Recruit immediately to
inlist you are authorized to ofifer on the part of the State the fol-
lowing RatioD, one pound of flour, one pound of beef, or three
quarters of a pound of Pork k one gill of whiskey per man per Day,
on^qnart of Salt & two quarts of Vinegar to every hundred rations,
Eight pounds of Soap & three pounds of Candles to every seven
hundred rations, one suit of Regimental Cloaths annually oonaisting
of one Regimental Coat, one woollen Vest, one pair of woollen Over-
alls, (»e blanket, two Shirts, two pair of Shoes two pair of Soaks,
one Hat, and ten Watch Coats to each Company and the following
Monthly pay to wit.

Serjeant Major & Quarter Master Serjeant, each, eight dollars per

Month.

Seijeants, seven dollars, do.

Corpcmds, five dollars, do.

]Dn.»j««lPif««.d| . . r . fb«d^,d,.

128 PENNSYLVANIA ASOHIVES 1788.

fifthly. As an additional enoouragement to the aerrioe, yon are
at liberty to give any anm not exoeediog four dollars for ofiary
saffioient stand of arms and aoooutrements furnished by the Beornit
whom yon may engage.

Sixthly, No farionghs to be given to any Reeruit till' the farther
order of Conncil.

Seventh ty, Council expect a weekly report of your progress in
tliis business, till' it be concluded.

lam &c..

J. D.

Acknowledgement and A(te$(ati<m of ,

Mama. Ag«. H«igl4. Complexion, iflaoe Born. Trad* or OocupaMon.

I do acknowledge myself to be fairly and truly inlisted in the
service or the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and corps of foot
commanded by Major James Moore, for the space of two years^
unless sooner discharged ; and that I have received the sum of

in advance of pay. In
witnesss whereof, I have set my hand, this day of

Anno Domini, 178
Witness

I do swear to be true and faithful to the commonwealth of Penn-
sylvania ; that I will faithfully serve it in the oorps of foot comman-
ded by Major James Moore, fur the space of two years from the
date of this attestation, unless sooner discharged ; and that I will
be obedient to the orders of the Supreme Executive Counoil, the
Legislature of the state, and the Officers by them set over me,
aooording to the continental articles of war, or such other wticles as
some future assembly of the state may establish for the gorenuuinfc
of the corps to which I belong. So help me God.
Sworn before me this p

day of 178

Directed, — (on publo service) To Major James Moore present,

P&OCEEDINQS OF ASSEMBLT ON INTERNAL COMMEBCS, 1783.

State of Pennsylvania, In General Assembly,

Monday, September 15, 1783, A. M.,
The report of the committee appointed to bold conferences with
the city morcbants, read September 10, was read the second time,
vitid adopted as follows, viz ;

PENNSYLVANIA ABGHIVES 1788. 129

That they have had- randiy eonfevenoee with a eommittee of the
aerohaiite of Philadelphia toachioK the inland commeroe of this
State, that they are aorry to find &e aame anbjeoted to bo many
obatrootions owing to the roinoos eondition of the pahlic roada
throoghoat this atate — no ohjeot however Btrikea your committee in
■0 fordble a manner, as that of condaeting the strea^ms of oommeroa
from the river Susqaehanna to the port of Philadelphia; This yoar
eommittee are fally satisfied, can be done in no other mode so easy
aa by improving the navigation of the Schuylkill np to Reading,
and making durable and lasting roads from thenoe to anoh part or
parts of the Susquehanna as offer the most easy communioation with
the fertile lands westward thereof — ^A town or towns laid out and
enconraged by government, in such situation or situations on the
east aide of the said river, would, in the opinion of your committee,
be attended with capital advantages to the trade of Philadelphia, aa
every inhabitant of such town or towns would in some degree be a
fiwtor for the Philadelphia market.

Your Committee therefore oSier the following resolutions to the
honorable House.

First, — ^To view the different roads leading from Susquehanna to
Reading and Philadelphia, and point out the most practicable mode
of improving and repairing the same, and to consider of the most
probable way of opening a communication between the rivers
Snuquehanna and Schuylkill — to form estimates of the ezpences to
carry the above designs into execution and to report their pro-
ceedings with all possible expedition to the next House of Assembly.

Second, — ^To receive the proposals of such person or persons aa
nay offer lands to the public for the purpose of building a town or
towns on the east bank of the Susquehanna.

Third,— To examine the navigation of the Susquehanna to the
Bonrees of the same, and ascertain aa near as conveniently may bci
where the northern boundary of this atate will fall, particularly
whether any part of lake Erie is within the state of Pennsylvania,
taking particular notes of the nature and geography of the county
aa to the practicability of roads, water carriage, air, soil, natural
fftodnetiona, &ca.

On motion.

Resolved, that the same Commissioners view the river Delaware,
and report to the next Assembly, the most probable mode of re-
moving every obstruction, and improving the navigation thereof,
with an estimate of the expenoe.

Ordered, that this house will on Saturday next proceed to elect
BIX Commissioners for the purposes contained in the foregoing
resolutions.

Saturday, September 20, 1783, A. M.,

Agreeable to the order for the day, the House proceeded to
elect six Commissioners for the purposes expressed in the resolutions
adopted September 15, and the ballots being taken, it appeared,

180 PENNSYLVANIA AfiCHIVES 1788.

that David RittcnfaoaBey Thomas HQtohiiiSy and Nathan Sellen,
Esqaires, were duly eleoted for performing the duties mentioned in
the first and second of the aforesaid resolutions — and that William
Maclaji James Wilkinson and William Montgomery, EsquireS|
were also duly elected for the performing the duties mentioiied ia
the third and in the last of those resolutions.

On motioui

Ordered, that Mr. Delaney, Mr. G-. Gray and Mr. Slough be n
committee to report instructions to the Commissioners above named»
conformable to the resolutions adopted September 15.

Friday, September 26, 1783, A. M.

The report of the committee, appointed to report instructions to
the Commissioners nominated to view the different roads leading
from Susquehanna to Beading and Philadelphia, and to consider <a
the most probable mode of opening a communication between the
rivers Susquehanna and Schuylkill, and of improving the navigation
of the river Delaware ; read September 28, was read the second
time and adopted as follows, (viz.) ^

Oentlemeni

The intentions of the Assembly to promote the welfare and hap*
piness of the State, are so fully explained in the resolutions pointing
out your duty, that it would be needless and unnecessary to be
more particular, it remains therefore only to inform you, it is the
earnest desire of the House, that you proceed with all possible eX"
pedition on the business of your appointment, and that evei^ neoes-
ary ezpence attending the prosecution of your duty, will be paid
out of the treasury of the State K>n orders drawn by tfaie president in
Council, to whom you are to apply, and report to them an estimate
of such Instruments and otber necessaries as you may want.
Inclosed you have a copy of the resolutions, to which you will give
particular attention.

On motion,

Hesolved, that the Commissioners appointed to view the obstrufr*
tions to the navigation of the river Delaware, be, and the same are
hereby appointed Commissioners in behalf of this State in conjunc-
tion with Commissioners on behalf of the State of New Jersey, to
ascertain and determine wbatlslands in the river Delaware above the
falls of Trenton belong to each state, agreeable to the Law in thai
case mode and provided, passed September, 20 instant.
Extract from the minutes,

PETER Z. LLOYD,

Clerk of the General Assembly.

PENN87LTANIA ABGHIYES 1788. Ul

Sib Guy Carlbton to Pres. Dickinson, 1783.

New York, 27th September, 1783.
Sir,

I have delayed answering your Excellency's letter of the 5ih
Inttant* nntill now, in hopes that some of the offenders named in
the Proclamations and certificates yon enclosed, might have beea
foand and apprehended here. But although diligent enquiry hat
been made, it has hitherto been without success.

Should any of those fuffitives from Justice be diiiOTered here
while I remain, they shall be apprehended and I will inform your
EseelleDcy thereof.

I am Sifi your Excellency's

most obedient and

most humble servant

GUY CARLETON.
DirecUd^ To His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq'.

Council to Cafe. P. Shrawdbr, 1783.

In Council,

Philadelphia, September 27th, 1783.
Sir,

Council direct, that an accurate return of all publie stores at
Wyoming, may be immediatelv made for their information. I have
also to inform you that in a late Election by this Board you were
appointed to the command of one of the two companies to be raised
for the &rther defence of this Commonwealth. The recr^iting of
this Corps is specially committed to the Commanding Omcer
Uajor James Moore of the Pennsylvania Line whose orders you
will hereafter obey. jCouncil conceive it necessary that you should
eentinue at the post and proceed to act in that line of defigence and.
industry which has already so well deserved their approbation.
Many reasons make it prudent, if not necessary, that this appoint-
ment should be concealed from the Garrison. Among others it is
to be feared that if they were acquainted with it they might relax
in their obedience. You will be pleased to make immediate report
whether Mr. Weitzle has closed with the proposals of Council, and
what quantity of provisions you have on hand.
• lam

with much respect

your most obedient

and very humble servant,

JOHN ARMSTRONG, jr., Sec'y.
Directed, On public Service,

To Captain Philip Schrawdcr, of the Rangers, al Wyoming.

« See page 101.

leS PENNSTLTANIA ABGHIVSS 178&

Pbes. Dickinson, to Maj. J. Moorb.

Id CoaDcn, October 18'^ 1783.
Bar,

Gonndl fbllj oonfidiDg in your Integrity, Ability & Indiutryi
eommita to you the important charge, the Fort and Poet at Wyom-
ing, and wiehes yon & the other officers now in Town, to repair to
that place as soon as possible with the Men that are inlisted

We do nil doubt but the utmost oare will be taken that the
Troops behave themseWes regularly, & that not the least injury be
done to any of the Citizens of the State. Upon your arrival therej
you will endeavour to complete the Companies by enlistiBg such of
the soldiers in the Garrison as may be approved of agreeably to the
Instructions we have given, k who have no improper Connection in the
neighbourhood. If a sufficient number of such Men oannot be pro-
cured in the Garrison, we would desire, that an officer may be sent
down to this City to make up the Complement.

As you go by Harris's Ferry you will take with you such of tfie
Military stores at that place as may be necessary.

Peculiar Circumstances strongly point out the propriety of desir-
ing you in a verv particular Manner constantly to employ the
utmost Vigilance & Alertness for the security of the Fort, & the
Maintenance of the Station.

It is expected (as in the Instructions to Captains, B. & S.)*

It is our desire that as long as it may be necessary to keep up the
garrison, it shall at no time be left without a supply of one Month's
provisions in stock for the compleat Elstablishment of the two com-
panies; and that for this purpose you will co^espond with John
Weitzel Esquire.

We should be glad to have a return of all the millitary storesi and
early, frequent & exact Intelligence of your proceedings & of every
circumstance that may concern the Interest of the State.

With the most entire Reliance upon your Fidelity Prudence and
Activity,

I am Sir, your

most obdt. & hble. servt.,

JOHN DICKINSON.

P. S. — On your arrival at Wyoming you will please to muster and
inspect the troops now there, making exact returns to us. You will
then express to the Officers & Soldiers, the grateful sense we enter-
tain of tbeir services and discbarge them.
Directed,

To Major James Moore.

* See pnge 100. Robinson and Shrawder.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1783.

Thb Petition op the Inhabitants of York Town, 1788.

To His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esaaire, President, and the

Honourable Exeontive Council of the Com mon-r Wealth of

Pennsylvania, now sitting at Philadelphia; October, 1783.
Most humbly Shew,

That a Number of Troops (commonly called Armand's Legion,) have
been Quartered among Your Petitioners about ten Months ogo; and
tha^many of said Troops are very mischievous and trouble|Dme to Your
Petitioners, but they contrive it so Crafty that it is a him matter to
discover the Fact, and have them brought to Justice, and which
they conceive would be equally dangerous.

And that Your Petitioners have been very Subtilly deceived at
first, being only required to keep them for a few Days, but have been
here ever since, and no likelihood of being yet removed.

And that many of Your Petitioners might have had the Benefit
of Letting some Apartments of their Dwelling, was it not| that some
of said Troops were Quartered therein.

And that Your Petitioners presume to be highly injured in their
Property and deprived of their Liberty, (which they conceive to be
equally in titled to enjov the same, as other faithful Citizens of this
Common-Wealth,} if the said Troops are not immediately removed
from this Place.

And that Your Petitioners would be willing to bear the Burthen
with patience, were it General throughout this Common*Wealth.

Your Petitioners therefore most earnestly solicit Your Excellency
and the Honourable Council, to lend an Ear to their Excessive Bur-
then some Grievances, and Order that the said Troops may be Quar-
tered in Barracks, which your Petidoners presume would be more
convenient and agreeable to the Troops, and less Injurious to Indi-
viduals, and would Relievo Your Petitioners of a very heavy and
disagreeable Burthen, in which they most humbly Pray Redress.
And Your Petitioners as in duty bound, &c., will pray.

Joseph Welshanoe, Philip Rothrock|
Samuel Leedy, John Jones,

Frederick Lowmaater, Andrew Weyer,

Jacob Garnet,
Jaoob Updegraff,
Joseph Updegraff,
Jacob Luther,
John Myer,
Adam Grover,
Francis Worley,
John Rothrook,
Benjamin GorgaSi
Samuel Gorgas,

Anth Weycr,
Henry Cuninghami
John Ualler,
Martin Ragb,
.George Finok,
John Can,
Martin Bound,
Josua Purit,
Alexander Brau,
John Molntiroi

John Moore,
George Miles,
Henry Wolff, jonior,
Reraid Harr,
Jacob Geartner,
William Welch,
Caleb Kirk,
Samuel Fisher,
Jacob Worly,
John Lieut,
Martin Cronmillon,
John Sheafer,
Sam^ Updergraff,

aiul others.

184 PENNSYLVANIA ASCHIVBS 1783.

A Proclamation for THANKSGiviNa by Conqrkss, 1788.

Bj The United States in Congress Assembled.

Whereas it hath pleased the Supreme Ruler of all human Events
to dispose the hearts of the late belligerent power to put a period to
the Effusion of human blood, by proclaiming a Cessation of all
hostilities by sea & land, and these United States are not only hap-
pily rescueflfrom the dangers & calamities to which they have been
so long Exposed, but their freedom sovereignity & Independence
ultimately acknowledged : And, Whereas in the progress of a con-
test on which the most essential rights of human nature depended,
the interposition of divine providence in our favor hath been Most
abundantly & most graciously manifested, and the Citisens of these
United States have every reason for praise & gratitude to the Ood
of their salvation. Impressed therefore with an exalted sense of the
blessings by which we are surrounded, & of our entire dependence on
that Almighty being, from whose Goodness and bounty they are de-
rived. The United States in Congress Assembled, do recommend it to
the the several States to set a part the second Thursday in December
next, as a day of public thanksgiving, that all the people may then as-
semble to celebrate with grateful hearts and united voices the praises
of their supreme & all bountiful Benefactor, for his numberless
favours & mercies — ^That he hath been pleased to Conduct us in
safety through all the perils & vicissitudes of the war; that
he hath given us unanimity and resolution to adhere to our
just rights ; that he hath raised up a powerful ally to assist us in
supporting them, & hath so far crowned our United Efforts with
success, that in the course of the present year, hostilities have
eeased and we are left in the undisputed possession of our liberties
and Independence, and of the fruits of our own lands, and in the
free participation of the Treasures of the Sea ; that he hath pros-
pered the labour of our husbandmen with plentiful harvests } and
above all, that he hath been pleased to continue to us the light of
the bles-ed Gospel & secured to us in the fullest extent, the rights
of conscience in faith and Worship; And while our hearts oveiSow
with gratitude, and our lips set forth the praises of our Great
Creator, that we also offer up fervent supplications, that it may
please him to pardon all our offences, to give wisdom and unani-
mity to our public Councils, to Cement all our Citzens in the bonds
of affection and to inspire them with an Earnest regard for the
National honor and interest, to enable them to improve the days of
prosperity by every good work and to be lovers of peace & tran-
quility ; that he may be pleased to bless us in our husbandry, our
commerce and navigation ; to smile upon our seminaries & means
of Education, to cause pure religion & virtue to flourisb^ to give
peace to all nations and to fill tho world with his Glory.

PlDfNSTLVANIA ABGHIYSS 1788. 186

Done by the UQitad States in CoDgress Assembled — ^Witness bis
Excelleaojy Elias Boadinot, our President, ibis Eigbteentb Day
of October^ in the year of oar Lord one thousand seven hnndred
and -Eighty-three, and of the Sovereignty and Independence of
the United States of America, Uie Eighth.
Cha. Thomson, Seo'y.

ELIAS BOUBINOT *

Gapt. Ja. Chrtstie to Pbbs. Dickinson, 1783.

Easton, October 22d; 1783.
Snr

I have arrived here this morning at 9 o'Clock, the Detaofamenl
in good order^ only two of the soldiers which I shall ti^e the liberty
to diioharge aa anfit f<Hr service, The one has fits & the other is in
mob a sitnation from his own &nlts that he will be on the Doetox^a
list during thb terra of his inlistment.

Yonr Excellency will see the reason for the waggons being allowed
for six days. The two first days owins to the badness of the weather
wegotnofartber than Flower Town about twelve miles from Phila.
& he is allowed two days to return. I expect to have everything
ready to march this evening & will set out to morrow morning.
I have the honor to be,

your Excellency's most obedient Servant,

JA. CHRYSTIE, Capt.
Dtreeied^

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esqr., President of the State
Penna.

P&ss. OF CoNGBBSS TO Pbss. Dioeinson, 1783.

(Circular.)

Princeton, 22« October, 1783.
Sir,

Your Excellency will receive enclosed herewith a Proclamation of
Congress of the 10th instant,']' recommending to the several Statos,
to set apart the second Thursday in December next, as a day of
public Thanksgiving.

I have the honor to be,

with great respecti
Your Excellency's

Most obd' and
'\ very humb. Servt.,

ELIAS BOUDINOT.
JDireoUd, His Excellency, The President of Pennsylvania.

* Bee Col. Ree. Vol., XIIL, p. 749.
t Sm (age 186.

186 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVBS 1788,

GOMMISSIONEBS OF WASHINGTON Co.^ TO PrES. DICKINSON^

1783.

.WashiDgton County, Oct' 25, 1788.
Sir,

By order of Council we receiy'd a letter the 20th of September,
bearing Date the 24th of July, informing that the Executive of
this Stato are astonished at the Inattention with which their Repre-
sentation OB that subject have been Received.

Permit us to say that every thing in our power has been adopted
to further your Honors wish ; our County Tax has been laid and
will soon be adjusted. And before this time might been completed^
but for the lateness of receiving the tax Bill, which was near the
latter end of June, and then so few, that they in no wise answered
the Demand of the County ; so that Business was done with the
greatest Difficulty, but is nearly surmounted. Altho' we are certain
every twentieth person cannot comply with the laws Requirement.
Sir^ we Remain your Honors
Obed< Hble. Servts.

JOHN M'DOWELL,
THOS. CROOKS,
GEORGE MCCORMICK,

Commissionem.
Directed^

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq., President of the Ezecu-
tive Council of Pennsylvania.

Resolution of Gongbess, Removal, 1788.

By the United States in Congress Assembled

October 30th, 1788.

That in case a president shall not be chosen on or before the 12*^
Day of November next, the Secretary adjourn Congress on that day
to meet at Annapolis on the 2Gth of said Month, according to the
Resolution of the 20th Idstant

On the Question to agree to this, the yeas & nays being required
by Mr. Peters.

Massachusetts. Mr. Holten, ay.'

Mr. Oi«good, ay.

Rhode Island. Mr. Ellery, ay.

Mr. Howell, ay.

Connecticut. . Mr. S. Huntington, ay.

Mr. B. Huntington, ay.

ay
ay
ay

PSNNSYLYANIA ABGHIYES 1788.

New York.

New Jersey.
PeDsyWaoia.
Maryland.
Virginia. i
N® Carolina.
South Carolina.

Mr. Daane, no.

Mr. L'Hommedien^ no.

" ~ no.

no..

no.

ay,

ay.

a>.

ay
ay

Mr. Boudinoty
Mr. Condicty
Mr. Montgomery,
Mr. Peters,
Mr. Carroll,
Mr. M*Henry,
Mr. Lee,

Mr. Mercer, ay^, >

Mr. Hawkins, ay. '

Mr. Williamson, ay. ^ '
Mr. Read, ay. '

Mr. Berresford, ay. '
So it was Resolved in the affirmative.
A Motion was made by Mr. Lee seconded by Mr. Holten,
That a Committee be appointed to repair to the lower falls of
Patomack to view the situation of the country in the vicinity of Ahe
fame, and report a proper District for carrying into effect the reso-
lution of the 21»» oC October. Whereupon,

A motion was made by Mr. Howell, seconded by Mr. Carroll, to
amend the foregoing motion by adding.

And that the Committee appoint^ on the 7*^ day of October,
Instant, to report the most suitable plaoe for erecting Buildings for
the accommodations of Congress near the falls of the Delaware, be
directed to report as soon as may be.

On the Question to agree to this amendment the yeas & nays
being required by Mr. Howell.

Massachusetts.

Mr. Holten,

ay.

Mr. Osgood,

ay.

Rhode Island.

Mr. EUery,

ay.

Mr. How«ll,

ay.

Connecticut.

Mr* 8. Huntington,

»y-

Mr. B. Huntington

> ay-

New York.

Mr. Dnane,

no.

Mr. L'Hammedieu,

no.

New Jersey,

iTf Mr. Boudinot,

no.

Mr. Condiot,

no.

Pennsylvania,

Mr. Montgomery,

no.

Mr. Peters,

no.

Maryland,

Mr. Carroll,

ay.

Mr. McHenry,

ay.

Virginia,

Mr. Lee,

ay-

Mr. Mercer,

ay.

No. Carolina,

Mr. Hawkins,

ay-

Mr. Williamson,

ay-

Sa. Carolina, ";

Mr. Read,

ay-

Mr. Berresford,

ay.

So it

was resoioved in the affirmative.

.ay

ay
ay

186

PRNNSTLVANIA AROHIVBS 178&

Oo the Qaestion to agree to the motion of Mr. Lee^whioh wti
divided from the amendment at the request of a Member the yeas ft
nays being required by Mr. Peters.

MassaehosBetts,
Rhode Island,
Conneetionty
New Toik,
New Jersey,
Pennsylvania,
Maryland,
Virginia,
No. Carolina,
So. Carolina,

Mr. Holton, ay.

Mr. Osgood, ay.

Mr. Ellery, ay.

Mr. Howell, *y* /

Mr. 8. Huntington, ay. \
Mr. B. Huntington, ay. J^"
Mr. Duane, no.

Mr. Jj Hommedieo, no.
^" ~ '" no.

no.

ay.
ay.

•y-

ay.

Mr. Boudioot,

Mr. Condict,

Mr. Montgomery,

Mr. Peters,

Mr. Carroll, ay.

Mr. MoHenry, ay.

Mr. Lee, ay.

Mr Meroer, ay.

Mr. Hawkins, ay.

Mr. Williamson, ay.

Mr. Head, ay.

Mr. Berresford, ay.

So it was resolved in the affirmative.

The second fwrt was agreed to and the whole was as follows,

Besolved, That a Committee be appointed to repair to the lower

foils of Potomaek to view the situation of the Country in the vicinity

of the same and report a proper District for carrying into effect the

resolution of 2l8t of October and that the Committee appointed on

the 7th of October to report the most suitable place for erecting

Buildings for the accommodation of Congress near the foils of the

Delaware be directed to report as soon as may be.

The Members Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Oerry, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Meroer,
& Mr. Williamson.

A motion was then made by Mr. Howell seconded by Mr.
Mercer.

That the President transmit to the^Executives of New Jetfey
Pennsylvania, Maryland, & Virginia, Copies of the acts of Consress
of the 7th Instant respecting Buildings to be erected for a federal
Town on the Banks of the DeUware, and of the act of the 21st In-
stant respecting Buildings to be erected on the Banks oi Potomaek
for a second federal town, and the adjournment of Congress to
Annapolis and that Copies be also transmitted to the several other
States in the Union.

A Division was called for and a question taken on the first olanse
as far as " Delaware" inclusive passed in the affiirmative. On the
Question to agree to the^sedond clause from Delaware to the end,
the yeas and nays being required by Mr. Peters.

FENNSTLYANIA ABOHITEB 1788.

1S9

MiMBcfcowotta,
Rhode laland,
Oooneotieoty
New Tork|
NewjJeney,
Pemieylvniia,
Maryland,
Yirgioiaj
No. Carolina,
So. Cait>lhia,

Mr. Holten, ay.

Mr. Osgood, ay.

Mr. Ellery, ay.

Mr. Howell, ay.
Mr. S. HaQtington, ay.
Mr. B. HuDtingtoD, ay.

Mr. Dnaiie, ay.
Mr. L'Hommediea, ay.

Mr. Boudioot, ay.

Mr. Condict, no.

Mr. Montgomery, no.

Mr Peters, no.

Mr. Carroll, ay.

Mr. McHenry, ay.

Mr. Lee, ay.

Mr. Mercer, ay.

Mr. Hawkins, ay.

Mr. Williamson, ay.

Mr. Read, ay.
Mr. Berresford,

ay.

-no

I ay
ay
ay.

So it waa Resolved in the affirmative

CHA. THOMSON, Secy.

BXPORT AND RbSOLUTION OF CONGRESS, 1783.

By the United States in Congress assembled.

November 1, 1783.

The committee consisting of Mr. Carroll, Mr. Dnane and Mr. S.
Huntington, to whom was referred a motion of Mr. Wilson, to
devise means for procuring a full representation in Congress having
reported,

** That whether from the peculiar circumstances some of the
states have been under during the war, or tfant the states in general
were not sufficiently impressed with the importance of keeping up
a constant representation in Congress, the oommittee cannot find on
examining the journals, notwithstanding the repeated earnest recom-
mendationB for that purpose, that all the states have been repre-
sented at the same time : it appears that frequently there have ndt
been more than nine states, and' too generally not more than a com-
petent representation for the lesser objects of the confederation. As
the articles of confederation are silent upon this subject, any further
than by fixing the number of delegates for each state, and by de-
elaring how many shall constitute a representation, the committee
presume such silence was in consequence of a firm reliance that the
states could not be inattentive to a duty not only essential to the

140 PENNTLtANIA AEOHTVEB 1788.

interests of each state, bnt likewise to a principle o« whioh the
federal government itself rests.

The articles of confederation requiring, for certain pnrposeSy tha
agreement of nine states, and as it has seldom happened more than
that number htre attended, the committee conceive, that not only
the injnry the pablio and individuals have suffered thereby, have
been occasioned in many instances by the absence of the delegates
of some of the states, but likewise that the spirit of the articles of
confederation have been defeated, by making an unanimiij^ neces-
sary, whereas nine only out of thirteen are required. And the
committee are further of opinion, that unless the states pursue
effectual measures for keeping up a constant representation another
material object of the confederation will be frustrated. The debys
unavoidable for want of a full representation, will they conceive,
oblige Congress to remain sitting the whole year, whereas by the
articles of confederatixm it appears, that it was expected part of the
business of the United States^ would be transacted. by a committee
of the states.

The committee therefore are of opinion, that it should be
earnestly recommended to the respective states, to take the most
effectual measures to maintain at all times while Congress are sit-
ting, a full representation, that the delay of business, which has
proved so injurious to the public, and grievous to individuals^ may
no longer be a subject of complaint.

Eesolved, That Congress agree to the said report

GHAS. THOMSON, Seo'y.

M. HUFFKAQLB TO PrESIDBNT OF CoUNCtL, 1783.

By Colonel Hays, I Received the Instructions from Council for
the preserve tion of the Timber upon the reserved tract opposite to
Pittsburg & have accordingly Notified the People of the same. At
the same time Mr. Boggs produced to me an agreement made with
him by General Irwin, a Copy of which I have inclosed, & Council
will be judges of the propriety or impropriety of the same in the
mean time he is to remain on the Land until you shall give me
further instructions on that Subject.

I am much obliged to Council for the appointment they have
sent me, at the same time, I could wish to have an associate. I
can assure you it requires a great deal of attention & care to bring
these People into Order^ & it would require one constantly to be
present here.

The Judges left this yesterday on their way to Washington &

PENNSYLVANIA AROfflVES 1788. Ul

they intend to retarn here on Saturday i I think thoy will be able
to giTO Coancil a true State of the situation of this Country. '
I have the Honor to be

your very H'ble Serr*,

• MICH. HUFFNAGLK
Direetedf «

To Blajor John Armstrong, Jr., Secretary Supream Executive
GounciL Philadelphia.
Hon^ by Mr. McEun.

M. HuFFNAQIiE 10 8^0*7 ABMSTEONa, 1783.

D'S',

Sinoe I wrote you the offiocrs & Soldiers of the Garrison are
eoiting their Wood within the Reserved Tract which will take off a
creat deal. I would likewise Mention if Council should incline to
Lsaie oat the Land it might be done to very good hands.

MICH. HUPFNAGLB.
J)irectedf

Major John Armstrong.

MSMORUL AGAINST ThBATRES IN PHILADELPHIA, 1783.

To the Prendent and Executive Council of Pennsylvania.

The Memorial and Remonstrance of the Subscribers^ Inhabitants
of the City of Philadelphia, sheweth —

Thaty understanding with equal apprehensions and regret, a do*
sign is in agitation and preparations arc making to open a Theatre
in the Suburbs of this City for the exhibitions of Stage plays or
other pernicious amusements of the like kind, we conceive it oar
doty to represent to you some general observations on the occasion
in which the Virtue & Morals of the People are immediately inte*
rested. «

Previously remarkiog as a real subject of peculiar thankfulness
that it hath pleased the Sovereign Ruler of all huoun events to
dispoee the hearts of the powers lately ^' at War to put a stop to the
effusion of human blood" by the restoration of peace wherebv the
people of this City and of the Continent in general are happily re-
lieved from the dangers & Calamities to which they were so long
exposed, and the interposition of divine Providence hath been re-
markably conspicuous for our preservation in times of groat ex-
tremity, a serious recollection whereof ought to iniprcds every Mind
Vol X-7.

142 PBNNSTLYANIA ABOHIVES 1788.

'^ with humble graiitade to that Almighty Being from whose boaotj
k goodness all our blessings are derived/' but an attempt to intro-
duce those scenes of Vanity, licentiousness and dissipation, is an
instance of great inconsideration and depravity in those who are
concerned in promoting them^ as it is also a contemptuous violation
of the Laws. *

The nature and tendency of those exhibitions lijphappily intit>-
ducing a variety of intemperance, dissoluteness and debauchery,
must necessarily affect every pious judicious mind with real conceni
and excite a tender compassion towards unwary Youthy whoee Minds
becoming vitiated by a taste of delusive pleasures grow indisposed to
the regular laudable & virtuous satisfEustion of domestic and social
life, and are often gradually drawn into infidelity & corrupt princi-
ples, of which experience hath given abundant proof in those places,
where such ensnaring amusements are allowed and encouraged.

We also take the liberty to remonstrate on this subject as it
affeots the respect and honour of magistracy, which Office is always
rendered more difficult & perplexed by a greater variety of disorder
k irregularity, and its power and authority must be weakened by a
growing corruption of manners among the people ; these diversiona
manifestly tending to such consequences^ we request you would con-
sider them in these points of view.

And as the good order and subordination in Civil Society as well
as the exercise of the divine and social Virtues proceed from an
attachment to the doctrine & precepts of the Christian Religion — can
a design so evidently repugnant thereto, and experimentally mischie-
vous in practice deserve the least encouragement ? — and should it
not be discountenanced and suppressed in the most effectual manner?
agreeable to the provision made by the Law in which the disappro-
bation of such irreligious & impolitic amusements is declared by the
Legislature.

A consideration of the vicious impressions which a taste for these
diversions must stamp on the ^outh & others, tbo prejudice that
must accrue to Industry & frugality thereby — the increase of dis^
orders weakening the authority of magistrates — and above all the
open and visible detriment to true Beiigion — ^We hope and desire
may prevail with you so effectually to interpose your authority and
power as to put an entire stop to the undertaking, however plausibly
disguised to elude the penalties of the Law.

John Reynell, John Guest, Saml. Lewis,

Isaac Zane, Williom Norton, Richard Jones,

Aothonv Bencset, Joseph Bringhurst, Saml. Clark,

Jam's Pemberton, James Bringhurst, James Starr,

* Charles West, Dan'l Drinker, William Cliffton,

David Bacon, Jno. Lynn, John Townsend,

Ilezekiah Willinms, Ebenezer Robinson, Jno. Birohall,

Tho's Hallowell, James Whiteall, Owen Jones,

David Evans, Thomas Rogers, Sam. Hopkins,

Saml. Kmlen, James Truman, llugh Roberts,

PENNSYLVANIA AttCHIVBS 1783.

148

S«m1. Garrigaes*
Daniel Offley, junr.,
Chas Jervis,
Caleb Carmalfc,
Caleb Attmore,
Christopher White,
Joseph Drinker.
Robert Eyans,
Jesse Williams,
Joshua Yarnall,
Thomas Rogers, janr.,
John Payne,
Rich'd Humphreys,
John Elliott,
D. Lawson,
Edward Jones,
Jos. Hilborn,
Wm. Pusey,
Jonathan Dawes,
' George Guest,
Danl. Offley,
Tho9i Masterman,
Abraham Liddon,
Benj. Hooton,
Jerem'h Cresson,
William Brewer,
Joseph Budd,
Joseph Richardson,
Saml. Pleasantly
Owen Biddle,
John Elliott, janr.,
iJohn Todd,
Joseph James,
Rich d Adams,
Edward Garrigues,
Isaao Paxson,
Joseph Moore,
Jos. Sbarplees,
John Evans,
Jon'a E?ans, junior,
Joseph Bacon,
Joseph Clark,
Sam. Emlen,
Benj'n Uickroan,
Caleb Cresson,
James Todd,

Jon'a Pusey, junr.,
Thos. Attmore,
Joshua Cresson,
Salomon White,
Job Bacon,
Joshua R. Smith,
Thos. Parke,
Samuel Jones,
Ellis Yarnall,
John Drinker,
Jacob Shoemaker,
William Sykes,
Arthur Ilowell,
Robt. Wood,
Richard Humphreys,
Townsend Speakman,
James Cresson,
Joseph Shoemaker,
Thomas Parker,
John Haworth, ^
Samuel Hampton,
Evan Truman,
Charles Williams,
George Williams,
John Field,
Israel Jones,
Alezr. Elmslie,
Isaac Phipps,
Edw'd Penington,
John Thomson,
Jos. Saunders,
Samuel Taylor,
Samuel Betile,
Tho. R(>88,
John Todd, Junr.,
Isaac Lewis,
James Bettle,
Jos. Richardson, jr.,
John Poultney,
Benj. H or nor,
Tho. W. Smith,
John Duncan,
Robt. Lewis,
Saml. Cnates,
Thomas Trotter,
William Jackson,

Robert Worrill,
Jonathan Worrill,
Thos. Shoemaker,
Israel Whelen,
Rioh'd Thomas,
Thomas Follett,
Robert Coe,
Charles Marshallt
Thomas Hough,
Hugh Roberts,
John Morton,
Thomas Fisher,
Chris. Marshall, jr.,
Benj*n Oldden,
Abijah Dawes,
Benj. HumphreySy
John Starr,
Thos. Poultney,
John Bissell,
George Dillham,
John Forster,
Hugh Howell,
John Burden,
Thos. Howard,
William Saverr,
Joshua Howell,
Thomas Williams,
Miers Fisher,
Daniel Trotter,
William Savery, jr.,
Tho. Franklin,
Samuel Story,
Saml. L(»bdell,
James Birohall,
Samuel Briggs,
Robt. Haydock,
John Oldden,
Thos. Harrison,
Wm. Brown.
Samuel Noble, junr.,
Everard Bolton,
J( seph Russell,
Richard Hopkins,
John Parrish,
Saml. Rhoads,
Samuel Rboada, jr.,

Philadelphia; the eighth day of llth month; 1783.

The Memorial of some of tho People oommonly called Quakers.
Read 10th Nov., 1783.

Ui FSNNSTLYANIA ABCfilVBS 1788.

Philadft. Novembr. lOUi, 1788.
Mr. N. GhurriBon,
Sir,

I am directed by Goancil to know what will be the lowest terms
yon will take to erect the whole of the Bosiness on the principal of
yonr first proposition as that seems to be the line in which they
would choose to have it done.
I am Sir,

yonr Humble serrt.

FRAN. GUBNBY.

No. 1.

M88SB8. Dk BaussnrB k Garrison. — CflEVAUZ-DE-FRiZB.

1783.

We would desire to know previonsIjTt whether it is to be under-
stood that the Ghevaux De Fhse are intirely to be remoyed.

Or if it will suffice to take them doan as far as the Ballaat
Untill that is known it is difficult to fix the Sum,

But in the latter Case, to take them down as far as the Ballast
only, will suffice. In that Case We require the Sum of Four
Thousand Pounds, to defray all Ezpences^ and run all risquesiy
agreeable to our proposition.

In Case the aboye Sum is considered too la^ge. We propose an-_
other, less ezpensiye — namely. We will take Twelye Hundred^
pounds, which shall be first paid after the Experiment is made and
aproyed of. As the whole may be done for £2000, includins the
£ L200 aboye. Seeing eyery article that is wanted to the operation is
supposed to belong to the publick, and need not first be purchased.

We will agree to either of the proposals.*

DE BRUSSINE.
N. GARRISON.

Noyr. 4, 1783.

No. 2.

The Second proposition is to be understood in this manner. We
require the Sum of £1200 to be paid us after the Experiment with
One Gheyaux De Frize is made & approved of.

We will not charge ourselyes with the whole operation then« The
whole may afterwards be done with facility & (Economy.

Our Experiment it is expectei will not cost more than 25
Guineas^ and will be made in half a Day.

DE BRUSSINE.
N. GARRISON.

Noy. 1783.

* See Col. Rec, Vol. XIII., p. 745.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVE8 178J. 146

No. 8.

By our first propoaition we required the^nm of £4000 payable as
ezpreneed in the aame.

By the second we required £1200 payable after the Ezperiment
with Oue Chevauz de Frize was made and approved of according
to which we are confident the whole Expence would not be abovo
£2000.

The difierenee between the first & 2nd proposal is considerable, for
this reason. The first is in proportion to the Expence risque and
Trouble, which would be considerable having all to purchase ourselyoi.

By the 2d we have no Expence, risque, & but little Trouble as
the Experiment would soon be made, and then continued as Coopoil
might direct which with a proper oeconomy, we are confident will
not cost above £2000. Including the £1200 we required,

For the above reasons we cannot deviate from the first proposals
of £4000.

But to satbfy Council of our confidence & Integrity, as we are
convinced. That it is the only Infalible plan that can be adopted, &
the least Expensive, We will engage to make the Experiment for
20 Guineas, and to conclude if Council think proper and give ua in
writing we will divulee our plan, If thev disaprove it, it is void. If
,they approve it the Money shall nevertheless not be paid till after
the Ejq[>eriment is made and approved of. And one of the 2 persons
will agree to oontinue the operations till it is finished which the oth^
•cannot do so conveniently perhaps on account of his situation.

DE BRUSSINB,

N. GARRISON.

The Honbl. the presidents Council.
Nov. 11th 1783.

Gov. Hakriboh, of Virginia, to Prbs. Diokiksoh.-^
Boundary, 1783.

Yirginia, Richmond,

In Council, November lOth^ 1783.
Sir,

I have not been able to answer your EzceUeneys favor enclosing
the resolutions of your assembly respecting the boundary line be-
tween the the two States, for want of the determination of the Coaa-
missioners appointed on behalf of this State, who all live at a
distance from me. I have at last obtained their promise to under-
take the work^and to outer into aoonea^ixd^Ti!^^\NXii^'^^^^^'^

148 PENNSYLVANIA AROmVES 1783.

missioners, abd with tbem to fix on the time and places of meeting.
The gentlemen appointed are the Reverend Mr. James Madison, the
Reverend Mr. Robert Andrews, the honourable John Page, and
Mr. Thomas Lewis. Your exoellency will please to notify their
appointment to jour Commissioners, and give them similar instroo-
tions. 0

I am, with sentiments of the

most perfect respect and esteem, Sir,

Your most obedient and most humble servant,

BENJ. HARRISON.
JDirededf

His Ezcellenoy, President Dickinson.

(Copj.)
Proclamation of Governor op CoNNECTicfujc, 1788.

By His Excellency Jonathan Trumbull, Esqr, QoV and Com-
mander in Chief in and over the State of Connecticut.

Whereas, the Legislature of this Stat^, by their Resolution pused
at their sessions hoTden at New Haven, on the second Thursday of
October last,"^ have declared that this State has the undoubted and
exclusive Right of Jurisdiction & preemption to all the Lands West
of the State of Pennsylvania & east of the River Mississipi, & ex-
tending throughout from y Latitude 41^ to Latitude 42^ 2 north,
by virtue tf the Charter granted by King Charles the 2* to the late
Colony, now State of Connecticut, bearing date the 23' day ot
April, Anno Domini, 1662, which Claim and right they are deter-
mined to assert & maintain.

I do therefore at the desire & Request of the s* Legislature, here-
by publish, proclaim apd make known, this their Resolution, asser-
tion & declaration, to all people whomsoever it may concern — ^And
I do also, by this my Proclamation, strictly forbid, all persons what-
ever from entering upon, or settling within the Territories so
claimed & asserted, without especial License & Authority therefor
first obtained from the General Assembly of this State — as they
would wish to avoid the pains, penalties & forfeitures to which they
may in such Case expect to be exposed.

Given under my hand and Seal, at Lebanon in the State of Con-
necticut, this 15th day of Nov, A. D., 1783.

(signed,) JON. TRUMBULL.
. * See page, 116.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 147

Gov. Jon. Trumbull of Conn, to Prbs. Diosivsoir,

178^.

LebanoD. 15th November, 1783.
Sir,

The enclosed acts of the Legislature of this State, passed in Hioir
Sessions h olden at New Haven in Octr. last, which I have the
Honor to transmit to your Excellency, will shew the disposition of
this State towards their friends & Brethren who are settled on the
Territory of the Susquehanna, so long disputed between this State
& that of Pennsylvania; whose sufferings & Condition under your
State, since the Decree of the late Board of Commissioners, for
determining the said disputed claim, appear, if truly represented to
us, to be very singular & extraordinary, and have tended to exdta
the Commiaseration of their friends, as well as to produce a deter-
mination in the Legislature to give them all the aid & Support ia
their power.

Mr. Sherman, who doeg me the favor of conveying this to your
Excellency; and who is going on to Congress, with whom he is
instructed to give to these unhappy People, all the aid in his power,
being fully posessed of the Subject, as well as of the views & Deter-
minations of the Oeneral Assembly of this State respecting the same
will, if you please, coqfer with you fully on the matter; and prevonlv
the Trouble of a' particular Detail from me.

I beg leave therefore, to refer your Excellency to Mr. Sherman
for any further Information which you may be disposed to reoeivfi
jrelative to this subject.

With mooh Bospect & Esteem

I have the Honor to be
Sir, Tour Excellency's

most obedient and humble servant,

JON- TRUMBULL.
Directed^
Hifl Excellency, Jno. Dickinson, Esqr.

Seo'y Armstrong to Miohabl Huffnagls, 1788.

P*, Nov 15«», 1788.
D' Sir,

Your letter of the 16* Ult, has been received.

The licentious disposition discovered in Manellan Township is
not a little alarming; k in the Opinion of Council requirea oia
early and vigorous correction.

.148 PENNSTLVANLi AE0HIVB8 1788

Upon the receipt of this, jou will therefore assemble the Magis-
^iraej of that part of the County & with them, adopt the mosl efi-
cient measures to investigate tSe business & enforce the laws.

J. ARMSTRONG,

jr. Se<^..
Directed,
Hich' Huffinagle; Esq% Py., of Westmorland County.

Gov. Trumbull to Pbes. Dickinson, 1788.

LeBanon, 15«^ Nov', 1783.
Sir,

I have the Honor to transmit to your Ezcellenoy several Acts
and Resolutions of the General Assembly of this State together with
my Proclamation in Consequence thereof, respecting their Claim to
the Western Lands, comprised under the Charter of this State,
granted by King Charles the second, as well those comprehended
under the Susquehanna purchase as those still farther West, as &r
as the River Missippipi.

The Decision in the Case of the disputed Territory between this
State and that of Pennsylvania, was not only yexj unexpected to
the Legislature of this State, but from some Circumstances appeirs
to them very sin^lar indeed,2and such as calls for their further
prosecution, and in which they^hope to produce such Documents, as
shall obtain the further interposition of Congress. But singolair
and unexpected as the decision has been, the subsequent sufferings
& Condition of the People who have been settled under the Claim &
purchase of Connecticut, whose circumstances entitled them to the
Commisiration & patronage, rather than the Rigor of the State of
Pennsylvania, appears, if truly represented, to have been still more
extivordinary, and have excited the Pity of their friends in this
State, as well as the determination of the Legislature to afford thei|i
all the aid, support and protection in tbeir Power. The Del^gftes
from this State, who will attend in Congress this Winter, having
been present in our General Assembly when the inclosed Resolu-
tions were passed, and therefore fully possessed of the Subject ; and
as they are directed to agitate the Matter in Congress, it is un-
necessary for me to enter into the detail; leaving the subject
therefore to their management and submitting it to the wise &
judicioiks determination of Congress.

I have the Honor to be, &o.j
(Signed)

JON-. TRUMBULL.

PBNNSTLYANIA ARCHIVES 178S. 149

Besolutiok of Council of Censors, 1783.

In the Conndl of Gensort,

Nov 21-*, 1788.
Besolvedi

That the Supreme Ezeeative Goancil be reonested to farniBh the
Coonoil of OeDBon with their Minutes since their Revolation.

Extract from the Minutes.
JOHN ROSE,
Seo^.

Resolution of Assembly — ^Public REJOiomas, 1788. .

State of Pensjivania, In General Assembly,

Taesday, December 2, 1788.— A. M.

The report of the committee read November 29, relative to the
preparations to be made for public demonstrations of joy; was read
the second time, and adopted as follows, (vii. :)

The committee appointed to confer with Council concerning the
public demonstrations of joy, it may now be proper to authorise in
this State upon the definitive treaty of peace between the Unit^i
States and Great Britain, beg leave to report as the joint opbion oif
the board and your oommittee.

That a triumphal Arch be erected at the upper end of Higf or
Market street, between Sixth and Seventh 8treets,'to be embellished
with illuminated paintings and suitable inscriptions ; and that somo
fire works be prepared for the oeoasion.

That such an exhibition in point of elegance as well as in regard
to the convenience and safety of the spectators will prove most
generally acceptable ; it being intended there should be no other
illuminations in the city That these preparations may be com-
pleted in three or four weeks, and will require by the most exact
computation they could at present make, at five or at most six hun-
dred pounds. And therefore.

Resolved, that a sum not exceeding rix hundred pounds, be, and is
hereby appropriated for tho purpose of enabling the Supreme Ex-
ecutive Council to make public demonstrations of joy upon the
definitive treaty of peace between the United States and Great
Britain.

Extraot from the Minutes.
PETER Z. LLOYD,

• Clerk of the General Assembly.

Directed^
For tho Honorable tho'Suprome Executive Council.

'*180 PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVEg 1788.

Petition of Daniel Dbais, 1788.

To His Ezcellencj, John DickinsoDj Esqr., President, and the
Honorable^ the Supreme Ezeoutive Oonnoil of the State of Penn-

The Memorial of Daniel Drais, of the City of PhiladelpEia.'
Humbly shewetb,

That your memorialist jn the year 1780, was appointed CoUeotor
of the Taxes in Mulberry & Upper Delaware Wards — ^That among
others in his Duplicate there was the Estates of Abraham Carlisle
& John Parrock, Confiscated, the Assessments on which, no one
would pay to your Memorialist, and as he was obliged to aooount for
and pay the Amount to the Wardens, he thinks it hard that he
should be out of his Money because the Estates are Confiscated
And hibnbly Prayeth to grant an Oriler that he may recerre his
Money so assessed on s* Estates.

And as in duty, &o.,

DANIEL DRAIS.*

Philad., Oct 9th, 1788.
Jndor$$d, 1788, December 0th, Memorial Daniel Draisy BdTemd
to the CompS who ia requested to report.

J. ARMSTRONG, J'., ».

It has been customary for the agents of forfeited Bstatee to tiay
Ihe taiLcs accruein^ thereupon where they haye not contracted with tnat
the persons who nave leased the Estates of them should pay fhe
taxes in addition to the Bent. The Agent could give InformaUoh
herein.

De<f 10th, 1783. J. N.

Pbes. Dickinson to Gbn. Washington.— CoNaRATUui-
TOBY, 1783.

In Council. December 9th. 1788.
Sir,

Your Return in Safety and Health to this City, from which yoa
first set out oommissiotfed to defend the Liberties of your Country,
and after so successful a performance of Chat High Tmt, affords ii8
the moat sincere Joy.

We heartily congratulate you on the late honorable Peace, by
which the Freedom, Sovereiffnty, & Independence of the United
States are fully aoknowiedged, their [territorial Rights sustained, ft
the Calamities of War terminated.

When we contemplate your Conduct in every period of the event-
ful Contest, and the various proofs you have exhibited of your Love
for your Fellow Citizens, our Minds are filled with sentiments, which,
we are convinced you would rather deserve, than have expressed — ^if
they could be expressed.

» See Col. Rcc, VoL XIIL, p. 704.

PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVBS 1T88- IML

They are Sentiments, sifi representing joa in saoh a Light to as,
-that, ardently wishing you every Happiness of this Life, we feel
^mrselves eqaally moved by Duty & Affection to beseech the Beet
-and Greatest of Beings in his good time to bestow npon you all the
Felicities of that to come.

When I thus communicate the sense of Council, I rejoice in the
opportunity of testifying with how perfect an Esteem
I am; Kr,

your Excellency's

most obedient servant,

JOHN DICKINSON*.
I>irectedf His Excellency, Oeneral Washington.

General Washington's reply to Council, 178S.

To His Excellency, the President, and the Honorable the Su-
preme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pensilvania.
Oentlemen, ^

I am duly affected by the welcome reoeption. I have met with on
my return to this Ci^, and accept with unusual pleasure your oblig-
ing congratulation.

' But i feel myself particularly indebted to youy GkntlemeUi for
that delicate sensibilityi which hath spared my feelings, and hj
iaut>pressing your sentiments of my conducti placed it in but too ftir a
point of light.

It is from a heart overflowing with gratitude for your past assist-
lanoe and present politeness, that I reciprocate idl your benevolent
wishes.

' While my farewell blessing thus attends you, permit me to give
this last public testinvony of the great respect and esteem with
which

' I hare the honor to be,

Gentlemen^
your most obedient
humble servant,

G« WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, 10th De(f, 1783.

Pbbs. Dickinson to Delegates in Congress, 1783.

In Council, Decemberl6, 1788.- '
"Oentlemevi

Tho' his Bxcellency (General Washington proposes in a short time

to retire, yet his illustrious actions & Virtues render his Charceter, so

: splendid and yenerablo that it is highly probable, the admiration

* * See CoL Kec, Val. XIll., ij. 1^^.

16a PEWNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

& Egteem of the world may make his Life in a very oonsiderable Da-
me publicy as numbers will be desirous of seeing the great & good
Man who has so eminently oontributed to the Happiness of a Nation.
His very servioes to his Country may therefore subject him to u^
proper Expenoes, unless he permits her Gratitude to-interpoee.

We are perfectly acquainted with the DisinterestedDesa & Oene-
rosity of his soul. He thinks himself amply rewarded for all hk
Labors & Cares by the Love and prosperity of his Fellow CiUiens;
it is true, no Rewards they can bestow can be equal to his merits.
But they ought not to suflfer those Merits to be burthcnsome to
Him. We are convinced, the People of Pennsylvania would regret
such a consequence.

We are aware of the Delicacy with which this subject must be
treated ; But relying upon the Good sense of Congress, We wish it
may engage their early attention.

We also earnestly desire that Congress may as soon as possible
deliberate on the Measures to be adopted for remedying the Misohiefii
that mav arise from the late British Commercial arrangements.

Another Point of vast Importance, we are anxious to have speedily
ft finally concluded : and that is the Cession of the Western iiands
ft the Disposition of them for the Common Benefit of the United
States.

We apprehend very unhappy Effects from any Delay attending
the adjustment of that Business.

It is the peculiar Interest of this State to have all the Steps taken
as soon as possible for the proposed Treaty with the Indians.

On these Heads, ft on every other, of which it may be for the
Benefit of this Commonwealth to be ^advised, we should be glad to
receive regular ft full Intelligence.

I am with groat Esteem,

Gentlemen, your most obedient servl

JOHN DICKINSON.*
Directed,
The Honorable The Delegates of Pennsylvania^in Congress.

Joseph Wilson to CouNoiL,-r-Jos. Doafb, 1788.

Frederick, County, Maryland.
15th December, 1788.
Oentlemen,

Please to pay John Eleinhoff the Ballance of the Certifioate for
taking Joseph Doane if so much money has come into the Treasarj
if so much is not come in please to deliver the Certificate to him first
deducting the One Hundred pounds I have received of it. Tka

* See answer on page 156. <

PBKNSYLYANIA ABCHIYBS 1788. 168

Certificate I left in the HaDds of the Hod. Vice president nntill
JoMph Doane ehonld be brought to Philadelphia.

am Gentlemen jour Honble. Servt.

JOSEPH WILSON.

To the Honble. the Supreme Ezecative Conncil of the State of
pemisjlvania.

I hmbj Certify that I am well acquainted with Mr. John Kline-
hoof and Belie?e that he is I'roperly authorized to Receive the
money for Joseph Wilson and I will be secnritj for the same.

Phflad. 7th January 1784.

JAMES BARR.

I hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with Mr. John Kleni-
hof and beleie?e he is properly authorized to Receive the Money for
Joseph Wilson as Mentioned in this order; and will be security for
the same.

Janr. 7th, 1783.

R. McALESTER.

Besolution of Council op Censors, 1783.

In the Council of Censors,

Deer. 18th 1783.
Bemlved,

That in order to defray the Contingent Ezpences of Council, the
Preaident request the honorable the Supreme Executive Council, to
draw an order on the Treasurer for the sum of One Hundred Pounds,
te favor of the Secretary of this Council, he to be accountable.
Extract from the minutes,

JOHN ROSE, Asst. Secry.

Frbd. a. Muhlenberg to Prbs. Diokinson, 1783.

Council Chamber, Dec. 18th, 1783.
Sir,

Parsaant to the inclosed Resolution I am to request jrour Excel-
lency &^ the supreme executive Council to draw an Order on the
Treaaarer, for the sum of £100^ in &vor of the Secretary of this
Council.

I have the Honour to be, Sir^

your Excellency's

most obedient & very humble Scrvt*^
FRED'K A. MUHLENBERG.

His Excellency, the Preside

164 FBNNSTLYANIA. ABOHIVBS 178il.

Council to Agents of Conpiscatbd Estatbs, 1788.

Secretarj'g Offioe, Philadelphia^ Deoember 2l8t^ 1788.

• GenUemeDy

I have the directions of CouDcil to commanicate. 4^ followiiig
.order. Viz : that the different Agents of confiaoated propertj Im
oalled upon to make an immediate & correct report of all the eifbatcpi
confiscated in their respective Counties : — specifjing such as have
been sold & the other proceedings which have b^ tajken apon
them.

I am OentlemeD,

with much Respect,
your obed. serv*,

JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jr., Seojr.

Pres. Dickinson to Delegates in CoNaRESS, 1788.

(Gentlemen,

As the Peace Establishment will probably be very taMdlp we
should be glad, that Measures might sj^ily be adopted for htiring
Care taken of the artillery, arms, & ammunition belonging to Ike
United States.

It appears to us, that no better mode can be devised, than to have
them divided in just proportions among the several States. If that
shall be the Determination of Congress, we doubt not, but von will
require an account of those articles that have been deposited in any
particular States.

General Washington in his Circular Letter, recon&meoded, that
the same arms should be established throughout the States. We
should be glad, if Congress would be pleased to take that Point into
Consideration.

These subjects seem to be enforced by the first Oiroomstanoea wa
have mentioned.

We wish soon to receive authentio Intelligence of the Definitive
Treaty, and of the Ratification w^en made.
I am with great Esteem Gentlemen^

your most obedt. h'ble serv't,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Phihidolphia, December 29th, 1783.
Dt'rectedf
The Honorable; The Delegates of Pennsylvania.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 165

Delegates in Congress to Council, 1788.

GentlemeDi

We have the Honor to acknowledge the Heceipt of your iDstrac-
tions dated the 16th* Decemher, 1783, to which we shall paj par-
ticular attention. The first part of the instractions which relates to
hh Exoellenoj Oeneral Washington, '< whose illustrious actions and
Virtues render his Character so splendid & venerable'' will engage
our earliest notioe ; but we wish to know whether it is the Desire of
Your Excellency and the Honorable Council, that .the Delegates of
Pennsylvania should propose in Congress, that an allowauce be
made to The General, & what that allowance should be. Whether
the Grant of a Sum of Money as a cbmpeDsation for the great per-
sonal Sacrifices he has made to the Public or whether an annual sum
to indemnify him for Expences which may arise in future from
the particular Situation he must be in. Whatever your Excellency
ft Honors may direct on this Head shall be most punctually corn-
iced with.

Congress consisting of only Seven States, cannot take up at this
time any of the important Subjects which are contained in your
Instructions ; so soon as Nine States appear, we will press for tho
Discussion of them, and give you every material information relat-
ingto them:

The inclosed paper, No. 1, is a tramcript of the Journal of Con-
iBj commencing the ISth^ and ending the 27th of December.

No. 2, is a copy of a Report from the Superintendant of Finance,
on an Extract from the Votes of the Assembly of Pennsylvania
niative to the mode fixed by the House for the settlement of Publio
Aooonnts. The Beport is in the Hands of a Committee.

No. 3, is a copy of an act passed in the last session of the Assen^-
Uy of Maryland in Consequence of the Restrictions lately imposed
on the American Commerce by Great Britain. Virginia has passed
an Aot similar to the Maryland Act.

Congress have received many Letters from their Ministers in
Europe, but as they consist principally of steps taken by our Minis-
ters in their Negociations for Peace, & of conversations of a secret
Nature, which they have had with the Ministers of some European
Courts, we are not at Liberty to copy them for your Inspection.

We do not recollect any thin^ of Importance before Congress at
this time except what we have inclosed. Colonel Frfinks has been
employed by us to copy the papers sent herewith, if we are to per-
sue the plan of sending to you Copies of all papers which we may
believe necessary for your inspection, wo shall be obliged to engage

* See poge IM.

156 PENNSYLVANA ARCHIVES 1783.

bim or some other person to do that Business. Bat as we have no
Authority to promise an allowance for this service, we request Tour
Excellency and Honors to give us an Instmction on this Subjeot.

We are with the highest Respect,

& Esteem, Your Exoelleno/s
& Conncils Obedient humble Servts.,

THOMAS MIFFLIN,
EDW. HAND,
CAD. MORRIS.
Annapolis, 30 December, 1783.

Dbleqates in Congress to Pres. Dickinson, 1788.

Annapolis, 30 Decembefi 1783.
Sir,

A Question of great Importance has been debated in Congress ;
and will probably oe renewd in a Day or two. It is Whether Seven
States in Congress ctssembled are competent to a Ratifieation of the
Definitive Treaty,

On this Point we request a positive Instruction from Coundl.

It may be proper to inform your Excellency that the (Gentlemen
who made & seconded the motion for a Ratification by Seven States,
alleged " That Congress consisting of Nine States, viz. : Hassa-
^'chusets, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey,
" Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia & N"" Carolina, did on the 29th
^' of October last, at Princeton authorise and instruct their Minis-
^^ ters at Paris, to make the Preliminary Articles a Definitive Treaty
'^ of Peace. That Nino States having declared what Articles should
'' constitute the Definitive Treaty ; and the Treaty being framed ao-
^' cording to their Declaration & Instructions, It may now be rati-
*' fied by Seven States. That there is no Probability that Nine
'' States will assemble in time to ratify. That admitting the Qnee-
'' tion to be doubtful it would be the Excess of bad policy to risque
'U Renewal of the War, by delaying the Ratification of it That
^' the last article of the Treaty declares it shall be ratified and ex-
<< changed in Six Months, or sooner if possible. That only sixty
'^ Days now remain for the Ratification & Exchange } which last
^' must bo made in Paris or London.

These are the principal Arguments, which have been advanced by
. the Ocntlemen who press for an immediate Ratification.

We need not inform your Excellency how necessary the Instruc-
tions of Councils on this Question are to ue. We shall endeavour

PENNSYLVANIA AECIIIVES 1788. 157

to delay' the DetermiDation of Congress untill we receive aa anawer
to thia Letter & are with the highest Respect.
Your ExcelleDoy & Councils
most obedient h^'* Servants,

THOMAS MIFFLIN,
CAD. MORRIS,
EDW. HAND.
The States at present represented in Congress are Massaohnsctts,
Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia & No.
Carolina. Mr. Foster of Newhampshire, & Mr. Reed of. South
Carolina.
Directed^
His Ezcell'y, John Dickinson, Esqr., Philadelphia.

[This and the following papers having hecn discovered since the
preceding were published, and belonging to the Revolutionary period,
it is deemed best to introduce them here before entering upon those
for 1784.]

Council to Joseph Heed, 1777.

Philad. 28d July, 1777.t .
Sir,

I had the honour of your Letter of the 28rd of June, last from
BurlingtoD.

This I communicated to the President & Council without delay.
They have been for two weeks past in expectation of receiving your
determination oonoeminff the office of Chief Justice, to which they
had appointed you ; ana being at length become anxious for it thej
order me to remind you on the subject.

It appears extraordinary to the Council, that the Speaker of
Assembly ft Gentlemen of distinction should intimate to you, that
delay in your answer would be acceptable. When the House was
last sitting, and especially about the time of recess, many of the
members at different times pressed the propriety ft need of filliDC
the Supreme Bench of Judicature, upon the members of Counoil
seperately. They spoke in the some of their Constituents. The
Council feel the want of it weekly. Criminals confined for Capital
Charges press for Tf ial or bailment, in many of the Counties, the
inferiour Courts of Common pleas cannot well proceed without the
Upper Court, with wch. they are systematically connected ; nor can
the benefit of habeas Corpus bo properly enjoyed. Besides the
damage done to the administration by the present deoripid condition
of the body politio is extensive ft mischievous. The wishes of good

t Mr. Beed attended in Council on the same dar and declined the office
dTing hii reasons in writing, See CoL Aeo , YoL 2a., p. 249, and Archives
Vol V. p. 879.

168 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

GitisenR therefore, the pnlilio utility, the ardent desire of CoQnoil to
gratify the one & promote the other, join in asking year aooeptanoe
of the important office to which yon are called| without delay.
I am Sir,
your moat obedient,

and very humble Servt.

Remonstrance op Israel Pemberton, &c., 1777.

To the President & Council of Pensilvania.
The Remonstrance of Israel Pemberton John Hunt and Samuel
Pleasants.
Sheweth,

That Lewis Nicola is about to deprive us 6t our Liberty by an
order from you, of which the following is a Copy via.

" In Council Sepr. 8, 1777."
'^ Ordered, That Colonel Nicola, Town major, do take a proper
'^ guard & sieze Israel Pemberton, John Hunt & Samuel Pleasants &
'< Conduct them to the Freemason's Lodge & there confine them
^< under proper guard ^till farther orders/'

^^ Extracts from the minutes.

T. MATLACK, Secy."

That We are advised & from our own knowledge of our Rights ft
Privileges are assured that your issuing that order is arbitrary, un-
just, & illegal & we therefore believe it is our duty in olear and
express terms to remonstrate against it

The order appears to be arbitrary, as you have assum'd an authority
not grounded in Law or Reason to deprive us, who are peaoabla
men & have never bore arms, of our Liberty by a. military foraei
when you might have directed a Legal Course of Proceeding ; nn-
jnst as we have not attempted nor are charged with any act inoonaif-
tent with the Character we have steadily maintained of good Gitiieng
sollicitous to promote the real interest & welfare of our Country ft
that it is illegal is evident from the perusal ft Consideration of the
Constitution of the Oovernmeut from which you derive all yonr
authority ft Power.

We therefore claim our undoubted rights as Freemen havins %
just sense of the inestimable value of Religious ft Civil Liberty to ne
heard before we are confined in the manner directed by the said
order & we have the^more urgent reason for insisting on this our
Right as several of our Fellow Citizens have been some Days ft now
are confined by your order ft no opportunity is given them to be
heard & we are informed that it is your purpose to send them ft ua
to a distant part of the Country, even beyond the limits of the

PENNSfTLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 159

Jarisdiction yon claim & where the recourse we tre justly & legally
entitled to, of beiug heard & of cleariug ourselves from any Charge
or saspioioD you may entertain respecting us will be impracticable.

We fervently desire you may be so wise as to attend to the Dic-
tate of Trqth & Justice in your own minds & observe the precept
of our Lord Jesus Christ whom you profess to believe in '< all things
*^ whatsoever ye would that men should do to you Do ye even so to
<^them Mattw. 7 : 12/' & then we have no doubt you will Comply
with this just Claim we make, which will^be duly acknowledged by
your Real Friends & well wishcrs;

ISR. PEMBERTON,
JOHN HUNT,

SAM. PLEASANTS *
Philada. 4 9mo 1777.

0£N. James Potter to Prbs. Rbed, 1779.

Penns Valley, May 3d, 1779.t
Dear Sir,

I have Just Received your Rind favour of the fourteenth of April
you recommend the posting of Troops at Muncey — there has all way
been a number of Hartleys Regt posted at Muncey since they
came to this Country that pleace, Jenkinses, Wioming, and Sun-
bury are the posts they have occupcycd. I would be fond to carrey
on a Corrispondance with GtexA, Hand but jt will be attended with
Diflcqualty. I am much obledged to your for you good services and
harty endination you express too serve us oii the frunteers and fbr
your care in sending me the papers. You are pleased to inform me
jof your Endeavours to get the Militia in good order. I am sorry
my situation is such that I can be of little use to my Country at
present being almost separated from the Rest of the World, it is a
pity the endulgance shone too the Torrevs has not had a better
e£fect on them, but endulgence is frequently abused Except where
there is some Generoeety or Sperrit and that we must not look for in
a Torrey as the Revarse of that was the very cause of there being
Torreys.

Our County has been severly scurged these davs past by the
Indians, by the best accounts I can receive we have had killed and
taken Prisnors about forty persons, the perticquUers I expect you
^111 Receve before this comes to hand, the Militia of Col. Bucmin-
acs Battalion of Cumberland County were ordered to march to fort
J^berdeau they Refused to march aledgins it was unreasonable to
tMfler them out and to have no guards on there own frunteers, but
Wihe same time Declared there willingness to guard the frunteers
<>posite to themselves, on my confering with Col. Stewart, one of the

* See Col. Rec., Vol. XL, p. 290. \ ^w^NoVTW.,^."^'^.

180 PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVES 17M.

of the company to this Valley and the other half to standing atone
Valley in Bedford County, those that were for this pleace came hear
on tho twenty-ninth of April, and the day before CoL Hunter sent
to this Valley ono officei* and fifteen men, of thoae that were niaed
in the County by supperscriptions, and yesterday unexpeoted oame
Captn. Cerbey witb hia Troop of Light Hors that was ordered by
the Board of war in Feby. last to this pleace. Col. Hartly for what
Reason I know not, got the Board to Countermand there Orders,
on Capt" Cerbeys arivel hear, I sent the Cumberland militia to
Standing Stone Valley in Bedford County, thus, we Qot supplied
with men after I had the pleasure of keeping Garrison with my familj
alone for six weeks in one of the frunteer Garrisons of the County,
and not a man stationed on any part of the frunteers of the two
Countys from Muncey westward, untill the twenty-eight of April. I
must confess I think the Militia of Col. Buchanan s Batt. was not to
Bleame for Refusing to march too fort Roberdeau when there was no
Guards on their own frunteers but a few Inhabitanoe shut up in forts,
and every day liokley to evequate them, and altho' I have always been
for Obedience to Orders, the Lieutenant's Orders to that Companey
Considring there siroumstanoes were too Hard to be compleyed
with. Our people on the frunteers of this County showes a mntoh
Better spirrit and makes a better stand than I expected. I trust in
God, through his Blessing, the ensuing Campain will grant Belefe.
I am, dr. sir, with the most
sincer Regard and Esteem,

Your most obediant Humble servant,

JAS. POTTER.
Directedj

On public service.

To His Excellency Joseph Reed, President of the State of Penn^
aylvania, In Philadelphia.

Col. Bbodsead to Prbs. Rsed, 1779.

Pittburgh, May 22-*, 1779.*
Dear Sir,

The Enemy has done little or no Damage for upwards of a fort-
night past, except taking two lads prisoners in Salt lick Valley.

My son has frequently wrote me that you assured him he was t^
retain his rank in the army, which was my wish ; but having wroi(p
bis Excellency to permit him to visit me ; I received the foTlowihg
answer. It has been the misfortune of many Officers in eaptiv|f
to have been overlooked by their States, who had the power of a
Regimental appointments, which seem to havo been the case wii
Mr. Brodhead. Had he been appointed in the line after so

* See VoL VIL (age 48i.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 161

mV-lieoietiatitB of that Oonnty, bo allowed them to march one-half
an abflence from yon, I should not have refused him the oppor-
tanity of paying yon tf yiedt; but as ho has not^ there cannot 1^ a
possibility of objection on my part.

I freely confess that I have not met any thing of late, that has so
mueh hurt my feelings, as the neglect shown to the brave officers,
who, by the want of Judgment in some, unfortunately fell in to the
hands of the Enemy. And I wish the president may not be
injnrions to the Service.

Had any improper Conduct on their part been manifested, it
woold have justified a coolness, but I trust that was not the casC;
and have always understood that the number of the Enemy, was so
much superior to theirs, that it would have been imprudent to have
contend^ longer than they did.

Give me leave to thank you in the name of my Reg^, for the
ample supplies; which, I am informed are on the road, for the officers
& Men.

Inclosed are Copies of a Letter received from Major Vernon, &
two Speeches from the Indians. I believe the Western Indians,
esoept the Shawnese, are quiet, & that we shall soon give a «)od
account of the Northerns. The scarcity of provisions at Fort
Lawrens was owing to repeated false returns of the asssist' Commy.
there ; but I hope a small supply which I had sent them by a new
xonte, will reach that post before it is quite evacuated. When I
shall receive more salt provisions to subsist the Qarrisons at the
different advanced posts, I know not, but every step has been taken
to procure it, that appeared promising.

With the most sincere regard & Esteem,
I have the Honor to be, your
Excellencies most

Obed* Serv*.

DANIEL BRODHEAD,

Co^ commandg.,
West" Dcpartm^
Directed, His Excellency, Oovernor Read.

DiposiTioN OF James Oellers. — ^Brig Active, 1780.

James Oellers of full age, being duly sworn, deposeth & saith
diat Gapt. Jacquellen de Ray, late Captain of the Brig Active,
came to this Port, & applied to this Depon', as his Factor, that
having consulted this Deponent about his outward Cargo, it was
concluded to export Flour if they could do it. That the Captain
applied to the Minister of France, who recommended him to Mr.
Uolker; that he applied to Mr. Holker for a Freight, who excliaed

162 PENNSTLVAJHIA ARCHIVES 1783.

himsolf as not having Money to purchase Floar ', that the a* Captain
soon after observing a Schooner loading Flour under Mr. Holker'a
direction, thought it hard that he could not«have a like Prilidge ;
he then applied again, offering Mr. Holker to purchase Flour witk
his own Monej if he would assist him to export it, which Mr.
Holker agreed to, provided his Agent should do the Busineas, &
the Captain to allow him 5 '^ c' on the Cargo of flour; that the
Flour was to be offered to the Agent of the French Marine in the
West Indies at the Market Price, but if he did not want it, then
to be sold, for the Benefit of the Owner, Mr. De Bej; that (bia
Deponent was informed bj Mens' Florentin, Captain of the Polacoa,
that he had been adopted to submit to the like Term on a Cargo of
Flour.

And further Deponent saith not, &o.

JAMES OELLERS.*
Sworn before me this 13 day of Nov. 1780.

PLUNKET FLEESON.

Chas. W. Peals, &c., to Presidejjt of Codnctl, 1779.

His Excellency, the President of the State.
May it please your Excellency,

We have the honor to wait upon you in behalf of a number of
citizens, with our request, that your excellcucy, with the honorable
the council of the state, will favor with your presence on Monday
the fifth of July, the delivering an culogium in honor of the brave
men who have fallen in the cintcst ; as also that you will invite, if
it shall seem proper to you, his excellency the jMI ulster of France, and
Don Juan de Merailles, a Spanish gentleman a resident in this state.
If it may Ibe agreeable to your Excellency and the council, a band
of military, instruments of music shall wait upon your excellency
the council, and congress if they shall attend, from the state house,
and it is submitted to your excellency, whether a company of the
Militia under arms, may not bo admitted to accompany the band.

We have the honor to be, in behalf of a number of citizens,
your excellency's most devoted and very humble servants,
CHARLKS WILSON PEALE,
FKANCIS BAILLY,
EDWAKD POLE. »

July 1, 1779.
Adorsedj

1779, rec' July 2**, From Charles Wilson Peale, Francis Bailey
&|Edward Pole.

An invitation to the President & Council to attend at the Oerm%n
Church to hear an eulogium^ to be d** by Mr. Breckenridge.f

* See Vol. IX., p. 10, 33, 180. f The Ealogium was afterwards printed.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVE8 1783. 168

GliABLJES W. P£ALB TO PhJBS. ReED, 1780.

June 12th^ 1780.
Sir,

Ever foDd of perpetuatiDg the Bemembrance of the Worthies of
my time, ts I conceive it will be a means of exciting an Emulation
in pur Posterity to deserve the like attention, and mankind will
receive an advantage thereby ; the Likeness being added to the
Historic page, giving it more force and the Reader more pleasure ;
with this View I wish to transmit to after ages the likeness of our
late Worthy President, The Honble Thomas Wharton Esq' ; and
for that purpose would beg your Excellency and the Honble tbe
Executive Council to give the portrait of that good man, which I
herewith send, a place in the Counsel Chamber. And
you will oblige your most Obedient Servant,

CHARLES WILSON PEALE.f
Directed^ — His Excellency, Joseph Reed^ Esq';* President of the
State of Pennsylvania.

lifSTRUCTiONS TO Rev. James Finley, 1783,

The General Assembly of this State by their Resolution of the
19th of last November empowered Council to select & appoint one
or two proper persons to travel through & reside some time in the
Counties of Westmoreland & Washington in order by fiecessary In-
formation to bring over our deluded fellow Citizens to a proper sense
of their Duty & resolved to defray the necessary Expences. The
resolution relates to tbe unjust & dangerous Designs of some persons
in the Counties to separate from & erect a new and Independant
State within the Charter Boundaries of this Commonwealth.

We taking this Business into our mostseriousConsideration unani-
moosly agreed to appoint you to fulfill the Intentions of the Legis-
lature, and are happy to find that you consent to accept the impor-
tant Employment.

We apprehend it to be their sense, that you should not on this
occasion appear with any public Character ; and we doubt not but
your Prudence will suggest to you the "Reasons, upon which such a
Caution is founded.

We place great Reliance in your wisdom k Integrity but judge it
inay be expedient especially as we understand it is desired by yoU|
\o express such sentiments as occur to us upon as the subject.

Tbe act of Assembly, tbe Bill published for Consideration & our
proclamation containing the late decree in our favor, all of them here-
with delivered, may bo used, without exciting any notion that you
are employed by the statet In like manner may be urged the final
aoceptanoe of the Decree by Congress without the least Exception the

t See VoL YIII, p. 819. Where is this portrait? It is not to be found
at present.

164 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHmiS 1788.

Bubmission of tho InhabitaDts settled nodcr the Conneotieiit Claim &
the aoknowledgemcDt of oar Right by the State of Virginia.
From these Facts & from the undisputed Judgement of the
United States the Bight of Pennsylvania to all the Lands within
her Charter Boundaries, & her Jurisdiction over them may &
earnestly be insisted on as universally confest.

From hence arises a strong argument against the Injustice and
Wickedness of an attempt to dismember a State b^ Faction, Sedition
or violence, an offence of a deep Dye, & highly displeasing not only
to all good men, but unquestionably so in the sight of our righteous
Creator. The Contempt with which their late application to Con-
eress has been treated by that Honorable Body, is a strong Evidenoo
how wild & iniauitous such a project appears to be.

This offence is rendered the more heinous when it is remembered
with what Carefulness & at what a great Ezpence Pennsylvania
hath attended to tho protection & Comfort of our Fellow CitiieDs
on the Western frontier, so that she now labours under a heavy Debt
incurred for their Defence, as also for freeing them from the Burthen
of proprietary Demands. The People to be thus addressed must be-
oonscions how slight their Contributions have ever been to the pub-
lic expenditures.

There is no Beoson to doubt but that this brotherly affection &
kindness on our part will be continued & encrcased ; and measares
be devised f^^r conveying to them all the Blessings of a regular
Civil government, in the manner easiest & cheapest that can be
possible for them. The usual Business of each County can be
transacted within itself, without inconvenience and the Trial of
Causes in the Supreme Court, a Besort so very useful, can be had
wifhout great trouble or Expence, by the Circuit of the Judges.
Attendance of members in assembly is defrayed by the state.

The Benefits that must be derived to all the Citizens of Pennsyl-
vania by her continuing to hold her just Charter extent, & by thoa
rendering her as respectable and powerful as can be, are many ft
very valuable, on the other Hand, the Dangers & mischiefs that
must result from contracting her Bounds, & lessening her Kespecta-
bility & Power, arc vastly alarming. This observation will receive the
more force, by reflecting, that we shall be neighbours to States of
prodigious Extent and Influence. Attempts of this last kind must
hQ foolish & criminal in Extreme ; & never can succeed, unless the
innocent & unwary suffer themselves to be cheated & imposed upon
by a few bold, ambitious, artful, selfish, & wicked men. Such men
there are in all societies, & their constant method of proceeding is to
cover over Designs calculated to promote their own Interest bj
flimzy Pretences of public good. Such men who want to make op-
portunities for promoting themselves to Posts of Honor & profit,
must be watched & guarded against by their honest Fellow Citiiena.
Such men by talking about a new State mean new Offices to acquire
Power and Wculth fur theuiticlvcd. Thut$c Men are so lost to all

PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVES 1783. 166

sense of shame & so void of every Prinoiple of Jnsdoe, that they
aim to distiDguish the western frontiers of Pennsylvania by an in*
&my of Condueti of whioh/the world has not yet afforded an in«
atance. When Parts of an Empire or ^tate have separated from
the rest, it has all ways been on account of some intolerable Tyrany
praotised against them. But the Inhabitants of our Western Fron-
tiers have been so far from feeling such Tyranny, that they have
oonstantly been cherished & protected with parental tenderness by
the state. The most ingenious Innovators in that Country cannot
Buention a single Grievance caused by the State, If any Incbn-
venienoe arises from their settleing on the Frontiers at a Distance
l^m the other settlementS| it was their own voluntary act-^done
under public authority—- the Consent & protection of which publid
authority was an obligation upon them ; and every such Inoonve-
i^ence admits of a proper Bemedy of which some Hint has already
been given.

If arguments of this sort arc not duly regarded, it may be added
with the utmost Calmness and Firmness, that Pennsylvania knows
her Bights, the world acknowledges them, and she is resolved at
every Hazard to maintain them.

In the Course of the Measures she is pursuing a number of brave
men whose Courage & Virtue have been proved in their Countrys
Cause, will become interested in the Lands which are designed for
part of the new State, who will not suffer their dearly earned property
to be torn from them by chimerical Pretenders to Patriotism.
I am Sir^ with great Esteem and Begard,

Your obedient humble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.*

Feby. 6, 1783.
Directed, To the Bev. Mr. Finley of Chester County his instructions.

Instructions to Capt. Shrawdee, 1783.

Feb. 28, 1783.
Oentlemen,

As the Continental Troops have lately been withdrawn from
Wicming, it is by the General Assembly thought necessary for the
protection of the settlement against the Savages, to replace the
&ttard immediately with the two Companies of lUngers commanded
by you.

You will theiefore each of yon directly march with your respec-
tive Companies to that Post & take every proper Measure for main-
taining the Post there, and for protecting the settlements. We have
wrote to John :W«itflel, Esquire, directing him to deliver the pro-
visions contracted for, at Wioming, instead of delivering them at
Fort Bice or aft Captain Grays in Boffaloe Valley as was at first

* See page 40.
Vol. X.— 8

164 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

snbmission of the iDhabitants settled nnder the Conneoticnt Claim &
the acknowledgement of our Right bj the State of Virginia.
From these Facts & from the undisputed Judgement of the
United States the Right of Pennsylvania to all the Lands within
her Charter Boundaries; & her Jurisdiction over thorn may &
oamestlj be insisted on as universally confest.

From hence arises a strong argument against the Injustice and
Wickedness of an attempt to dismember a State b^ Faction^ Sedition
or violence^ an offence of a deep Dye, & highly displeasing not only
to all good men, but unquestionably so in the sight of our righteous
Creator. The Contempt with which their late application to Con-
cress has been treated by that Honorable Body, is a strong Evidence
how wild & iniquitous such a project appears to be.

This offence is rendered the more heinous when it is remembered
with what Carefulness & at what a great Expence Pennsylvania
bath attended to the protection & Comfort of our Fellow Citizens
on the Western frontier, so that she now labours under a heavy Debt
incurred for their Defence, as also for freeing them from the Burthen
of proprietary Demands. The People to be thus addressed must be-
couscions how slight their Contributions have ever been to the pub-
lic expenditures.

There is no Reason to doubt but that this brotherly affsction &
kindness on our part will be continued & encrcased ; and measures
be devised f^^r conveying to them all the Blessings of a regular
Civil government, in the manner easiest & cheapest that can be
possible for them. The usual Business of each County can be
transacted within itself, without inconvenience and the Trial of
Causes in the Supreme Court, a Resort so very useful, can be had
wifhout great trouble or Expence, by the Circuit of the Judges.
Attendance of members in assembly is defrayed by the state.

The Benefits that must be derived to all the Citizens of Pennsyl-
vania by her continuing to hold her just Charter extent, & by thus
rendering her as respectable and powerful as can be, are many ft
very valuable, on the other Hand, the Dangers & mischiefs that
must result from contracting her Bounds, & lessening her Respecta-
bility & Power, are vastly alarming. This observation will receive the
more force, by reflecting, that we shall be neighbours to States of
prodigious Extent and Influence. Attempts of this last kind must
be foolish k criminal in Extreme ; & never can succeed, unless the
innocent & unwary suffer themselves to be cheated & imposed upon
by a few bold, ambitious, artful, selfish, & wicked men. Such men
there are in all societies, & their constant method of proceeding is to
cover over Designs calculated to promote their own Interest bj
flimzy Pretences of public good. Such men who want to make op-
portunities for promoting themselves to Posts of Honor & profit,
must be watched & guarded against by their honest Fellow Citizens.
Such men by talking about a new State mean new Ofiiccs to acquire
Power and Wculth for themsclvui3. These Men are so lost to all

PBNNSTLYANIA ABGHIVES 1783. 165

I of Bbame & eo void of every Prinoiple of Jnstioe, that they
aim to difltinguish the western frontiers of Pennsylvania by an in-
fcmy of Gonduot, of which/the world has not yet a£forded an in«
iUnoe. When Parts of an Empire or jState have separated from
the leati it has allways been on account of some intolerable Tyrany
ivaotised against them. But the Inhabitants of our Western Fron-
tiara have been so far from feeling such Tyranny, that they have
aonatantly been cherished & protected with parental tenderness by
tiie state. The most ingenious Innovators in that Country cannot
aention a single Grievance caused by the State, If any Inoon-
venieooe arises from their settleing on the Frontiers at a Distance
i^rom the other settlements, it was their own voluntary act-— done
wider public authority — ^the Consent & protection of which public
anthority was an obligation upon them ; and every such Inoonve*
Bienoe admits of a proper Kemedy of which some Hint has already
been given.

If arguments of this sort are not duly regarded, it may be added
with the utmost Calmness aod Firmness, that Pennsylvania knows
her Biehts, the world acknowledges them, and she is resolved at
every Uasard to maintain them.

Your obedient humble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.*

Feby. 6, 1783.
Directed, To the Rev. Mr. Finley of Chester County his instructions.

Instructions to Capt. Shrawdee, 1783.

Fob. 28, 1783.
Oentlemeni

Am the Continental Troops have lately been withdrawn from
WictniDgi it is by the Oeneral Assembly thought necessary for the
protection of the settlement against the Savages, to replace the
Qwud immediately with the two Companies of Rangen commanded
by yon.

Yon will therefore each of yon directly march with your respec-
tive Companies to that Post & take every proper Measure for main-
taining the Post there, and for protecting the settlements. We have
wrote to John Weitael, £squira, directing him to deliver the pro-
visions oontracted for, at Wioming, instead of delivering them at
Fort Bice or at Captain Onys in Boffaloe Valley as was at first

* See page 40.
Vol. X.— 8

16e PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

intended. We woald have you to give racfa aBsistanoe to Mr.
Wietiel as may render this alteration agreeable to him. As we con-
fide very mncb in yonr Prndcncej we trust that your Conduct will
enforce our wishes on a Point of great importance. It ia our

. earnest Desire, that the Inhabitants settled at or near Wioming,

should be in all Respects treated with kindness. This we know
to be the Desire, also of the Legislature, it being the unanimous
sense of both Branches, of the government, that all Difierenoes

^ should be equitably & finally adjusted.

} We therefore expect that you will separately and together emplcj

your best Exertions to prevent any injury being done to the Inhabi-

\ tants before mentioned, & even any Quarrels being entered into with

» them by the officers or soldiers under your Command ; and that you

may convince them by your Care & attention to them, that they
are regarded as Fellow-Citiiens, whose Welfare & Happiness you
sincerely and affectionately desire to promote.

I am, &0.
^ Indorsed,

1783, Feb'' 28th. Message from Council to Gen' Assembly
respecting the running the line between this State and Virginia.*
^ And Instructions to Captains Robeson and Shrawdcr to proceed to

I Wyoming with their Companies of Rangers.

\ Resolution of General Assembly, 1783.

State of Pennsylvania, In General Assembly,

Friday 3Iarch 21, 1783— A. M.

The committee appointed February 17, on the letter from his
Excellency the President of this State, made report, which was read,
and on motion and by special order the same was read the second
time: whereupon

Resolved, That the President of the Supreme Executive CounoQ
be authorised to draw on the Treasurer of the State for the sum of
Two hundred pounds to be applied towards the payment of the
necessary repairs made and to be made to the government maniion
house.

Extract from the minutes.

PETER Z. LLOYD.
Clerk of the General Assembly.

• Ste CoL Bee., Vol. Xin., p. 619. 622. ^

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 167

Wm. Parkbr to Pees. Dickinson, 1783.

WashiDgton County^ April 5th, 1783.
Sir,

The expectation of Peaco gave the Inhabitants of the Western
Frontiers hopes of being eased of the calamities of war, at least for
some time ; but it is our great mortification the savages have began
anew their depredations. They took one Mrs. Walker Prisoner on
the 27th ult., on Buffalo Creek, but she happily made her escape.
This woman says that two parties of Indians are gone against the
Inhabitants. Two days after there were two men taken prisoners
at Weeling — the day following, a man was wounded on Short Creek.
The 1st of April they took the Wison Boioe and Family consisting
of eight persons, and a Man was killed the day following, near
Washington County, Court house. Same time two Indian Rafts
were seen on the Ohio, between Weeling and Orave Creek. In
short the Inhabitants are in the utmost consternation especially on
the Frontiers, and unless timely relieved, their case must be truly
deplorable.

The Commandant of Fort Pitt, (Col. Bayard,) has generously
supplied us with amunition, and is ready to give every assistance
in his power.

We are with the great respect

Sir, your most

obed* hum'« Servants,

WM. PARKER,
JAMES ALLISON.

Sub. L. W. 0.

Dorset Pentecost to Pres. Dickinson, 1783.

Washington County, May 4th, 1783.
Sir,

I have no donbt but that Gkqeral Irwine has informed Your
Excellency and Council of the Early inrodos of the Savages this
Spring, and with what uncommon Inhumanity they marked their
horrid murders, as also the great success they met with owing to the
unexpectedness of the stroke. I think in one week they killed and
captured seventeen persons, two of which (vizt., a Woman and a Boy)
have since made their Escape. The people ware so intirely easy under
the Expectation of a (general Peace that those Butchers of mankind
met with no kind of Obstruction in their progress, for it is said, and
I believe with truth, that they continued about the frontiers of this
County for several days without a single scout peisainf^ .thAiOy.

19i PBNNSTLVANIA ABCHIVES 1788.

However they have at Length left the Country of their own aocord|
and I have the Pleasnre of Informing yonr iUoellency that I have
not heard of any distarbance from them for several weeks past.
I am inclined to think that those who were amongst us was a hunt-
ing party that had been oat all winter, and knew nothing of ih«
Late pnbliok Transactions^ or else they are an ungovernable Ban-
dity who came out to rob & plunder, and intend to remove out of
our way, for it's Certain the different Tribes doth not Intend to
Prosecute the War, or the stroke would have been more generaL
How true my conjectures are, and how they may Correspond with the
sentiments of those who Pretend to understand more about IndiMi
Politicks I wont pretend to say.

I hear that Last Thursday a party of upwards of mzty men went
from Wheeling to take possession and form a settlement on th«
Indian side oTOhio, at the mouth of the Muskingom, I believe tbe
report is a fact

I Expected to see your Excellency some Time in June, but the
Indian rupture this Spring has heretofore Prevented me from doing
a Job of surveying which I oame home to attend. I have two
Surveyors 'now out, and, if they met with no accident, will return
in about Six or Eight Weeks. Soon after that happens I shall set
out for Philadelphia.

I will thank your Excellency for the news, and to offer mj
respects to the Gentlemen of your Honrable Board, and permit me
to assure your Excellency that I am with sincere Esteem
Your Excellency's most

Obd't Humb. Servt.,

DORSEY PENTECOST.

P. 8. This will be handed your Excel])' by the Rev< John
McMillin, a Gentleman that doth honor to his profession, and who
called on me on his way down. I prevailed on him to wait until I
hurried up this scrawl, being the first opportunity I have had sinoe
my return home.

D. P.
Directed,

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq., Philadelphia.

Hon'd by the Aevd. Jno. McMillin.

Thomas Smith to Prbs. Dickinson, 1788.

Philada., May 24th, 1788.
Sir,

By an act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, passed the Slst of
March last, entitled " An act for providing the Quota of federal
supplies for the year 1788, & for the relief of the Citisens of this
Stftte who have become Creditors of the United States of America

PENNSTLYANIA ABCHIVBS 1788. 169

by LouiB of Money or other Modes of farnishiDg publio supplies/'
I^vision is made for issueing certain Notes whioh are to be put
into mj bands for tbe purpose of paying one year's Interest on cer-
tain Loan Office & other Certificates therein described, under certain
limitations & restrictions, of which your Bxoellenoy & the Council
are constituted the Judges. The public Creditors are anxious to
avail themselves of the relief intended by this Law, & I would
gladly discharge my duty in administering it in such manner as
will give as little trouble to your Excellency & the Council as the
nature and circumstances of the business will admit. In order to
wbioh I beg leave to solicit your instructions on some points on
which tbe determination of your Excellency & the Council seem to
be requisite ; & by whioh instructions I may be enabled to avoid
giving you the Trouble of frequent references of particular Cases.

TIm act directs that one year's Interest shall be paid on " all
such Certificates of money loaned to the United States or other
Certificates of Debts due from the United States liquidated, ascer-
tained & Certified according to the directions of the United States
in Congress assembled/' other than for pay of Officers, &C*, with a
pioviaOy among other things, that such Certificates were originally
Issued *' in the name k for the use of any Person or Persons who at
the time of such issuing who or were, or since have been a Citiien
or Citisens of this State, & actually resident within the same," & if
any difficulty shall arise respecting the right of the Claimant to the
benefit of this act, it shall be incumbent on him to produce the proof
necessary to establish it ; & if such proof be not sufficient to satisfy
the Loan Officer, the same shall be referred to the President &
Council whose determination & order thereon shall be conclusive.
On this Clause of the Act it seems to be reauisite that general rules
should be establbhed & made known that the applicants may come
nroperlv prepared in the first instance to support their just claims,
A avoid the trouble, disappointment, & Vexation which would pro-
bably happen in numerous instances for want of such information.

1st. As to the Certificates other than the Loan Office Certificates,
what marks of authenticity they should bear, by whom they should
be signed, k in what manner attested, to intitle the bearer to receive
the In*.

2d1y. Supposing this description ascertained, so as to put these
Certificates on a footins with Loan Office Certificates, then, as to
both, what proof will oe necessary, k in what mode must it be
ascertained that they originally were issued to such persons, & in
such manner as the Act requires to intitle them to draw Interest.

By a resolution of Congress of the 10th Sep', 1777, it is declared
that Interest at the rate of 6 ^ Ct. ^ ann'm should be paid on all
monies which had been loaned, or sh' be loaned before the first of
Marah, 1778, & that the Interest sh« be paid annually in Bills of
Exchange at the rate of Five Livres tournois for every Dollar so doe
for Interest. By a subsequent Aet of Congress irf the 28tlL Jone^

170 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

1780, establisbing a scale of depreciation for Loan Office Certificates,
the principal of such as are dated after the 1st Sep', 1777, & before
tbe Ist March, 1778, is sabjeot to a certain depreciation : ^* Pro-
vided nevertheless that the same Interest & mode of payment on
Certificates taken out before the 1st March, 1778, shall be contin*
ned as at present, untill the principal, ascertained as aforesaid, shall
be ready to be discharged/' The Act of Assembly in contempla-
tion, refers to the Act of Congress as to the valae in specie of the
Loan Office Certificates, & as no Interest has been paid on those
bearing date between the first of Sep', 1777, & the 1st March, 1778,
otherwise than in Bills of Exchange. I request instructions whether
I am now to pay the full Interest on such Certificates as usual,
without computing any depreciation or not.

I am informed by the Treasurer that the Notes are ready for
delivery, but as it will require time on my part to sign k prepare
them for payment, I request the Warrant of your Excellency to the
Treasurer to deliver me One hundred thousand Dollars, that I may
be enabled as early as possible to pay the Interest due to such of
the public Creditors as shall produce proper Vouches, there being
many on whose Certificates no doubt can arise, whose neoessitys
render them impatient to receive such relief as this payment may
afiTord them.

I have the honor to be

with great respect, your Excellency's
most obedient & most hbl. ServS

THOS. SMITH, Com' Contf Lo. Office

for the State of Pennsylvania.
Directed^

His Excellency John Dickinson^ Esq', President of the State of
Pennsylvania.

Thomas Smith to Frbs. DioKiNSONy 1783.

Philada.^ June 20th, 1783.
8'

Certificates are presented for the payment of Interest, Issued in
the names of Jet^ Wadsworth, Comi^ Gen», & John Cox, Q' M'
Oonl., which they received from the Loan Office of thi§ State in
pay for Warrants of Congiess in their faV, & with which they paid
for services done, & for things purchased of the Citiiens of this
State; but as those Gen'n'were not Citiaens of this State, ought it
to preclude the possessors, Citizens of this State, from receiving
their Interest.

Is not Interest on Loan Offioo Certificates Issued for the pay-

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 17l

nent of priies drawn in the Lottery to the Gitisens of this State to
be paid as on others.

I have the honor to be

with the greatest respect,

T' Excellency's most obed^ serv*,

THOS. SMITH, C C. L. Office

for the State of Pennsylvania.

Direetedy

His Ezcellencyi John Dickinson, Esq., President of the State
of Pennsylvania.

Besolitiion of Housb of Dblsgates to Virginia, 1788*

In the House of Delegates,

Friday, June 27th, 1783.

Mr. Maun Paee reported from the Committee of Propositions
and Orievaocies that the Committee had accordiDg to order had un-
der their consideration the Memorial of John Campbell to them
referred and had agreed to a report and came to several resolutions
thereupon, which he read in his place and afterwards delivered in
at the Gerks Table when the same were again twice read, amended
and agreed to by the House as followeth :

** It appears to your Committee by a resolution passed b^ the
Assembly on the twenty-third of June, 1780, that the agreement
made on the 31** day of August, 1779, between James Madison
and Robert Andre?^, Commissioners for the Commonwealth of Vir-
nnia, and George Bryan, John Ewing and David Writtenhouse
Commissioners for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, be ratified
and finally confirmed to wit. : that the line commonly called Masons
and Dixons line be extended due West five Degrees of longitude to
be computed from the River Delaware for the Southern Boundary
of Pennsylvania, and that a Mercdian drawn from the Western ex-
tremity thereof, to the Northern limits of the said States respec-
tively be the Western Boundary of Pennsylvania for ever On con-
dition that the private property & rights of all persons acquired
under, founded on, or required by the Taws of either County Previ-
ous to the date hereof, be saved and confirmed to them, altho' they
should be found to fall within the other, and that in the Decision of
disputes thereupon, preference shall be ^ven to the elder or prior
right which ever of the said States, the same shall have been ao-
Quired under such persons paying to that State within whose boun-
aary their lands shall be included, the same purchase or oonsidera-

178 PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVES 1788.

tion money whioh would have been due from tfaem to the States
nnder which they claimed^ the right and where any sneh pnrohase
or oonsideration money hath since the declaration of American
Independence been received by either state for lands which accord-
ing to the before recited agreement shall fall within the territory of
the* other, the same shall be reciprocally refunded and repaid.'^

It also appears that the said John Campbell hath lately returned
from a captivity of three years, and that from his confinement he
was unable to secure his title to lands taken up under the laws of
and supposed to lie in this State, but are said to be within the
Territory ceded to the State of Pennsylvaniai by which means there
is Danger of his title^ to the said lands not being confirmed without
the payment of a large sum of money, as that State it is suggested
makes no distinction between the settlers on the lands within their
Chartered limits, & those ceded by this State, That the Militia Offi-
cers labour under Difficulties from the apprehension of suits being
commenced against them by the Individuals who were called into
Militia service under the laws of this State ; that a Judgment hath
already been obtained against L* Col* Coz, for a considerable sum
on that a<SK>unt, and that suits are now depending against two
others for the same Cause.

Besolved, that it is the opinion of this Committee that the
Governor ought to be desired to write to the Executive of the State
of Pennsylvania, reminding them of the terms of the Cession, as
oontuned in the said Resolution, of the twenty-third of June, 1780,
and requesting that the Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary Depart-
ments of that state will in all their proceedings conforlki to the
spirit and intention thereof:

Resolved, that it is the opinion of this Committee thai the Ex-
ecutive ought to appoint a Surveyor or Surveyors in conjunction
with others to be appointed by the State of Pennsylvania,- to run
the boundary lines as agreed to by the Commissioners from each state
at Baltimore, in the year 1779, to be binding on this state in caae
the State of Pennsylvania shall conform to the Conditions of the
said Cession

Teste, JOHN BECELET,

C. H. D.

1783; June 27th. '^Agreed to by the Senate, Will Drew, 0. S.
A Copy.
Teste, JOHN BECKLET,

0. H. B.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 178

Richard Henry Lee to Pres. Dickinson, 1780.

Riohmond in Virginia, Jane the 30^*, 1780.
Sir,

Tour &vor of April the 15*^ did not reach me nnUI about twelya
days ago, at this plaoe, where I^have been attending the genornl
assembly for two months past

I should e'er this have paid my respects to yon, had I not waited
to see the progress of the business oonoerning the nohappy territorial
dispute between our states. I have now the happiness to inform
you that our Legislature hath oonsented to confirm the agreement of
the commissioners, interposing a few conditions relating chiefly to
quieting the possessions of the inhabitants, which I think your state
will find no difficulty in agreeing to. The instrument of confirmation
will, I suppose, be sent to you shortly. I must here observe, that
the act of our assembly on which the commissioners for adjusting
land claims exercised jurisdiction in the disputed territory, I am weu
informed, was not the effect of design — in a general system, it was,
thro' inattention, omitted to except the country in dispute. It can-
not surely be wondered at that the Assembly took some time to con-
sider about confirming a measure of magnitude, by no means made
final by the consent of the commissioner. I am not, sir, unac-
quainted with the jealousy that you mention has been entertained
against this state, nor am I uninformed that it is without just founda-
tion and it is surely the business of every good citizen of the United
States to compose and extirpate a principle so malign, and whioh
may produce such fiital consequences to our union. Virginia is not
without its faults, but where is the State or the Man that is so f I
hope, however, that our sister commonwealth of Pennsylvania will
be satisfied that the purest principles of amity and union govern as.

This assembly had once rejected the finance plan of Congress of
the 18<* of March, but the question has been since revived, and a
bill ordered in for its adoption. Tho^bill is now on its passage, and
we hope will be finally consented to.

. Our latest accounts from the southward inform us, that Lord
Cornwallis, with 3,000 men, was posted at Camden in South Caro-
lina, with outposts above and below him, having 600 men at one
and, and 400 at the other — that he is collecting magazines of nro-
visions and calling on the country people of whom he had taken
paroles to come in, [to] swear allegiance to the King of Great
Britain, and bear arms against their country. Baron Kalo and Oen.
Casewell, when joined by 2,500 of our Militia, now on their March
to North Carolina, will have a body of between seven and eicht
thousand men — at present the operations there are greatly retarded
by the want of provisions, but we expect to remove this difficulty by
the power of a law just passed for collecting the surplus provisiona
of every family, grain, salt, rum, &c., &c.

1T4 PENNSYLVANIA AEOHIVES 1788,

The Bay of Chespeake has at this time 3 frigates and six or Beven
priyateera io it — they oame in pursuing a fleet of Merohantmen from
Baltimore and this State, that had collected for defence and were
ffoing out-*it wonld seem that the enemy had been advertised of
Uie sailing of this fleet.

The generous exertions of yoi^ State at tho present mat orisisy
does honor to the commonwealth and its councils — I wish the exam-
ple may inspire, as it ought, the rest of this sleeping union.

I beg my respectful compliments may be presented to the Ladies
of your family, and that you will be assured 1 am, with much esteem
and regard; Sir,

your most obedient and

very humble servant,

RICHARD HENRT LEE.

P. S. — ^I have said that our Legislature hath consented, &o. ; the
Senate have passed our instrument of confirmation with a small
amendment that will create no difference between the houses.

Directed^ — His Excellency Joseph Reed, Esquire, President of the
Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia.

Thomas Smith to Pres. Dickinbon^ 1783.

Philad«, July 1st, 1788.

In the Letter* which I had the honor to receive from your Exoel-
lency in answer to my application for instructions in executing the
duties required of me by Act of Assembly respecting the payment of
Interest on Loan Office Certificates, your Excellency was pleased to
say, respecting Certificates bearing date the 1st Sep', 1777, & the
1st March, 1778, that it seemed to the Council that the Interest op
such Certificates should be computed according to the depreciation,
In consequence of which I have tendered that mode of computation^
to such holders of those certificates as have applied for the payment
tyf Interest on them ; but they are not willing to acquiesce in it
Some seem disposed to wait patiently till the matter shall be more
ftilly decided on } but others are differently inclined, and are rather
peremptory in their demands of the full Interest— -Olamours are
likely to arise. And as I wish to save your Excellency & the Council
the trouble of numerous applications on this point from individuals
—I take the liberty of requesting more particular instructions con-
cerning it

I have the honor to be,

with the greatest respect,

Y' Excellency's most obed* H» 8*,

THO. SMITH, C. Lo. Office
for the state of Penns*.
His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq'.

* See page 168.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 176

MoNS. Marbois to Pres. Dickinson, 1788.

Philadelphia, the 19tb July, 1783.
Sir,

I have the honour to infonn your Exoelleucy that yesterday
between three and four o'clock a vessel arrived in this harbour
having French flag. She were ordered by the Commander of the
King's Ship now in this River (the Pintado) to come and give
information acoordins to our naval laws : the Captain having not
Complied with the Order given, a French Midshipman went on
board, was very insolently answer'd and threatened to be thrown over
board ; he withdrew & it was not untill this morning that I was in-
formed the Vessel is an English who took the advantage of French
colours to be admitted here for fear she would not be received under
English she has still the French flag & asserts no body will be able
to oblige him to strike it. I desire your Excellency will be so
obliging as to order what you & Council shall think fit in such a
case for this breach of public faith and the imposition upon the
State of Pennsylvania. For our part we request also the English
Captain be obliged to go on board the Pintade, there to beg pardon
for the insult offered to the French officers under a false flag & that
he be obliged accordine to the Laws of Nation, immediately to
strike the French flag he had deceptiously hoisted. I desire yon
will be so obliging as to let me know what measures will be adopted
in the case, that 1 may give proper information to Mr. Prevot de la
Croix, the Captain of the King's Ship.
I am with respect

your Excellency's

most humble &

obedient Servant,

MARBOIS.

Gov. Harrison, of Virg'a, to Prbs. Dickinson, 1788,

Virginia Council Chamber,

July 23d, 1783.
Sir,

Four favour of the 3d Instant, came to hand by the hist post. I
never had a doubt of the rectitude of the Pensylvania Government
or suspected their Intentions of infringing the agreement entered
into by the two States, notwithstanding which the people who have
been given up to yon may be aggrievd by your Magistrates and
subordinate Officers, partienhu* Instances of which have been pointed
out where Officers of Militia have been prosecuted in ^out Ow^a^

176 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

and severe Damages given against them for acting in conformity to
the Laws of this State and in obedience to the orders of Govern-
ment, and I make no doubt but your Excellency will on enqniiy
find the fiaots to be so. You will excuse me for not agreeing with
yon that the application here was improper, the complainants have
been given up by this State on certain Conditions, if those Con-
ditions are not performed to whom are the Sufferers to apply for
redress but to those who gave them up, it being altogether a pnblio
concern and not an Individual one, however it is now nnneoeasarj
for me to enter &rther into the subject as your Excellency will see
by the enblosed that the Assembly have laken up the subject and I
beg the favor of you to lay their Resolution before your Assembly.

As the happy period, for which the running the astronomicMil
Line between the two States was postponed is now arrived, and it is
highly necessary there should be a final end put to this Busineas
that the minds of the people may be quieted and every man know
with certainty to which State he belongs. I hope you can have no
objection to the appointment of Commissioners on your part to do
the work as soon as it can be done with propriety, when you favor
me with your Determination I will take care to have them appointed
on onr part and to see that they be provided with every thing neces-
sary for completing the Business.

I have the Honor to be with

perfect esteem and respect

your Excellence's most

Obedient Humble Servant,

BENJ. HARRISON.
Directed^

To His Excellency John Dickinson.

Thos. McKban, C. J., TO Pres. Dickinson, 1783.

Sir,

• Doctor William Moland the son of John Moland Esauire dcQeased
was attainted of treason in virtue of a Proclamation of the Supreme
Executive Council, dated in June, 1778. He surrendered himself
in August following, andjby the Advice of the then Council, I admitted
him to Bail on the 4th September, 1778, with a view to a pardon,
which has not yet issued, owing (I believe) to hb case having been
forgotten, and to his own inattention to it.

His case was represented to stand thus; he went into Phila-
delphia without the permission or knowledge of Government in the
Sprinff of 1778, when in possession of the British Army, and
immediately took a passage for Antigua or St Christophers from
whence he letumed in the August following. For this conduct

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788. 177

be alleged, that he was reduced in his oircumstnnceSy and had
ft brother in the West Indies from whom he had some expec-
tations of assistance, and therefore undertook the vojago. He had
before this taken the oath of allegiance to the State, and acted in
the MUitia &c., on the side of his country, and has done so ever
jiince, tho' he appears to be rather an imprudent joong man, and
perhaps cared little about the event of contest
These are all the circumstances I now recollect, relating to this
. ftffiiir : he has begged of me to mention them to your Excellencey
and the Council, hoping that upon due consideration of all circum-
BtftnceSi he may now obtain a pardcn.

I know of no weighty objeotions to his wishes being gratified and,
from the length of time since the transaction, and the other public
ooonrrences, I am induced to recommend him to the mercy & pardon
of Government.

I have the honor to be Sir,

with great regard your Excellency's,
& the Connoirs most obedient humble servant,

THO. McKEAN.

Philadelphia, July 28th 1783.
Direciedf

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esquire, President, &c.^of Penn-
sylvania.

Resolution of Assembly, 1783.

State of Pennsylvania In General Assembly.
Friday, August 22d, 1783, A. M.

The committee appointed x\ugust 19, on the message from Council
dated August 18 instant, made a further report in part, which was
read, and on motion and by special order the same was read the
■eeond time, whereupon,

Resolved, secondly that Mr. Steinmetz, Mr. Penrose and Mr. J.
Horria be a committee to confer with Council on the subject of remov-
ing the obstructions to navigation in the river Delaware, and report
thereon.

Extract from the minates,
J. SHALLUS, Asst. Clerk
of the Qeneral Assembly.

178 FENNSTLVANIA ABGHIVES 1783.

BssoLunoH OF Gbitebal Assbxblt, 1788.

Stftte of PtonsylTanui In Cknenl AawmUy
Thundaj September 1788, A. H.
The report of the committee, read yesterday, was read the \
timei and adopted as follows, via.

The committee to whom the memorial of the iDhabitanta of the
county of bncka, on the subject of the death of the late Malor
Kennedy, was referred, beg leaye to report. That in oonaderalKm
of the ffallantry and good conduct of the said Major Kennedy in m
succesml attempt upon a party of robbers, felons and buralm, in
which he received a mortal wound, and the misfortune, which a wife
and tender offimring must naturally experience in his death^ they
beg leave to submit the following resolution.

Besolved, unanimously, that the Supreme Executive Council be
required to pay by draught on the treasury of this State, into the
hands of the Executors or administrators of the before mentioned
Major Kennedy the sum of three hundred pounds, to be divided in
six equal shares for the use of his widow and five children.
Extracts from the minutes,

PETER Z. LLOTD,
Clerk of the Oencral Assembly.
Directed^
To the Honorable the Supreme Executive Council.

Dr. Hutchinson to Pres. Dickinson — Hospital,
1788.

Dr. Hutchinson begs leave to inform his Excellency the Presi-
dent and Council that the Hospital on State Island is now in a sitn-
ation to accommodate the sick comfortably, the rooms are fitted up
and bunks are made, the Steward & matron are careful and attentive,
but bedding is much wanted and the sick suffer on that account, the
expence for two or three bolts of oznabrigs would be but trifling, and
the matron would make them up into bed covers herself provided
they were purchased; 16 sick are now at the Hospital & Dr. Hutch-
inson has ordered 11 more down this morning.

Sept. 22d 1783.

FENNBTLVANIA ABGHiyES 1788. 179

Bbsolutions op Assembly, 1788.

State of Pennflylnuiia^ In General Assembly,

Monday, September 22, 1783, A.M.

The report of the committee on the memorial of the officers of
tbe Pennsylvania line, was read the second time^ and adopted, and
ia as follows, (yiz. :)

The committee from whom the Message from the Supreme Ezecn-
tiTe Conneil, dated September 9, 1783,* together with the memorial
of the Officers of the Pennsylvania line, were referred, beg leave to
report:

That having duly considered the Message and Memorial they
ofier the following resolutions to the House.

lat. That it is equally the interest of the State, and the Officers,
to aeoept the propoeed commutation in lieu of half pay — this House
does accordingly adopt the ordinance of Congress as follows :
M JBj the United States in Congress assembled,

« March 23, 1783.

" On the report of a committee to whom was referred a motion
^ of Mr. Dyer, together with the memorial of the officers of the
'' Arm V, and the report of the committee thereon. Congress came to
'' the rollowing resolutions :

" Whereas the officers of the several lines under toe immediate
'< command of his Excellency General Washington, did by their
" late memorial transmitted by their committee, represent to Con-
'* gress, that the half pay granted by sundry resolutions, was re-
^ garded in an unfavorable light by the citizens of some of these
"states, who would prefer a compensation for a limited term of
'' years, or by a sum in gross to an establishment for life, and did,
^ on that account, solicit a commutation of their half pay for an
"equivalent in one of the two modes above mentioned, in order to
" remove all subject of dissatisfaction from the minds of their fel-
" low subjects.

<* And whereas, Congress are desirous, as well of gratifying the
" reasonable expectations of the officers of the Army, as of remov-
" ing all objections which may exist in any part of the United
" States, to the principles of the half pay establishment, for which
" the futh of the United States hath been pledged, persuaded that
" those objections can only arise from the nature of the compensa-
" tion, not from anv indisposition to compensate those whose ser-
" vices, sacrifices andf sufferings have so just a title to the approba-
" tion and rewards of their country.

" Therefore Resolved, That such officers as are now in the service
" and shall continue therein to the end of the war shall be entitled
" to receive the amount of five years full pay in money, or sccuri-

* See CoL Rec, Vol. XIII., p. 682.

180 PENNSYLVANIA AKCHIVB8 1788.

'Hies on interest at six ^ cent, per annum, as Congress sbdl find
" most convenient, instead of the half pay promised for life by the
'' resolation of the twenty day of October, 1780; the said secnritias
<< lo be snoh as shall be given to other creditors of the United States,
^ provided it be at the option of the lines of the respective States,
'^ and not of officers individually in the lines, to accept or refdse the
^' same, and provided also, that their election shall be ognified to
" Goneress through the Commander in chief, from the lines under
** his immediate command, within two months, and through the
'^ commanding officer of the Southern Army, of those under his com-
<< mand, within six months from the date of this resolution.

** That the same commutations shall extend to the corps not be-
'' longing to the lines of particular states, and who are entitled to
^' half pay for life, as aforesaid ; the acceptance or refusal to be
*' determined by corps and to be signified in the same manner, and
*' within the same time as above mentioned. That all officers be-
*' longing to the hospital department ; who are entitled to half pay
<' by the resolution of the seventeenth day of January, 1781, may
'' collectively agree to accept or refuse the aforesaid commutation,
'^ signifying the same through the Commander in chief within six
<< months from this time. That such officers as have retired at
' different periods, entitled to half pay for life, may collectively in
^' each state of which they arc inhabitants, accept or refuse the
'' same ; their acceptation or refusal to be signified by agents, au-
" thorised for that purpose, within six months from this period^
f' that with respect to such retiring officers, the commutation if ao-
'' ccpted by them, shall be in lieu of whatever may be now due to
'' them since the time of their retiring from service, as well as of
" what might hereafter become due ; and that so soon as their ao-
^' ceptanoo shall be signified, the Superintendant of finance be, and
<< he is hereby, directed to take measures for the settlement of their
'' accounts accordingly, and to issue to them certificates bearing
^'interest at six per cent. That all officers entitled to half pay for
'' life, not included in the preceding resolutions may also colleo-
** tively agree to accept or refuse the aforesaid commutation signify-
'' ing the same within six months from this time.

2. Resolved, that it be recommended, most earnestly to the snor
ceeding Assembly to provide adequate funds, for the purpose of
insurioe the commutation as above set forth.

3. That one half the sum in the hands of the naval officer, or
that may come into his hands, being now actually due, under the
Acts of A.8sembly for raising an import passed the 23' of day Decem-
ber, 1780, and the " Act for guarding and defending the navigation
'' in tho bay and river Delawaro, and for other purposes therein
" mentioned," passed the Ninth day of April, 1782, and tho '• Act
^^ for raising an impost on goods, wares or merohandize, imported
" or brought into this state by land," passed the 22* day of Novem-
bor| 1782| and the '^ Act for raising and collecting of money on the

FENNSTLVANIA ABCHIYES 1788. 181

^ ipaeified ariioles thereiQ mentioned^ for the rapport of govern-
'< ment, and for other purposes therein mentioned/' passed the 20*^
day of Mareh last, be, and the same is hereby appropriated for the
VM of the offioerSy deranged on the first day of January last, and
now to be deranged in proportion to their pay and rank ; they to be
•eooantable, and that the Supreme Executive Council, be hereby
empowered to make the necessary arrangements, and draw on the
BBTil officer for the sum above appropriated.

Your committee further observe that such parts of the memorial,
M raspect certificates for pay are already provided for by bills before
the Elouse ; and that part which requests the House to assume all
their debts, and to allow interest on commutation to the deranged
offieers, are of such a nature as to take up too much time in this pre-
sent ntting, and therefore recommend it to the notice of the su<»-
eeeding House.

Extract from the Minutes.

J. SHALLUS,
Asst. Clerk,
of the General Assembly.
Direeiedf
For the honorable the Supreme Executive Council.

DoESET Pbntbcost TO Prbs. Dickikson, 1783.

Philadelphia^ October 6th, 1783.
Sir,

For several years previous to the Settlement of the Territorial
dispute between this State and Virginia, and at the time that Wash-
ington County was laid out by this State, I enjoyed the Office of
Olerk of the Court for Tohogania County in Virginia, which office
faieluded that of Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas, Clerk
of the Quarter Sessions, and Clerk of the Orphans' Court, with other
Ofliees, by the Constitution of this State, made Seperate and Inde-
pendent Offices. The County of Yohogania is almost entirely taken
into this State by the Settlement, and line run between the two
States.

Those offices that I enjoyed under the other Government were
Wrested from me, and Oiven to Thomas Scott, Esquire, a person
wko then was not nor yet is an Inhabitant of the County, but a
Gentleman well Qualified for that office.

How consistent this Treatment to me was with the Solemn agree-
ment between the two States, I leave your Honorable Board to
determine, which says, << That the private property and rights of all
'' persons acquired under, founded on, or recognised by the Laws of
^' either Country, previous to the date (of that agreement) Shall be

182 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1788.

'^ saved and confirmed nnto them^ although they should be foiind to
'^ fall within the other.

The perticuliar Situation of affairs at that time made it prudent
as well as Necessary for me to Submit to the Injury done me without
a murmur.

But as there is now a new County laid out by the name of Fayette,
in which Mr. Scott resides, and who Certainly is the most Capable
person in that County to fill that Office, Justice can be done with
ease and propriety. I therefore humbly hope your Honorable Board
will be pleas'd to appoint Mr. Scott Prothonotary, with the usual
Offices annexed, in the County of Fayette. And that your Honor-
able Board will be pleas'd to do me Justice in restoring of me to
the Offices in your gift, which I held in the County of Washington
previous to Mr. Scott's appointment, and which I discharged for m
Series of years with unimpeaohed Integrity.

I beg leave to inform your Excellency and Council that this mode
of proceeding will not only give Satisfaction to the Public, but be
perfectly consistent with the wish of Mr. Scott, as far as this busi«
ness relates to him, I have his declared acquiosence.

Knowing the Justice as well as Humanity of the Gentlemen
Composing your Honble Board, and Conscious of the uprightness of
my own Heart, and the rectitude of my Intentions, and Viewing, I
hope, with an Impartial Eye the Circumstances attending this busi-
ness, I look up to your Honorable Board for redress in this par-
ticular.

I shall not say one word respecting the Gentlemen Candidates for
the Offices of Fayette, although unanswerable reasons could be
assigned of the Impropriety of appointing either of them to the offices
aforesaid.

Having had the honor of Serving as a member of your Honorable
BcMird for almost two years, I can but feel the greatest anxiety of
now retiring from amongst you, which I would not do under any
Consideration, did not the time of my Election Expire in a few days,
and which I must anticipate by a voluntary resignation, and whiob
this Letter serves to announce. Indeed a personal JDeolaration
would be very painful, for be assured that I have the most perfect
Esteem for your Excellency and the Gentlemen composing your
Honorable Board, and here permit me to Express my hearty and
Sincere wishes that your Excellency may have a Happy administra-
tion, and that yon and your associates may live in perfect Harmonyi
while you continue together in your Country's Service.

I have the Honor to be with perfect Esteem and Sincere regavd|
Your Excellencies most Devoted

and Very Humble Servant,

DORSEY PENTECOST.
His Excellency, John Dickinson.

FBNNSTLYANIA ABOHITES 1788. 188

Thomas MiFFLiir to Prbs. Dickinson, 1788.

Annapolis, Deoem. 23rd, 1783.
Sir,

I have the honor to inform jon that this day at tweWe o'clock
His Exoellenoy General Washington had a public audience of Con-
gress, resigned his Commission and took his leave of all the employ-
ments of pnblio life. The General's address & the answer of
Congress I enclose for the satisfaction of year Excellency & the
Honorable Council. The Delegates of Pennsylvania will write to
yonr Excellency by the next post & give you a detail of the business
which has b^n acted upon^ Congress since their arrival here.

I have the honor to be,
wi:h the highest respect,
your Excellency's & Council's obed. Servt.

THOMAS MIFFLIN
IHreeiedj

■ Hb Excellency President Dickinson.

J. MooBE TO Pbbs. Dickinson, 1783.

Sir,

* By Mr. Shepard T do myself the pleasure to write yonr Ex-
oellenoy, and as he has for some time Fast, been an inhabitant of
this Place, and Possesed of a great share of the Confidence of
Cooneedcut claimants, we will be able to give your Excellency
just information of their Proceedings and intentions.

He is charged with the Petition I Hinted to you, was in hands
for the Honble Assembly, it is signed by a few of the claimants,
who disaprove of the measures laterly adopted by many of the
People here. They are anxious to have the Benefits of former
Besolves of the Honble House extended to them. How far they
have complied with the intentions of the Assembly, (altho at a
late Hour) their Petition will evince.

The committee of Assembly appointed to Enquire into the
Unoonstitutional Proceedings of the judicial officers of this Place
mre arrived ; and will Proceed to business this day. I trust their
conduct will appear very different from what it has been Repre-
sented.

184 FENNSTLVANIA ARCHIVES 17MJ

How far the Military force may be Necessary to support tbe
authority of the state in this Placej Mr. Shepard will' be able to
inform you.

I haye the honor to be,

your Excellency's most
obedient & yery Hble. seryt.i

J. HOOSB.
Fort Dickinson, December 29, 1783.
J)%r€ctedf

His Ezoellencyi John Dickinson, Esq., President of the State of
Pennsylyania.
Indonedf

1784, January 20th. From Major James Moore.

Resolution of Gbkeral Assemblt, 1784.

In Oeneral Assembly,

Monday, January 5, 1784.
The papers transmitted with the foregoing message, were alao
read, and on motion, and by special order the said message and
papers were read the second time.^

Ordered, that they be referred to Mr. Delany, Mr. Long, Mr.
Hubley, Mr. McPherson and Mr. Carothers to report thereon : and
that they be instructed to confer with Council thereon if they deem
it necessary.

Extract from the B^nutes.
PETER Z. LLOYD.

Clerk of the
General Assembly.

Pkes. Dickinson to Delegates in Ck>NaBBS8, 1784.

In Council,

January 7th| 1784.
Gentlemen,

We haye receiyed your two letters of the 30th of last Month,f
and are sorry such a Difficulty as you mentioned conOemlng the
Ratification of the Definitive treaty should have arisen. We hope
it will be removed in a few days, by the attendance of several
Members of Congress. If it should not be removed in time, we
are clearly of opinion, that on all the Circumstances of the caae,
the Batification ought to be agreed to, by seven States.

* See Col. Reo. Vol. XIV. p. 11.
t See p. 165, 156.

PSNN8YLYANIA AECHIVES 1784. 185

With Bflspecfc to the Generars fatore sitaation, our meaniDg
only is, that he shoald not be pennitted to suffer by the eminent
aetrices he had rendered to his Coontry. *' A Grant of a sum of
Money/' wo apprehend, he would not accept; perhaps he may
reject die offer of ^' an annual sum to indemnify him for expenses,
which nuy arise from the particular situation he must be in/' This
is our Idea; and after such previous Consultations as your Pru*
denoe will suggest, we should be glad, if the proposition in some

Seneral Form might be brought into the Consideration of Congress.
'he Mode must be left to their politeness, & the substance to their
generosity to determine. There appears to us no Impropriety, in
the general's table being kept up during his Life, as Commander in
Chief.

We will lay before The General Assembly your observatioOi
respecting the expense of copying public papers.
I am, Gent,

Your Most obt. servt.,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directedy

The Honorable the Delegates of Pennsyyania.

Samuxl Caldwbll to Pbes. Dickinson, 1783.

Philada., Jany., 1784.
Sir,

I would beg leave to remind your Excellency and through your
favour to soUidt the attention of the Supreme Executive Council
to a matter that seems to require their interposition in order to
obtain Justioe, which tho' often demanded could not be procured
from your Predecessors in office.

The affair is in short this. On the 21st June 1780, 1 bought at
a public auction held by the Commissioners for the sale of Confis-
eated Estates in the County of Philadelphia, a Tract of Land on
Hog Island'*' as being late the property of Joseph Ghilloway, and
having punctually paid them the purchase money agreeeble to the
terms of sale. I apply'd for a Deed, but in obtaining this, I met
with unexpected delays ft difficulties which perhaps it may be un-
neoeflsary to trouble you with a recital of, I will only inform your
Szeelleney ft the Honorable Council, that I did not obtain a Deed
till' the 9th day of May 1782 and that the' this Deed did not grant
Me all the property I purchased ft paid for, vet I was then oontent
to reoeive it, rather than suffer a longer delay ft be engased in m
diBpvte or litigation for a just right, in full expectation however,
that I should receive immediate possession of the premises, ft that a
just oompensation would be made me, fbr the Injury I sustained by
the delay, which it cannot be aliedged was occasioned by any failure
on my part.

* €ol. Rm. Vol. XIV., p. 414.

186 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVBS 1784.

The Deed being at length obtaJDed and also an order ftom the
Supreme Ezecative Coancil issaed to the Commiesioners & the
Sheriff of the County to give me posscssioni — I attended them for
that purpose, but as we were not suffered to to land upon the Islandj
the order was not executed and I am still deprived of my Right.

At the time I made this purchase I was entirely ignorant of any
Claim or Inoumberance being on the Premises^ and the Commissioner
declared it to be sold in Fee Simple & clear of any. I made fre-
quent applications to the Supreme Executive CouncQ during the
Presidency of Mr. Moore, but without Effect tho' he often gave me
to understand that Justice should be done and as all I ever wished
or now soUioit is Justice, I have no doubt* your Excellencr ft the
Honorable Council will lake this matter into consideration & grant
Redress.

The Records of Council will no doubt furnish you irith more
information on this Subject, but if my attendance should be thought
necessary I will immediately attend upon notice.
I am with great Respect,

your Excellency's most Obd. Servt.

SAM. CALDWELL.
Directed^

His Excellency the President of the Supreme Executive Council.
Indortedf Jany. 8, 1782.

Michael Huffkaglb to Major Armstrong, 1784.

January 8th, 1784.
Dr. Sir,

I mentioned to you some time ago about the reserved Tract
opposite Pittsburg & lately wrote you concerning the appointment
of agents for confiscated Estates for this County.

I now take the Liberty to mention to Couocil that at last October
Term, three Indictments where Brought against three persons for
Keeping Tipling House in Reasons Town, upon which Process
issued to bring them to answer to the Indictments, when the Sheriff
went to take them, they were advised by Mr. Thomas Scott their
attorney to resist the Sheriff & not to appear, the reasons he gava
for his doing so was, that the New County was fixed by Assembly in
September, that the Courts of Westmoreland bad no jurisdiotioflL
there after that date. Now I shall be obliged to you for (ha
opinion of Council what steps should have been taken ; the Ooorfti
in Fayette could not take place by Law untill the twenty third daw
of December following & we had no notice of the County ontiU
some time after Octoil^r Court. If this Court could not have tha
Jurisdiction those People most have lived in a state of confusion
for they could not have any Jurisdiction untill the day I mentioned
Before, although Mr. Scott about three weeks Before, got some of the

* See CoL Roc, XIV. p. 4.

PBNNSTLYANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 187

Majestntefl to meet, opened a Coart, appointed tbeir jadge & issued
Writa ret'ble. the day appointed by Law for opening the Court, if
prooeedings of this kind should be countenanced the state will loose
Mr fines, & anarchy & confusion must take place, you will please
to write me as soon as possible.

your most obt. Hble. Senrt.

^ MICH. HUFFNAGLB.

Major Armstrong.
Directed

(On Public Serrice.)

Major John Armstrong, jr., Secretary to Council, Philadelphia.

J. MooRB TO Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Sir,

The Committee directed by the Hon'ble Assembly to enquire into
the Charges Set forth in a petition from the inhabitants of Wyoming,
baTO gone thro' the iuTestigation, and have this moraine left this
place. How far the testimony adduced in support of the charges
nay appear to criminate the Civil and Military officers, in takcing
decisive Measures to diffuse & support the laws, we must feave the
Hon'ble House to judge ; but when they duly Consider the Testi-
mony on Our part, evidently tending to discover that a dangerous
imurreotion was intended, I trust their Conduct will merit some
applause.

As I am not charged with even the shadow of an offence, (the
neasorcs complained of being done Previous to my arrival,) I con-
eeive myself the more at liberty to appear in their Behalf.

By what I can learn from the Committee that was here, it appears
to M the intention of the House to dismiss the Troops at this
place; it is observed by those who wish the dissolution of the
Corps, '' that the expenoo is great, and that there is no Necessity
^ for keeping it up, as the People claiming under Connecticut dis-
'* elaim a conduct inconsistent with the true interests of the State.''
^The expenoe in keeping up the corps for a few months, must be
•mall, the men being already raised, clothed, and Provisions, agreea-
Uj to Contract, laid in for some months to Come — and should it be
tlie intention of the Hon'able the Assembly to invest the Proprietors
vnder Penn' with the lands they have long since purchased ; I must
beg leave to Represent the Imediate Necessity of Troops being kept
liBirc to support the civil Jurisdiction, untill the Owners Can be
put in Possession of their property — and to prevent Insurrections and
Quarrels, which are much to bo dreaded in the Spring, about who
shall Cultivate the land.

Shieo the decision of the Commissioners at Trenton, and since the
Garriion has been here^ all the Pennsylvania landholders have boea

188 PENNSYLVANIA ABOHIVBS 1784.

looking forward to the Happy Period that now offers of Oiving them
Qaiet Possession of that Property which has, with equal iDJoatieey
been taken and kept from them this many years ; — they wish to
avail themselves of the support of this (Harrison, untill they get Pos-
session and Grow numerous — should it be deemed too expensive to
support the present number of officers and men allotted for this
Garrison, let it bo reduced to a Capt., 2 Subs., and 75 men, that
will be a force, if not sufficient to supress Insurrections, (should they
be attempted,) it will, at least, be sufficient to support the Garrisoa
untill succor can bo Had ; It will also Give the Highest Confidence
to the Pennsylvania Land holders, who will generally take Measures
for Obtaining Possesion of their Property in the spring, (While
they Otherways Would Not,) and remove the Great object of Con-
troversy, and Put the land under such Cultivation as would add
much to the advantage of the State.

To facilitate the Improvement of this Country, and to alleviate the
sufferings of Hundreds already bom down with the oppression of
those people, Might it Not be proper to recommend a litw making
it Justifyable in the sheriff of the county where an ample Title is
produced, to put the Owner in Possesion of his land without the
slow and Expensive Process of the laws now in force, which many
Good Citizens, from being so long debared the use of their land^
are Unable to support A Measure of this Kind would most amply
settle all disputes early in the Spring, when the Troops might be
dismissed, and the country [put] under such Improvement and Cul-
tivation as would enable the Possesors to bear a Proportion of the
Public debts.

Alexander Patterson, Esq', made me acquainted with m PeUtion
presented to your Excellency and Council, by Abel Yarringtony
respecting a House ho formerly possesed in this Garrison, altho' he
was Ordered to remove to a house Provided and put in repair by the
Troops for his Reception before I arrived at this place. 1 must
acknowledge it Met with my Warmest approbation — and I trust it
will appear consistent with the Verbal instructions, not only delivered
to me by Council, but those which Capt. Shrawder had previously
received — those officers who directed his Removal, has made £§9*
Patterson fully acquainted with their Beason8^>-I must beg leave ta
refer you to his Report.

Inclosed your Excellency will find a Monthly Return of the CorpsL
the muster & Payrolls, and the Inspection Return for the Month of
December I shall have finished and forwarded as early as possiblA.

The situation of the sick has oblidged me to apply to a Physician ;
the Inclosed list of Medicines, he says, is necessary and Imediatelj
wanted.

^^ I have the Honor to be

your Excellency's Most and very Hble. serVt

J. MOORB.
Fort Dickison, Jan'y 9, 1784.

Sis ExcoUency John Dickinson, Etsq., President of the State.

^EMNSYLYANIA ABCHIVES 17M.

189

- -9^>

3 g B

pi ,

^
£

■ r ••» P 1 . ! - I

(-*

*i^. _ .J2

^ ^

Ckpt»(* '

- S

*- 1*

»ufakiKnH.

"-^

b— t

^W- M'.jw.

I-*

qu Mr.^jcu«. c

!*^ to

Mrj<=Uli. P

- 1

■ 1* ^

d™-. s

1 .

lO ^ I

i—i '

f«^ ?

'■a is-

-J CO 1

CO
00

Fii Ibr DdV.

Od DBly.

go 1 OS

<a*

llkkp.T««4. p

to 1—

►^

- yktitf. ^

1 1 OiiO™»«»l. 1^1

Ui I

" f^i.^ e

o;>

« Eii« «rf le«, ^

1 1 C«fi«l 1 i

£;

T^ 1

t5~

it^ii.. ,ca

pniBi iflflk

Kukki^Ma

«n

♦-^

n-^

(li

^^-

•-J

1 CO

1 !»-tJ«ttt*. 1^1

,■

Ihvaj>ir«ir«*. 1

frO 1

M*r^ Ml*. . P-

The ritoatioD of the siok has made it Booeasary for me to apply to
m Pbyeicao in the Neighbourhood^ and as it will bo attended with
ku otpeaoe to the State to Airnish the Medicine neceaaarj in the
Caeea that may appear. I hare procured the above list| which I
wuh may be forwarded as Early as possible.'''

J. MOOKB.

Vol. X.— 9.

* Not iescrted.

190

PENNSTLYANIA ABCHIYBS 1784.

Wm. Smith to P&bs. Dickinson, 1784.

PhU% Jao^ 12th, 1784.
Sir,

Certificates which have undergone a final settlement & Liquida-
tion by Joseph Nourse, Esq^ Kegister Gen^, are presented for ike
payment of Interest, they seem to come within the intention of the
act of Assembly^ I trust your Ezc^ & the Hon^^ Goundls opiaioii|
whether I am to pay the Interest on them.

I have nearly paid the amount of the last Warrant, beg another
on the Treaa' for the like sum.

I have the honor to be,
with great Respect, Sir,

y moBt obed. Hble. Servt.,

THO. SMITH,
Cr. Gl. L. office,
for the State of Pennsylvania.*
J)irected,

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq", President of the State of
Pennsylvania.

State op Bebks County, Militia, 1784.

January 13, 1784.
1783. i^pointment, April the lOth, Mcger, January the 8.
1784 ; all the Best the 21 of April, 1783.

Fibst Battalion.

Nicholas Lutz, Esq% L'Gol. apointed the 10 Ap., 1783.

Jacob Bower, Esq', Major, Jan. 3, 1784.

Heildeberg. Gumru.

1 Compy. N" of Men. 3 Gomp^.

Adam Hain, Gapt. ^ John Weidner, Gapt ")

Peter Kole, Lt. ^ 115

John Hain, En.

Reading.

2 Gompy.
Pet«r Nagel, Gapt

Ghristian Madery, Lt.
Ernst Gross, En.

* Se« Col. Bee.

Ghristian Bechtol, Lt.~ C 106
David Punzius, En. j

Reading.

4 Gompi^.
Gonrad Geist, Gapt.'^
Henry Brown, Lt. 1 101
Jacob Leitheuser, En. j

Vol. XIV. p. 6.

PENNSTLVANIA AfiCHIVIlS 1784.

191

Hetdelberq.
6 ComyJ^.

Sebistian Miller, Capt
Adam Rafth, Lt

John Gernand, En.

AL8A0B,

6 Oompy.
Henry Wax,
John Keen,
Lodwig BanaleT]

Capt.^

Lt. Y

r, Enj )

129

CuMBTTi a Breoknoo.
• 7 Compy.
Peter Gower, Oapt")
Adam Spoon, Lt. Vlt)2
Daniel Pannebecker, En. }

Reading.
8
John Strohecker, Oapt. ")
John Kendal, Lt V 103
HartmsnLeitheoferEn. j

Second Battalion.

Baleer Geehr, Kpq', L'CoL
Brunswig.
1 Oompy. No. of Men.
Conrad Minich, Oapt. ^
Niohokfl Holler, Lt. V
Martin Dreibelbis, En. )

Bern.

2 Compy.
Jacob Shortly^ Capt.
George Albrecbt| Lt.
Christ* Albrecbt, En

Windsor,
8 Compi".
Godfry Seidle, Capt.
Simon Krensher, Lt
Anthony Billich, En.

Be&n.
4 Comp^.

Francis Umbehaoker, Capt
Jacob Rnnkel| Lt

Jacob Heck, En

ipt-j

■}

Martin Keroheri Esq', Migor.

Windsor.

5 Compy.
Jacob ChappilL Capt. 1
George Reber, Lt L
Andrew Smith, En. j

Brunswig.

6 Compi".
Jaoob Wetstone, Capt '
Michael Moser^ Lt
George Orwig, En.

Albant.

7 Compy.
Michael Brobst^ Capt '
George Fob, Lt
Philip Gliok, En.

Bern.

8 Comp7.
Jacob Eppler, jn', Capt. '
Valentine Moaer,
Nicholas Lieb,

pt '\ Jacob Eppler, jn', Capt. 1

V Valentine Moaer, Lt V

. 3 Nicholas Lieb, En. J

Third Battaijon.

Samuel Ely, Esq', L'CoL

LONGSWABfP.

1 Compy.
Charles Kranse,
Jaoob Miller,
John Fenstermakcr,

cr^ En. J

Stephen Baldy, Esq', Major.

LONGSWAMP.

2* Comp>^.
Valentine Hanpt, Capt.
Peter Klein, Lt

Henry Ghci&t| Ijki*

PBNN8YLYANIA ABGHITEB 1784

IIaxatant.

mOk^ Hinterleitor, Capt
jMob Sigfriedy ju', Lt

BiCHMOND.

4 Gompy.
Christiui Merkle, Oapt.
Philip Klein, Lt
Conrad StengjUTi iln.

Maxatant.

5 Comp^.
Jacob Swejer, Capt
Henry Sweyer, Lt.
Jacob Christ, En.

GEBNWiaS.

BCemp'.
Peter Smithi Capt
Joat Soder, Lt.

Henry Fbher, Sa.

BlOHMOND.

7 Compi^.
Jacob Baldy, Capt.*)
John King, Lt V

Leonard Snyder. En. j

Maidenoriek.

8 Compi'.

Capt)
Lt. V

En. )

127

FiiTH Battalion.
Henry Spyker, Esq', L'CoL Chriatian Loweri jan% Esq', Major.

Bethel.
1 Comps". N* of Men

Michael Wolf, Capt)
Frederick Seybert, Lt y
Chrifl'n Walbum j', En. J

TULPEHOOOON.

2 Compy.
John Anspoch, Capt )
Nicholas Seybert, Lt \ 107
John Losher, jon', En. j

HEIDELBEaa.

8 Compy.
Philip Filbert, Capt.
George Knopp, Lt. ^ 70
John Klinglcr, En.

^ HEIDELBEaa.

4 Compy.
Daniel Oreaff, Capt
Joseph Deppy, Li
Jonas Eckert, En

Capt ■)
Lt J-
En. )

TULPEHOOOON.

6 Gompy.
John Biegel, Capt
Christopher Kern, Lt
John Walter, En

PiNEOBOVS.

6 Comp^.
Philip Hedrich, Cmpt.
Peter Brcssl^, Lt.
Jacob Stein, En.

TULPEHOOOOir.

7 Compy.
Henry Spang, Capt )
Jacob Smith, Lt V
Jacob Sheffer, En. J

Bethel.

8 Compy.
John Folmcr, Capt,
Daniel Kromcr. Lt
Andrew Daniel, . En.

Sapf)

r.t [

PBNNSTLYANIA ABCHIVES 1784.

198

Sixth Battalion.

John ComuoBi Esq^ L'CoL
Olbt.
!•* Gomp^ N* of Men
Daniel Leinbach, Capt. ^
John Eirlin, Lt. ^
John Hnnter^ En. )

RvSCOBfBHANNXB.

2 Compy.
Jacob Rodarmekf Capt.
Jaoob Price,
Fred^ Bengeman

BOCKLAND.

3 Compi'.
Oeorge Beeber, Capt.
Adam Zweyer, Lt
Jacob Seybert, En.

COLIBBOOKDALE.

4 Comp>^.
Adam Boada,
George Gilbert,
George Fronhooserj

Nicholas Hnnterj Esq'i Major,
Earl.
5 Compy.
David Shall, Capt.

Jaoob Keen,
BalBer Behm

Lt.
En.

k, Capt.)

Lt. V

D, En. )

r. En. J

103

Olet.

6 Compy
Jacob Hill, Capt.

John Lesher, Lt
Abraham Lesher, En.

HXB£FO&D.

7 Comp^.
John Miller, Capt
John Goodman, Lt.
Henry Gibson, En.

East Distbiot.

8 CompJ'.
Peter Eieffer, Capt.
Chris' Frey, Lt
Madiias Bieohert, En.

!
1
1

109

104.

643

I do hereby Certify that all the Rtt officer are apointed the 19
of April, 1783, Except Maeor Jacob Bower, who wose apointed on
the 3 of January, 1784, and all the B^t of the officers on the 21
of April, 1783, By the Beturns delivered to me.

VALENTINE ECKEET.
Lt of Berks County.

Pebs. of Congress to Pbss. Dickinson, 1784.

ffir.

This day nine States being represented in Congress, Yiz*, Massa-
ehnssetts, Bhode Island, ConDecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
Maryland, Virginia, North Csrolina and South Carolina, together
with one member from New Hampshire and one member from New
Jersey, The Treaty of Peace was ratified by the Unanimoos Vote
of the members present*

* Bee Col Reo., V«L XIY., p. 11-19.

ISM FENNSTLYANIA ABCHITES 1784.

This b«ing done, Congress, bj an unanimons Vote, ordered m
Proclamation to be issued, enjoining the strict and faithfal obfierr-
anoe thereof; and issued an earnest recommendation to the aeveral
States in the very words of the 5th Article — ^The Secretary ia
directed to forward authenticated Copies of those Acts as soon as
possible to the Executives of the several States.

As Mr. Morris proposes to sett off for Philadelphia on Friday,
he will give your Excellency the fullest Information on the seveind
Points which have been agitated in Congress since they met here.
I am with the greatest Respect

your Excellency's obed. hie. servant,

THOMAS MlPPIilX.

Annapolis, 14th Jan'y, 1781.
Directed^

His Excellency; President Dickinson, Philadelphia.
• T. Mifttin.

Resolution of Congress, 1784.

To the Claimants of the private right of Soil within the territory
westward of the Delaware, heretofore in controversy between the
States of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, and adjudged by the
sentence of a Court constituted and appointed agiteably to the ninth
of the Articles of Confederation and perpetual union, to be within
the jurisdiction of the State of Pennsylvania ; it is hereby made
known,

That sundry Individuals claiming private right of Soil under the
State of Connecticut, within the said territory, have made appUca-
tion to Confess, stating that they have been disturbed in their said
right of Soil by others claiming under the State of Pennsylvania,
and praying for the institution of a Court for determining the said
private right of Soil, in pursu^incc of .the ninth article of Confedera-
tion ; and that the fourth Monday'*' in June next, is assigned for the
appearance of the parties by their Lawful agents before Congress, or
a Committee^^f the States, wheresoever they shall be then sitting to
proceed in the premises as by the Confederation is directed.
By order of Congress.

CHA. THOMSON, Seo'y.

Annapolis, 26th of January, 1784.
Indorsed^ — 1784, January 26. Resolution of Congress. instituting

a new trial for the private right of soil. — Wyoming lands.

. * See Col. BcQ,, Vol. XIV., p. 81.

PSNNSTLYANIA. AfiOHIYES 1784. 195

Rbbolution^of General Aessmblt, 1784.

State of Pennsylvania,

In General Assembly,

Saturday, January 24, 1784.
Qd motion,

Ordered, That Mr. Speaker, by letter, request information from
ibe Supreme Executive Council, respecting the allotment of Es ates
appropriated to the use of the University.

Extract from the minutes,

J. SHALLUS, Asst. Clerk

of the General Assembly.*

Spkabier 09 Assembly to P&es. Dickinson, 1784.

Assembly Chamber, January 26th, 1784.
Sir,

Agreeable to a vote of the Honorable, the House of AssembW, a
eopy whereof is inclosed, I must request the information therein
mentioned, in order that the same may be laid before the Generol
Aasembly.

I am. Sir, with real respect,

your most obedient Servant,

GEOEIGE GRAY, Speaker.f
IHrecUdf 'His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esquire, President

Pres. Dickinson to Mons. Cbbvboeub, 1784.

In Council, Januanr. 1784.
Dirt
. We have received the Letter yon honored us with, and very

KMlj aeknowledge the polite & obliging Manner in which the
nvnioations it contains have been made to us.
Befog perfectly sensible of the great goodness of his most Chria-
tiui Majesty, & the happy consequences that may be derived from'
hii generoQB Intentions, we have laid the Information you have been
pkaaed to give, before The General Assembly who are now sitting.
With the most respectful Consideration,

I am Sir, your most obedient

& very humble Servant,

JOHN DICKIN80NJ.
Aianedy Jan'y 27, 1784. M' de Creveceur, New Tork.

♦ See CoL Roc., VoL XIV., p. 26. \ Jh. J lb., p. 12.

lis PSNNSTLYANIA ASGHIVE8 1784.

Besolutions of General Assembly, 1T84.

State of Pennsjlvaniai

In Qeneral Assembly.

Thursday, January 29, 1784.
The eommittee to whom the Messages of the 19** and 21** instant^*
were idfenredi made report in part, which was read, and on motion^
and by special order, the same was read the second time, debated bj
paragraphs, and in part adopted, as follows, vis :

1^. That it appears the government of our sister State of Connee-
tioui, has not been duly informed of the intentions and aets of this
Commonwealth, respecting the settlers at Wyoming, whereupon

Resolved, That it be recommended to the President or Vice
President in Council to furnish the Governor and Assembly of the
State of Connecticut with the proceedings of the Council and Assem-
bly of this Commonwealth, respecting &e settlers at Wyoming since
the judgment at Trenton.

Extract from the Minutes,
% J. SHALLUS, Ass* Clerk

of the General Aasembly.

Deik)SITION Martin Tidd, 1784.

North' County, ss.

Personally appeared before me the Subscriber one pf the Justxoes
of the peace for s' County, Martin Tidd and made oath as follows :

About the eighth instant when the Committee of the Assembly
was at thi^place inquiring into the Charges set forth in a Petition
from the people at Wyoming against the Proceedings of the Civil
and Millitary officers, I heard Colo. Strowd, one of we Oommittee,
tell Edward Spencer that all the people settling under Oonnoetkmft
claims were fools for takingr Leases from the Pennsylvania Laadiiot
ders, as that was relinquishing their claims, that those that bad ttoi
taken Leases should hold their possessions atid not give it 1^ anv
means. The Pennsylvania Landholders may try to atarrn yon with
Ejectments but says he (Col. Strowd) they cannot brine anjy Ejeol?
ments against you or dispossess you on any terms untill you have a
Continental Court call'd for the trial of th« rijght of Soil, Edward
Spencer said he was afraid they (meaning the Connecticut Claim-
ants) would not obtain that Court. What, says Colonel Strowd do
you think I don't know better who helpM to make h re^Mal tha
Laws of this State ? Yes you will have a tryal and no one can

♦ See CoL Rec., VoL XIV., p. 11, 16.

PENNSYLVANIA ABGHIYES 1784. s 197

dispoBsem yon nntiH that happens and says (Ool. Strowd) that court
cannot be call'd for this long time, joa may therefore continue in
ponemon of this Oountey, as yqu can neither be injured or dispos-
aened. And further the deponent saith not*

MARTIN TIDD.
Sworn ft Subscribed before me,
Jany 80«*, 1784.

DAVID MEAD.
Coppy J. Moore.

J. MooKB TO Fbes. Dickinson, 1784.

Sir,

The Snow is so deep in this Country that our Communication
with the City has been totaly stop'd this sometime. Lieut. Arm-
■tfong ia BOW willing to attempt the jourDey. Should he be able to
perform it, he will deliver your Ezcellenoy this Letter with the
aeferal Incloanres, he is also charged with my accounts, which he
will lay before M' Nicholson for settlement : as Lieut Armstrong
goes to Philad* on Public Business, he wishes to know if he can*
not obtain Pay for his ezpenoes.

In my accounts I haye charged the State with 22 Commissions,
OD all the moneys I have Laid out, deducting moy Months Pay and
Snbaistence, which I trust your Excellency & Councill will not dis-
mpprove ; it is a small compensation for the trouble I have had ;
wood is now the only article of expence I shall be exposed to during
the Winter, — the severity of the weather, will require 200 cord,
thai quantity is already cut and sent up by the troops, but so remote
from the Garrison, that I am oblidged to allow four sbillings a cord
for cartage. Inclosed your Excellency will find a Coppy of Martin
Tiddaf deposition, respecting the oppinion and advice of Col" Strowd
to those people. When here on the Committee, — this testimony is
corroborated daily by Information from the Peu* Settlers. Since
the Committee left this, those who had relinquished their Claims in
fiivonr of the Pen* Landholders, are now attempting to regain pos-
session— others who had engaged to deliver Quiet Possession in the
Spring have determined otherwise, — and from what I can learn, every
Person who baa tha least Pretentions to lands in this Country under
the Connecticut claim, are expected with all their Connections in
the Spring. Many of the Pen* Settlers who has some time ago
obtained Poaaession by consent, are now forbid cutting fire wo »d on
their Land, these and many other Reasons wbich L* Armstrong will
•be able to Inform you. Point out the necessity of Continuing a Mil-
itary foroe in this place ; should the Garrison be Dismissed in the

♦ See Col. Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 82.
t See page IVtt.

JO*

198 PENNSTLYANIA ABGHIVES 1784

Present Sitoation of affiiirs^ dangerouB oonseqneiioM axe io bo
dreaded.

Should Major Ohristie bo in Philadelphil^ lieni Armairong will
return Immediately to this place, but should 1/ Armstrong tai
Major Cbuster out of town^ I have directed him to wait on Council
for the two months pay agreeably, to the Inclosed Muster & Pay
rolls.

I am with the Highest Sentiments of Esteem

Your Excellencys most Obd. Servi.,

J. MOORE.
Directedy—'FoH Dickinson, FeVy 1, 1784.
Indorsed^ — His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq'.
February 6% 1784. fVom Major Moore. Kead &' approved.

Seo'T AbMBISONG to ASSEMBLTy 1784.

Philadelphia, Feb'y 2, 1784.
Sir.

In oomplying with the Resolution of your Honorable Houae of
the 29th Ult,"*" It becomes necessary that Council be funiished witfa
the following papers, viz., The Report of the CommisttOO^B sent to
Wyoming '^ to effect a compromise with the settlers at that place &
^' the owners of the Wyoming lands."

The Report of the Northampton members delegated '.' to eiiqnire
'^into the charges exhibited in a petition from a number < qf tb^
Inhabitants of Wyoming," & the proceedings of the Honsq upon it
I am sir

your most obed. servant,

JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jr., Seo'y.
Directedj

The Honorable George Gray, Esq., Speaker of the Oeaefal
Assembly.

Memorial of Timothy Matlace, 1784.

To the Representatives of the Freemen of the Commonwealti)i of

Pennsylvania in General Assembly met.
The Memorial and remonstrance of Timothy Matlack of the city of
Philadelphu, Sheweth,
That by the printed Journals of this Honorable house it appean
that, on the 5th day of March last,f the house passed a vote of
censure against him, on a report of a '< Committee appointed to
'' confer with the Comptroller General, on the subject of his letter
" dated December 8, 1782, and, also, to examine the laws respecting

* Seo page 196.

t See Vol. IX., p. 762.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVES 1784. 19»

the daties of the Secretary of the Supreme Executive Connoil. A
letter and report the contents of which have not been made known
to joor remooBtranti either by this honorable hooflei or by any
eommittee of the hooee; neither has he ever received any notice
whatever to i^pear and answer to any charge upon which that
oenanre ean posubly be founded ; and thus a heavy and exceedingly
grievoQa censure has been passed upon him for a supposed neglect,
Bot only without due enquiry and an open fair trial by his peersi
bat even without any specitic charge made against him, or even the
shadow of s trial of any kind. A proceeding unheard of in any
free country I

Your remonstrant conceives it to be a fundamental and declared
right of every citizen of Pennsylvania, upon every charge against
him to be heard by himself and hb council, to demand the cause
and nature of his accusation, to bo confronted with the witnesses, to
eall for evidence in his favour, and a speedy public trial by an
impartial jury of his country, witbont the unanimous consent of
which jury he cannot be found guilty. That he is entitled to all
the rights of a Citiien, not only by the adventitious circumstances
of birUi and residence ; but by an active, early, decisive and uniform
opposition, thro' every danger and difficulty, to that system of
tyranny which had been set up against the rights and liberties of
the good people of America, and a full exertion of his utmost
endeavours to obtain the independence of these United States, and
the establishment of our free constitution. He engaged in this
eanse the next day after the news of the battle of Lexington, and
he' continued in office until the day next after the news of the
preliminary articles of peace being signed, j

His services were always moat freely offered in times of the
greatest difficulties and dangers, when some others retired in despair;
Me has not only staked his life on the success of America, and
repeatedly met the enemy in the field \ but he has also, seen the
blood of a brother and of a beloved son shed in her sacred cause,
and he thinks that the man who has paid such a price for his civil
rights, and will part with them but with the last drop of- his own
blood, and the last gasp of life, is not only <' unworthy of public
<< trust and confidence,'^ but is utterly unworthy to breathe the
▼ital air; and if there be a member of this honorable house who has
paid an equal price for them, to his heart your remonstrant appeals
for the justice of the sentiment.

These rights, purchased at this price by your remonstrant, he
conceives has been violated by this honorahle house, and it is a duty
which he owes to the memory of his son, to himself, his family and
country thus solemnly to remonstrate against the proceedings of the
house.

Had this honorable house called on your remouRtrant to answer
to an explicit and specified charge at the bar of the house, ho might
well have quettionedp and most certainly M^iould have €[ue«tioued

200 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVBS 1784.

their authority in the case, the 9th seotion of the eonstitiitioQ
ezpresslj oonfining it to impeachment only. Had he been legally
called to answer at any bar, the charges against him would certainly
have been specified ; but the house have not either by themselves or
their committee communicated to him the particular supposed fact
on which the charge against him is founded, or the evidence on
which it has been ascertained to them. His imagination can only
furnish him with two, upon which he can conceive it is possible that
such a charge can be pretended to be founded. One is, a report
said to be propagated by the honorable Frederick A. Mnhlenbnrg,
Esqr., that he had paid into the hands of the Secretary money
which was not credited in his accounts. If such a report has been
propagated and acted upon, your remonstrant can only say, it %$ noi
<riM, and call, as he is legally entitled to do, for the evidence of the
fact, and to be confronted with the witnesses. The other relates to
monies paid to him by some of the Prothonotaries of counties— If
this be the charge, he could have shewn, that, by law, it is expressly
the duty of Prothonotaries to render to the committee appointed hy
(General Assembly to settle the public accounts, an account of the
monies received by them, and, therefore, that your remonstrant
could ^ot consider the money he received from them as making a
part of the accounts he was bound by lawy to keep and render ; yet
the accounts rendered by bim into the Comptroller General's office
on the 17th of March last, only twelve dat/s after the said retoivey
and within (he time limited in the writ issued under the order of
this hotue, does actually contain a faithful account of all monies
received by him from those Prothonotaries. It appears by the
Comptroller Generals report, on those accounts, to the President
and Council, that he had ''compared them" with the monies
" charged to him (the Sec'y,) by the Clerks and others, so far as
" their several accounts have been rendered which correspond, except
*' some trivial difForcnces arising from variation in calculating the
" depreciation, &c., and where those accounts have not been rendered^
'< it appears from the state Treasurers accounta and other circnm-
*' stances, very improbable that any of the monies paid by them are
^Uherein omitted,"

Your remonstrant cannot suppose, that so severe a censure could
have been, by men '' worthy of public trust and confidence,"
founded on such slight ground ; he is therefore left at a loss even to
guess on what just ground he has been so censured.

The fact, or facts, alluded to in the said vote remaining unknown,
and the term defaulter^ .made use of therein, every ono has been
left at liberty to adopt whatever his imagination might suggest, and^
in consequence, many strange and injurious falsehoods have been
invented and spread abroad concerning your remonstrant. Among
other stories it has been said, that your memorialist has traded on
public moneys, and that he has nindo very lar^e purchases of lands
and other real estates^ and these stories are supposed to have taken

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVBS 1784. 201

their rise with aome member, or members, of tbis honorable houMy
whereby they may have gained a more ready belief, and greatly
tend to prejudioe the minds of his fellow citizens against yoor
remonstrant, and may possibly even affect the questions of right to
be determined reepeoting his claims. It is therefore his duty to
declare, that aliho' he believes when his accounts as Secretary are
justly and equitably settled, there will be found a considerable
ballanee doe to him, and that he had a right to have traded had he
ihooght it advantageous to him so to do, yet, he has not during hu
oontinuanoe in office, been concerned in the exportation or importa*
tion, purchase or sale of merchandise of any kind, directly or in*
directly, other than such articles as were intended for the sole use
of his own family. And he declares, that he has not purchased and
paid for during that time or since, any of the confiscated estates, or
city lotts sold by authority of the state, or any other real estate
whatever to the amount of five pounds — And he calls on all the
world to witness against, him if these declarations are not strictly
true.

In the message from the President & Council of the 21st of
March, accompanied with the Comptroller Generals report on the
Secretary's accounts, they <^ presume the question of right may be
** determined in the manner proposed bt/ the Secretary^ which
''appears to us, (say they,) to be reasonable/' The Committee of
the honae speak in general terms of charges contained in the
Secretary 's * accounts, which tbo Comptroller General '^declaret*'
(as they say) to be altogether inadmissible and give their opinion,
that " the most eligible mode of bringing this business to a final
'' settlement, is for the Comptroller General to pro»ecuta the said
" Timothy Matlack, Esq'r, in the Supreme Court in order to try
'' the contested points by a jury ;" but, there is not in any of the
proceedings which have been made public an account of what those
questions of right are. These questions if your remonstrant is
rightly informed are three. First, upon a claim set up by the
Comptroller General, in behalf of the state, to certain fees received
by the Secretary, which the Comptroller General, is pleased to
say '< are not granted him by law, such as the fees of the keeper
of the Great seal, &c., &o. The ground on which this claim on
the part of the state is set up, your remonstrant is altogether
a stranger to : Ho has performed the duties and he conceives
is entiiled to the fees declared by law to be a reasonable and
adequate compensation for the service. Secondly, whether the
state, or the parties arc to pay for militia commissions. On this
your remonstrant observes, that the rule in other like cases is, that
where the office is lucrative the party pays for the commission, but
where it is noWlucrativo it is charged to the public : Thus a Sheriff
pays for his commission ; but that of a Coroner may be charged^ to
the county. Hence your remonstrant inferred, that a Commission
to a militia officer ought not to be o'l irged to the party. If he is

202 PBNNSTLYANIA ABGHIVES 1784.

nifltalcen in this inferencoi it is an error which openttM in fkvonr of
the best friends of the revolution; whereas the ooDtrary mnsl
operate against them. He conceives this question, in other wordsi
to be, Whether or not the Whigs should at once perform the greal|
important & hasardous duties of militia during the war, and praff
for the authority derived from the state to perform those duties :
while those of a contrary character remain exempt from the personal
service & at the same time avoid their part of the ezpenee ? Upon
this question let a whig jury determine. And^ thirdly, the question
relates only to the time tohen the Secretary is bound to give up hia
former salary and his fees, and recdve in lieu thereof the salary
lately fixed. This question, to a certain time has been decided, bj
the Attorney General and tlie General Assembly, that the Secretary
may take either the former or latter at his own- choice, and the
question at present relates to a few months only. Should yoor
remonstrant think it proper to give up this point, in t>rder to gain
a more speedv decision on the other point, the good people of the
state, when these accounts are settled will be enabled to judee, how
far they are indebted to the Comptroller General for raising the
question, by the sum which the state will have gained by it If
there is any other question on those accounts it is unknown to your
remonstrant

However reasonable and legally your remonstrant might have
refused to submit to a trial of those questions of right, ordered in
euch terms in to unusual a manner he, for the sake of '^ a speedy ft
public trial," waved every objection thereto, and urged in the most
earaest manner, and by every means in his- power, to obtiun a
decision at the last Supream Court, and shall earnestly pray for it
during the present sitting of that Court ; but he being informed
that this honorable house are about to close their Session, he
conceives it to be his duty now to present this memorial ft remon*
strance, and, as it lis not in the power of the house to do him thai
justice and afford him that redress to which he is justly entitled, he
only prays that the same may be entered on the Journals of the
house in order that he may hereafter make such further appeal as
the nature of his case may appear to require.

James Wilson and Wm. Bradford to Assembly, 1784.

Philadelphia, Feb^ 4, 1784.
Sir,

The Counsel retained to conduct the oouse between the Common-
wealth and Timothy Matlaok, Esq', amicably entered in the Supreme
Court agreeably to the Resolution of the Honorable the General
Assembly of Pennsylvania, beg leave to report. That they find it

f There is neither date nor signatnre to the foregoing paper in T. M's
handwriting, though it alluies to transaetious on p. 7C2 of VoL IX., &«.

PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVES 1784. 20S

impossible to oanry the said Resolation into effect so as to do JosUo^
to the Commonwealth.

The Justices of the Supreme Court very properly require that tha
Issue to bo tried before them be formally joined and so framed that
Judgment may be given on the verdict of the Jury. To effect this
a Declaration and an Issueable plea became necessary. By the
written pi^per whioh we have the Honor to inclose it will appear that
it was mutually understood that the declaration should contain a
general count for monies had and received by the Defendant to the
use of Commonwealth and that Issue should be joined thereon ; under
which the controverted points should be determined and the balance
ascertained.

We are sorry to add that the Defendant now refuses to join issue
or to enter any plea unless we reduce the sum contained in th9
Declaration, which is not greater than what appears to have been
received by the Defendant as Secretary of the Council & for whicb
it has been conceived he ought to account.

As wo are thus prevented from proceeding in the Line proposed
we have no expectation that the Resolution of your Honorable
House can be carried into effectual execution. And we are of opinion
that the balance of the Defendants accounts can only be adjusted by
the Comptroller Oeneral's proceeding to the Exeoution of the powers
vest d in him or by an adversary suit being commenced against M'
Matlack for the sum supposed to be due.

We wait the advice and instruction of the Honorable H«iue on
this subject & have the

Honor to be Sir,

Your most obedient,

& very Humble servant,

JAMES WILSON,
WM. BRADFORD, Jr.
Directed,

The Honorable George Gray, Esq.^ Speaker, &o.; Philadelphia.

Bbsolution of Gbkbbal Assbmblt, 1784.

State of Pennsylvania, In General Assembly.

Saturday, February 7, 1784, A. M.
The report of the committee read February 3, on the petition of
Richard Wallace, Esquire, was read the second time, whereupon

Resolved, That the president or vice-president in Council, be
empowered to 'draw on the naval, officer of this state for the sum of
four hundred and nineteen pounds eleven shillings ten pence 'half-
penny specie; in favor of Riehard Wallacoi Esquire) oufeol \»Vi^\Mi^s»w^

204 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

remaining in the hands of the said naval offieer, any thing in the
resolutions of the twenty-second day of September last to the oon-
trary notwithstanding.

Extract from the Minutes^

J. 6HALLUS, AsB^ Clerk,
of the General Assemblj.*

Besolution of Gbkbbal Assembly, 1784.

State of Pennsylyania, In General Assembly.

Monday, February 16, 1784, A. M.
Resolved, That one hundred and fifty pounds be granted to the
Philosophical society, for the purpose of encouraging agriculture and
commerce, by enabling that learned body to obtain such disooverica
as have been made in Europe and other countries.
Extract from the Minutes,

PETER Z. LLOYD,
Clerk of the General Assembly. f

Pbbs. Dickinson to Delegatjss in Conqbebs, 1784.

In Council, February 16ih, 1784.
Gentlemen,

We haye received your several communications of
& , and have a just sense of your attention to the trust

reposed in you. Inclosed are some Resolves of the General Assembly
of Utht of this Month.

The attempts of Connecticut ^re very extraordinary, and are to be
opposed with the most persevering vigilance. We wish you by all
means to prevent any step being taken by Congress, that may in the
smallest degree lead towards a revision of the cause determined bj
the Court at Trenton. That business is complicated with suoh a
variety of consiJeration & circumstances, arising from a Multiplicity
of sources, that it isjincapable of being properly managed, without
diligent & long continued study & application to it.

Mr. Wilson by his professional knowledge & laborious preparation
for the late trial between this state & Connecticut, has acquired a
thorough acquaiotanco with the whole transactions preceding your
appointment. To you, gentlemen, the subsequent are well known.
He is now nominated a delegate, & will join you as soon as pos-
sible. With the mutual information & assistance which you will
give each other, we do not question, but the designs of our opponents
will be properly encountered.

♦ See Col. Rec. Vol. XIV., p. 32, 33.
t See Col. Rec, XIV., p. 51.
X Not foand. See pages 194, 196.

PBNNSXLTANIA ABGHIYS8 1784. 205

We shall bo obliged to you if yon will by an early opportnnity
send OS a oopj of any RemonstranoO; addresS; or petition of Zebulon
Batler & his associate to Congress.
lam sin.

Your most Obed. Servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Direeiedf The Honorable the Delegates of Pennsylvania.*

Prbs. Dickinson to Gov. Clinton, 1784.

In Council, February 16th, 1784.
Sir,

This Letter will be delivered to your Excellency by the Honora-
ble Mr. Wilson, one of our Delegates and agent in the Controversy
for the Territory of whfch the Jurisdiction & Preemption were in
December, 1782, adjudged unanimously by the Court at Trenton to
be the Right of this Commonwealth.

We flattered ourselves, that so trucly respectable a Determination
would have put an end to all Contests, & that the affair would have
given us no further Trouble than to settle private Claims of soil
upon equitable Terms, which this State was resolved to do. But
with Segret we find that the Dispute is reviving in a Variety of
forms ; and it becomes our Duty to be prepared in the best manner
we can, for opposing attempts that threaten the Honor, the Peace ft
tiie well&re of Pennsvlvania.

We therefore beg leave to request & shall with just acknowledge-
ments receive any assistance which your State can afford to Mr.
Wilson by access to your Records & other Sources of Information.

Another point of Importance is suggested to us by a Considera-
Ifioo of our mutual Interest ; and we shall freely mention it, be-
cause we repose a very high and particular Confidence in the
Rectitude, Prudence & Liberality of the Councils, by which the
Conduct of our Sister State of New Fork will be governed.

It is to be apprehended that if a spirit of Jealousy is suffered to
•rise between the two States, their Measures may be reciprocally
injurious. Oar Judgement ft Inclination point out to us a systenv
totally different. It is our earnest wish, and shall be our diligent
BndeavouTS that they may ever cordially harmonize in their Com-
mercial Regulations.

with real and very great esteem,
I have the Honor to be,

your Excellency's most obedient ft Hble. Sertt.
JOHN DICKINSON.f

Direcferf,— Philadelphia, February 16th, 1784.

His Excellency George Clinton, Esquire. Qoyemor of the State of
New York.

♦ Col. Rec., VoL XIV, p. 8ft \\b.

206 PBNNYLVANIA AKCHIVBS 1784.

MiNUTB OF Gbnbbal Assbmblt, 1784.

State of Pennsylvania, In General. Assembly

Thursdaj February 19, 1784, A. M.
Agreeably to tbe order of the day the House proceeded to the
election of auctioneers for the city of Philadelphia, the Northern
Liberties and tbe district of South wark, when the ballots being
taken it appeared that Arthur St Clair Esquire, was duly elected
Auctioneer for the city of Philadelphia, Alexander Boyd for the
Northern Liberties and John Mease for the district of Sonthwark.
Extract from the minutes,

J. SHALLUS, Asst. Clerk

of the General Assembly.*

Prbs. of Oongbbss to Prbs. Dickinson, 1784.

Sir,

I think it a duty I owe to the office I am honored with, aa well
88 to the Union, to inform your Excellency and thro' you the
State over which you preside ; that the great business of the United
States is at a stand, for want of a Representation agreeable to the
Articles of Confederation. The Journal transmitted by the Secre-
tary to your Excellency and which contains the proceedings ofr
Congress, and an account of the States and members present from
the first monday of November last to this day, will convince your
Excellency of the State of inactivity to which the affairs of the
United States are reduced for want of a full Representation.

At this jnoment, there are many matters of the highest impor-
tance to the safety, honour and happiness of the United States which
require immediate attention. Among these 1 need only mentioa.
the establishing a general peace with the Indians, and settling the
western territory, the arranging our foreign affairs and tuinc
ineasures for securing our frontiers, preserving our stores and
magazines'^ making requisitions for the expences of the ourreut
year and for satisfying the public Creditors.

X have only to add, that by the sickness of some of the members
attending at Annapolis, we have had seven States represented in
Coufn'ess onli/ three days since the Sixth Inst., as your Excellenoy
will observe by the enclosed certificate of the Secretary and that
the members present are dissatisfied with attending to no purpose^
and are very impatient under their situation.
I am with the greatest Respect,

your Excellency's most Obedient & humble Servant

THOMAS MIFFLIN.

Annapolis, 20th February, 1784.

• C^L Bee., Vol. XIV. p. 88, and 210 of this Vol.

PBNNSTLYANIA ABCHIVBS 1784. 20T

States not representated.

New Hampshire, One Delegate present.
New York.

New Jcrseji ' One Delegate present.

Delaware, One Delegate present.

Maryland} One Delegate attend'g, one sick.

No. Carolina^ One Delegate attend'g, one aiok.
Georgia,

A Letter similar to the above was written to the Executives of
the States not represented.

T. M.
Saturday February 7ihy only five States attended.
Mon<lay February 9th, only six.

Tuesday k Wednesday lOth/and 11th seven States attended.
Thursday February 12, only five States attended.
Friday February 13th, seven States attended,
Honday Feby 16th, only fiVb.
Tuesday Feby. 17th,

Wednesday Feby, 18th,
Thursday Feby. 19th,
Friday Feby. 20th,
Saturday Feby. 21st,

Only six States, atttended.

The States unrepresented, are Now Hampshire, New York, New
Joisey, Delaware, and Maryland, North Carolina and Georgia.
21 Feby. 1784.

CHA. THOMSON.*
Indorted—RBod. 26 Feby. 1784.
Directed,

His Excellency, President Dickinson, Philadelphia.
T. Mifflin.

Fres. Dickinson to Major Jamss Moorb, 1784.

In Council, February 21»S 1784. -^
Sir,

Having conferred with Alexander Patterson & David Meade,
Esquires & Captain Armstrong, conoerning the Behaviour of the
Settlers at Wioming not claiming under this State. We think it
proper to observe, that a very vigilant attention must be had to the
Conduct of that People, and every Measure taken to guard against
any hostile Enterprises.

At the same time, it is the Intention k Deshre of Government

* Col, Bee.' YoL, XIV. p. 48.

208 PENNSYLVANIA ABGHIVES 1784.

that if thej behave peaceably & inofiennvely, they are to be in all
Bespeots treated kindly, as persons whom we wish to become afGbo-
tionate & faithful GitizcDs of this Oommonwealth.
I am Sir,
^ with great & sincere Esteem,

yoar most obed. hble Servt.,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed J Major James Moore, at Wioming.

PRES. DiOEIKSON TO ALEXANDER PATTERSON, &0., 1784.

In Council, Febmary 2h\ 1784.
Gentlemen, ^

Having conferred with two of you concerning the Behaviour of
the Settlers at Wioming not claiming under this State, We judge it
proper to observe, that as it is the Duty of persons in such offices as
you hold, to render justice to all perfions without Distinction as fax
as your Authority extends, and to preserve the Peace, the peculiar
Situation of affairs in your neighborhood requires a particular atten-
tion to the Conduct of those who are disaffected to Pennsylvania,
and that the earliest Intelligence should be communicated to ut of
any proceeding that threatens Injury to the Commonwealth.

But, if the said Settlers behave peaceably and inoffensively, it is
the Intention & Desire of Qovemment, that they should be in all
Bespects treated with kindness, as persons whom we wish to become
affectionate and faithful Citizens of Pennsylvania,
lam -

with great Begard, gentlemen,

your most obed* hble Serv^,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed, — Alexander Patterson, David Meade, John Seely & Heoiy
Shoemaker, Esquires.

OnAS. Pbttit to Prbs. Dickinson, 1784.

Philadelphia, 23< February, 1784.
Sir,

By the Desire of the Committee of Merchants of Philadelphia, I
take the Liberty of inclosing to your Excellency their Memonal* of
the 21>* Instant.

I have the Honor to be, very respectfully.

Your Excellency's most obedient
and most humble Servant,

CBA. PETTIT.t
Directed^ Hb Excellency The President of Pennsylvania.

* Memorial not found. Seo page 210.
t See Col. Reo., VoL XIY., p. 89.

PSHNSTLYAIOA ASGHIVliS 1784. 200

Col. Jameb Chetstib to Pus. Dickinson, 1784.

Phila., Feb. 23, 1784.
Sir,

I im ordered by Major Moore Gomniaiid'g at Fort Dickinson to
spplj to th^ Honorable the Supreme Executive Ooundl for some
money on account, for the discharge of debts necessarily contracted
for the use of the F»rt.* For the laying in of one hundred Cords of
Wood — for the payment of intrenching Tools & haulin necessary fw
the lepairing ot Uie works. One hundred pounds will answer for
the present.

I have the honour to be

Sir, your Excellency's

most obedient Servant^

JArCHBYSTIB.
Directed^
His Exoellenoy John Dickinson, Esq', President of Pennsylvania.

RSSOLUTION OF OSNERAL ASSEMBLl, 1784.

State of Pennsylvania,
In General Assembly.

Tuesday, February 24, 1784. A. M.
The house having agreed to reconsider their minute of the ninot
teenUit day of this instant February, relative to the appointment of
Aootaooeers, It was moved and seconded to add the following
resolution, viz :

Besolved, That the said Arthur S^ Clair, Alexander Boyd, and
John Mease, be and they are hereby severally appointed Auction^
ears, vix : Arthur S^ Clair for the City of Philadelphia, Alexander
Boyd for the Northern Liberties and John Meaae for the district of
Soathwark.

Whereupon the Yeas and Nays were called by M' Whitehill and
M' Glymer, and are as follows, vix :
reaa29. Nays 28.

So it was carried in the affirmative and the resolution adopted. •
Extract from the Minutes,

PETEE Z. LLOYD, Clerk of the

General Assembly.^

♦ See Col. Rec, VoL XIV., p. 41. (At Wyoming.)
t See page 206. ^ J Col. Eeo., Vol XIV., p. 88, 42.

210 PBNNSTLYANIA ABCHITES 1784.

P&ES. DlOKINSOK TO DbLEOATBS IN CONGRBSi, 1T84.

In Council, Feb. 24% 1784.
Gentlemen,

We inclose a Resolution of the General Asaemblj, by which the
l^ood Faith, Humanity & Generosity of that Honorable ^Body appear
in a very dear Light.

We are informed, that some of the persons herein proyided for
& who have relinquished all Right whatever under Gonneeticnt,
signed the Address to Congress for a Court to try the private Right
of soil.

I am gent'n,

y most Ob. Ser.,

JOHN DICKINSON.

P. 8. We shall be obliged to you, if you will be so good as to
send us the Journals of Congress for 1779, 1780, 1781, 1782, &
1783.
Directed^

The Honorable The Delegates in Congress.

Pbes. Dickinson to Committee of Merchants, 1784.

In Council, February 24% 1784.
Gentlemen,

We have this Day received your Memorial of the 21"' Instant;*
and it is with great Satisfaction we can assure you, that the Interest
of so respectable a Part of our Constituents as the Merchants of
Philadelphia, with which those of the whole State are so intimately
combined, engaged our early & diligent attention.

At the first Session of the Geneiul Assembly after intelligence of
the provisional articles of Peace, we represented to that Honorable
Body the propriety of clearing the Passage of the River by removing
the Chevaux de Frixe, and informed them, that we had directed pro-
posals to be received. They approved the Measure, & in Consequence
of their acts wc have made some preparations which have been con-
ducted by the Wardens of the Port, for effecting the Business.

We are perfectly sensible of the Importance & Difficulty of this
undertaking. No proposals that have been made, are satisfactory.
We wish to accomplish the work as soon as we can, and to be so
well advised in our attempts, as not to put the State to an improper
Expence. We shall therefore be exceedingly obliged to the Mer-
chants of this City, if they will be pleased to mention to us the
further preparations which they judge to be necessary, to recommend

* See page 208, and answer, 212.

PBNNSYLYANIA ABGHIYES 1784. 211

jpenoDB for makiog the proper EzperimeDts, & to favour us with
"their SentimeDts as to the Measures for the further Improvement of
the Naviffatioii of the Broad Bay.
With real & great* Esteem

I have the Honor to he, gentlemen,

your most oi^dient bble Serv*,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed,— The Committee of The Merchants of Philadelphia.

Ssc't Armstronq to Michabl Huffnaqle, 1784.

Secretary's Office, Feb'y 27th, 1784.
Sir,

The return of an election for Justioes of the peace, held at Pitts-
hnrffh oo the 13th day of August last, was this morning reconsidered
in Gonncily & upon a review of the whole it was determined that
another Election for an additional magistrate be held at that phioe
as soon as possible. It is the wish of Council that you will be
pleased to make the laws concerning Elections as public as you can
—this may best be done by issuing a written notice appointing the
day for such Election, & describing the qualifications necessary for
the VoteTf as well as the person voted /or. This precaution will pre-
vent much of the inconsistency which has hitherto marked this busi-
neis, & enable Council to come to some safe decision.
I am Sir,

with much respect,

your most obed* servant,

J. ARMSTRONG, Seo'y.
JDirtetedf

Michael Huffnagle, Esqr., Prothonotary of County of Westmore-
land.

Sbc'y Abmstrono to Henry Wynkoop, 1784.

Surveyor's Office, 5th March, 1784.
Sir, ^ • ' '

I have the directions of Council to inform you that there is no
provision by Law for the purpose of filling up those vacancies in the
magistracy, which have happened in consequence of the constitu-
tional expiration of said office; application has been made to the
House upon this subject, and some provisionary law, it is to be sup-
posed, will be made, when some future return from the County of
JBooka will be taken up and acted upon.

I am Sir, with the greatest respect,

your most obedient humble servant,

JOHN ARMSTRONG, jr., Seo'y. -
Dtredec^Henry Wynkoop, Esq., Bucks County.

£12 PENNSTLVANIA ABCmVES 1784.

MXBCHAKTB OF PHILADELPHIA TO PbES. DlOKHrSOH, 1784.

Philadelphia, Maich 6, 1784.

Sir,

We hare had the Honor to receive ihe Commniiication of Council
on the Subject of cor Memorial of the 2l8t of Febitiary,* and are
happy to find it had so early engaged their particolar Attention.

The Removal of the obstructions in the River is indeed an Objeet
of great Importance to the Trade of this Port ; for exdnaiTe of fre-
quent and heavy Losses by accidents which they occasion, the Delay
they give to Veasels in their passage to and from the City, is in
itself a heavy Tax on Navigable Concerns. We presume not, how-
ever, to offer any Plan for their Removal, nor any Opinion respectip^
the mode to be pursued in effecting the Business. Our view in
addressing Council was merely to present the Subject to their Oon.-
Bideration as an object requiring early preparation no leas tlian
▼igorous Exertion. But if Council shall deem onr Aasistanoe in
any Degree necessary, we shall consider it as onr Duty to give all the
ud in our Power with the utmost alacrity.

From the precarious Circumstances of Trade during the War, ani
the alterations which have taken Place in our Police m Conaequenoe
of the Revolution, many useful Regulations heretofore eatablished
have fallen into disuse, or are become inadequate to our nresent
Situation, whereby the Commerce of the State has snfflerea & ia
likely to suffer much Inconvenience & real Injury. These Ginmm*
stances were suggested, amongst others, in a memorial we had the
Honor to present to the General Assembly early in the present
Session. How far they may have engaged the Attention of the
honorable House, we are not yet informed. But under the Laws
now subsisting we apprehend it may be in the Power of the ConncSi
to remedy these Incbnveniencies in some Particulars ; such aa the
Inspection of Beef & Pork & of Staves and other Lumber, & the
measurement of Salt & Grain. As these are Objects of considerable
Importance, we cannot but hope they will obtain the favourable
Attention of your hon^*' Board, & that the best Regulations &
arrangements which the existing Laws admit will be maae oonoem-
ing tbem. ^ «

We have the Honor to be, with great Respeot

your Excellency's most Obedient

& most humble ServantS|
CHA- PETTIT,
J. M. NBSBITT,
JOHN NIXON,
ISAAC HAZLEHURST,
J. ROSS,

CLEMENT RIDDLE.
Directed,

His Excellency, the President of the Supreme Executive CounoiL

PBNMfSTLVANIA ABOHIVIS 1784. 218

EzEKiBL Robins to Pbes. Dickinson, 1784.

New York, Maroh 6th, 1784.

Agreeable to advioe have traDsmitted yon an acoonnt of Sandriea
Sopply^ the American Prisoners, with an account of Sales of the
Floor which was sent for that purpose — have Inclosed an Order on
the Honb'l James Irvine, which after settlement leaves a ballanoo
doe me of £8 18 11— N. York Correney.
Am with Respect,

Sir, your Humble Servant,

EZEKIEL ROBINS.
Xrtracfetf,
(Pnblick.)

His Ezeellenoy, John Dickinson, Esq., President of the State of
Pensilvania.

Pass. Dickinson to Gov. of Connecticut, 1784.

In Council,

Philadelphia, March 6'', 1784.
Sir,

We have received your Excellency's Letters of the 15*^ of last
November,* with three Acts of your Legislature oi the second Thurs-
day of Ootobe»preceding,f which we laid before our General Assem-
bly ; and now, in Compliance with their Resolution, transmit Copies
of proceedings respecting the Letters at Wioming. These, together
with this Letter, we desire your Excellency will be pleased to oom-
munioate to the Legislature of the State of Connecticut, as soon as
an Opportunity is offered. This Step of our Assembly proceeds from
a Hope that your Government, upon being well informed of the sud
proceedings, will not persist in a Conduct so extraordinary as that
Utely adopted. Whether this Hope be well founded or not, W6
shall enjoy the Satisfaction of having affectionately endeavoured to
remove the prejudices of a sister State, & to prevent the Evils that
must result from such a Revival of the late Controversy.

The Acts above referred to, and your Excellency's Letter, contain
two Charges Against this State ; first, of Suppression of Evidence, &
seeondly, of Cruelty towards the Settlers of Wiomidg — in Conse-
quence whereof, it seems, your Government resolved to obtain
if it be practicable, a Revision of the Cause lately decided, & to
g^ve the Settlers all the Aid and support in its power, f

However severe these Charges are, they meet on our part with H'
Consciousness that they are not merited. As to the former, it is so
indefinite that we cannot imagine to what Evidence it alludes* Ai

» Sec pp. 147, 148. t 8«« PP !!<>» ^^*'-

Vol X. —10

M4 PEyyinXTAyiA A2F3SZTIS ITM.

16 'M iitvr- til* tz0iy.fiei '?%z^Tt k fTTw ?:rrsoiiiii£ag Cxrvb-

I: i« :^*t- \iA •c^v-ii: I*iVT=.:iii:a. :if ziia »3-Tv^raiiieBK to treml

#;«ifbi »*T* rwr.=.xrr.'i*^ :t *«■. •iiiiik »r:iz.'iiiii>ns:iiiu : and we m

wfciSrBwi to tkem, if it cr.^l^i Ik dcc« vrjL>?a: m Tiitesua of iIh
Ki^bi* of Fry^ertT in t yi-il^ivuit c-f i^jguieeg, latt^w Lam^ iuri^

Tkifl J>iScnltj opposed ii^^lf lo t&e kb.«i l2V3=>:ii;i of GoTcni-
m«ni, in order to rtmoTe it. C-imxiwi'ic-jrs '•!•: w-re Members of
tk^ Jy^ipjiUf ore, were tppoinred to repair ^: W:> !=.:s^. Their Bepoii
in at present nsiaUid ; hut it's pitce i^ VrLl ^ursLiai. Ptofonls of
Aooonm^idAlioo vere made, bat n^c e*:ciclaKi^ Sereni Papers
were addre^it to the Commi«ibioD<er« bj .he Cioisiaaci on cock fide.
That from the KttU-rii at Wiomicg/dkiei i^^ ApriL* 17^3, and
fi\^^A 00 Behalf of the rest bj John Jeukim, pa£ aa End to all
further EzpectatioD of Compromises, k tbe CoamiMionm soo« after
returned llrtrnt.

In this Address, they an'wer what had been mentkned, of
other Lands being granted to them bv thb S:ate, if tbej would sur-
render after some time the L^ods at Wioming to the owners under
Pennsylrsnia, by asking these Questions: *'Wheth» they would
esebange k saffer us to enjoy onr peaceable pofsessious here by way
of Compromise/' and then subjoin this Declaration-*^ We eannot,
as we are Joint tenants with a mach greater Body of Joint Proprie-
ton than is here, without their joint Consent, gire up our Claims
to those Lands in Dispute."

Upon the Report of the Commissioners, our General Assembly
formed their Kesolutions of the second of September ; and tho* their
" Hopes of a friendly Compromise seemed then Tsnished," yet, still
inllaenecd by the same Equity that suggested the appointmeBt of
the Commissioners, & to encourage the i^ettlers to assent to Terms
oompatible with the legal Claim under PennsylTania which bnd
oecasioned the before-mentioned Difficulty, they resolTod, that
''a reasonable Compensation in Lands within the Boundaries of this
8tate, upon easy Terms, be made to the Families of those who have
fallen fighting against the Sarages, & to such others as aetnally did
reside on the Lands at Wioming when the late Decree was given at
Trenton."

The Good Faith k Liberality with which the present Assembly
have adhered to this Engagement, will appear from the Resolutions
of the 30** of last month, by which three hundred Acres of Land
are granted clear of purchase Money, to each of the fifteen Settlers
therein mentioned.

* See pp. 30-36.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVEB 1784. 216

Hence it is iDdisputable, that the ''Settlers" described in the
Aets of the Legislature of Gonnccticut of last October, and the
Pamiliefl of the *' Males who had been slain," were really the objects
3f the '* Clemency" of Pennsylvania before the passing of those Acts.

It 18 also evident from the recited Declaration of *' the Settlers"
It Wiomiog, that they are contending for other Claims than their
nni. Such Ideas have been successfully infused into their Minds,
fcbat their Contest extends to the Claims of <<a much greater Body
of Joint proprietors than is there."

ThnSy by their own Acknowledgement, the Question does not relate
to the persons expressly designated by your Legislature in these &
MTeral other words — " whose sufferings & Condition under *< Penn-

SlTftoia" have exeited the Commiseration of their Friends/' but to
a Claims that may be made by that '' much greater Body of Joint
ftufpntton.

To make an equitable Accommodation with the former is the
earnest Desire & sincere Endeavour of this State ; but, to surrender
a Taloable & important Territory to Claims inconsistent with Equity,
iho eannot consent.

* It is too plain what the Consequences will be, when a considerable
Body of Men who have fixed themselves in a State in Defiance of
her Aathority, making common Cause with ''a much greater Body"
nriding in another State, tempting bold & needy Adventurers from
Ofory Quarter to join them, which we averr to be their practice, and
■editadbg hostile Enterprises against us, which we know to be their
Design, are taught to expect from that other State (and a very
raspeetable one) " all the aid and support in her power," see her
Baking every Exertion to acquire for them the Jurisdiction over the
Lands where they have fixed themselves.

We ardently wish that the Citizens of a State united to us by so
■any strong Ties, would be pleased to afford some further Consid-
eration to the Arguments of the Advocates for these Measures, and
with m serious and consciencious Attention to weigh how far such
prooeedings are reconcileable with the Maxims of Reason and Justice,
the Laws of Nature and Nations, the true interests of the State, the
sniform and solemn declarations of their own Ancestors repeated in
their le^slative and executive Acta of Government from Generation
to Generation, without a dissenting Voice, the unanimous Determi-
nation of the most dignified Judges chosen by themselves, upon a
Trial long prepared for and deliberately entered into, or, in brief.
with the Principles upon which the Peace and Kepose of Mankind
UB established.

Upon the late Decision, the Authority of this Commonwealth was
Bsnfirmed ; and the Laws in their usual Course, if appealed to, could
pmiisb, by redress, private wrong. Yet, our General Assembly,
■pon Complaints of the settlers, again sent up Commissioners, from
their own body, to Wioming, to make proper Enquiries upon the spot ;
sad we have given such Instructions to those in aathority thace^ a«

816 PENNSYLVANIA AROHIYES 1784.

we jadge saffioieat to prevent may pretenoe for a Rspetitaon of Oom-
pkinte.

If any yiolont actions have been eommitted bj Individoala, thej
have proceeded from minds alarmed by apprehension of imminent
Danger, or irritated by severe Injaries. We mean not to recriminate,
bat only to recall some past events into Remembrance ; For, wa
are assured that the Citizens of your state will not impnte any
peculiar want oi " meroy/' to the People of this; when they tefieofe
that the Emigrants from Connecticut seiied by violence the Lands^
which are now claimed, at a time too, when Pennsylvania was
actually invaded by a formidable Enemy, *^ entered by Foxoe into
the Possessions & Labors" of Pennsylvaniana, plundered them
of all their property, & drove them out of that part of the Coontiy
•—and when, they reflect, also— that at the Commencement of thoaa
Disturbances, the Government of Pennsylvania in the moat firisndly
and strenuous manner, cautioned Connecticut, by sending an Agent
of Diatinction and an official Letter, against countenancing the at*
tempt as leading, to use the words of the Letter, into an ondlesa
scene of Trouble and Confusion," that might be very generally
** prejudicial."

To conclude, let the whole series of transactions, relating to the
Intrusion upon these Lands, be impartially considered, and we are
perfectly convinced the People of this State will be regarded as much
more trespassed against than trespassing. Wo shall not nselesaiy
engage in the detail, nor in any Dispute upon the anbject. Our
nncere wishes are, that this unhappy a£fair may be closed in anoh a
way as to cause as little Distress as possible to Individualsi and aa
little Detriment as possible to our Commonr Country.
With a truly great Esteem,

I have the Honor to be, Sir,

Tour Ezcellencys most

obedient hble. servt,
JOHN DICKINSON.

His Excellency the Qovemor of Connecticut.

Hon. John MoNiaoMEBY to Pbbs. Dickinson^ 1783.

Sir,

Annapolis, 7th March, 1784. -
I have now before me your letter of with the instrnctionaof

General Assembly to the Delegates, though I make no Donbt bat
the letter which his Excellency M' Mifflin has, as he just now informed
me, written and forward' by Cap' Barney, will give satisfaction, yet
the respect I have for the Council and Ooneral Assembly and the
trust repoeed in me will not admitt of my being ulont. I mnat

PENNSYLVANIA AKCITIVES 1784. 217

therefore beg leave to inform you, that the assignment of the last
Jdondaj in June next for I he appearanoe of the parties is not to
Consider whether a Court shall be appointed or noty^bot for the
•etvd appointment of a Court to hear and Determine the prirate
ligM of soil between those olaiminff by grants nnder different states
in that tract of territory which was heretofore in ControTersy between
Pennsyl* and Connecticut and the jurisdiction of which was by the
Court held at Trenton adjudged to belong to Pennsyl*.

I was not in Congress when the petition of Butler and others k
tbo letter fW)m the Governor of Connecticut were first read, nor did
I arrive untill the Committee to whom they had been referred had
made report and Congress was ready to come to a decision. Upon first
hearing the business I did not like it and was disposed to give it all
tbo opodtion in my power especially as I perceived by a part of
Governor Trumbuira letter that the State of Connecticut was not
satisfied with the Judgement given and there was some expressions
whioh seemed to intimate that they wanted it set aside and a new trial
granted. But as the Delegates of that State disavowed such intention
■ad moved for expunging that part of the report which referred to
the exceptionable part of the letter and only insisted on the right of
the petitioners^ and as that right was founded on the articles of
osafederationy I acquiesced and left my oollegues who had heard
the matter from the beginning to give the vote of the statei I was
the earner induced to olraerve this (induct as upon examining more
■ttentiTely the articles of Confederation I was perswaded that the
granting the prayer of the petitioners and ordering the appointment
of this Court was a confirmation of the Judgment of the court at
Aenton which decided the jurisdiction^ for it appcard to me that the
eoart to decide upon the private right of soil cou^ not to be apointed
nor have any right to sit or act unless it was taken for granted that
the jurisdiction was previously and finally adjudged and Determined.
I am sensible the appointment of this court may be attended with
inoonvenienccs. But as it is founded on the articles of confederation
and a constitutional law of the United States, they ought to be sub-
mitted to and I apprehend it would be very dangerous to liberty if
tihose who have only the power of appointing a court shou' govern
an arbitrary right of Judseing whether the suitors were intitled to
the benefit of the Court. 1 his in my opinion only belongs to the court
and I am persuaded the Council employed by the claimants under
Pennsylvania will take care that none but such as have a dear right
to be admitted to the benefit of the Court in question.

I am glad to hear M' Wilson is appointed a Delegate and that he
means to serve. There are many matters now coming before Congress
which are of the greatest importance to the whole union as well as to
every individual state. I therefore sincerely wish if he is not already
set out on his journey that he would hasten hero as soon as possible
and I am the more desirous of this as I should be glad of his advice

218 FENNSTLYANIA ABGHITES 1784.

before we take any step coDformable to the instraction given and io
have his assistanoe if the Assembly shall oontinae to think such steps
neeeasary.

Be pleased to asure the Council and assembly of my most lenloiis
services and elosest attention to the interest of the state to the utmost
of my abilities.

I am with great respect yonr

Excellenoys obd< humb^ Servan*.

JOHN MONTGOMEKr.

Da. Hutchinson to Gen. Irwin, 1784.

Doctor Hutchinsons compliments to Gen. Irwin and acquaints him
that ihe Bearers of this Leonard Broom, Jonathan Trieckel, William
Nichols & Daniel Cross, are four of those unhappy men who were
burnt so very severely, when the accident happened at the fire works
in Market street; D' Hutchinson applyed to Gen' Irwin at the time,
& Council were kind enough to engage to pay their ezpences in the
Pennsylvania Hospital, in consequence of which I> Hutchinson gbt
one of the men who is not mentioned above admitted, but these four
rather choose to remain in their own lodgings, they are now well bnt
much distressed, all their cloaths were burnt, and they have been at
expences ever since the accident. I apprehend that their remaining
out of the Hospital can make no difierenoe to Council, and that the
same allowanee might be made to them to enable them to pay for
their board, as is made to pay for the person who is in the Hospital ;
Gen' Irwin however will himself be better able to judge on the ocea-
sion and if he thinks it can be done with propriety represent the
matter to Council.

Monday Morning, March S^^^ 1784.

To Gen' Irwin.

Beturn of Officers of thb Troop of Liqht Horsb of
THB County of Philadelphia.

A Beturn of the officers of the Troop of Light Horse of the County

of Philttd*.

David Snyder, Captain.
Abraham Duffield, Lieutenant.
Isaac Humphries, Cornet.

Philad- County, March 9"^ 1784.

W- COATS, Lieu* 0. P.
Directed^
John Armstrong, Esq', Secretary.

PENNSYLVANIA AKCHIVB8 1784.

219

BnuBN OF Offiobbs first Battalion, Philadelphia.

^ Betam of the Offioen of ihe first Battalion of the Phila* Goantj
militia, oommanded by Benj* M'Veagh, Eeq'.

FIB8T COMPANT.

Bemaa Worrell, Captain.
Robert Wilson, Lieutenant
Feaooek Major, Ensign.

Skoond Gompant.

Thomas Holmes, Captain.
Jonathan Dnngan, Lieutenant
Enoch Holmes, Ensign.

Third Compant.

Ssmnel Swift, Captain.
John Blake, Lieutenant,
Bobert Bobertson, Ensign.

Fourth Company.

Fifth Company.

Jacob Roads, Captain.
Casper Roads, Lieutenant
Serick Strickler, Ensign.

* Sixth Company.

James Potts, Captain.
John Knowles, Lieutenant
David Derriokson, Ensign.

Seysnth Company.

Stephen Burrows, Captain.
Henry Young, Lieutenant
John Davis, Ensign.

Eighth Company.

Joseph Doarman, Captain. John Rush, Captain.

Jacob Ashton, Lieutenant. Christopher Coon, Lieutenant

Jacob Shearer, Ensign. Frederick Altemus, Ensign.

Philad* County, March 9», 1784.

W- COATS, Lieu* C. P.
Diretiedy

John Armstrong, Esq', Secretary to the Supreme Executive
Oonneill of the State of Pennsylvania.

Prbsidbnt Dickinson to Merchants of Philada., 1784.

Gentlemen,

The offices we hold are bestowed upon us for the public service, &
fai order to fulfil the obligations of such a trust we esteem it our
mdispensable Duty to obtain all the Information that may be useiflil
to the State.

We therefore wish to avail ourselves of the Knowledge a^d
Experience of your Body, not only with Respect to the Removal of
the Chevaux de Prize, but for the further Improvement of the Navi-
eation of the River k Bay, and in general for the promotion of the
Commercial Interests of the Commonwealth, as far as our Exertions
can eontribute to the attainment of thoHO very desirable objects. On
the first subject we hope to be soon favoured with yout sentiments,
k upon the last as you may from time to time think proper.

280 PBNNSTLYANIA AB0HIVE8 1784.

The sabstance of the Memorial to the General Assembly which
yqa hare been pleased to mention, appeared to Ua as important as to
ion ; and not knowing of yonr intended application to the House,
W9f in onr Message, at the Beginning of the present Session, strongly
xurgod '' the Necessity of a dae Q^er and aooorate Method being
observed in preparing all our products in the best Manner for Export
tation."

By a former message on the eighteenth of last Aagast, we repre*
sented to the Legislature that '< no proper provision was made for
the measuring of Grain & Salt" We also established a temporary
Begulution concerning those articles.

Any advantages which the' Laws admit upon these points, we shall
be very ready to make, and should be glad to know what the ooorse
of Business suggests to your observation as most advisable.

Q. Who are the Officers for inspecting Beef & Fork, Flower ft
Staves, &c.

With a very great k sincere Esteem,
I am, Gentlemen,

Your most obedient,

And most humble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.*
The Merchants of Philadelphia.
Indoned March 13, 178i.

Hon. Joh5 Montgomery to Prbs. Dickinson, 1784.

Annapolis, 15th March, 1784.
Sir,

I have the honor to send your Excellency the JoumalB of Congress
for 1780 and 1781, and an order on Mr. Olayp^le for those of 1779
and 1782, which includes part of '83.

Only eight states represented in Congress ; the Delegates of the
Delaware State are Disqualified to serve, having been appointed Ist
Feb'y, 1783, the year ending Ist Feb'y, 1784, and no appointment
made in that State since. Mr. Beresford's time is up this day, and
no acct. from South Carolina of a new appointment, so that we are
pievented from proceeding on the important and pressing Business
now before Congress.

I am, with great respect,

Your Excellency's most obd\
Humble Servant,

JOHN MONTGOMERY.
JDirwted,

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esquire, Prcs't of the Sap. Ex.
Council at Philadelphia.

* See pages 208, 210, 212, 221.

PENNSYLVANIA ABGHIYES 1784. 221

IfSRCHANTS OF PHILADELPHIA TO PbES. DICKINSON, 1784.

Philadelphia, 19 March, 1784.
Sir,

The attention with which Connoil have been pleased to honor our
^plication, demands oar acknowledgments, and we should be wanting
In the Respect we owe to the Executive Power of the State, and to
the Daties of our appointment, if we should withhold any informu-
tion which they may think proper to ask, and which we are compos-
lent to giye.

The Kemoval of the Cheyaui: de frize is, in our Estimation, an
Object of the first importance to the Navigation of the State, and
OQght, at all Events, to be attempted as soon as the Season will
permit. We presume that in this, as in all public Undertakings, if
persona of Ability would engage to perform the Service by Contract,
xor> a specific Sum, that mode would be the most eligible ; but if
inch Persons cannot be found, we would recommend that the Bust-
neaa be put under the Direction of the Wardens of the Port, with
Inttnietions to employ the best means in their Power for accom-
plishing so necessary an End.

The message of Council at the opening of the present Session com-

Ethended many of the objects which we wished to bring before our
prasentatives; and our memorial, it was imagined, would famish
additional Motives for taking them into immediate Consideration.
It is to be lamented that neither the one nor the other has hsd
the desired Effect; and that new Impositions on Trade should bo
adopted without any Reference to the Parties who are to be imme-
diately affected by them, & without the smallest Attention to the
Improvement of that Commerce upon which those Impositions are laid.
We have thought it our Duty by another Memorial, to solicit the
Attention of the General Assembly to this Business, & we still flatter
ooraelves our applications may be regarded.

If the Prayer of our Petitions should be granted, the Superin-
tendanoe of many of the ReguUtioos will necessarily be in the
Connoil. Should that happen & our Experience can be useful, every
infbnnation in our power will be cheerfully given. In the mean
time the officers who superintend the measurement of Salt & Grain,
k the Inspection of Beef & Pork, being of their appointment, it may
be in their power to put those Duties into the hands of Persons who
will execute them with Reputation to the State.

We have the Honor to be With perfect Respect,

four Exoellencies most obedient)& very humble ServantS|

CHA. PETTIT,
JOUN NIXON,
THOS. FITZSIMONS,
ISAAC HAZLE HURST,
J. M. NESBITT.*
His Excellency, The President of the Council.

* See Col. lleo., Vol. XIV., p. 64,— «id preceding page (220.)

10*

FBNNSTLYAinA ABCHIVES 1784. •-

CouKciL TO Commb's OF Taxes ih Philad'a, 1T84.

Phikdelphia, March 20th, 1784.

GOBtlOIDOIli

Council wisb to know what is the amount of Tax arimng fiooi
Billiard Tables'^ in the City and County of Philadelphia, and I htm
their direcUon to request yon will please to give them the neoesBaiy
Information on that subject

Direciedj — Commissioners of the Taxes in the City andCounty of
Philadelphia.

David Meade to Col. Moorb, 1784,

Wioming, Maroh 20th| 1784.
Sir,

Agreeable to your Desire I must inform you that there is Beef to
Last until the first of May^ Whiskeyi Wheat and Com for a Month,
and am assured by Mr. Weitzel that a Boat Load of Flower will hck
Bee* here as soon as Possable after the River is Navigable.

I am^ Sir, yours, Ac.,

. DAVID MBADB.
DirtcUdr-'-OA. Moore.

Major Jambs Moore to Prbs. Dickinson, 1784.

Fort Dickinson, Maroh 20, 1784.
Sir,

The People in this Country has suffered Exceedingly by the late
fresh, not less than 150 Houses have been carried away. The Gfaift
is Principaly Lost, and a very considerable part of the Cattle*
drowned — the Water was 30 feet above Low Water Mark.

Inclosed I send your Excellency a Return of the Provision noir
in store and of the Quantity that is shortly expected up the River.

Inclosed you have the deposition of James Culver, it is a prehide'
to the troubles we have every reason to expect this spring.

The water was so High in the Qarrison that some of the ammuni-
tion was Injured.

I have the Honor to be, with the

Highest Esteem, your Excellency's

most Obd^ servt,

J. MOORE.
Indorsed — An'account of the Fresh in the Susquehanna & peoples
sufferings in consequence.

Directed, — His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq', President of
the State of Penn', Philadelphia.

* Sco pnge 224.

PBNNSTLYANIA ABGHIVES 1784. tB

Pbbs. Dickihson to Speaeek of Assembly, 1784«

In CoanciL March 23d, 1784.

Sir.

we bave tbis Day received ibe iDcIosed Letter from the Minister
of France, which^we think proper to comnmnicate to joor Honorabia
House.

I am with great Respect, Sir,

joor most obedient and

most hamble Servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.
J!hr0Cft»i
. Xhe Honorable, the Speaker.

Fees. Dickinson to Minister of Feanob, 1784.

In Council, March 23di 1784.
Sir,

This Day We have bad the Honor of receiving your Letter of
yeaterday, which we shall immediately communicate to the General
Aiaembly.

A Law of this State passed last March, ordered notes of one
Tear^s Interest to be paid on Certificates of monies loaned to the
United States or Debts due from them, where such Certificates were
issued from the Loan Office of this State, or granted for Articles
fiimishnd or Services performed by Citizens of this State, and in the
name and for the use of persons, who at the time of issuing were
or since have been Citisens of this State and are actually resident
within the same.

I am with Regard, Sir,

your most obedient and

most humble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.

The Minister of France.

Pbbs. Dickinson to Delegates in Congress, 1784.

Oentlemen,

Dr. £wing,& David Rittenhouse, John Lukens & Thomas Hutch-
ins, Esquires, are appointed Commissioners by Council for ascer-
taining the Boundury Line between Virginia and this State, in
pursuance of the agreement made at Baltimore on the 31st of
August, 1779.*

* See Vol. YIII., p. 852, fto.,-^al8o, YoL IX.

SS4 PBNNSTLYANIA ABOHIVBS 1784.

For this purpose, two of the CommissioDers of each State, propose
to meet at the Eaetem Extremity of Mason & Dixon's Line, ft the
rest of them at the Western Extremity thereof, the Beginning of
next Jnne.

As it is designed that the Meridian Line for the Western Bound*
wry of this State should also be run if it can be safely done, We
think it proper that Congress should be informed of these Intentionii^
which we desire you will please to oommunicate. * ^

Com. of Taxes of Philad'a, to Pbbs. DicEiNsoNy 1784.

To His Exoellcncy, John Dickinson, Esq', President, and the
Honorable, the Supreme Executive Oounoil oi the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.

Gentlemen.

In compliance with the wishes of Council, we have examined our
Books of Assessment, and find that the tax arising on Billiard
Tables,* in the City and County of Philadelphia, amounts to the
sum of three hundred and forty five Pounds.
We are with very great respect,

your most obea^ & very hum> servants,

MICHAEL SHUBART.
JOHN BROOKE.
PhiUd-, March 2 Uh, 1784.
Directed,
His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq', President, &c., &c

Report to General Assembly, 1784.

State of Pennsylvania,

Thursday, March 25, 1784, A. M.

The committee appointed March 11, to confer with the Supreme
Executive Council, reepeeting the proper time for withdrawing the
troops stationed at Wyoming, made report, which was read and on
motion and by special order, the same was read the second time and
adopted as follows, (viz )

The oommittee directed to confer with Council respecting the
proper time for removing the troops from Wyoming, report :

That they have performed that service, and find Council nn^.
animously of opinion, that it wonld be highly improper to remove
the troops before the first day of December next ; but notwithstand-
ing the opinion of that honorable body, which seems to be founded
upon no other reasons than those already mentioned, and fully
debated by this House; Your committee beg leave to offer the
following resolution, (viz :)

^ See page 222.

PENNSYLVANIA ABGHIYES 1784.

SS6

Betolvedy thai the blank in the resolotion of the eleventh instant,
reapeoting the diaoharge of the troope now stationed at Wyoming
be filled ap with the first daj of June next.

Extract from the Minntas.

J. SHALLUS,

Aaa' Clerk
of the General Assembly.

. Persohs who Purchased Provincb Island and Citt
Lots, 1784.

List of persons indebted to the State for the parehase of Province
Uaodai ~

, and City Lots,

Days of payment

George Henry,
John Mitchell,
^Robert Coeks,
*£phriam Blaine,* .
Biehard Hampton, .
John Mitchell,
Blair M'Glenachan,
!)•...
Philip Moore,
*WUliam Sheaff, .
James Longhead, .
Danlap & Budden,
Joseph Dean,
John Taylor,
Davis & Patton, .
^Samuel M. Brown,
George Biokham, .
John Barker,
Peter Stretch,
*John Glendenoin,
Anthony Cathbert,
Ephraim Blaine, .
Thomas Leiper,
♦William Grinding,
Jacob Esler,
D' John Morgan, .
*Staoey Hepbarn, .
George Way,
John Danlap,
Dunlap & Baddcn, .

1781, July 26, .

1782, Feb. 23, .

1781, Sep. 5, .
. D* D% .

1782, March 6, .

. r^, .

. J)% .

. D% .

. 4, .

. 18, .

. 25, .

. o , .

. 29, .

. D% .

. 17, .

.D-, .

. 31, .

. D», .

. 18, .

. 11, .
D*

May SO*, !

.!)•, .

.D-, .

. D". .

. D-, .

1782, June n'*,

April

May

Jane

July

April
Oct.

1783

Sums Due.

£il>9

121

1083

1033

110

127

252

1230

10
203
158

77
164
181
258
243

88
249

87
670
375
306
1506
165
673
530
485

Prioes.

£1140 10

173
1083
1083

139

171

119

196

588
1230

123

268

217 •

130

254

184

845

331

185
88

827

255
1660

375

350
2155

165

665
2815

Thoee marked,* have paid no part of tbe purchase money.

The above hallauces are set down in round numbcn^ aa it wou'd

826 PBNNSTLYANIA ABCHIVBS 1784.

be luelen to oompate the Interest aocnntely 'till it b kaowB lAat
kind of money they will be paid in.
Errors Excepted.

DAVID RITTENnOUSB.

March 25th, 1784.
Indartedy

The Treasurers Report of Monies dae for City Lots.

Bead in Gounoil, 26th of March, 1784— and the 8ee^ direotadlto
request the attendance of the Att^ Gen^ to confer with CounciL

TlMOTHT MaTLAOK TO SPEAKER OF THE GbNBRL AaBlMBUr.

1784.

To the honorable Oeorge Gray, Esq% Speaker of the Genenl
Assembly.

March, 25, 1784.
Sir,

I have been fiimished with a Copy of a letter of the 4^ of last
month from James Wilson and William Bradford, Esq**, to you in
which they say that ^'the Counsel retained to conduct the causa
'< between the Commonwealth & Timothy Matlack Esq', amicably
** entered in the Supreme Court agreably to the resolution of the
** hon'ble General Assembly of Pennsylvania beg leave to report^
'^ that they find it impossible to carry the said resolution into eflbof
'^ so as to do justice to the Commonwealth." As some measure of
justice is due to me ad well as to the Commonwealth, I hope it will'
not be deemed criminal on my part, if I have been so attentive ta
my own security as to gunrd against those measures which my coun-
sel, as well as myself, considered as artfully planned to Surprise and
ensnare me.

The letter of the counsel for the State, loads me with :he odium,
of having prevented the resolution of the honorable house from
beinff carried into efibct, by evading the trial which I myself bad
sought This charge is not founded in truth ; onf the other hand, I
can furnish authentick vbnchers for the truth of what I shall nov^
State to you, and thro you to the honorable the General Assemblv.
This cause ought to have been tried long before this day ; ft I solic-
ited very earnestly to have it brought to trial last April term in the
Supreme Court, & again at September term ; yet thro' no fault of
mine, nor from want of diligence in my counsel, the cause was not
ente^d on the Docket, until I was obliffed to take a rule for ezam-
inine Gen' Lacey in New Jersey a few days before the day appoint-
ed for the trial, which was the 27<^ of January, and altho i hacF
taken pains with the assistance of my counsel, to have the jury

See Col. Reo. XIY. p. 66.

PENXSYLVANIA ARCIIIVES 1784. 227

strack more than two months before the day appointed for trial ;
jei the Venire facias was not taken out on the part of the Common-
weilth and delivered to the Sheriff, until abont two days preoeding
AbI ftppointed for the trial. No delay was afieoted on my part| and
vhao the jury did not attend upon the short notice given to them ;
it By own earnest request and entreaty another day was appointed.
That day arrived, to wit the 8d of Feb'y ; a jury attended, and then
■ose (he difficulty which I am now charged with creating.

Here it is necessary to look back to the begining of this business ;
so far as respects the ordering of the matter to be tried between the
Oommonwealth and myself. When the Comptroller Oeneral and
Byeelf differed in opinion, upon certain charges I made of monies
on aeoount of my salary and foes belonging to my late office^ I pro-
poaed to him that the question arising upon those charges should
•Ither be submitted to the opinion of the Judges of the Supream
Oonrt as questions of law, or be reforred for trud to a Jury in the
Common Pleas or Supream Gourt upon a feigned t$9ue ; both of
whtoh methods I stated with the assistance of counsel, as being con-
sonant to the practice of the Court of Chancery in England. This
ftMii you will find supported by the proposition I made signed with
my name. The report made by the Comptroller General on my
SMOoant) the 19^ of March, 1783, admitted that the account of
monies received by me is probably right, and contains no other ob-
joolions to them, than certain articles of credit therein stated which
nro really questions of law. He adds, that my proposition to deter-
mine them either by stating the questions therein mentioufii for the
opinion of the Judges, or trying the conteMted points by a jury (which
I had proposed to have tried on a feigned issue as I have already
mentioned) appeared to be very reasonable, k prays to be instruct^
hj the Honorable Council or Assembly, what may to their prudence
A Superior Wisdom appear most eligible, and that, if necessary,
ooansel might be employed. On the 21*^ day of March last, the
Prarident in Council, by a Message to the Honorable the Assembly-
aignilled, that the Supreme Executive Council " presumed the ques-
tioD8 of right might he determined in the manner proposed by the
SKTtia/ryy which appeared to them to be reasonable." This Mess-
age on the same day was referred to a Committee.

On the 22* day of March the report of the Committee was made
and adopted ^ that the Secretary had charged the State with a very
eonsiderable sum which the Comptroller General declares to be
nitogether inadmissable and prayed to be instructed by the Honora-
ble the Council or Assembly &c," and it was thereupon resolved by
the House << That the Comptroller General of this State, proceed to
the trial of the contested points in the accounts of Timothy Matlack|
Kaq', in the Supream Court ; and that he be authorised to employ
Counsel for that purpose.'

The objections made by the Comptroller General on certain points
of law, as to my salary and fees, stated by him, formed these caniea-

228 FBNNSTLYANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

Ud pointSy aod these oootestcd poiota, particnlu'ly stated^ were all
which were directed by the House to be tried by a Jury in the
Snpream Coart From that time to the present I have been alwmye
ready to form the feigned issue, and my counsel inform me ther
have repeatedly proposed and urged it, at every court since HarolL
Isst. I expected that these contested points & these only would have
been stated for the opinion of the jury under the direction of the
Judges and I had a right to expect it, because the order of the
House was confined to these. Did / prevent this and thereby render
** it impossible to carry the resolution of the House into effect V'
Far from it; but on the other hand the Counsel fDr the State
declared, that the house had ordered what could not be done, that it
was an absurdity in itself; that to swear a jury to try and give their
verdict on a point of law was a thing which had never before been
heard of. Whether this circumstance be the one which makes it
** impossible to carry the resolution of the House into efieot eo as to.
do justice to the Commonwealth'' I cannot determine ; but the diffi-
culty is not imputable to me ; for my Counsel remonstrated that the
Attorney Ckneral had no authority to proceed against me but con-
formably to the order of the House ; that as to any absurdity in the
mode prescribed, we have nothing to do with it, but to obey, & that
the thine was not imputable to us, because I had offered to refer the
contested points to the opinion of the Judges.

Thus far I was surely not to blame ; for if, in the opinion of the
Counsel for the State, it was absurd or impossible to carry the
order of the House into effect, the fault lay not at my door — ^I went
further : Wishing to remove every difficulty in the way of a speedy
decision I again offered to state the contested points for the opinion
of the Judges, who were best qualified to decide on questions of law.
This was refused. I urged the forming a feigned issue and tryinc
it by a Jury agreably to my first proposition, which had been declared
reasonable by the Comptroller General, by the Supreme Executive
Council & by the Honorable the House of Assembly ; agreably to
the established mode of trying contested points which arise in the
Court of Chancery, & agreably to our own practice in the Case of
issues directed from the Registers Court to try the validity of wills.
This proposition, if accepted, would have brought the '' contested
points" fairly before the court and jury for trial, without a possibil-
ity of Surprise or the least undue advantages to either party. It
would also have had uninterrupted usage with a long and respectable
train of precedents to authorise it. This however was rejected, and
rejected by the very Gentlemen who have since told the House, that
they find it impossible to carry the resolution of the House into
effect

What was to be done 7 The Court declared that an issue most
be formed in some mode before the Cause could be tried. But the
Counsel for the State would agree to no other mode of doing it than
that of filing a declaration against me for money had and received

PBNNSTLYANIA ARCHIVES 1784. S30

by me for the use of the State. To this I submitted on eondition
that the contested points to be tried might be stated in -writing.

After three or foar attempts, in which the Counsel for the State
xeceded from their own propositions as often as they were agreed to
cm my part, the points to be tried were agreed to & signed by my
oounael. But when the jury was ready to be sworn, it appealed
that no declaration was yet filed, & when I was perfectly willing Je
•a I thought ready for the trial a new and very unexpected scene
waa disclosed. A declaration was drawn up at the table, in which I
was chargedy not with the sum specified in the Comptrollers report
to be the sum received by me, but with having received ninety seven
thonsand Pounds ; a sum far beyond the sum stated by the Comp-
troller General and beyond what I had any imagination that I waa
erer suspected of receiving. A new aecouot was also exhibited by
the Comptroller, upon very di£ferent principles & for a much larger
sum than that contained in his report. One of the Counsel for the
state also mentioned, that they haid additional charges to make even
beyond their new account ; but what those additional charges were
be refused to mention & I do not yet know. These matters were
widely different from those which the house had ordered to be tried
t which I came prepared to defend myself against. My accusation
waa in part new, & part of it yet concealed, ready to be brought
forward at the very instant of trial, when material witnesses might
be absent, records unsearohed, papers and authentic documents out
of my hands and not attainable, and my counsel totally uninstmcted
as to all the new matter. Against attacks of this nature innocence
is not a sure protection; because time and preparation are often
necessary to make innocence appear, especially where long accounts
& complicated facts are in question. I refused to be thus entrapped ;
bat lest the cause should not go on, I made another proposition ;
that the counsel employed against me should proceed in the very
node that they wished to do, if they would confine themselves to
the account stated by the comptroller general in his report, which
was the subject matter of the trial directed by the house of assembly.
Thia proposition was also rejected. The court interposed & desired
the oonnsel on both sides to converse together, & endeavor to fall
opoa Bome method of terminating the dispute. This was at length
agreed to, 'tho with reluctance by the counsel for the State, and
when the counsel on both sides withdrew together, I hoped that
■ome mode for bringing the matter in controversy to a fair trial might
have been fallen upon ; but one of the couosel for the State began the
eonference by declaring that it was his fixed determination not to
recede in the smallest degree from what they had before urged.
This very singular mode of accommodating the dispute which waa
entirely different from what was recommended by the court, broke off
the treaty, & it is evident, that it would have b^n vain & ridicnlooa
in OS to make any propositions, when we were assured that none cf
any kind, however reasonable^ would be accepted.

380 PBNNSJTLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

The oonsequence was that the coart dismissed the jarj from
farther attendaDce & the resolation of the houM was not carried into
effect. Whether this was occasioned by me, or by those who ehargo
me with it, the honorable house will be at no loss to determine.

I do hereby renew all the propositions which I have made and
which are contained in this letter. It is beneath the dignity of
goyemment to wish to ensnare an innocent man, & I cannot persaado
myself that the legislature really desire it. The questions to be tried
are fiurly stated in the Comptroller Grencrals report. I am willing
to submit those questions to a court or a jury. I have no objectioiia
to the jury who were struck in the cause or to any other good men.
As my case may possibly form a leading precedent in cases of the
like nature, I would submit it to the wisdom of the honorable house,
whether a feigned issue, in whioh all the points in contest are fairly
stated in case of trial by jury & in whioh we are warranted by the
example & practice uf ages be not the most eligible mode.
I am with due respect,

Your most obedient servant,

T. MATLACK.

Instruotions to Comm'bs for runninq Boundary Linb,

1784.

In Council, Philadelphia, March 26th, 1784.
Gentlemen,

With this letter you will receive a Certificate of the act of Coan-
oil respecting your appointment duly authenticated.

We confide in your abilities and attention, that the very important
business committed to your charge will be performed in the beet
manner.

Your first employment after the necessary astronomical observa-
tions, we presume will be the Extension of Mason's and Dixon's
line, due West five degrees of Longitude. This extended line we-
desire to have marked by Stones properly prepared and fixed in the
ground, at the distance of five miles from one another, every stone
to be inscribed with its distance from the River Delaware. The
South West Corner of the State should bo marked with a large
Stone, well fixed and by a considerable heap of smaller stones arouiKl
it. The bearings & distance of near & remarkable objects around it
should be taken & be mentioned in the Report of proceedings. The
line from thence to the Northern Limit of the State should be
marked as the Southern boundary is to be, computing the distance
to be insohbed upon each Stone therein from the South West
Corner.

PBNN8YLTANIA ABGHIYES 1784. iSl

We bope that tach a peace will be be established with the lodians
before jon arrive at the Ohio in ruoDiog the Western boandary,
ibai joa may safely prooeed in that Work to its northern Extremity.
In Ibai Case, we wish yoo to ascertain the North Western Comer
of tbis State by astronomical observations in the Latitude of forty
three degrees, and to mark that as the Sonth West Comer is to be.

We have given Notice to Congress of year appointment as Com-
misaioners to make these surveys; and if any' should be appointed
on tbeir part, you will be pleahed to act in conjunction with them.

As you Gentlemen in the Execution of this Commission, will
tnrel over many parts of the Country, We cannot but ardently
wish that you may embrace the opportunity of making every obeeiw
vation and obtaining all possible information eonoerning the situa-
tion %ikd courses of Rivers, Streams, Hills and Mountains, that may
be of the least use in assisting the public Councils, on the very
interesting subjects of forming the most advantageous commu-
nicationi by roads and oanals between the different parts of the
State.

We have appointed Colonel Andrew Porter to attend you as Com-
missary under your direction. He is to purchase before you set out
die articles of which a list is enclosed, except such as can be obtained
from the public stores, procure provisions at the places of operation,
hire necessary Labourers, and to render a just and tme account of
the Monies expended.

I am Gentlemen,

with great Esteem and Regard,

your obedient and very humble Servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.*

Doctor John Ewing, David Rittenhouse, John Lukens, and Thomas
Hutchins, Esq., Commissioners for running the Boundary Line
between this State and Virginia.

Sko'y op Conqress to Prbs. Dickinson, 1784.

Annapolis, 29th March, 1784.
Sir,

In pursuance of the within act of the United States in Congress
assembled, I had the honor of forwarding to your Excellency on the
26th, January la8t,f in the terms prescribed, a notification of the
application made in Congress for the institution of a Court to de-
termine the private right of soil between the Indivi luals claiming
under different States in that tract of Country which by a late Fede-
ral Court has been adjudged to Fcunsylvania and of the assignment
of a day for the parties to appear before Congress or a Committee

♦ See CoL Ecc., XIV. pp. 69, 74, 288, 618. f See page 194.

28a FBNNSTLYANIA ABOHIVES 1784.

of the States^ for inatitating such Court agreeably to the artiolea of
CoDfederation.

Ai I ha?e not been fa?oar'd with an answer, and it may beoome
Beeeaeary to show that the notification haa been dnly reeeivod, I
most request your Ezcellenoy to take the trouble oi aoknowledgiiig
the reoeipt of this or of my former Letter.
I have the honor to be,

with respect your Ezeellenoyi
most obet. & most hum. Servant,

OHA. THOMSON.
Dirededy
His Excellency The President of Pcnnsylvama.

P£B8. DioKiNSOV TO OoL. Jambs Moo&b, 1784.

In Council, Philada., March SOth^ 1784.
Sir,

We have received your Letter, and the indoeed deposition both
which we laid before the General Assembly, and now send a late
resolution of that Honorable Body.

With great Esteem and Consideration

I am^ Sir, your most obedient

and very humble Servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directedj
Colo. Moore, at Wyoming.

Council to John Wbitzel, 1784.

In Council, Philadelphia, March 30th, 1784.
Sir,

I have the directions of Council to inclose to you a Copy of the
Resolution of the General Assembly of the 25th instant for dis-
charging the Garrison of Wyoming on the first June next — and
that it is the sense of Council you should not fumbh proviuons to
the Troops stationed at that phice after that day.
I am, Sir with much respect,

your most obedient and humble servant,

J. T., for J. A., jr , See'y.
Directed^
John Weitrie, Esqr.

FBNNSTLYANIA ABOHIVES 1784. 388

CoMMiaSIOHERS ON BOCNDART LiBB TO PkBS. DICKINSON,

1784.

Sir,

We haye eoiiMdered the prof^osals made to as, by the Ezeontire
Oovnoily »ad are UDanimoasly of opinion that it will be inoonmBtent
with the BnnnesB for us to have anything to do with providing
Neeenaries for onrseWes, or with being dependent on the Hamoor
«f a GommiaBary bo that unless it be part of his Daty to provide for
My ire oannot undertake the Work. And when we reflect upon the
■floiirmqy necessary for the aooomplishment of the Work, the
oonalaDt attention to the observations both Night and Day, the
frequent inteiruptions of our natural Rest, the daily Fatigue we
annst undergo, the Danger of losing our H^th and above all the
Begard we ought to have to our Characters with all the Gentlemen
of Astronomical Knowledge in Europe, whose Eyes will be turned
upon us, and who will expect from us all that Precision, that can bo
derived from the greatest astronomical Discoveries that have yet
been made'; We expect that the supreme Executive Council will
enable us to meet the Commissioners from Virginia upon equal
Terms : which, we have good Reason to believe, is for six Dollars
per Day, and all thdr Expences paid by the State.
We are with the greatest Respect, Sir,

your very humble Servants,
JOHN EWING,
DAV. RITTENHOUSE.
JNO. LUKENS,
THO. HUTCHINS *
PfaHadelphia, )
80th March, 1784. J
Directed f

Bis Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq'r, President of the State.

Rbsolution op Assembly, 1784.

State of Pennsylvania, In General Assembly.

Thursday, April 1, 1784, P. M.
A member presented to the chair a motion which was read, and
on motion, and by special order, the same was read the second time^
and adiopted as follows, (vii :)

Whereas, the Barracks, public store House and Powder Magasine
in the borough of Lancaster, are now vacant, and for want of a
proper person to take care of them, are subject to destruction and
q^U; therefore,

« See Col. Beo., Vol. XIV., p. fiO. .

284 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

Resolved, That the Supreme Executive Conucil be aud they tre
hereby anthoriaed to appoiot a proper persoD, reeidiDg in the
said borough of Lancaster, to take charge of the said Barracks, pub-
lic store house and powder magazine, who shall be vested with
power to rent the same to such person or persons as may apply for
them or either of them, for the highest rent he may be offered for
them or have in his power to obtain, out of which rent the penon
80 appointed shall be paid the sum of six pounds per annum for his
trouble, shall keep the said Barracks and store house in such repair
as they now are, for which repairs he shall be allowed out of the
remainder of the rent arising out of the buildings aforesaid ; and
that he render an account of his transactions in the premises to the
Prothonotary of the county, who, after having approved thereof,
shall transmit the same into the Comptroller General's office, and
pay such balance as may remain after making the deduction of (he
sums above mentioned, to the Treasurer of this State.
Extract from the Minutes,

PETER Z. LLOYD,

Clerk of the General Assembly.

Prbs. of Conqbess to Pbss. Dickinbon, 1784.

(Circular.) ,
Sir,

The subject of this address claims the attention of yonr Excel-
lency, on the principle of the most ujgent necessity.

The state of our finances is such as to require the united efforts
of Congress and of the several States, for obtaining immediately a
supply of money to prevent the loss of public credit.

When the army was furloughed, they had the promise of three
months pay; and as there was not money in the Treasuiy, the
Superintendant of finance was under the necessity of issuing his
notes to discharge this and other Demands. The notes becoming due,
part of them were redeemed with money supplied by the several
States; but this being inadequate, the Financier drew bills on
Holland for the deficiency. A considerable proportion of these
drafts have been paid by loans obtained there on the credit of (he
United States ; But the letters from our Bankers to the Superin^ of
finance, inform that they had been under the necessity for the want
of funds, to suffer so many of his Bills to be protested for non-
acceptance, as with the damages on protest in case of non-payment,
inll amount to the sum of 686,000 dollars.

We expect the return of these bills, under a protest fisr non-pay-
ment; and should there not be money in the Treasury of the United
States to discharge them, your Excellency may easily conceive the
deplorable consequences.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

286

Under each circumstances^ Congress think it their duty to com-
Bianicate the matter confidentially to the Supreme Executive of each
State ; and to request in the most pressing terms their influence and
exertion to furnish with all possible dippatch on requisitions unsatis-
fied, their respective quotas of the sum mentioned, according to the
apportionment herewith transmitted.

I shall only add, Sir, that Congress rely on your wisdom for ao-
oomplishing their views with as much dispatch as possible, and that
the estimates and requisitions for the year will be soon transmitted
to your Excellency.

I am with the greatest

Respect & Esteem,

your Excellency'ib obedient & humble serv*,
THOMAS MIFFLIN.
Annapolis, 1st April, 1784. ^

DirecUdy

Public Service.

His Excellency, President Dickinson, Philadelphia.

Bbtubn op Officers of Fourth Battalion of Militia
OF Philad'a County, 17»4.

A Retam of the Officers of the Fourth Battalion of the Militia of
Philada. County, commanded by Col Peter Richards.

Michael Gaugler, Capt'n, '\

Philip Boycr, Lieut., > First Company.

Pete r Yost, Ensign. j

Benjamin Marckley Capt'n, ")

y Second Company,

John Smith, Lieut.,
Barnard Freyer, Ensign.
Matthew Brooke, Capt'n,
Jeremiah Wiser, Lieut.,
Henry Bamhart, Ensign.

John Brooke, Capt'n,

John Bets, Lieut.,

Israel Ortleip, Ensign.

Jacob Wits, Capt'n,

Nathaniel Child, Lieut.,

James Jack, Ensign.

Joseph Sigfreed, Capt'n,

Adam Hillegas, Lieut.,

Peter Lower, jun'. Ensign. )

John Shuler, Capt'n, ^

Henry Schneider, Lieut., V Seyenth Company.

Henry Smith, Ensign. j

> Third Company.

[• Fourth Company.
[ Fifth Company.

• Sixth Company.

ase PKNNSTLVANIA ABCHIVBS 1784.

John Dengler, Guyt'iiy \

George Dengler, Lieut, > Eighth Company. ^ '^-

Qeorge Gilbert, Ensign. j

' J do Hereby Certify that the above Betom is a True Goppy o
tiVe Return maid by Col. Peter Biohards.

W- COATS, Lieu* C. P.
Philad* County, April 2nd, 1784.

DxrecUdj

John Armstrong, Esq', Secretary to the Supreame Executive
Councill of the State of Pensylvania.

Comm'rs on Boukdart LmB to C!ounoil, 1784.

Gentlemen,

The Time of our Departure from Philadelphia drawing near, it is
necessary that the Commissary should be employed in looking out
for the articles that may be wanted. As the Council have signified
to us that they would be glad to know who would be agreeable to
us in this Expedition, we would inform them that it appears probable
to us, that Coll. Porter, from his long Experience in the army, and
his knowledge of the most (Economical and ready Way of supplying
a number of Men with Necessaries would answer the Expeotadoos
of the Council and of the Commissioners, as well as any Person thev
can think of at present. He has informed us that lif the Council
will appoint him, he will go with us, and he is acquainted with the
Terms which you have proposed.

With Respect to the Provision to be made for the CommissionerSi
we have expressed our Sentiments fully in our last Letter to Coun-
cil, and we have agreed to undertake the Business, and hope to
accomplish the Work in such a manner as will give satisfootion to the
State and answer the Elxpectations of Gentlemen of science in Europe,
if the Council do not wish to have Men of greater abilities employed ;
in which Case we will cheerfully resign the Business into the Hands
of any others that may appear to the honorable Council to be better
qualified for the Work, or more eligible on the whole.

An anxious Desire to gratify the astronomical World in the per-
formance of a Problem which has never yet been attempted in any
Country, by a Precision and Accuracy that would do no Dishonour
to our Characters, while it prevents the State of Pennsylvania from
the Chance of Losing many hundred Thousands of Acres, secured to
it by our agreement at Baltimore, has induced us to suffer our
Names to be mentioned in the accomplishment of the Work. We
assure you that the lucrative motives that might have Influence with
us, in other Circumstances, have not sufficient Weight to ensage xm
in so difficult a Work, that will separate us from our Famuies for

PBNNSTLYANIA ASOHIVES 1784. 287

bslf • yetty snd sabject most of as to FatiffaoB to which wb have not
been ftocostomed. And we cannot perswade oaradves thai the State-
of Pennsylvania will avail itself of this Desire, to sabjeot ns to the
mortifying Circumstanoe of meeting irith the Oommissioners firom
Virginia upon any unequal Terms. However, we submit the wholo
affidr to the consideration of the honourable Council, and if upon our
Betom from the work it should be found that the Cbmmissloneia
from Virginia have been employed on' the same Terms, we shall
perfectly acquiesce ; as we look for no more than an Equality with
them.^

We arej Oentlemen,

with great respect,

your most obed't h'ble servants,
JOHN EWING.
DAV. RITTENHOUSE. .
THO. HUTCHIN8.

Philadelphia, April 7th, 1784.

MuOTtWf

From the Commissioners for running the Boundary Line between
this State and Virginia. ^Read in Council April 7th, 1784, and Col*
Andrew Porter app* Commissary.

Directed^

The Honorable, the Supreme Executive Council of Pennaylvania*

Mathias Slough to Council, 1784.

Lancaster, 8th April, 1784.
Sir,

You have no doubt been informed by. the Clerk of Assembly of
their Resolution respectiog the Barracks and Public store houses in
this Borough, and that No time may be lost in the appointment of
a person to take Care of them, I Imediat^ly on my arrival at home,
made enquiry for a Proper person who woi^ld take upon him that
charge for the Sum mentioned in the resolution ; For this purpose
I sent for the late assistant Barrack ma^ter^ whose Name is tfohn
Schreiber, and who agrees to take it upon bim at the Sum and in the
manner directed by the Resolution of Assembly. If therefore Coun-
cil will be pleased to appoint him I doubt pot but he will answer

» See Col. R«c , Vol. XI?., p. 69.
Vol. X.—11

288 PENNSTLYANIA ARCHIYES 1784. ,

the purpose. The sooner it is done, the better, as there is No penoii
now to take any care of those Boildings.
I have the Honour to be Siry

your most obedient servanti

MATHIA8 BLOnaH.4'
Indortedf

From Matthias Sloogh, rec'd 14th April, 1784. Recommendatioa
of John Soreiber as Keeper of the Barracks, &c., at Lancaster.

Bead in Connoil, April 23d, 1784, and John Screiber app*, ap-
pointment forwarded.
JDirectedf

Honourable James Ewing, Esquire, Yice President S. E. Gounoi],
Philadelphia.
HonM by Col* Jno. Gibson.

Sect. Armstbonq to Commissioners, of Taxes, 1784.

(Circular.)

14th, April, 1784. ,
Gentlemen,

Some late accounts from Congress make it the duty of Coandl to
call upon you again to exert yourselves in the discharge of your
common Trust

It is impossible however that you can stand in need of any farther
information upon that subject or that I can suggest any new motive
to interest you in it.

The former letters will sufficiently show you the wants of Govern-
ment & the disposition of Council.

I am Gen. &c.,

JNO. ARMSTRONG.

Apportionment op the 636,000 Dollars, 1784.

The apportionment of the 636,000 Dollars is as follows :

New Hampshire, . . 22,348

. 95,157

. 13,703

. 56,007

. 54,375

. 85,344

. 87,000 ^

. 9,516

. 60,003

. 108,750

. 46,218

. 40,782

. 6,797

Massachusetts,
Rhode Island,
Connecticut,
New York,
New Jersey,
Pennsylvania,
Delaware,
Maryland,
Virginia,
North Carolina,
South Carolina,
Georgia,

636,000 Dollars.

♦ See CoL Roc., VoL XIV., p. 72, 76.

PBNNS7LYANIA ABOHIYES 1784. 289

Resolution ov CoNeRESS, 1784.

April 19, 1784.

On the report of a'oommitee oonBisting of Mr. Gerry^ Mr. Sher-
nftn and Mr. Lee, to whom was referred a motion of Mr. Oerry.

Beaoivedi That the legislatures of the seyeral rtates be informed
that whilst they are respectively represented in Congress by two
delegates only, such an unanimity for conducting the most impor-
tant public concerns is necessary as can be rarely expected. That if
each of the thirteen states should be represented by two members^
five out of twenty-six, being only a fifth of the whole, may neeative
any measures requiring the voice of nine states. That of eleven
states now on the floor of CouCTess, nine being represented by
only two members from each, it is m the power of three out of twenty-
five, making only one eighth of the whole to negative such a measure
notwithstancUng that by the articles of confederation, the dissent of
five out of thirteen being more than one-third of the number, is
peceseaiy for such a negative. That in a representation of three
ttembers from each state, not less than ten of thirty-nine could so
negative a matter requiring the voice of nine states. That from
hoto under the observation of Congress, they are clearly convinced
that a representation of two members from the several states, is
extremely injurious by producing delays, and for this reason is like«
wise much more expensive than a general representation of three
members from each state. That therefore Congress conceive it to
be indispensibly necessary and earnestly recommend that each state,
at all times when Congi%ss are fitting, be hereafter represented by
three members at least; as the most injurious consequences may bo
expected from the want of such representation.

CHA. THOMSON, Secy.

Michael Hilleqas to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Hay it please your Excellency,

I was just now honored with your favour of this day, aoquaintinff
me with the Confidence you and The Honorable Executive CounoQ
were pleased to place in me, and requesting I would act as a Com-
missioner for dividing and making Sale of the Ground on which the
Barracks Stand.

You may rest assured That I have a just sence of the favorable
opinion you and they have testified by this appointment, and to
assure Council of my Chearful Acceptance of the same, aa well as
the satisfaction it is of having Tench Francis, Esquire, joined
with me in the business; And that whenever Connoil will \(leaiA tA

340) HENNSTLYANIA ABOHIYBS 1784.

give us saoh materials as they may be possessed of, with saoh orden
or InstraotioDS^ as they may incline; they will be readily and to the
best of oar abilities attended to by

Tour and their

indst obedient and

most humble Serrant.

ML. HILLBGAS.'^
April 19th 1784.

His Ezoelleney; John Dickinson^ Esquire, President of the State
of PtamsyUaoia*

Tenoh Fbanois to Pass. Dickinson, 1784.

Philad*, April the 20^ 1784.
Sir,

I will most ohearfuUy united with my Friend Mr. HiilegaSi un-
dertake the Ezecution of the Business you propose, commit to our
Oareand With the greatest Esteem,

I am T' Most

Ob. humble st,

TENCH FRANCIS.
JHrectedj
His Bxeellenoy; John Dickinson, Esq'.

CoiTNoiL TO P. Pjsilk, Naval Offiobr, 1784.

Philadelphia, April 21^ 1784.
Sir;

Council wish to know what sum has been expended in pursuance
of the resolutions of the Gen^ Ass^ appropriating the 2} per Cent
for the improvement of the Navigation of the River JJelaware;
and for raising two Companies of Infantry to be stationed at Wiom-
ing ; and I have their directions to request your attendance in the
Council Chamber to-morrow at 1 1 o' Clock, to give them such in-
formation as you can on the subject

I am Sir, Tour obedient and

very humble servant,

JAMES TRIMBLE,
for John Armstrong,

jun' Sec^.
F^ Phfle, Esq', Naval Officer.

« J9ee CoL Ree., Vi^. XVL, p. 7ft.

FHNNSTLYANIA ABCHIYBS 1784^ 2U

Fbe0. Dickinson to Commissionbbs vob salb of
Barracks, 1784(

In Coonci]^ April 28% 1784.
QeDtlemeiiy

In pnreaance of the Act of Agsemblj passed the first Instant,^
empowering ns to sell the Barracks, &g., we have appointed yon to be
Commissioners.

It is oar Desire, that yon will be pleased immediately to proceed
in '^ apportioning & laying off the ground, id to as many Lots as
may Im neoessaiy, with such & so many streets, & Laues, that the
Interest of the State & the convenience of the adjoining Inhabi-
tants, may thereby be best promoted," & baring an accarate plan of
the ground with these Di?isionS| report the same for further Instruo*
tions in the Business.

I am, Gent, Ac,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Indanedf

1784, April 23'^ To Tench Francis and Hieh^ Hillegas,
Esquires.

Payid RrrrsNHOusB to Fres. Dickinson, 1784.

Philadelphia, April 27% 1784.
Sir,

The present exhausted State of the Treasury and the pressing
oeoaaions for money make it necessary for me to represent to the
Hon^^ Council in the most earnest manner, the expediency of call,
ing on the several revenue officers and urging payment ; particularly
the late and present Auctioneers, the Naval Officer and the Collec-
tor of Imposts, together with such other persons as the Council or
the Comptroller Gen' may think likely to afford a Supply. How
little authority the Treasurer has in these matters, is well known.
I am besides much engaged in preparing Instruments for our western
Expedition. Agreeably to Instructions of the Hon^'* Council, I
have by advertisment in several Newspapers, called on the parohasers
of City Lots to make payment. I have not indeed published a List
of names, as I was convinced the threat of so doing wou'd have
more effect than the thing itself when done. I have likewise called
personally on many of them ; and now beg leave to inform Council
of the little success I have had. Co' Humpton has nearly paid off
bis Ballance ; James Loughead has fully paid ; Joseph Jbean has

• See page 289.

241 PBNNSTLYANIA AROEIYES 1784.

Sinoe paid £73 1 ; Davis & PattoD have promised, but nothing more;
Oeoi|;e Biokham p« £65 15; Peter Stretoh, £37 10; Ant^ Cath-
bert, £207 5; Tho* Leiper, £78 15; D^ Morgan, £148 4; John
Donlao, £309. What is farther to be done in order to compel pay-
ment before the first of Jane, (when all the holders of the Bills
will expect to have them exchanged;) I humbly submit to the wip-
dom of Council.

Permit me. Sir, likewise to inform Council that there seems to be
almost a total stop to the Collecting of Taxes. In July next the
Interest notes are to be paid by Act of Assembly, at which time the
Act Supposes the Tax for 1783, will be brought in ; of this Tax there
is however, no more than 29,474 Dollars paid into the Treasury, one-
half of which only goes to redeem the Notes, will it not be neooB-
sary for Council to urge the Several County Cnmmis^* to do their
Duty.

With due respect.

Your Excellency's most
obed' Humble servant,
DAV. RITTENH0USE,Trea8.
Direeiedy

To His Exoelleneyi the President, in CouuoiL

Besolution op Congress^ 1784.

The United States in Congress Assembled, April 27| 1784.
Congress resumed the consideration of the report of the Grand
Committee appointed to prepare and report to Congress, the
arrears of interest on the national debt, together with the expenoes
for the year 1784, from the first to the last day thereof inclusive,
and a requisition of money on the states for discharging the
same, which being amended to read as follows—
Xe9olved,

That there will be wandng for arrears of interest on the national
debt to the end of the year 1783, and for the interest of the foreign
debt and services of the present year 1784, from the first to the last
day thereof inclusive, the following sums expressed in dollars,
tenths and hundredths of dollars.
The civil department, ... 107,525.33
The military department, ... 200,000
The marine department, - - 30,000

Purchases of Indian rightQ of soil, and

incidental expences, ... 60,000

Contingencies, .... 60,000

457,525.38

Debts contracted and still unpaid for

services of 1782 and 1783, - - 1,000,000

Interest on the national debt as follows—

PSNNSYLYANIA ABGHIYBS 1781. 248

FoREiaN Debt.

17S2| Bee. 81. Three years interest on
the Spanish loan of
150,000 dollars at
five per cent. - - 22,500
1788, Deo. 81. Spanish loan, one year, 7^500

To the farmers general
of France^ livres
846,710-5, 7,840

1784, Jane 1. Datch loan of 1,800,000
florinS| at five per
cent, - - - 85,000
Sept. 8. French loan of 24 mil-
lion livres at ditto, 222,000
Nov. 5, Dutch loan of 10 mil-
lion livres, goaran-
teed by France, - 74,074
Dec. 31, Spanish loan, - - 7,500
• - Farmers general of France, 7,840

884,254

DoMESTio Debt.

1782, Dec. 81. Loan office debt,

11,473,802,26 at 6
percent, - - 1,184,176
Liquidated debt,

701,404 at ditto. 21,042

Army debt, 5,635,618

at 6 per cent, - 676,272

1,881,490
Deduct the requisition of Sept.

4,1782, - . - 1,200,000

1788, Deo. 81. Loan office debt, -. 749,050 .

Liquidated debt, - - 42,084
Unliquidated debt,
estimated at 8 million
dollars, suppose one
third now liquidated, 160,000
Army debt, • - 338,136

681,490

1,289,270

Total, 8,812,689.28

S44 PENNSTLYANIA ABGHIYBS 1784.

The oommittee were apprised that the resolutions of Congress of
April the 18th, 1783, had reoommended to the several states the
raising an annual revenue, for the purpose of discharging tie
principal and interest of the national debt, by the establishment of
certain imposts, and providing supplementarj funds for a given
term of years, to be raised in such a way as they might judge most
convenient : but it occurred to them, Uiat those recommendations
were still under suspence with several of the legislatures, some of
tiiem having as yet acceded to the impost only, and others de<^ded
neither on the impost nor supplementary funds: that however
desirable a compliance therewith is, for the preservation of ov
fidth, and establishment of a national credit, yet as time has already
elapsed, and more must elapse before their final confirmation can be
hoped, as, after it shall be obtained, time will also be requisite to
advance the plan to the term of actual collection, good faith requires
that in the mean while other measures should be reso|rted to for the
purpose of discharging the growing interest.

In the statement of the interest due at the dose of the year 1782,
the committee have supposed its amount lessened by 1,200,000
dollars, required and appropriated by the resolutions of- Congress of
September the 4th and 10th, 1782, and appropriated to the sole
purpose of paying the interest of the public debt. This requisition
0ive licence to the states to apply so much as should be necessary of
Uieir respective quotas of it, to the payment of interest due on
certificates issued from the loan office of their own states, and other
liquidated debts of the United States contracted therein. Hence
they suppose it has happened, that the actual payments of these

Juotas have been unoommunicated to the office of finance for the
Fnited States. The committee are of opinion, that the states should
be desired to communicate to the superintendant of finance, the
payments they have made under this requisition, and where thev
have been incomplete, to hasten their completioni as the means stiU
relied on by Congress for the discharge of that part of the interest
of the public debt — And while on this subject, they beg leave to
add, that from the representation to Congress by the minister of
France, referred to this committee, thev learn that in some of the
states, a discrimination has taken place between the citizens of their
own and subjects or citizens of other countries, which was not
authorized by the said resolution : They are of opinion, that such
states should be required to revise and reform their proceedings
herein, and to extend the benefits both past and future of this pro-
vision equally and impartially td all persons within its description.
Your committee then came to consider in what way it would be
best to call fbr the sums reauisite for the services before stated : and
they thought it their duty in the first place to enquire, whether no
surpluses might remain on former requisitions of Congress, after the
purposes were effected to which they were originally appropriated ;
under an assurance that it would be both the duty and sense of

PSNNSTL7ANU ABGHIVES 1784. 245

OoDgrets to apply such Barplases/ia every instancey towards lesaeniDg
the next reqaisitioo on the states. They found in fact that each a
■mrpiiifl wonld remain on the requisition of October 30, 1781, for
•ignt millions of dollars for the services of the ensning year and
mi this sarpios would be great from the followiog cironmstances ; —
That requisition was estimated on supposition, that the continental
army would be completed by the states, to its full establishment;
•ad that clothing subsistence and ot^er necessaries for such an
army, most of course bo provided The states wore far short of
prodooing such an army. Hence the calls for money were propor-
tiooaliy abridged. It was estimated too en the further supposition
that we might be disappointed in the endeavours we were then
eserting to borrow money both at home and abroad, and of course
that the whole mnst be supplied by taxes. Loans however wore
obtained, and the surplus increased by this second cause. A third
eireamstanoe has further enlarged it The payments on this requi-
■itioa have been small and slow. Hence, instead of money, those
who aerved and supplied the United States have received certificates
only that money is due to them, and these debts have been trans-
farred to the fund proposed to be raised by way of impost : so that
tho' the debts exist, they are removed from this to another fund.
To know then the amount of this surplus, the committee extended
their enquiries to the sums actually received under this requisition,
the pnrposes to which they have been applied, and the anticipations
therflof still nnsatinfied. They found that 1,486,511.71, only of
the eight millions of dollars had been received at the treasury at thi
dote of the year 1783 ; that these had been applied to the services of
the years 1782 and 1783, and that for other services of the samo
years, debts were contracted to the amount of about one million of
ooUan more, which depend for their discharge on further receipts
wider this requisition ; a statement of the expenditures of which
aama should be made out and forwarded to the legislatures of the
Mveral states. Your committee then are of opinion that a surplus
erf 6,513,488.28 dollars will remain of this requisition, after
aaswering all the demands which actually arose against it, which
wore not answered by other means, nor transferred to other funds;
and that this surplus ought to [be] applied so far as it will go, to tho
common purposes of the United States, so as to prevent new requi*
■itions on them till tho old shall have been exhausted, and to shew
to those who may have paid their whole quota of any requisition,
that they will not be called on anew till all the other states shall in
like manner have paid up their quotas.

Tour committoo found also that there was a requisition of
Congress of October 16, 1782, for two millions of dollars for tho
services of the year 1783, on which some small payments had been
tendered, but that tho superintendant of finance had found it better
to receive and credit them as part of the eight millions. They are

11*

246 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

tooordingly oomprohended in the sum before stated to have been
paid in under that head.

Having thus stated the demands existing against the stateSy the
eommittee would have performed but half their duty, had they
passed over unnotioed their condition to pay them. Their abililioa
most be measured in weighing their burthens. Their ereditOfB
themselves will view them just relieved from the ravages of prsi^
datory armies, returning from an attendance o» campS| to the
oulture of their fields— beginning to sow, but not yet having reaped^
exhausted of necessaries and habitual comforts, and therefore needing
new supplies out of the first proceeds of their labour. Forbearanoa
then, to a certain degree, will suggest itself to them. OongreBS
entrusted with the dispensation of justice between the public and its
creditors will suppose both parties desirous thai Iheir mutual situa*
tions should be considered and accommodated. Tour committee are
of opinion that if the whole balances of the two requisitions of oichl
and of two millions, should be rigorously called into payment within
the course of the present year, a compliance with such call would
produce much distress ; and that a proportion short of this should
be fixed on, within the reach of the least as well as of the most able
states. They propose therefore that the states be required to
furnish within the course of the present year, such part of their
deficiencies under the requisition of eight millions, as, with their
payments to the close of the last year, will make up one-half of their
original quota thereof. And that these payments be appropriated
in conformity with the statement in the first part of this report,
giving generally, where accommodation cannot be effected amonff
the several objects, a preference according to the order in whicE
they are arranged in the said statement.

But while this proportion of former deflciencies is of neeessity
called for, under the pressure of demands which will admit neither
denial nor delay, and the punctual compliance of every state is
expected, to enable the federal administration with certainty to
satisfy these demands, it is earnestly and warmly recommended to
the abler states, to go as far beyond this proportion in specie, as
their happier situation will admit ; under an assurance, that such
further contributions will be applied towards discharging the public
debt agreeably to the preceding statement, and will be placed to
their credit in the next requisitions, with interest thereon from the
time of payment : and also that before any further demand is made
upon the states, under the requisition for two millions of dollars, or
the requisition for eight millions of dollars. Congress will revise the
quotas of the several states mentioned in the said requisitions
respectively, and will make them agreeable to justice, upon the best
information Congress may have when such demand is made. But
as all our exertions will probably fall short of their full object, in
that case it is believed that the public creditors seeing the load of
interest accumulated during the war, greater than can be discharged

PENNSYLVANIA AIlCllIVES 1784. 247

in the first joar of peace, will be coDtentcd for the present, to
receive the earlier part of these arreon, and to rely fur the xeBidue
on the efforts of the eosaing year.

Individiial Btates have at times thought it hard that while, in their
0m opinion, they were in advance for the United States on accoante
•sistin^ and nnsettled between them, they should yet be called on
to famish actual contributions of money. The committe ol»erve in
answer to this, first, that almost every state thinks itself in advance ;
■nd secondly, that it has been the constant wish of Congress that
these accounts should be settled, and the contributions of each bo
known and credited. They have accordingly taken measures, and
will continue their endeavours to effect these settlements : And as a
ftuther encouragement to hasten this desireable work, the committee
are of opinion Congress should declare, that so soon as these accounts
shall be settled, and it shall appear in favour of what states balances
arise, such states shall have credit for the same in the requisitions
next ensuing.

Bat it wiU. be necessary to remind the states that no materials
have yet been furnished to enable Congress to adjust the ultimate
ratio in which the expenditures of the late war shall be apportioned
on the states. The confederation directs that this shall be regulated
by the value of the lands in the several states with the buildings and
imprOTements thereon. Experiments made however since the date
of that instrument, for the purposes of ordinary taxation, had
induced doubts as to the practicability of this rule of apportionment ;
yet Congress thought it their duty to give it fair trial, and recom-
mended to the several states on the 17th February, 17b3, to furnish
an account of their lands, buildings and number of inhabitants,
whereon they might proceed to estimate their respective quotas : but
apprehending that the incompetence of the rule would immediately
shew itself, and desirous that no time should be unnecessarily lost,
thev followed it with another recommendation of the 18th of April,
1788, to substitute in lieu of that article in the confederation
another, which should make the number of inhabitants, under
certain^ modifications, tbo measure of contribution for each state.
Both these propositions are still under reference to the several
legislatures; the latter accompanied by the earnest wishes, and
preference of Congress, under full conviction that it will be found
m event as equal, more satisfactory, and more easy of execution :
the former only pressed if the other should be rejected. The
committee are informed that the states of Connecticut, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania and South-Carolina, have acceded to the alteration
proposed ; but have no evidence that the other states have as vet
decided thereon. As it is necessary that the one or the other
measure should be immediately resorted to, they are of opinion it
should be recommended to the legislatures which have not yet
decided between them, to come to decision at their next meeting.

In order to present to the eye a general view of the several

248

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

existiDg requisitions, and of the pftyments made under them, the
eommittee has subjoined th^ in the form of a table, wherein the
Ist column enumerates the states ; the 2d the apportionment of the
1,200,000 dollars ; the 8d that of the 8 millions; the 4th that of
the 2 millions ; the 5th the sums paid by the several states in part
of their respective quotas to the last^ay of the year 1788 } and the
6th the sums now required to make up one-half of their respeoUva
quotas of the 8 millions, expressed in dollarS| tenths and hanoredthi
of dollars.

Appor-

Paid of the Sums nowf

tionment

8 m. before

required to

of the

of the 8

of the 2

Dec'ber 81,

make ^ U

New-Hampshire

1,200,000
dol.

mil.

1788.

the 8m.

48.000

878,698

80.000

8,000

188,799

Massachusetts

192.000

1,807.596

820.000

247,676.66

406,121.84

Rhode-Island

28.800

216.684

48.000

67,847.95

40,491.06

Gonneeticut

188,200

747,196

222,000

181,577.88

242,020.17

New-York

64.000

873.698

90,000

89.064.1

147,784.9

New-Jersey

66,000

486.679

110,000

102.004.95

140,884.66

PennsyUania

180,000

1,120.794

800,000

846,682.98

218,764.02

Delaware

16,800

112.086

28.000

66.042.6

Maryland

132.000

983,996

220.000

89.802.11

877,696.89

Virginia

174,000 1.307,694

290,000

116,108.63

688,698.47

North-Carolina

88,800

622.677

148,000

811,888.6

South-Carolina

72,000

873,698

120,000

844,801.67

Georgia

14,400

24.905
8,000.000

24.000

12,462.6

1.200.000

2,000,000

1,486,511.71

2,670.987.89

Retdvedj That Congress agree to the said report
April 28, 1784.

Congress resumed the eonsideration of the report of the grand
committee, appointed to report the arrearages of interest, &o., so Ht
as respected facilities, and the paragraph being amended to read aa
follows —

It remained lastly to consider, whether no facilities might be
given to the payment of these sums by the several states The
committee observed that of the purposes for which money is wanting,
about three-fourths can be answered by nothing but money itself;
but that the other fourth, consisting of interest on our domestio
debt, may be efifccted by procuring a discount of the demand in the
hands of the holders ; an operation which will be shorter, and less
impoverishing to the state. And however, in times of mater
plenty^ the accuracy of fiscal administration might require all trans-
actions to be in actual money, at the treasury itself ; yet till our
constituents shall have some respite from their late difficulties, it
behoves us to prefer their easement. The committee are therefore
of opinion that the several legislatures may be aditaitted so to mode

FBNNSTLYANIA ARCHI7ES 1784. 249

tbe oolleetion of the sums now called for, that the threo-fourtha of
of iDj sam being paid in actual money, the other fourth may be
^iaobftrged by procuring discounts of interest with our domestic
creditors ; always taking care that the coHection of money shall
imeeed at least in threefold proportion with the operations of dis-
€OBnt. And to ascertain the evidences of discount which shall be
IMeifable in lieu of money, the holders of loan office certificates
•hall be at liberty to carry them to the office from which they issued;
Mid the holders of certificates of other liquidated debts of the United
8lite0| to carry the same to the loan office of that State wherein the
debt was contracted, and to have the interest due thereon settled
andeertified to the last day of the year 1782; for which interest the
bra officer shall give a certificate in such form, and under such cau-
tioD8 and instructions, as the superintendant of finance shall transmit
to him; which certificates of interest being parted with by the
holder of the principal, shall be deemed evidence that he has received
aatiafaction for the same, and therefore shall be receivable from the
bmer, within the same State, and from the State when obtained
from the bearer, in lieu of money in the proportion before stated ;
which payment in certificates by the State into the public treasury,
in the proportion that each State avails itself of the facilities, shall
ha considered as a discharge of so much of the interest due upon the
domestic debt, so that the three-fourths or greater proportion, if any
State should not avail itself of the facilities in the degree hereby
admitted, paid in money at the same time shall be applied, according
to the above statement, giving preference to the discharge of the
ezpenoea of internal government, and the interest due upon tho
Ibreign debt. And where loan office certificates, issued after tho
fint day of March, 1778, shall be presented to the loan officer, they
AM be reduced to their specie value, according to the resolutions
of Congress of June 28, 1780, that specie value expressed on some
pari of the certificate, and tho interest thereon settled and certified
aa in other cases.
Bewlvedf That Congress agree to the same.

April 29, 1784.

Congress took into consideration the report of a grand committee,
to whom was referred tho report of a committee on the subject of
western territory, and thereupon came to the following resolution-^

Congress by their resolution of September 6, 1780, having thought
it adviseable to press upon the States having claims to the Western
country, a liberal surrender of a portion of their territorial olaims,
by that of the 10th of October, in the same year, having fixed con-
ditions to which the union should be bound, on receiving such
CMsions. And having again proposed the same subject to those
States in their address of April 18th, 1783, wherein, stating the
national debt, and expressing their reliance for its discharge, on the
proapeot of vacant territory^ in aid of other leaouzooBi they, fot that

S60 PENNSYLVANIA ABCmYES 1784.

pnrpose, as well as to obviate disagreeable oontrovenies and oonfo*
MODS, iDoluded in the same rcoommendatioDy a renewal of thoae ef
September the Gth, and of October the 10th, 1780; which aerend
reoommendations have not jet been fully oomplied with :

Resolved^ That the same subject be again presented to the atteDtioft
of the said States, that they be urged to consider that the war bm
now brought to a happy termination by the personal servioas of cor
0oldierS| Uie supplies of property by our oitiaenSi and loans of money
from them as well as from foreigners ; these several crediCora have
a right to expect that funds shall be provided on which they may
rely for indemnification ; that Congress still consider vacant territoiy
as an important resource : And that therefore the said States be
earnestly pressed, by immediate and liberal cessions, to forward thcM
necessary ends^ and to promote the harmony of the union.

CHA. THOMSON, Soo'y.

An Alphabetical List of all Persons attainted of
niGH Treason, in pursuance of the Treason Lavs
FOR the State of Pennsylvanu.

Allen, John, died before the day limited for the surrender.

Allen, Andrew, late member of Congress.

Allen, William, Junior, late Capt & Lt Colo, in American Army.

Austin, William, yeoman, late keeper of the New Jersey Ferry.

Armstrong, Francis, of Sadsbnry in Chester Co., dealer in honea.

Armstrong, William, of do. do. Bhoemake&

Airey, John, late of the Post Office, Phila.

Ashbridge, Aaron, waterman, Chester, discharged*

Andrews, William, fuller, Darby, Chester County.

Anderson, William, labourer, of Ridley, Chester County.

AUen, James, surrendered ft died.

Allen, Isaac, atty. at law, Trenton, New Jersey.

Adams, John, silk weaver, Nortliem Liberties.

Arthur, Peter, house carpenter, Southwark.

Aspden, Matthias, of Philada. City, meroh.

Arnold, Benedict, Majr. Gonl., &Ca.

Anderson, Stephen, yeoman, late of New Garden, Chester Co.

Adams, Jonathan, Snulfm^ker, Gerai;intown Township, Philada. Co.

Adama, Susannah, his wife.

BIddle, John, late of Berks Co., yeoman.
Bertram, Alexander, of Philada , merchant
Biles, Samuel, late Sherifif, Bucks Co.
Bulla, Thomas, of Chester Co., husbdm. *
Brakcn, James, of Tyrone Township, York County.
Brookes, Bowyer, surrendered & discharged.
Badge, Thomas, of Philada., tallow chandler.
Bulla, jQho, aarrondered ft discharged.

PENNSTLYANIA ABGHIVES 1784. 261

;Bnijy John, sohooloiMter, Uta Constable, Philada. City.
Bramhall, Thomas, Button maker, Philada.
Brown, John, surrendered & discharged.
Bnekinghara, John, lobonrer, Passyuik.
Bolton, Joseph, tried k acquitted.
Bvtoher, John, hosbdm., Blockley, Philada. Co.
Biyan, Joel, Haycock, Bucks oo., surrendered.
Buns, George, weaver, Plumstead, Bucks oo.
Balderstone, Mordeeai, surrendered & discharged.
Brown, H^lUam, Cooper, Solebury, Bucks Co.
Borrows, Samuel, labourer. Upper WakeAold, Bucks Co.
Boatman, Oeorge, labourer, Upper Wakefield, do.
Brown, Bezgomin, of Falls Township, Bnoks Co., hosbdm.
Brown, John, a carpenter, Bristol, surrendered & ^soharged.
Briggs, George, do.

Bartow, Thomas, do.

Bean, Jesse, do.

Bnffington, Jaeob, Carpenter, West Bradford, Chester Co.
Bollock, Isaac, labourer, Concord, Chester.
Bomett, John, surrendered & discharged.
Bell, Samuel, surrendered ft discharged.
Bnrk, Isaac, labourer, Providence, Chester County.
Boms, Thomas, . do.

Bell, William, labonrw, Newton, Chester Co.
Brown, James, of Haverford, Chester Co., wheelwright
Bard, John, Butoher, Philada.
Burr, Hudson, hatter, Philada.
Borkett, John, waterman, do.

Bark, John, Taylor, of the Manor of Moreland, Philada. Co.
Barge, David, blacksmith, Solebury, Bucks Co.
Barrow, Samuel, of Barre, Bedford Co., yeoman.
Bartlett, John, late Clerk in the Custom House, Philada.
Booth, Bei^amin, of Philada., mercht.
Bond, Phineas, atty. at law, Philada.
Brown, George, labourer, Buckingham, Bucks Co.
Boyer, Jacob, yeoman, Doanegal, Lancaster Co.
Bare, Abraham, yeoman, Eiarle Township, Lancaster Co.
Bnffington, Joshua, tried & acquitted. #

Bnffington, Richard, senior, of £ast Bradford, Chester Co , ycoraan.
Blackford, Martin, of Warrington, York Co., yeoman.

Carlisle, Abraham, house carpenter, Cky Philada.

Clifton, Alftred, Gentlem., City Philada.

Coxe^ Tench, surrendered & discharged.

Clifton, William, do.

Compton, William, do.

Corry, Robert, do.

Christy, William, mason, of Ilorsehim, Philada. Connty.

Carver, Nathan, wheelwright. Upper Dublin, Philada.

Conrad, Robert, mason, Norrington, Philada. Co.

Coxe, Daniel, late of Trenton in New Jersey.

Chalmers, James, late of Philada , & late of Kent county, Maryland.

Couper, Robert, trader, of Philada. City.

Chevalier, John, surrendered & discharged.

Club, James, mariner. City of Philada.

Cunningham, Juhn, sarr*d k disch*d.

SSt FBSrNSTLYANIA ABGHIVES 1784.

Carry, Ross, Oentl'n, late Lt. in the American armj, late of Philad. (Mj.

Craig, James, surrendM & disoh'd.

Connor, Michael, meroh't, Philada.

CoIyj, Robert, Jun'r, sadler, Buckinghain, Backs Coonty.

Cablo, John, sorrend'd & disoh'd.

Canby, Joseph, laboarer, Upper Wakefd, Bocks.

Canby, Thomas, blacksmith, do.

Campbell^ Arthur, laboarer, BristoL

Chapman, Samuel, tried & acq'd.

Chapman, Amos, hasbdm., Wright's Town Township, Books Covmtj.

Chapman, Abraham, Cooper, of do. do.

Chapman, DaTid, miller, of do- do.

Clark, Abraham, sorr'd k disch'd.

Chypher, Jacob, miller, Tredyffiin, Chester Co.

Caldwell, William, hasbdm., of Darby,^ Chester Co.'

Clark, William, laboarer. Providence Chester Co.

Crickley, Michael, laboarer, of Haverford, Chester Co.

Caslan, William, laboarer of East Pennsboroogh, Comb'd Co.

Croghan, George, sorrend'd & disch'd.

Colston, John, stocking weayer, Philada.

Comely, Joseph, yeoman, of Manor of Moreland, Philad. Co.

Campbell, John, yeoman, Emmerson's Valley, Camberl'd Co.

Campbell, William, do. do. do.

Campbell, Peter, Cientl'n, of Trenton, in New Jersey.

Clark, John, late Sheriff's Clerk, North'n Liberties.

Crookjson, Dennis, lumber merch't, Soothwaric, (not attainted,) &oharged

by Proclamation of Council, 1779.
Corker, William, Cooper, Northern Liberties.
Corbet, Alexander, yeoman, of Wakefield, Bocks County.

Doch^, Jacob, jonior, late of Philada. City.

Desbong, Peter, tried & acqoitted.

Dawson, David, of Chester Co., hosbandman.

Delapl^n, James, surr'd & disch'd.

Davis, James, do.

Davis, Benjamin, hatter, Philada.

Dover, Robert, surr'd & disch'd.

Doan, Joseph, laboarer, Plumstead, Bucks Co.

Dennis, Henry, Shipwright, Solebury, Bucks Co.

Dennis, John, wheelwright, do.

Doble, Joseph, of Falls Township, Bucks Co., hosb

De Normandie, Andrew, Doct'r, BristoL

De Normandie, William, labourer, do.

Davis, William, tried & acq'd.

Davis, George, Springfd, Chester Co., husbdm.

Dunn, William, labourer, Proridenoe, Chester Co.

i)unn, George, surr'd & disch'd.

Dunn, Malin, Taylor, Providence, Chester Co.

Dunn, George, do. do.

Dennis, John, Joiner, Richland, Bucks Co.

Delong, James, yeoman, Emmerson's Valley, Cumb'd Co.

Dolston, Isaac, yeoman, of Wyoming Township, North'd Co.

Dolston, Matthew, do. do.

Dolston, Isaac, Jon'r, do. do*

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 258

, Abtl, Eiqr., uUj. at law, Fhilada.
Xw^ Ofwild, of the North*n Libertiei.
Xwis, Israd* nnith. Upper Dublin, PhiUdfti
Brans, ^lliam, carpenter, Norrington, Philada. County.
Xvans, Joel, merchL„ Ciij Philada.
Eatton, Dennis, laboorer, Bnckingham, Backs Co.
Xllwood, John, of Bristol, tried, oonTioted, under tentttioa of deatl^ k

pardoned July 16th, 1780, by Council.
Idwards, Joseph, surr'd k disoh'd.
nfinger, Henry, Jun*r, do.
XUiott^ Matthew, Ind'n Trader, of Westm'd Co.
Bvana, WilUam, Carpenter, Philada.
Evana, John, do. do

Elliott, Andrew, of New Tork.
Enaor, Oeorge, Cooper, Southwark.
Eddy, Charles, Ironmonger, of Philada. City.
Eddy, Thomas, do. do.

ErwiDy £dward,^or /rwtn, of Rye Township, Cumb'd Co^

Fonts, Christian, Lanc'r County, late Lt Colo, of Mliltia.

ftegiuon, Hugh Henry, Estate of Gmme park vested by law in his wife.

Visher, Coleman, son of William Fisher, Esqr. of Philada.

Usher, James, surr'd k disch'd.

Fegan, Lawrence, Innkeeper, North'n Liberties.

FeU, WiUiam, weaver, Buckingham, Bucks Co.

Featherby, Thomas, miller, of Solebury, Bucks Co.

Fklkenston, Abraham, labourer. Providence, Chester Coun^.

Forsuer, Andrew, labourer, of Allen Township, Cumb'd Co.

Fields, C^rge, yeoman, Wioming Town^p, North'd Co.

Fields, Daniel, do. do.

Fields, Gilbert, do. do.

Fnmer, Morris, do. do.

Fnmer, Edward, do. do.

Fslkenstone, Jacob, yeoman, of Passyunk, Philada. Coonty.

Fleming, Low, yeoman, Mount Bethel, North'd Co.

Fox, John, cuUer, of Philada. City.

Fox, Joseph, blacksmith, of do.

Fftiriand Samuel, yeoman, of Chester Borou|^.

Flncher, Bez\jamin, yeoman, of New Garden, Chester Co.

GaHoway, Joseph, late member of Congress.

Oarrigues, Samuel, the elder, tried k acquitted.

Griffith, Evan, of York Co., husbandman.

Green, Isaac, Jun*r, East Cain, Chester Co., husb'n, sentenced k pardoned
by Council, July 6th, 1781, if he went without Bo. on B. the Frigate
Trumbull for the war, k serve throughout; sentenced at Philip,
July 17th, 1781 , prays a pardon without the above oondition, dismissed,

Garrigues, Samuel, Jr., surr. k disoh.

Gibbs, Be^amin, do.

Gregson, James, do.

Gregory, David, mariner, Southwark.

Gilmore, James, of Falls Township, Bnoks Co., ha

354 PENNSTLYAMIA. AB0HIYE8 1784.

Gosling, John, Barr'd & disoh'd.
Good, George, labourer, Providence, Chester Co.
Grissel, Edward, oonvicted & pardoned bj Gonneily July 8tti, 1780.
Gill, Joseph, malster, Chester Township.
Gorman, James, sorr'd & disch'd.
Gorman, Enoch, do.

Girtj, Simon, Indian Interpreter, of Westm'd Go.
Girtj, James, labourer, do

Green, Thomas, yeoman, Hatfield, Philada. Co.
Gibson, Edward, jeoman, Emmerson's Valley, Camb'd Go.
Greswold, Joseph, distiller, North'n Liberties.
Gordon, Thomas, yeoman, of Oxford, Philada. Co.
Giyin, Hugh, labourer, Tyrone, Camb'd Co.

Gordon, Henry or Harry, military officer in the British terrioe, Inie of
Kennety Chester Co.

Hicks, Gilbert, of Bucks County, yeoman.

Hook, Christian,' atty., City Philada.

Hanlon, Edward, cooper A vintner, in City Philada.

Hovendon, Richard, Newtown Township, Bucks Co., trader.

Holder, John, tri^d & acq'd.

Holder, Jacob, of^Norih'n Co., labourer.

Holder, George. *" do. do. pardoned by Cooneil, Jum 7| 1779.

Holsinger, Ingelholt, of Lancaster County, husbdm'n.

Humphreys, James, sen'r, surr'd & discharged.

Humphrey, James, jun'r, printer, Philada. City.

Hart, John, surr*d & disch'd.

Hart, Chamless, do.

Howard, Peter, do.

Hathe, Andrew tried & acquitted.

Huntsman, John, do.

Hurst, Timothy, of Chester Co., Gentl'n.

Hales, John, stable keeper, Philada.

Henderson, John, marine, Philada.

Henry, Hugh, Ign's Bill & discharged.

Hill, John, surr'd & disch'd.

Howel, John, labourer, Solebury, Bucks Co.

Hendrickson, Jeremiah, labourer, Solebury, Bucks Co.

Harvey, John, labourer, Upper Wakefield, Bucks Co.

Hill, Henry, of Falls Township, Bucks County, husbdm.

Hains, Caleb, weaver, Goshen, Chester Co.

Hart, Samuel, labourer. East Bradford, Chester Co.

Hartnet, James, tried & acquitted.

Henry, William, Taylor, Providence, Chester Co.

Hardy, Peter, husbdm., of Mount Bethel, North'd Co.

Hughes, Uriah, surr'd k disch'd.

Hutchinson, Isaac, New Britain, Bucks County, yeoman.

Hutchinson, Thomas, do. do.

Hutchinson, Marmaduke, do. do.

Hare, Jacob, yeoman, Barree, Bedford Co.

Hare, Michael, do. do.

Hill, Patrick, yeoman, of Wyoming Township, North'd Co.

Hutchinson, John, yeoman, Kingsessing, Philada. Co.

Harvey, Samuel, yeoman, Upper Wakefield, Bucks Co.

Housecker, Nicholas, yeoman, Lebanon, Lancaster Co.

Haghes, ThomM, yeoman, Augnsta, North'd County.

PSVMBTLYANIA ABOHIYES 1784. 2fi6

I andJ.

il«y Robert, Jun'r, of Horaham Township, PhilAcU. Co., Uboror.

ito^^Thomu, do. do. do.

H^ JmoIi, of Ckiheii, Chester Co., Innkeeper.

m, AbeU eorr'd ft disoh'd.

ito. Abrahftm, sarrejor, Philada. Co., (Horsham.)

m, Alexander, of East Pennsborough, Cumb'd Co., Carter.

is, James, trader, Citv of Philada.

laton, Jolm, Coaehmaker, Philada.

B« Donning, Trader, Philada.

viM, Samuel, sorr'd & discharged.

lUiiy Henry, Trader, Philada.

Bi, Benjamin, Cooper, Concord, Chester.

John, hosbdm., of Mount Bethel, North'd County.

n, Francis, Carter, East Pennsborough, Cumb*d Co.

m, David, Tarem keeper & Constable, Philada. , surrend'd.

■, Edward, Hilton, Ducks Co., yeoman.

■, Jonathan, do. do.

Ug Jease, Bensalem, Bucks Co., labourer.

i^ Daniel, yeoman, Moreland Township, Philada. Co.

i^ Helton, Hatter, of Germontown Township, Philada. Co.

i^ Hugh, of Cushiokton Settlement, North 'd Co., yeoman.

i^ Daniel, yeoman, of Moreland, in Philada. County.

■on, John, East Blarlbourough, Chester County, yeoman.

It B^ynold, pardoned by act of Assembly.

kar, Lodowick, surr*d & disch'd.

kti» Joshua, of Abingdon Township, Philada. Co., Blaoksmith.

hi, John, Tanner.

hU Isaac, surr*d & disch'd.

Bfy Samuel, of North*n Co., husbdn.

ar, John, do. do.

hty Nicholas, lime burner, Plymouth, Philada. Co.

Mtt, Levy, labourer, Solebury, Bucks Co.

«47ff William, labourer, of Springfiold, Chester Co.

lok, Robert, of Ilaverford, Chester Co.

ff Lawrence, Cooper, East Pennsborough, Cumb'd CO.

«rd, Joseph, labourer, Plumsteod, Bucks Co.

, Joseph, yeoman, Path Valley, Cumb'd Co.

ilman, Frederick, surrend'd & disch'd.

vpar, Ctoorge, Baker, of Philada. City.

uej, John, Qentrn, son of Dr. Kearsley, of North'n Libertiea.

laidf Joseph, labourer, Plumstead, Bucks County.

isly, Thomas, surr'd & disch'd.
, WilUam, late of The Township of Tork, Tork Co.
Henry, surr'd & disch'd.
John, do.

Robert, do.

B, Curtis, Blacksmith, Ei»st Cain., Chester Co.
iff Robert, shoemaker, Philada.

988 FBNNSTLYANIA AB0HI7BS I7M.

w Lindon, Hugh, Bohoolmaster, Bnokingham, Bucks Co.
Lindy, Uriah, labourer, Solebury, Bucks Co.
LcoBg^ Abraham, husbdn., of Mount Beth^ Northampton Co.
Lawson, James, husbdn*, of Lower Smithfield, North'n COb
Loughborough, John, Uaoksmith, of Moreland Manor, PhiUkkL Ga.
Little, James, yeoman, of Emmerson's Valley, Cumb'd Co.,
Land, Robert, late Justioe of thePeaoe^ CushicktonSettlem'^ Nttrth'aCo^
Land, John of same place.
Lightfoot, Thomas, 8nrr*d & disch'd.
Lindsay, Samuel, yeoman, of Guilford Township^^^Ciiiiib'dCau

Miler, Peter, tried ft acquitted.

Marchinton, Philip, Trader, City Pa.

Moland, William, surr*d«

McHugh, Matthew, surr*d ft dischM.

McCullough, Kenneth, late of Philada., yeoman.

Meng, M^chior, surr*d ft disoh'd.

Meng, Jacob, tried ft acquitted.

McMurtrie, William, surr*d ft disoh'd.

Morris, William, mariner, late Constable City Philad*i .

Mayer, Jacob, surr'd ft cBsch'd.

Moran, Charles, Shipwright, Southwl^

Michenor, Isaac, labourer, Plnmsted, Bucks Co.

MoMullan, James, laborer, Solebury, Bucks Co.

Martin, Thomas, Cooper, Falls Township, Bucks Co.

Moulder, John, Waterman, Chichester, Chester Co.

Malin, Joseph, tried ft acq*d.

Malin, Elisha, Joiner, East Whitehead, Chester Co., pardoned.

Millsott, John, (say William,) taylor. Concord, Chester.

Madock, William, Tayem keeper, Proridence, Chester Co.

Malin, James, surr'd & disch'd.

Miller, Beigamin, do.

MusgroTe, John, Trader, Darby, Chester* Co. '

McClarin, James, labourer, Sprhigfield, Chester Co.

Maris, David, Taylor, Newton, Chester Co.

Morgan, Moses, hnsbdn., of Mount Bethel, North*n Co.

Mars, Lawrence, do. do. do.

McMichael, Edwd., husbdn, of Lower Smithfd, North'n Co.

McCart, John, distiller ft labourer, East Pennsborough, Cumb'd Co

McKee, Alexander, Indian Trader of Westm'd Co.

Marshall, William, surr'd & dfsch'd.

Morris, Enoch, wheelwright, Hilltown, Bucks Co.

Magee, Henry, surr'd ft disch'd by name of H. Maag.

McNeal, Dominick, yeoman, Tuscarora, Cumb'd Co.

Mackinett, John, Merch*t, North'n Liberties.

Maokiness, Thomas, Trader, Northern Liberties.

Meredith, John, labourer, of New Brittain, Bucks Co.

McDonald, Alexander, yeoman. Bye Township, Cumb'd Co.

McKenzie, Kenneth, do. do, do.

McPherson, William, blacksmith, Tyrone, Cumb'd Co.

N.
Nixon, Boberty yeoman, of Lock Township, Cumb'd Co.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 178 i. 257

Oiwftlt* Henry, house eerpe&ter, NoHbampton Go.
{ySiain^ Hugh, Ubourer, Springfield, Chester Co.
O^K^n, Dftrt^,' do. do. do.

Of«AoU» Jolm, of TixdoQin Township, Books Co.

Potti, John, of Philada. County, yeoman.

Pa^ James, of North'n Co., hnsbdm.

Pa|^, Hugh, of do. do.

Priee, William, of Philada., meroh't.

Pianobk, John, of Philada., yeoman.

Potts, DaTid, sorr'd & dischU

Pastorins, Abraham, of Oermantown Township, Tanner.

Paricer, John, labourer, Plymouth, Philada. County.

Frle, Caleb, surr*d & disehU

rike, John, do.

Palmer, John, do.

Priee, Peter, lab*r, Middleton, Bucks Co.

Poor, John, tried & aoquitted.

Park, Ab^ah, Baet Bradford, Chester Co.

PkDOtor, Joshua, labourer, Newton, Chester Co.

Palmer, Riohard, surr'd & disch'd.

Periie, Peter, yeoman, Durham, Buoks Co.

Patterson, John, surr'd & disoh'd.*

Files, William, mariner, of Philada. City.

Proetor, Joshua^ yeoman. New Garden, Chester Co.

Pazton, Joseph, of Middleton, Buoks Co., yeoman.

Banldn, James, of Tork County, yeoman.
Boberts, John, of Lower Merlon, Philada. Co., ndller.
Rankin, John, of Tork Co., husbandman.
Roberts, Owen, of North'n Co., Saw mill man.
Relne, George, of Earl Township, Lano'r Co., miller.
Reine, John, of Lano'r Co., husbdn.
Roes, Maloolm, of Philada.
RiAer, Thomas, of do.
Riddle, James, surr*d & disoh'd.
Robeson, Peter, do.

Robeson, Jonathan, Jr., son of Jona. Robeson, of Whitemarsh, Phila. Co.
Roberts, John, Smith, of Upper Dublin, Philada. Co.
RIehardson, Jacob, surr'd & disch'd.
Romigh, Joseph, of North'n Countv, yeoman.
Rodgers, John, labourer, Plumsted, Bucks Co.
Rickey, Alexander, labourer, of JLower Wakefield, Buoks Co.
Register, Daniel, surr'd & disch'd.

Rymel, John, husbdn., of Mount Bethel Township, North'n Co.
Ross, William, cordwainer, in Walnut street, Philada.
' Rnssel, Matthew, yeoman, of Wyom'g Township, North'd Co.
Rhodden, William, mariner, Bouthwark.
Roberts, Nathan, yeoman, Bristol Township, Philada. County.
Robeson, John, cordwainer, Whitpalne Township, Philada. Co.
Rundle, Daniel, surr'd & disch'd.

368 PBNNSTLYANIA ABOHIVBS ITSt.

Beld, John, military officer in British serriee, late of Tinicum, Bucks Go.
B<^ Alexander, yeoman, of The Township of Pitt, WestmM Go.
Bankin, William, yeoman, Ute a Golo. of militiai Nowbttrxy, York Chk •

Shoemaker, Samnel, late Alderman of The Gty of Fhilada.

Story, Enoch, merch't, Gity Philada.

Stephenson, James, Baker, in Philada.

Smith, John, late guager port of Philada."

Skyles, Henry, of Ghester Gounty, husbdn.

Swanwick, John, late of the Gustom House, Phil*., & late of Ghester Co.

Sutton, Joseph, of North'n Go., husbandman.

Sanderson, Frauds, surr'd & <tisch'd.

Sproat, David, of Philada.

Story, Thomas, surr*d & disch'd.

Stephens, James, tried & acquitted.

Stedman, Gharles, junior, Esqr., att'y, Philada.

Shepherd, John, stable keeper, Philada.

Sutter, Peter, surr'd & disch'd.

Saur, Christopher, junr., of German Town TTownahip, printer.

Sanr, Christopher, senior, do. do.

Shoemaker, Joseph, surr'd & disch'd.

Snpplee. Enoch, farmer, Norrington, Philada. Co.

Styger, Stephen, surr'd & disch'd.

Stilea, Edward, do.

Swanwick, Bichard, of Chester Co., late of the Custom Howse, Philada.

Skyles, Henry, of Lancaster Co., yeoman.

Smyther, James, Engrayer, Gity Phila.

Stansbury, Joseph, surr'd & disch'd.

Spangler, George. Trader, Philada.

Saur, Peter, Printer, Germantown Township, Philad*. Co.

Styer, Stephen, surr'd & disch'd.

Skelton, William, labourer, Solebury, Bucks Co.

Stackhouse, John, husbdn., of Falls Township, Bucks Co.

Stackhouse, John, husbandman, BristoL

Swift, Joseph, Gent, late Lt in the king's army, pf Bensalem, Bucks Co.

Stroud, William, surr'd & disch'd.

Supplee, John, Ign's Bill & disch'd.

Smith, William, surr'd & disch'd.

Spering, John, shoemaker, Eastman, North'n Co.

Stackhouse, John, husbandman, of Mount Bethel, North'n Co.

Stackhouse, Bobert, do. do. do.

Snyder, Peter, do. do. do.

Smith, Alexander, Blacksmith, Philada.

Smith, William Drewitt, druggist, Philada.

Stedman, Alexander, Esq., Gentl'n, of Philada.

Silkod, Thomas, yeoman, Hatfield, Philada. Co,

Shaw, Jonathan, late Ensign Gont'l Army, of Bucks Co.

Smith, Andrew, surr'd & disch'd.

Still well, John, yeoman, Tusoarora, Cumb'd Go.

Starks, Henry, yeoman, Wyoming Township, North'd Co.

Steininger, Henry, (twice proclaimed,) yeoman, Lynn To wn'p, North'd Co.

Sinclair, George, tanner, of West Gain., Ghester Go.

Simpson, William, Blacksmith, Tyrone, Cumb'd Co.

FHNNBTLYANIA ABOHIYES 1784.

M^ Arttmr, Breeohes maker, City Philad*.

u^ JoMph, late sab Sheriff, Chester Coonty.

u^ WOUam, of North'd Co., husbandman.

■■» Joahna, of do. do.

y Baajlamiiiy rarr'd & disch'd.

, BM^amiiky do.

r, iniliam, do.

la, Arthur, Joo'r, hatter, Philada. City.

r, William, shipwright, North'n Liberties.

John, mariner, Southwark.

paoB, DaTid, do.

\ J<^ Chichester, Chester Co., Tayem keeper.

t| John, wheelwright, Chichester, Chester Co.

, Jaoob, Blacksmith, Goshen, Chester Co.

paon, Joshna, Taylor, do. do.

r. John, Grasier, Ridley, Chester County.

Oortland, miller, Soleboiy, Backs Co.

r. Itaae, yeoman, Whitpaine Township, Philada. Co.

i, James, trader, of Philada. City.

11^ Sran, labonrer, Uilltown, Backs Co.

r, John, mmh% City of Philada.

B, Kaihaniel, late Sheriff Chester Connty.

By Nathaniel, Jnn'r, laborer, Chester Coanty.

r^ ftederick, of Philada., yeoman.

By Gideon, husbdn., Proridenee, Chester Co.

Pi BHas, snrr'd & disch*d.

IB, John, hasbdn., of Mount Bethel, North'n Co.

, Christian, apothecary, of Lancaster Borough.

I, AlUnson 'or Albertson, of Byberry, Philada. Co., (quere^ BoDs
lO oardoned by Act of Assembly in case he surrendered.
, Waiter, late of Southampton Township, Bucks Co.
I, John, of Huntingdon Township, York Co.
us, Miohael, of Lancaster Co., innkeeper, pardoned,
oa. Carpenter, snrr'd & disch'd.
OBt ItMO, do.

Bg, Henry, tried & oouTicted, shoemaker, Philada.
DBi^ William, surr'd & disch'd.
BU, Bphraim, labourer, Solebury, Bucks Co.
I, Christopher, husbdn., Ridley, Chester Co., tried & conTicted.
1, Isaiah, miller, Springfield, Chester Co.
Moaea, husbdn., of Mount Bethel, North'n Co.
B, William, miller, of Tork County.
, Biohard, gunsmith of York County.

D, John, of Bucks County, couTioted but pardoned by Council,
f 8lh, 1780.

.Robert, merch't & mariner, Philada.
lU, James, Brewer, Philada.
it| William, dyer of Path Valley, Cumb'd Co.
B, Kiohard, yeoman, of Franks Town, Bedford Co.

260 PnnrSTLYANIA ABOHIYES 1784.

Weitner, George, yeoman, Wyoming, North'd Co.

Wertman, Philip, George, (this name twice proclaimed,) yeoman^ Lyna

Township, North'n Go.
Williams, Daniel, of Horsham TownsMp, PhHada.
Walker, Isaac, yeoman, of Laekawaek Settlement, North'n Co.
Warder, John of Philada. City, meroh't, son of Jeremiah, Dee'd.
Wain, James, yeoman, Northern Liberties.
Worihington, Joseph, labourer, (son of BichM Worthington,) BaokiD^huiy

Bnoks Connty.
West, William, janior, snrr'd & disch'd.
Wright, John, Hatfd, Philada. Co.
Wzi^t^ Jonathan, of Hatfield, Philada. Co., yeoman.

Tonng, John, late of Grsome Parke, Gentleman.

TeldiSl, Anthony, surr'd & iiisch'd.

Tonng, Da?id, hnsbdn., of Monnt Bethel, North'n Co.

Tork, Thomas, sailmaker of Philada. Cit^.

Teldall, Anthony, Philada., dmggist, did not (mrrender on 2d prooFn.

I John Morris, Esquire, Master of the Rolls for the Sl«te of
PeDnsylTaniai Do Certify that the within List of Names is a tnte
Extnot from the several Proclamations issaed by the Honomble
the Supreme Exeontive Goancil of the said State, Snmmonine
them lespeotively to appear and answer to certain Charges of High
Treason.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereto set my Hand ft the Seil
of my said Office at Philadelphia, the 28th Day of NoYember.
A. D. 1788.

[8BAL.] JOHN MORRIS; VL R.

Jndonedf

23d Feb., 178 i. Alphabetical list of all the persons attunted of
High Treason, with a state of such as have been acquitted by the
Supreme Court.

There were 10 proclamations of last Council, in 1781| for Wm.
Rankin.

There was a John Taylor of Chester County, one of the within,
(quere, which,) pardoned by Council, Mav 30th, 1782, provided he
would take the Oath or affirmation of allegiance to tiie State, and
give security, as specified, for his behaviour during the war.**"

Council to Arthur St. Clair, &o., 1784.

Circular.

Philadelphia, April 29% 1784.
Sir,

Council, upon Considering the exhausted state of the Treasuiy,

and that the public exigencies were such as to call for an immediate

supply they have accordingly directed me to call upon you in the most

pressing manner to expedite the payment of the money now in your

* See letter of GoTeraor of South Carolina, asking for such a Utt, p. 79.

PSHNBILYANIA ABCHITES 1784. S61

landBy and to use yoar utmost endeavours in the Golleotion of such
It mi^ be outstanding — Gounoil depend muoh on your exertions in
Uiia business. ^

I am, sir, &g.
JaifefsecZ.

1784, April 29th. To Arthur S' Clair, James Mease & Alex'
Bojd— « Sharp Selany.

MSSBBS. HiLLBGAS AKB FrANCIS TO CoUNCn., 1784.

To his Bxoellenoy the President and the Honorable the Exeeutiye

Council of Uie State of Pennsylvania.

In Pursuanoe of your appointment, We have obtained from the
Borveyor Oeneral a draft of the Ground in which the Barracks in
the Northern Liberties are erected, and attended a Surveyor to run
the lines and examine the buildinss ; But as yet we have not pro*
aeadod so far as to form the several sub-divisions of that Ground, so
that it might be disposed of to the greatest advantage.

That it is at present the opinion of divers Inhabitants, as well as
our own, That it would be most beneficial before the Ground is sub-
divided. That all the buildings, except the large House in the middle
of the west front, be disposed of in parcels of one or more Houses,
obliging the purchasers to pull them down within a limited time, &
remove the materials — for the following Reasons : —

lai — ^Xhe Vacant Lots will probably sell much higher than they
woold were these small buildings to remain, and consequently be
inhabited by persons most of whom would not make the best of
Neighbours.

2<iy — The Roofs being put on about 26 years ago, and the Shin-
gles, in a few years more, consequently will be rotten, if they are
not so in some degree already, bein^ on a very low pitch.

8ii7 — ^The Bricks, at the present high price, will probably sell for
as much as new may hereafter be bought for, with the expence of
laying.

41UJ — ^Tiii^t when those buildings are disposed of and torn down,
the Ground may be sub-divided to much sroater advantage, a sthe
lines will be unshackled, and no regard need be paid to the present
partitions of the Bouses, all of which are lathed and plaistered,
except where the Chimneys are, and in a ruinous Condition, as well
as the Floors, Window Cases, &c., &c.

The Consideration of all which we submit to your Excellency and
the Honorable the Executive Council. And waiting for your further
OrderSj

We are, with the greatest esteem.

Tour most Obedient Servants,

W HILLEGAS,
TENCH FRANCIS.

Phikdelphia, AprU 29, 1784.

262 PENNSYLVANIA AK0HIYE8 1784.

Seo'y Armstrong to Ephraim Douolabs, 1784.

Philad-,*April30, 1784.
Sir.

I am directed by Counoil to inform you that they baye reeeiTed
your Letter of the 10*^ Instant with the Inclorare, ft observe with
surpriie that the Names of Arnold Porter as Inspector, & Lewis
Deem ft Charles Porter as Assistant Judges, are all of the tame
Handwriting. The Return also mentions the Vacancy being occa-
sioned by dividing the Township of Manallin into three Townships;
but it does not appear when or by what Authority the said Town-
ship was ^vided. Council therefore desirei that you would, aanon
as possible, transmit to this Office a List of the several Townships
or Districts for choosing a Justice of the Peace.

Council have also received a Return for Wharton Township, in
Fayette County, mentioning a Vaoancv, ft signed with the Names of
Thomas Ramsay, William McClellan ft Moses Hall, all of which are
of the same Handwriting also. Both these Retnroe are rejected. I
send up by General Nevill six Copies of a late Law for Justices of
the Peace.

I am, sir, with much respect,
Your most obedient

and very humble servant,

JOHN ARMSTRONG, jr., Secn^.
Directedj — ^To Ephraim Douglass, Esq., Proth'y of Fayette.

PoRSET Pentecost to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Washington County, May 2-'| 1784.
Sir,

This will be handed to your Excellency by Cap^ Hughes ft M'
Morrison, Officers in late Ranging Washiuffton Com'y. Your Ex-
cellency will please to remember that Cap^ Hughes was before vonr
Board to settle the Recruiting ace*, bat, unfortunately, he had lost
(or at least some of his Subalterns) some of their attestations, which
they have not yet found, but hold Certificates from the Gentlemen
who mustered the men, which I hope your Excolloncj will consider
as sufficient.

There was an Order from your board directing niat Cap* Stokely,
of the Westmoreland Rangers, should settle the accounts 'of both
Comp^; in Consequence of which, M' Morrison, then the com-
manding Officer of the Washington Rangers, sent his accounts
with me when last at Philadelphia, to deliver to the Captein, who
was Expected down in Obedience to y* Order ; -but he never ap-

PBNNSTLYANIA ABOmVES 1784. 268

peared through the three months that I was in the City, and Conse-
quently hftd to bring the accounts back unsettled. M' Morrison
now Expects to settle them himself, and I hope your Excellency
will please to give Directions accordingly — ^permit me here to TeU
yea, that M' Morrison is a Very Vigilant oflEicer, and under the
OlMuraoler of an honest and upright man.

Tour Excellency will also please to remember, that I informed
tlie Board that your Orders for discharging Uie Company of this
Oonniy did not arrive to M' Morrison, until one month after the
date or time the Compy. should have been discharged ; but that on
neeiTing the Orders they were immediately discharged ; that during
this TimCi the Company did duty, and provisions were Issued as
mmwl, — your Excellency and Council, on this representation, agreed
to paj to the Gomp'y and Contractor for the superfluous Time of
Senrice. I only mention this Circumstance to refresh your Excel-
leney'a memory, and by refering [to] your minutes I presume it will
be found ; it is matter of fiiot which I hope your Exoellency will
nooUeok

I have the hon' to be,

with perfect Esteem & respect,

T' Exoellenc/s most Obed^i
Very humb* Serv',

DOBSET PENTECOST.
Directedj

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq', Philadelphia.
Hon' by Lieu* Morrison.

Pbes. of Conqrbbs to Pbes. D10KIN8OK, 1784.

Sir,

I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency an Act of Con-
gress of the 27 of April,'*' being a Requisition for the purpose of dis-
eharging the Arrears of Interest due on the National Debt, &c. Also,
aiB Act of Congress of the 29^ of April, recommending to the States
olaiming Western Territory immediate and liberal Cessions thereof.
I have the Honor to be,

with the greatest Respect & Esteem^
Your Excellency's most

Obedient and humble Sert|

THOMAS MIFFLIN.

Annapolis, May 6<^ 1784.

His Excellency President Dickinson.

* See page 242-250.

204 PBNNSYLVANU ABOHIYBS 1784.

Jambs Jaoes to F&bs. Dioeinbok, 1784.

I hftTe ofasenred that the new CommiMioiM for the Hagbtntsii
that Council have sent me in order to be reoorded| differ very mveh
from the old ones since the BeYolationy the former speeifiod a obm-
miasion of the peaoe^ Common pleas, and Orphans oonrt, bat tha
latter seems confined^ some to the peace, and others to the oommoii
pleas.

There are some Gentlemen here, that are of opinion, that notwtth-
standing the old Commisnon of the peace, is EafHred agreeable to
the ConsUtntion, that they remain still a Justice of the Common
^easy nntill saoh times as Council superseeds them, and thai by
virtue of their old Commission altho' the seven yeara is past, have
a right to take acknowledgements of Deeds and sit as Jndges in the
Ooart of Common pleas — it seems to me that Council an of a di&rent
opinion by their sending several new commissions of the Oommoa
pleas to those who were Justices before these seven years past, I
would therefore request yon would lay the matter before Council, so
that they would be pleased to send me their opinion concerning the
premises in order that I may act agreeable to their direction.
I am sir, with the greatest respect|
yonr Exoellencys most

obedient humble servant.

JAMES JACKS.

Lancaster, May 7% 1784.
Directedj

His Excellency, John Dickinson, &sq., President of the State of
Peunsyl*, Philadelphia.
Indorsedy

Letter from James Jacks, Recorder of Lancaster county.

Christopher Hats to Prbs. Dickinson, 1784. •

Westmoreland County^ 12^^ May, 1784.
Sir,

After my respectful compliments to your Excellency and Family,
I would beg leave to observe something with regard to our Western
Country. I am informed by good authority that Indians have killed
two men about two weeks ago at or near Cross creek on the western
extremity of this State. And at Kentuoke they have killed, this
last Spring and Winter about eighteen Persons.

People seem to be uneasy that nothing appears to be doing with
respect to a Treaty with the Savages !

FKNNSTLYANIA ABOHIVXS 1784. 265

The late appoiDtment of Lieutenant of the CouDtj of Fayette
aeema to give the well affeoted to this Gfovemmeni some umbrage I
aDd I think veir justly I If those we have been eoDtendiog with so
loogy and after having had so mnch troablo to support the Kights of
PennsylTania against a People yet enemies in their Hearts to the
GoremmeDt are to haye their Lands Patented at ten MUinge sterling
^ Hundred aeres and those who have been good sabjeets and have
•ofired for their attaohment to the Gbyernment to pay at the rate
of ten Pounds and they to rule over us into the Bargain, is extra-
ordinary indeed 1 Suppose no Person had eonteaded for the rights
of Pennsylvania in this quarter, and universal consent had been
nined by Virginia, is it probable that you would have effected ample
^uatiee to the State so readily ? Seeing the manner faithful subjeots
of Pennsylvania are treated ; would your Ezoelleney wonder if they
woold be ready to join any party or new State faction that might
offer f I am persuadod your Excellency must have had matters
Miaroptesonted; It cannot be your Excellency's wish to give the
least ofFenoe to the good citizens of this Commonwealth. If men of
Character and Ciroumstanees; men who have borne the burthen
thro' the War are to be displaced from office and no reasons given,
no Complaint, no hearing to Justify themselves, If there are, few
indeed, I may say few that have any Reputation to lose will Care
to aooept of any office under the Oovemment.

My kind Compliments to Qeneral Ewing, General Irvine & Col*

Am Sir with the highest respect.
Your Excellenoys most obedient
Humble servant,

CHRISTOPHER HAYS.
Direetedj

His Excellency John Dickinsoni Esquire, President of the State
Pennsylvania.
Hon* by Col* Edw* Cook.

■ •

COMMISSIONBRS FOB TREATING WITH INDIANS TO PrES.

• Dickinson, 1784.

Sir,

We boff leave to acknowledge the receipt of an official letter from
your Excellency of the 29*^ of February last* informing us that the
Supreme Executive Council '< in pursuance of a Resolution of the
^deneral Assembly of the twenty-fifth of last September had
''appointed us) in conjunction with William Macla^, B^%) ^^•'
'' missioners to hold a Treaty with the Indians claiming the unpur-
'' chased Territory within the acknowledged limits of this State for
<< the purpose of purchasing the same."

• CoL Reo., XIV., p. 40.

266 FBNNSTLYANIA ABOHIVES 1784.

Highly sensible of the honour conferred and the Trost reposed in
ns we should have embraced an earlier opportunity of returning our
thanks to your Excellency and Council and of communicating with
you upon the important business of our appointment, but drcum-
stances occurred soon after the receipt of your letter which made it
absolutely necessary fStnr M' Maclay to yisit his Vtoily with whom
he still remains, similar circumstances presented themseWes to Col*
Atlee since which until yery lately we could not with propriety
address you on this subject

Conformably to the Desire of Council as expressed in your Bxcel-
lencys Letter, of our obtaining the fullest Information as soon as
possible, of all the circumstances that will be connected with the
execution of this trust, we beg leave first to observe, That the Indians
to be treated with are the Six Nations, vis., the Mohawks, Oneidas,
Tuscaroras, Onondagas, Cayusas, and Senecas, the Shawanees Indians
and Delawares. With regard to the notices to be communicated to
them and the persons by whom such notices shall be sent, we con-
ceifc there would be a great propriety, in these particuk&rs, of acting
in conjunction with the Continental commissioners.

We beg leave to suggest that Samuel Weiser Twhose Father was
much esteemed by the Six Nations and formerly their Interpreter at
almost every Treaty for a series of years) is considered by us as a
suitable person not only to serve the notices but to act as an Inter-
preter, being fully acquainted with their Language k Customs from
a long residence in their Country and also possessed of their confidenee
in so high a Degree as even to be adopted among them.

In regard to the most suitable time & place of holding a Treaty
you will permit us to observe we entertain an opinion that the power
of fixing these will be exercized more properly by Congress through
their Commissioners, but being informed that the continental com-
missioners have not formed a JBoard at New York through the non-
attendance of several of the members and that General Butler is now
on hb way to Congress to make report of the arrangements necessary
to be made previous to a treaty, we cannot therefore until his Return
or untill*we shall hear from him eive an answer on this Head with
any possible precision, unless it shall be the opinion of your Excel-
lency and Council that we are authorised to negooiate a Bargain with
the Indians for the unpurchased Lands within the State independent
of the United States, in which case with Submission we conceive
!noga or Wyaloosing on the East Branch of Sasquehanna to be the
most proper place to meet the Six Nations, at the same time we beg
. leave to remark that the Disposition of the Delawares at the Treaty
of 1775 at Fort Pitt (and we are informed the same spirit still
exists,) deariy evinces the necessity of having them present at any
Bargain we shall make with the Six Nations, the Delawares at that
Treaty having declared themselves independent of them, so that
perhaps it may deem'd expedient to have another Council Fire

PJUVNSTLYANIA ABGHiyBS 1784. 267

kindled to the westward to aooommodate the Delawares, Shawancse
and such of the Weetera Tribes as may be in any wise interested.
The prarisiona neoenary to be laid in for the Indians during the
Treaty we ooneeife should be at the ezpence of the Continent pro^
Tided we do not treat aeparatelv, and in req)eot to the form of the
Treaty moat proper to be adopted, we apprehend it eligible to pursue
fbrmer preoedents as near aa possible maiw of whieh we are lOready
poasened o^ presents we presume are hignly neoessary a List of the
ariiolea together with an estimate of their prioes we shall have the
honour to lay before yon hereafter.

. We will just add that sundry eontingent ezpenoes will arise in
tnnaaotingUiis Business, suoh as hiring Expresses, sending Messon-

rinto the Indian Countries, proouring Strings & Belts of Wampum
We therefore submit to the Consideration of Cooneil Uie bum
wUeh dudl be deemed abeolutely neoessary for these purposes.

After submitting another opinion whether a joint Commission
ahould not be made out for us under the Seal sign^ by the president
in Gounoil we b^ leave to subsoribe ourselves,

Your Excellency's most obedient

and very humble servants.

SAM. J- ATLEB,
FRANCIS JOHNSTON.
May 17% 1784.

Thomas Babclat to P&b. Dickinson, 1784.

Paris, 17 May, 1784.

Sir.

1 do myself the Honor to inclose to Your Exoellenoy the Arret
of Hia Majest/s Council of State for Confirming the Privileges,
which the Ports of Dunkirk & Marseilles have for some Time en-
joyed, and for EsUblishing L' Orient & Bayonne as free Ports. I
beg leave to refer to the Arret, and remain with great Respect.
Sir,

Your Ezoellency's

most obedient k

most humble Serv*,
THOS. BARCLAY.
JiMfors^,

1784, August 10th. From Thomas Bardayi American Consul
nt Paris.
Directed

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq^ Philadelphia.

PXNNSTLYANIA ABGHIVEB 17M.

CouiroiL TO PaoTHOiroTAxiBS, 1784.

Semetary'a Offioe, Pbiladelirfik, Maj 27th, 1764.
Sir,

By ArMtion of Coanril I inelote yon some Stinted tbitaa of
BetWBs of Eleetions fi>r Jnslioes of the Peaoe, whuh yon will Bend
to the aereral districts in yonr Gonntj.

GoBDeil desire that no preeept for holding a new Eleefion in any

distriet be issned nntil after a Taoaney shall liUppen by tiie expira-

, tion of seyen years from the date of the Commission, ot otherwise as

Hw law directs. Ton will therefore be pleased to fpn tiie neees-

sarr infwmation on this head to the aereral districts.

Ooanal also wish Ton to be partienhriy attentive in the Sistribn-
tion of the Laws and Minutes of the Gkn. Assembly, as there are
many eomphunls from diffiarent parts of the state of ne^eet in Uiifl
bnaiiMSS.

No.

9.
10.
11.
12.
IS.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

Salu ov Babbaoks, 1784.*

GhrisUeib Bartling, • '-

. ;e25 16

John Keen,

85 10

Matthew Glarkson,

Do. "

Michael QroTCS,

John Keen,

51 10

John Etridge, -

John Williams,-

33 10

Nicholas BibeU,

Dr. John Morgan,

80 10

William Williams, ■

86 10

John Keen,

Dr. John Morgan,

29 10

Do. «

Alex. Qnarrier, -

Do. « -

Do. « . .

Do. " -

Do. « -

6tf

Peter Oaeas, •

Richard Marfwet,

Christian Goj^er,

82 10

Qeorge Forepangh, •

88 10

Do. « . .

83 10

Do. " - >

* There is a plan of these lots in the Secretary's office.

PBNNSTLYANIA ABGHIYBS 1784.

269

26. William Shaw, -

27. Dr. John Morgan,

28. Nich. Broom, -

29. Philip Pancake,
80. Do. " -

Nich. Bibell, 2 Neoessary's;

35 10
33 10
85

36 10

£1079 16
8 4

£1082 19*

David Rittenhousb to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

May 29th, 1784.
Sir,

Dr. Ewing and Captain Hatchins Kave both applied to me to have
some money advanced in part of their pay as Commissioners for
determining the Boundary between this State and Virginia, prepa*
ntory to their leaving this City. I most request the approbation of
Council for this purpose, unless Council should thins proper to
iMoe a regular warrant for the same, which will be most agreeable.

I am, Sir, your most obed't, Humble Servant,

DAVID RITTENHOUSB, Treas.
P. S. The sum required is £100 each.
DirtcUdy

His Ezeellency, the President in Council.
Bead in Council and two orders granted.

Proposals for ^'Labelling " the Citt and for a

DiRBOTORY, 1784.

To His Ezeellency the President And the Honourable the Ezeoative
Oooaml for the Commonwealth of Pensylvania.

Hay it please your Excellency and Honours,

The inclosed Plan having been shewen to a number of respectable
Gentlemen and Merchants in this City and meeting with their
Approbation ; it is now humbly submitted to your Ezeellency and
Honours: respectfully hoping it will merit your Protection and
Authority to carry it into execution.

* These lots were boanded by Second end Third Street?, in N. L., near
Green St.

12*

870 PBNNSTLYANIA ABOHIYES 1784.

To the Pablio in Generali and the Gitiaens of Philadelphia in
^ particnkTi

When the projector of any Seheme which he wishes, or intends
fiv public benefit or ntilitj, makes it public, it ought to be clear,
distinct ft unembarrassed, and the end proposed im^iatelj obvious ;
the necessity should strike eveiy man at the first View ; the following
proposali^ it is humbly hoped, being possessed of and filled with this
strinng quaUty, must be evident to every good Gitisen, and well
irisher to this flourishing & opulent Gity.

As uncertainty and perplexity are ever held bars in the way of
Gommeroe, and impediments in Business ; and as the present undi-
rected, and confused situation of this great Gity is at this period,
the proposers of the following plan, having maturely weight, and
digested their present scheme, but being unable on their own bottom
to carry it into execution, on that fall, extensive, and elegant plan,
which it demands aud with which it ought to be executed, aud that,
as no tax can bo levied for the same, or any man obliged to pay his
money without his consent, the proposers are under the necessity of
applyinff to the public whose generosity, and protectioni have ever
been liberal on similar occasions.

The proposers therefore wish to open a Subscription for the ref;u-
lar labeling every Street, Lane, Gourt, Alley, and disdnguishmg
every public Edifice, Building, Seminary & Meeting in the Gity, to
be neatly and distinctly painted on boards, to be placed at a conve-
nient, and proper height, in right angles, at each comer of every
Street, Lane, Court, and Alley, and the houses to be regularly num-
bered on the several doors, bogiuing at the extremity of the Gity
from North, to South, and from East, to West, proceeding numeri-
cally through the whole.

The proposers fiirther intend, with the concurrence and assistance
of the Gentlemen, Merchants, Traders & others, to publish an annual
and General Register, and Directory, alphabetically & numerically
digested, of the Residence, Business, or Occupation of every house-
keeper, agreeable to their numbers throughout the whole, which will
be a sure guide, and easy Pocket Gompanion to all strangers, and
not without its imediate use, even to the oldest residents, and which
will intirely do away that uncertainty, and frequent perplexity which
at present so generally subsists, and is so much the complaint of
all foreigners, and in a great measure prevent the trouble of enqui-
rers, and the labour of instruction, in making ignorant persons
understand the long directions, and all strangers would at one View
find out their friends, acquaintance, and adress, by applying to the
Book, under the Title of the PhUadetphia AnnucU and General
Directory.

Should the above Sketch merit the attention bf the Public, the
proposers further intend opening a public office of Register and

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVISS 1784. 271

Intelligeiloe, in one of the most pnblio streets of the City, where on
any persons removing from one place to another, they may imedi-
ately apply> and have their residence register'd^n^?^?, and where one
of the parties will constantly attend to give mtelligence and infor-
mation } and for the transacting all Business in the Register and
Intelligence Office, on the same Plan, as in London, Dablm, &o.*
Indonedf

Jane 1"*, 1784. Proposals for Labelling the City. Read in
Conncnl & rejected.

DsPOSmONS BESPECTINa BSCAPB OF 0. J. DE LONGSGHAHP,

1784.

PennaylTania, ss.

Before the Honorable the Vice President of the State of Pennsvl-
yuiia personally appeared William de Luce, late Captain in the
American service, and being duly sworn deposeth and saith, That
on Thursday last, he attended at the Chambers of the honorable
Oeorae Bryan, Esquire, in order to sivo bail for the appearance of
Mr. JDe Longchamps in case it should be necessary, where ho under-
stood the matter was to be determined at three o'clock the same
day at the State house. That afterwards Mr. De Longchamps went

* It is vnoertain who was the author of the foregoing proposals as they
bear neither name or date, being indorsed as *'of June 1784, haTinf; been
read in Council and r^ected," though they are not noticed on the minutes.
As two Directories were printed the next year. 1786, it is probable one of
the Compilers was the author. These were Francis White and Capt. John
McPherson, both of whom were brokers, &o. They were the first Directo-
ries printed in Philadelphia, and were perhaps in opposition to each other—
the plans differ.

••White's Philadelphia Directoiy " was an 8yo. pamphlet, containing 88
pages of about 45 names, arranged partially in alphabetical order, and con-
tuned also Miscellaneous matter, tii., lists of Public Offices, Ministers,
Lawyers, Physicians, Stages and Packets, &o. Not having the adyantage^of
nambers, the residents are said to live in such a street, between such and
■neh streets.

" Macpherson's Directory for the City and Suburbs, extending to Prime St
Boathward, Maiden St. northward, and 10th St. westward," was a duodecimo
pamphlet, containing 162 pages of about 40 names each. The editor took
the pains to number the houses, even stables, and allowiag for the spaces to
be built np ; his plan was, to follow *' the course of the sun from whence the
numbers commence," i. e. " the cross streets from Market beginning at the
N. W. comer, and ending at the S. W. corner." The names are more per-
fectly arranged alphabetically than White's. There is one eccentricity
about it, however'; when he applied to a person who would not ftimish the
name (as was frequently the case) instead of the name he would set down
opposite the number, the answer given, thus '* what you please," " I shall
not give it," *' I won't tell you," &c. Both compilers expected to issue
anniially. It is probable that Macpherson made the above appUoation to
Coonoil. It is believed no other Directory was published till 1791, (when
the city was perhaps regularly numbered) 1^ C. Biddle.

S72 PBNNSTLYANIA ABOHIYES 1784.

oat with the sheriff, & went to his own house • this deponant joined
Mr. Turner k Mr. MoPherson and went up stairs of Mr. Long-
champs house with Uipm. That he saw the Sheriff in the room &
immediately Mr. Longohamps came in, k the Sheriff asked him how
Mrs. Longohamps did, and if he was ready to go to Gbal with him :
Mr. Longohamps said his wife was very sick, k asked the Sheriff
for Leave to shift his cloathe that he might attend the trial in the
afternoon properly. That the Sheriff gave him leave k desired him
to make as much haste as possible that he might oonduot him to
Gbal Immediately Mr. de Longchamp's went out k Mr. MoPherson &
Mr. Turner soon after followed him. This was about half an hour
after twelve o'clock. That in a little time Mrs. De Longohamps came
down k took up stairs a pitcher of water, and then came down
again k took up stairs a piece of soap. That Mrs. De Longchamp
came down a third time and sat in the room with the Sheriff & this
deponant after some conversation about her health k her not being
able to visit Mr. De Longchamp in Goal, the Sheriff took out his
wateh k desired Mrs. Lon»shamp's to go up k tell her husband that
he could wait no longer— She went up k soon aftewards came down
k said her husband was not up stairs — Immediately the Sheriff
run up stairs k searched the house, k then went down stairs k desired
people who were passing to help him to search the house k to dxs-
oover Mr. de Longohamps. That the Sheriff made enquries every
where in the neighbourhood if any person had seen him (de Long-
ohamps) go off. That the horse which was at the door when this
deponant went in, was not there when the Sheriff oame down after
searching the house. That every part of the house was searched, k
the Sheriff sent off for constables ; and when they camOj the Sheriff
went to get his hcNrse, k this deponent went off also. That this
deponent has never seen de Longohamps from the time he went out
of the room where the sheriff was, as above related. That he knows
nothing further of the manner of his escape. That he has never
heard any person say where he is ooncealed — ^That he does not know
the hand writing of either of the Letters now shown to him, addres-
sed to Mr. Marbois, nor by whom they were sent ; nor has he ever
heard who wrote or sent the said Letters or either of them— And
further this deponant saith not.

WILLIAM DE LUCE.
Sworn this 6 Day of June. 1784. before

JAMES SWING.*

Pennsylvania, ss.

Be it remembered that on the fifth day of June, in the year of
our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four before the
subaoriber one of the JosticeB the peace, in k for the County of

* Set Col. Bee., YoL ZIV.» p. 116^ 117, 120» 186, 186, 184, 689, ftc.

FBNNSTLYANIA ABGHITES 1784. 278

PIiilad% to him assigned &o., personally appeared George Tnmeri
vho being duly sworn k of fall age doth depose & say — ^That about
noon on last Thursday he vas going to the Chamber of Mr. Jnstioe
BrysBy A in Vine street saw Mr. Wm McPherson who called to this
deponant k informed him that the Argument respecting Mr. De
Longohamps was adjourned ; whereupon this deponant turned back
and aoeompaniod Mr. McPherson to the house of Mr. De Long-
ohampa. That Mr. McPherson asked him to go up stairs, which m
did, and there found the Sheriff in a room as he believes alone, that
■OQO afker de Longchamps came in & said that his Wife was sick, &
on the bed. That some oonversation then took place between the
asid da Longchamps and the Sheri£^ the purpose of which this depo-
aanft understood to be, that Mr. de Longchamps wanted to put on
elean deaths — ^That the Sheriff told him he could wait, but desired
him to lose no time. That D^ Longchamps then went out, & thia
deponant soon after went out also with Mr. McPherson — ^That thia
deponant did not discover any thing on the part of the Sheriff that
diaoovered any intention of improperly favoring the prisoner de Long-
ehampa. That this Deponant did not see de Longchamps after he
left the room as aforesaidi nor does he know any thing further of the
manner of his Escape.

G. TURNER.
Sworn before me

ISAAC HOWELL.

The above deponant being further examined saith — That he now
recollected that the Sheriff (Colonel Proctor) did in the CbeV de
Longchamp's House and Presence, and before Major MacphersoUi
.observe that some Report had passed concerniDg a supposed undue
Induleence extended by him, the Sheriff, to Longchamps, and that
ihougn mere Reports, it had rendered it extremely improper for him
to extend any Indulgence at that time — alluding (as this Deponant
believes) to a wish expressed by Mr. Longchamps, or some of his
Friends, that he might be permitted to remain in his own House
'till the hour appointed for hearing Council on his Case, which was
to have been argued the same Day, as this Deponant is informed.

G. TURNER.

Sworn the day and year aforesaid before me,

JAMES EWING.

Pennsylvania! ss.

Be it remembered that on the fifth Day of June, in the year of
Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty-four before me the Sub-
scriber one of the Justices of the peace in & for the county of Phila-
delphia! personally appeared Wm. McPherson, who being of full age
and duly sworn doth depose That on the third day of this month|

274 PRtrNSTLVANIA ABCfHIYES 1784.

this deponant attended at the Chambers of the Honorable G-eorge
BryaUi Esq'r, befmre whom Mr. De Longohamp was brought by
Tirtne of a habeas eorpaS| in Gostody of the Sheriff of the County of
Philadelphiap^That after Mr. de Longehamps left the Chambers of
the Judge, he went in Custody of the said Sheriff to his own house
t this iSeponant followed him. That this Deponant & Mr. Oeorge
Turner went up stahrs, where he fbund the Sheriff, and soon after
Mr. de Longehamps oame into the room, & said that Mrs. de Long-
ehamps was ill-^The sheriff asked him if he was ready to go to
^oal| Longofiamps said he was in no hurry to return there, £ ex-
pressed some surprise at the design of having the matter tried in
public & he said it would be necessary to dean or dress himself—
That thereupon the Sheriff said if he would go and do it he would
wait and desired him to be as expeditious as possible— Whereupon de
Longehamps went out & this deponant & Mr. Turner soon after fol-
lowed him, went down stairs k did not see Longehamps afterwards.
That this deponant remembers there was a horsemidled and saddled
before the house de Longehamps or the next house at the time when
'the deponant went into the house of de Longehamps — ^That this
deponant did not discover anything in the conduct of the Sheriff
that seemed designed to favor the escape of the prisoner— That he
knows nothing mrther of the manner in which de Longehamps
escaped.

W. MACPHERSON.
Sworn before me,

ISAAC HOWELL.

W. Maopherson recollects that the Sheriff did in the Chevalier
De Longohamp's house and presence and before S. Turner observe
that some Beports had passed concerning supposed undue indulgence
which the Sheriff had extended to De Lon|];champ, and the men
report it rendered it extremely improper for him to give any farther

W. MACPHERSON.

Sworn the day & year aforesaid before me,

JABIES EWINO.

Bbturns of Elections, 1784.

Philadelphia 7th June, 1784.
Sir,

I wish it might be in your Power to Obtain Blank Commissions
for About 80 Companys, the Distance being so great; I think
might justify such a measure as well as in Other States, who have
Extensive teritory, I had Repeatedly Apply* for Returns of the
Elections in Fayette County, but could not Obtain them so as to
make Returns with Any Precision.

FBNNSTLYANIA ABOHIVES 1784.

27S

I can make yon a Betnrn of the field officers, Viz :
FnusT Bataijon of Fatette County.
Zedook SpriDgeri Lieut CoL^ James Hammond, Maj'.

2' Batn. said County.
Joaepli Foranoei lieat Col.| Thomas Freeman, Maj'.

2' Batalion or Westmoreland County.
Benj" Davifly Lieut CoL, • Sam> Wilson, Maj'.

The Betum of the Company Election was not come to hand
vnleaa Blank Commissions can be obtained for them, Perhaps there
naj not be an opportunity before the fall, Masters to make them
oat 00 aa to obtain Commissions as those that have Really made
Baturoa of their elections may Complain that it is not their fault.
I vill therefore make you a Return of such as has, and you will
Pleaae to have Done what Council may think Consistant in the
Buittar, and Am Sir,

Tour Most Ob. Hble. ServS

EDW. COOK.
Dirwied,

The Honble Isaac Mason, Esq.

A Betum of Elections in Fayette and part of Westmoreland
Countys.

2* Batalion of Fayette.

1"« Company.
Sam'l Bums, Capt
John Paterson Lt.
Jonathan Johnson, Engn.

2*
William Sparks, Capt.
John Parker, Lt.
Henry Greer, Engn.

8*.
Dan'l Cannon, Capt.
Donia Springer, Lt.
Alex' Carson, Engn.

Fourth Company.

Adam Dunlap, Capt.
John Carson, Lt.
Andrew Byers, Engn.

6
Joseph Rodgers, Capt.
James Powers, Lt.
Tho" Dickinson, Engn.

7
Robert Foreyth, Capt.
Robert Mitchel, Lt.
Thos. Patterson, Ensign.

8
Sam'l Moore, Capt.
Robert McClellcn, Lt
Isaac CouchraUi Engn.

ITS PENNtaTLYAMLl ABOHITBS 1784.

The 2* Bataucoh of Wsstmobblakd.
!■« OompAoy. 4**.

Thomas Morten^ Oapt Joseph BeokeU, Gapt.

Philip Howel, Lt Bichard Johnston, Lt.

Oeorge Shield, Ensn. Lewis Pearoe, Ensn.

2*. '6

John Reed, Oapt James Sterett, Oap«.

W- Morgan, Lt 'Jacob Spears, Lt

W"* Jones^ EnsD. \ John Bntaa Bnaa.

Joseph Pease, Capt
Henry Westby, Lt
William Moore, Ensn.

A few BeinrDS of Elections fWrn the lal BataKon of Fayette, but
no mention made of Rank therefore nnneoessary to mantion them.

1784, May Ist Betums of Militia Officers.

EDWABD COOK.

Com* for Westmoreland, dated 1st May, 1783 — Fayette dated 1st
May, 1784.

COMMISSIONBRS FOB SALB OF BARRACKS, 1784.

Sir,

We beg leave to request of yoor Excellency to communicate to
the Hon^>" The Executive Council, That, We on Saturday last,
agreeable to our advertisement began the Sale of the Barracks Lots,
men we disposed of 92* of them amounting in the Gross to Three
thousand eight hundred and Twenty PouncU, as ^ account which
we have the honor to enclose you.

If your Honors have no objection we mean to publish for the
Sale of the Remaining Ground, ^except the Slips which cannot with
propriety be sold at 'public icUe) m two or three weeks.
We have the honor of subscribing ourselves.
Your Excellency's

most Obedient Servant,

ML. HILLEGAS,
TENCH FBANGIS.
Philad*, June 7, 1784.
Here insert the List of purchasers.
Directed,

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esquire, President of the Hon^**
the Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania.

« Se9 page 268.

PKNNBTLYANIA ABOHIVES 1784. 377

M0N8IBVR BB Mabbois to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Philadelphia, Jane 8th, 1781.
Sir,

In the absence of the Minister of the King I received and opened
jonr Bzoellency's letter dated the 4<^ bstant. It contains as-
snraooea that no collusion took place in the occasion of the Escape
of Mr. LoDgchamps. For that point I don't hesitate to rest on
the assertion of the Supreme Coancil, & I wonld ever readily ao-
knowledge that nobody was privy to his evasion unless proofs were
fimnd to the contraiy: but I am sui^it has not escaped your
obaerration that there was a very ill placed confidence, a most
unwarrantable neslect on the side of the officers of the State,
when they suffered a man guilty of so heinous a crime, so easily
to run away from the hand of justice.

I leedved also, Sir, the proclamation you have been pleased to
knie in the oeoadon. I had no doubt to find it as usual in Satur-
dsys paper, Gaiette, or at least, in the Pennsylvania Packet of this
Dnj. Permit me to ask. Sir, if your intention is that it be pub-
Kflhed as other proclamations, have been in much less important
eaBee: Dispatch m the publication of their proclamation throueh all
the United States might have produced the aprehension of the
offender, ft I cannot but lament that his escape will involve the State
in fkrther Difficulties, which we very sincerely desire to prevent
With perfect respect,

I am Sir,
your Excellency's
Host obedient ft
most humble servant,

DE MARBOIS.

John Betnolds, Gaoleb, to Vice Pbbsidbnt, 1784.

To His Excellency, the Vice president of the Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania.

The Chevalier D* Long Champs who made his Escape from the
Sheriff on the 3* of this instant, is Now in Custody, Delivered to me
by the Sheriff at 2 O'Clook this morning in the Gaol.

JOHN REYNOLDS,
Qaolcr.

June 8th, 1784.
DirectMd,

The Hon^>* James Bwiug, Esquire.

278 PHNNSlTLyANIA ABluuYJfiS 1784.

John Hubley to Prbs. Dickinson. — Court Housb
Burned, 1784.

Lanoasteri June 11th, 1784.
Honored Sir,

It 18 likely before now joa have heard that the Court Honse in
ibis [daoe has been entirely consumed by Fire. I received this dis-
agreeable acoount on my way to Lancaster from your City, and from
any thing that I can collect here, I find that all is guess-work how
this a&ir happened.

The House underwent 8«ne repairs this summer, and the Flus-
terers were at work ; a quantity of Lime, was put up in the inside
for that purpose, to secure it from the weather— some suppose the
lime set it on Fire— others suppose that a Clock-maker, who was
conducting the weights of the Clock in a different channel from that
they formerly run in, used some Fire and was negligent. The
Clock-maker denies he used any Fire in his work — and, many con-
jectured that it was wickedly set Fire to by some unknown villain,
so that the affidr remains as yet in the dark. Happy it is for this
place that the mischief has ended with the loss of Uie Court House
only, as a strong south-west wind was blowing, and carried the Fire
in great quantities over ^reat part of the North-East part of the
Town ; and tho' the Calvmist Meeting House, which stands at a
considerable distance from the Court House, and several other
buildings, took Sire, yet it was happily ezUnguished without much
damage. I thought that this affair might be confusedly Reported
in the City, therefore have given vou such information as I could
collect in the few hours I have arrived here.

I am, sir, with the utmost respect,

Your very hble. servant,

JOHN HUBLEY.
Directed^

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq., President of the state of
Penna., Philadelphia.

Ghev. de la Luzerne to Pres. of Council, 1784.

Philadelphie, le 14 Juin, 1784.
Monsieur,

r&i pass6 plusieuTS anne^ avec trop de satisfaction dans cctte
ville pour ne pas eprouver de vifis regrets au moment de m'en
eloigner. Les int4r@ts des deux nations sont si efroitement unis
que sans cesser d'etre Francois j'&i pu me oonsiderereomme Citoyen
aes treiie Etats et separ6 des miens pendant plus de cinq ana at dans
des tems difficiles j'ai trouv^ daiui oetto villa, ftontes lea compensa-

PINNSTLYANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 279

tions oapables de me d^dommagor des privations aax qaels j'ai dfi
me soamettre. Je prie votre Excellence de permettre qu'en prenant
coog^ d'Elle et da oonseil je I'assure que je conserverax toute ma vie
le souvenir de I'amiti^ dent j'ai re^u des marques tant de sa part
que de oelle des citojens de cette ville. Je les prie de me la con-
aerver et d'etre persuade que les sentimens qui m'attachent h ce pays
01 no finiroDt qu'aveo ma vie.

Je suis aveo respect, Monsiear,

de Yotro Excellence le tr^s humble et

tr^s ob^issant servitenr,
CHBV. DE LA LUZERNE .♦
Son Excellence Mr. le President et rhonble. conseil.

OHRiSTOPnEB Hates to Prbs. Dickinson, 1784.

Westmoreland County, 14th June, 1784.
Dear Sir,

My best Compliments wait on your Excellency and Family. I
tdce this opportunity to inform your Excellency that a considerable
namber of Inhabitants (formerly Virginians, and in opposition to
the Laws and Government of this state,) have now turned out
open Robbers, and so notorious that scarce two days pass that some
oatrage is not committed in one part or other of this Country, tho'
Fayette and Washington Counties seem, at present, to be the prin-
ripal aeat of Depredation. Last Wednesday the Collector was robbed
near Besins-Town, in Fayette County, of about twenty-two pounds,
in Gash, his Warrant and Duplicate taken from him and his person
fffossly abased. Sundry other robberies have been oommited lately
in Washington and Fayette Counties, mostly on the Property of the'
most noted defenders of the Country during the late conflct

Although the Indians have been very troublesome to the Inhabi-
tants in the Kentucke neighbourhood this spring, we have had the
happiness to live here in the most perfect peace and security as yet,
and from the best intelligence lately had from Sandusky and Detroit,
we have nothing to apprehend from that quarter, as the Northern
Indians seem generally disposed for Peace, & anxious for a treaty.
The disturbances at Kentucke are occasioned by the Cherokees.

1 would beg tho favour of your Exoellenoy to send me the late
acts of assembly by my son-in-law, Captn. Henderson, and the
£avoar shall be gratefully acknowledged by

Sir, with the highest respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient

Humble Servant,
CHRISTOPHER HAYSf.

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq.

* For a translation of this see Col. Beo., VoL XIY., p. 147;
t See CoL Bee., Yol. XIY., p. 161.

t80 PENNSZLYANA ABOHITXB 1784.

Mbhobul f&om Fatbtti Co., 1784.

Fayette Ooantj^ Jane 16, 1784.

* To his Excellency John Diokinsonj Esquire. President of ye
Supreme Executive Gounoil.

Honrd. Sr.|

The Inhabitants of Stewarts CrossingSi beg leave to represent
your Excellency.

That we were much surprised on being presented with ye Copy of
a Letter by one of your worthy members, which was sent to your
Excellency informing you, that a considemble number of ye Inhabi-
tants (formerly Virginians) in opposition to the Laws and Govern-
ment of Uiis State, have now turned out open Robbers. We are
happy that we have it in our power to present this to your Excel-
lency by the hands of a Oentkmen, whom we hope will do us the
Honr. to state us impartially in our fiur character, without respect
of parties, as this Oentlemen is well acquainted wiUi ye eiroumstanoe
of ye whole matter in doing us the Honour of accompanying us in
coing in search of those ]E&bber8, and suppressing such Burglars.
We admowledge we were brought up under ye Government of Yir-
rinia, and were ruled by that Government whilst the Territorial
Bisputes subsisted between the two States. But when they ihonghl

Cper to adjust ye Boundaries, we were vdlling to submit to ye
rs of Pennsylvania, and hope youc ExceUenev will find us as
true Citiiens as any bdongins to ye State, as we have made it evi-
dent on every occasion. We have always been williuff to risque our
all in the glorious cause, we have been so long contenduig for, which
we can make manifest by Sundry Gentlemen who are as fully
acquainted with us, as the author of that Letter which was sent to
your Excellency. And amongst others, Col. McClene who has
suffinr'd on fatigue, with those who seem at present, to be the objects
of such malevolent ridicule without the least reason. We were
happy in believing that all party matters were buried in oblivion,
but are greatly concerned to find the contrary. CoL Hays has re-
lated in another Letter to your Excellency, that those who bore the
Burden of ye War must now be ruled over, by those who are
Enemies in their Hearts to ye State. We would appeal to ye
knowledge and Candour of the several Officers who have commanded
in this Department, whether the people thus stigmatized have been
more backward in defence of our common rights than any of our
neighbours. We must beg your Excellono/s pardon, for making
so free, from ye most intolerable character your Elxcellency had of
us, but we shall refer you to that worthy Gentlemen Major Douglass,
who is rather better acquainted with ustfaan GoL Hayes. So makes

PBNNSTLYANIA ABOHIYEB 1784. 281

bold to sabeoribe oarselves your Ezoellene/s most obedient and

haittUe Servants.

BOBEBT BEALL,
ZA0H8. CONNELL,
WM. W. CAANNICK,
JOHN STEVENSON,
MABCU8 STEVENSON,
MOSES SMITH,
JAS. DAVIS,

WILLUM CONNELL.
Directed,

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esquire, President in the Su-
preme Executiye Council Pennsylyania.

TuBNBULL Marmis & Go., TO Pres. Digeikbon, 1784.

Philad., June 16th, 1784. '■
Sir,

We have this mominff received from on Board the Brig Dauphin
from Havre De Qrass Twenty Kegs of Powder, which we sent as
castomsTy to the State Magazeen. The same has been returned to
US, by the Keeper, with a message that it oould not be reoeived on
acoount of the Magaseen being full. In consequence we made ap-
plioation to the wmens of the port, for their directions to take cog-
niaenoe of the same. By their Letter which we take the Liberty of
inclosing, We are recommended to lay the case before your Excel-
lency, and beg leave to request your advice and direction necessary
to be done with it, which shall be duly attended to by your
Excellency's most obt. hum. Servts.

TUBNBULL & MABMIE & Co.|
Directed^

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esqr., In Council. ^

Wardens of PniLADSLPHiA to TurnbulLi Marmis & Co.,

1784.

Wardens Office, 16th June, 1784,
(Gentlemen,

The Wardens of the Port having no Direction of the Powder
M agaiine have it not in their power to obviate your difficulty nor
oan they advise what can be done unless by application to the 8a-
preme Executive Council who perhaps in the present exigence may
point out a Temporary Belief.

»S PBNNBTLYANIA ABOHIVBS 1784.

The Powder Officer will no doubt either make or Join yon in
maJcing the Applioation but it would be improper for the wardens to
inteimeddle in it^ I am respectfully on behalf of the Board^
Gentlemen, Yr. very Hble Servt.

THO. PRYOR, attending Warden.
Dtrecied,

Messr. Tnmball & Marmie.

Pees. Dickinson to Ghey. db la Luzeenb, 1784.

To his Exoellenoy Chev de Luieme Minister Plenipoten^ of his
Most X* Majesty to the United States.

Sir,

The Ezeontive Council of PennsyV cannot witness your prepara-
tions to embark for your Native Country without expressing the pain
we feel at the prospect of your departure, & the high Sense we
entertain of the Zeal, and Ability with which you have promoted
the Unbn of France with the United States, during your residence
among ns.

We beff leave to assure you at the same time that the return of
peace, and our General intercourse with the powers of Europe have
not in the least lessened our Sense of our many obligations to the
illustrious Monarch of France, nor our gratitude for the benefits we
derived from the bravery and treasure of the French nation.

We are happy in this opportunity of acknowledging that vour
conduct towards the Supreme Executive power of the State has been
uniformly marked with all that decency, and respect which charac-
terise the Gentlemen of the nation to which you belong.

Accept of our best wishes for your Safe and Speedy Voyage, may
you long possess the favour of your Sovereign, and the esteem of your
Country Men, and enjoy in every stage of life the pleasures which
arise from faithful contributions to the interests of humanity.*

JAMES EWINO.

Council Chamber, 19<» June, 1784.

Feancis Johnston, R. G., to V. P. Ewino, 1784.

The Honorable James Ewing, Esq', Vice President in Council.
Sir,

I beg leave to inform Council, that the late Law for opening the
Land Office, among other things, makes it necessary for me to
administer an oath to Applicants for Land, if deemed proper, in
order to ascertain their Citizenship, so as to entitle them to present

* See pageV^S. Also, see Col. JU0.9 YoL XIIL, p. 146.

FflNNSTLYANIA ABCHIYES 1784. 288

the Certificatefl enumerated in said Law in payment for Lands.
Hon I oannot help observing, that the Door which this Law opens
to the nnwarj leading to perjury, oueht to be shut, if possible, in
order to effect which in some degree, I beg leave to suggest, that if
jour honorable Body would direct the Agents appoint^ to receive
the Knal Settlement Certificates of the Pennsylvania Line, to Coun-
tersign the same, it would fully supersede the necessity of adminis-
tering an Oath, and indeed would more certainlv prove the Citizenship
of the original owner, than any other mode whatever : With regard
to the iMertaining the Citisenship of the Assignee of such Certificate
I presume no fixed rule can be established, I therefore shall be
guided in this particular by such contingent ciroumstanoes as shall
pment themselves to me. The safety of these Certificates after
depositod in my office as well as the Cash I shall receive, are also
▼ery essential matters, therefore take the liberty of Soliciting Coun-
eil for an Iron Chest, or some other convenience in which I can
aeeoxe them.

I have the honor to be

Your Honors most obedient

and very humble Servant,

FRA- JOHNSTON, R. G>.*

MoNS. De Mabbois to v. P. Ewing. 1784.

Philadelphia, 8»> June, 1784.
Sir,

When I received the letter with which vou honoured me on the
27*^9 1 transmitted it to the Chevalier de la Luserne, expecting it
might reach him to Chester before his departure, but it has not been
the case.

The minister left this place in full persuasion that the adress with
which he had been honoured by the Council was an answer to his
letter; otherwise he would never have left this place without ezpres-
ring his Sense & gratitude of the flattering sentiments of the council
in hia behalf.

I am, sir,

with perfect respect,

your very humble obed* servant^

DE MARBOiat

* See Col. Beo., Vol. XIV., p. 151.
t See pages 278, 282

284 PENNSTLYANIA ABCHIVES 1784.

CiRouLAE OF Council to Clerk of thb Fbaob, 1784,

Gironlar.

^ Seoretaiy's Offiooi

Phikdelpliia, Jane 29% 1784.
Sir,

In the precedentB lately sent to you for RetomB of Eleotioui of
Jnatioee of the Peaooi mention of the GonBtaUe wm omitted in the
fint Line, in the signing.

I am now direeted hy Gonnoil to inform yony that all Betnnu
moBt be certified by the Constable (or Overseer of the poor) together
with the Inspector & Assistant Jodges, and also signed by him|
aooording to the amended form now inclosed.

I am. Sir,

with mnch respect,

Your obedient and very hnmble Servant.

Directed^
To the Clerk of the Peace in County.

Bepobt of Militabt SiORitfly 1784.

Sir,
At fort Island there are 1 32 pdr. 1 18 pdr. | ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^

6 Muskets, 1 bbrl. powder, & 12 boxes filled with Cannon pow-
der Cartridges, trail ropes, &c.

At Billingsport are 5 18 pdrs. 1 12 & 1 4 mounted.

112 1 6 & 2 4 dismounted.

Some Shot and Shells.
The Carriages at both phioes are rotten, & good for nothing but
the Iron.

I am. Sir,

y most obedient Serv*,

JOSEPH STILES, C. M. Stores.
July 1, 1784.

DtVecfecf,

John Armstrong, Esq', Secretary to the hon. the Supreme Ezecn-
live Council.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 286

Wm. Lyon to Prbs. Dickinson, 1784.
Hononred Sir,

The inoloeod list of Sheriffs, their Commissions, Bonds & Sureties
&o.f* are in pursuance of a Letter which I lately rec* from the Sec-
retary of Councils Cla^k, which list will^ I hope, be agreeable to the
requisition of Council.

I am your Excellencies

Most Obedient Humble Servant,

WILL- LYON.
Carlisle, July G*", 1784.
Directed^

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esquire, President of the Supreme
Executive Council^ in Council, Philadelphia.

A List of Sheriffs for Cumberland County, 1784.

A List of Sheriffs for Cumberland County from the year 1777 to
the year 1783, Inclusive.

Sheriffs Names. Date of Sheriffs Commissions.

James Johnston, Esq., . - - . - Nov. 7th, 1777.

Ditto, Oct. 29th, 1778.

Ditto, Nov. 12th, 1779.

John Boggs, Esq., Oct. 26th, 1780.

Ditto, Nov. 80th, 1781.

Ditto, Oct. 15th, 1782.

Samuel Postlethwait, Esq., - - " - - Oct. 24th, 1783".
To His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq., President of the
Supreme Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania in Council,
July 6th, 1784.

WILL- LYON, Proth'y.

C. J. McKean to Council, 1784.

Philadelphia, June 30th, 1784.
Sir,

On the 28th day of the next month ipy Commission as Chief
Justice will expire, its duration being only for seven years. I thought
it proper to give Your Excellency and the Honorable the Council this
early information, and have the Honor to be Sir, with the utmost
regard.

Your and their most obedient,
And most humble servant,

THO. M'KEAN.f
Directed,

His Exoellency, John Diokinsoni Esquire, President & Commander
in Chief of PeDnaylvania.

* These details (except what follows) we hare omitted.

t He was re-elected July 29th. Sm CoL Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 167.

Vol X.-13

S86 PSNUBTLYAMU ABGHITIBS 1784

Sbo't Armstrong to Thomas Proctor, 1784.

Seoretaiys Office, 8th July, 1784.
Sir,

Ycm will be pleai'd to make a report to Hhis offioe on tfae 25th
Inatant, (the time at which the Geo. Assembly is called to sit) of
the oamber of persons confined in the Gktol of this Citj & County
OQ charges of felony.*

I am, Sir, with much respect,

Yonr most obed't servant,

JNO. ARMSTRONG, Jr., Sec'y.t
(Copy.)
Thomas Proctor, Esq.

Sbc't Armstrong to Lt. Col. Moorb, 1784.

Secretary's Office,

Philadelphia, July 8th, 1784.
Sir,

Yon will be pleased to report to this office, as soon as possible
before the 20th Instant, the proceedings which have been taken by
yon in consequence of the Orders of Coundl of the twentieth of
April last.

I am, with much respect.

Sir, your most obed't servant,

J. ARMSTRONG, Jr., Seo'y.f
Lt. Col. Moore.

Seo'y of Council to County Lieutenants, 1784.

(Circular.)
Secretary's Offioe, Philada., July 10th, 1784.
Bit.

I inelose an Order of Council of this morning & am with much
respect.

Your most obedient, Hum. servant,

JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jr., Sec'y.

In Council, 10th July, 1784.
''Upon consideration ordered that tho Ci<7 & County Lieutenants
'' be called upon to make a return of all the public Arms, Acooatr*-
'< ments & Stores within their respective districts."

* See page 290. f See Col. Rec., YoL XXV.^ p. 158.

PBNNSTLTANIA ABGHI7SS 1784.

287

Bbturn of Officbrs of MiLiTiAy OF County of Wash-
INOTON, 1784.

A return of the Offioen of Militia in the County of Washingtonj
Vii:

First Battalion.
David Phillips, Lt. Col. John Small, Major.

Fint Comp'y. No. of Men. Fifth Company. No. of Mon.

James Many Capt.

Henry Sawings, Lieut. 73

William ByarSy Ensign.

Second Company.
Nominated.
Bobcrt Ritchie, Capt.
Jeremiah Wright, Lt. 74
Thomas Sweet, Ensign.
Third Company.
Nominated.
William Connor, Capt.
John Conner, Lieut. 68

Isaac Williams, Ensign.

Fourth Company.
Mabra Evans, Capt.
James Willson, Lieut. 82
William Cohan, Ensign.

John Robinson, Capt.
Samuol Heth, Lieut. GO

Thomas Gibson,|EDsign.

Sixth Company.
Sam'l Blackmore, Capt
George Welch, Lieut. 96
Il'y Morrisson, Ensign.

Seventh Company.
Wm. Armstrong, Capt.
John Braokenridgc, Lt. 61
Jn*> Blackburn, Ensign.

Eighth Company.
William Phillips, Capt.
John Lamb, Lieut. 78

Arched Ralston, Ensign.

Second Battalion.
Henry Enoch, Lieut. Col. James Carmichael, Major.

First Comply. No.
John Outhrey, Capt.
Oeorge Cilsur, Lieut
M'w Hannon, Ensign.

Second Company.
Andrew Ferley, Capt.
Ja's Blackburn, Lieut.
Ja's Metheney, Ensign.

Third Company.
Nominated.
Charles Swan, Capt.
Asariah Davis, Lieut.
Wm. Shepherd, Ensign.

Fourth Company.
Thomas Eztile, Capt
Henry Dickinson, Lt.
John Linddoyi Bnsign.

of Men. Fifth Company. No. of Men.
Elijah Mills, Capt
Jacob Mills, Lieut.
Elisha Perkins, Ensign.
Sixth Company.
Jas. McClelland, Capt
John Holt, Lieut.
Joseph Garret, Ensign.

Seventh Company.
Robert Sweney, Capt.
80 £verharfc Hcep, Lieut 72
Henry Hormil, Ensign.

Eighth Company.
James Archer, Capt
84 John Fee, Lieat 62

David White, Bnrigo.

PJBNNSYLYANIA AKOHIVIS 1784.

Third Battalion.
John Harslial^ lient. Golooel. Potter Kidd, Major.

First Company. No. of Men.
Henry Benkon^ Capt.
Alexander Kidd, Lieat. 70
Josiah 8ootty Ensign.

Second Company.

Third Company.
Thomas Wells^ Capt.
Samuel Leiper, Lieut. 55
John WellSj Ensign.

Fourth Company.
Samuel Smith, Capt
Thomas Marquis, Lient 77
Wm. Wallace, Ensign.

Fifth Company. No. of Men .
James Stevenson, Capt
Arthur Scott, Lieut. 62

Jesse Renkon, Ensign.

Sixth Company.
Thomas Renkon, Capt
Charles Campbell, Lt 66
William Hays, Ensign.

Seventh Company.
John Reed, Captain,
Wm. Herron, Lieut 80

James Howld, Ensi^rn.

Eightk Company.

FouETH Battalion.

David Williamson, Lieut. Col. Daniel Leet, Majors

First Company. No. of Men. Sixth Company. No. of Men.

Charles Bonner, Capt. Eleazer Williamson, Capt

Robert Walker, Lieut. 60 John Mc Williams, Lt 65

Phillip Briscoe, Ensign. Jacob Miller^ Endign.
Second Company.

Third Company.
Thos. Hambleton, Capt.
James Brown, Lieut. 67
Samuel White, Ensign.

Fourth Company.
William Leet, Capt.
Brice Virffin, Lieut 74

Obediah Holms, Ensign.

Fifth Company.
James Morrison^ Capt. 60

Seventh Company.
John Cotton, Capt.
Samuel Reddle, Lieut 71
James Huston, Ensign.

Eighth Company,
timothy Downing, Capt

Andersotti Lieut 81
John Williams, Ensign.

Fifth Battalion.
John Outhredge, Lieut. Col. James Craven, Major.
First Company. No. of Men. Second Company. No. of Men*

Eleazer Jenkens, Capt Wm. Jackman, Capt

Thos. Rioheson, Lieut 80 Henry Gregg, Lieat 76

Kiniey Davii^ Enngn. "^ lames Tbomia, Bnp^.

PBNNSTLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

289

Third Company.
Dmvid Rable, Capt.
Darbey SbahaD, Lient.
Val'ne Kindor, Ensign.

Fourth Company.
Isaac Ross, Capt.
Frederick Aalt, Lieut.
John Haffman, Ensign.

Fifth Company.
Edward Seaburn, Capt.
Richard Hogeland, Lt.
Jere'h Craven, Ensign.

No. of Men. Sixth Company. No. of Men.
George Myars, Capt.

55 Lather Kerrey, Lieut. 60
Henry Conrod, Ensign.

Seventh Company.
Nominated.

56 John Warth, Capt
Thomas Ritchie, Lieut. 73
Nich's JohnsoUi j', Ensign.

^Eighth Company.
55 Nominated.

Robert Jackman, Capt
Joseph Brenton, Lieut. 68
Nathan Powel, Ensign.

I do Certify that the foregoing return is Just, as it stands stated

JAM- MARSIIEL,

Lieu* W. Co'.

July 7% 1784.

John Irwin to John Armstrong, 1784.

Pittsburgh, July 15th, 1784.
Dear Sir,

I would not presume to trouble you in your public Capacity upon
tny other subject than that which relates to the business of Qovern-
ment & the welfare of our Community.

When these Objects becomes the subject, I am persuaded that
soy further appology is unnecessary with you. It may justly be
reckoned a strange Circumstance, indeed, that since the beginning
of oar Revolution the Town & Township of Pittsburgh have been
antill very lately, unfortunately deprived of the services of the Civil
Magistracy — and I may say with propriety, that we yet remain al-
most intire Strangers to the advantages Commonly derived from that
very essential part of Government. The Oentlcman who now hoISa
the Commission being our Prothonotary & a Profesmonal Lawyer
besides, it is reasonable to suppose that the duties of his office & the
extent of his Practice will admit but a very small part of his time
to be applied to the business of the Township — Consequently the
inhabitants thereof are frequently subjected to many k very great
inoonvenienoics. We have for several years past repeatedly attempted
to remedy these Inconvenienoies by calling for & obtaining such Eleo-
tions as were Judged requisite, but from the baneful effects of Pic^uea
k jealousies, operating strongly with disappointment & ambition,
means were always found to defeat our attempts k deprive us of the
Sarvioe of those Qentlemen who were tho firtt objeda^of oar repeated

890 F9iNN3n«yANIA MRCmYJSB 17M.

Ghoioe. Our last BleotioUi held in May, is Ihe only one I believe
that has escaped opposition & Censure amongst onrselves, & we have
reason to believe that ihe Return thereof most now ly before the
Honble Council for upwards of two months. As the Gentleman who
stands highest in Votes upon that Return is perfectlv agreeable
to all the people, & we daily experience an increase of di^cnlties
from the want of his additional servicci I do therefore in behalf of
the people beg leave to Intreat that as soon as anj limitation is ex-
pired which Uie Law may prescribe for considering Cases of this
nature, the Honble Executive Council will be pleased to forward a
Commission agreeable to the Intention & Return of said Election.
I likewise intreat of yon, Sir, that you will be so obliging as to move
this matter to Council, & promote as far as is consistant, what is
needfol upon the Occasion.

I am respectfully, & with regard,

Dear Sir, your Obed. Hble Serv*,

JOHN IRWIN.

Directed^

John Armstrong, Esquire, Secretary to the Honorable Executive
Council, Philada.

Fav'd by Capt. Fowler.

CtoiBF JusTiOB MoKban TO Pres. Diceinson, 1784.

Philadelphia, July 16«S 1784.
Sir,

Enclosed your Excellency will receive the Letter from the Hon-
orable G. Duvall, Esquire, President of the Council of Maryland,
that was referred to the Judges, together with the Copy of their Letter
to Mr. Duvall, respecting Henry Carberry.

Qovernor Paoa, in his Letter to the Judges, seems to think it will
be necessary to obtain the authority of the Government of Delaware
for the conducting M' Carberry thro' that State ; and that the Ex-
ecutive Power of Maryland can only extend to the limits of their
01^11 State : But, I conceive, that, by a necessary construction of the
4^ Article of the Confederation, which declares, that the person
accused shall be delivered up and removedtotke State having juritdic-'
tion ofhu qffencey the Executive Authority of Maryland are impowered
to conduct the ofiender thro' DeUware to the State of Pennsylvania;
for this power is impliedly conceded by the United States to the
Individual States. It is true, by a literal construction of the second
clause in the 4<^ Article, the ofiender is only to be removed to the.
State having jurisdiction of the offence, not to the Ooalofthe Oownt^
in which the offence was committed \ but we wertf of opinion, thai
the Qf&oet who should bring Henry Carberry from Maryland, might
not find it inoonvenient t^ take him to Philadelphia, tho' it would be

PBNNSTLYANIA ABCHIYES 1784. 291

twanty miles within the State of PcDDiiylirania; and we alladed to
the usage ft practice between this State and New-Jersey, and also
the Delaware State*; having repeatedly sent Criminals to Newcastle
and Barlington^ and received them from those States in the Ctoal of
Phihdelphui.

I have the honor to be,

with very great regard,

Sir^ Your Excellency's most

obedient humble servant,

THO. M'KEAN.
His Excellency John Dickinson, Esquire.

No. 1.

In Council| Annapolis, 29 April| 1784.
Sir,

We take the earliest Opportunity of communicating to your Ex-
cellency, that Mr. Henry Carberry, a Citizen of this State, and late
a Captain in the Pennsylvania line of the continental Troops, has
been arrested, and charged before two of the Judges of the General
Court, with having been a principal in a dangerous Insurrection in
Philadelphia, in cfune last, and having beset the Stadt house with
an armed force, and for which he is now in the Custody of the Laws
of this State, the Judges before whom he was charged having reeog-
nised him for his Appearance before the General Court forjthe Western
fihore^ on the second Tuesday in May next.
We have the Honour to be

Your Exctillonoy's most obcd' ser^',

G. DUVALL, President
Directed,— EiB Exc'y President of State of Penns*.
IndorseJf

Read in Council May 6th, 1784 — and Ordered, That the same be

referred to the Judges of the Supremo Court, and that they bo

requested to take measures for bringing Henry Carbery, into this

State, and for prosecuting him for the Offence charged against him.

JAMES TRIMBLE,

for JOHN ARMSTRONG, jun.,
Secretary.

No. 2.

Philadelphia, May 8% 1784.
Sir,

Your Letter of the 29^ of April last, to his Excellency the Presi-
dent of this State, was received on the G^ Instant, & laid before the
Council, who have been pleased to refer it to the Judges of the Sa-
preme Court, and to request that measures may be taken by then
for bringing Henry Carberry into this StatSi and for proaeoating
him for the offionoo charged against him.

293 FENNBTLYAMIA ABCHIYXS 1784

In eongeqnence of this Act of Connoil, We would request Uiat
jou would be pleated to order the aforesaid Henry Carberry to be
sent to the goal of the city and county of Philadelphiai where the
Keeper thereof will receive him ; or if he will enter into a reoogni-
lance before one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of this State,
with two good suretieSi himself in two thousand pounds, and each of
them in one thousand pounds, for his AppearaDce, &c., at the next
court of Oyer and Terminer and Gkneral Goal Delivery for the city
& county of Philadelphia, it will answer the purpose intended. The
request to send Henry Carberry here^ is founded on the second
clause of the 4^ Article of the Confederation, and has been the oon-
stant usage between this State and the neighbourtug States : The
ezpence of his removal here, will be paid by this State, if he does
not discharge it himself; or comply with the alternative before pro-
posed, which must be thought favorable to a person accused of so
high a misdemeanor.

We have the honor to be,
Hon»»« Sir,

Tour most obedient, humble servants,
THO. M'KEAN,
JACOB BUSH.

The Honorable O. Duvall, Esquire, Presid* of the Council of
Maryland.
Sir,

The above is a copy of the rough draught of the letter to the
President of the Council of Maryland, at Annapolis, and differs in
nothing material from the Letter sent. The diction may have been
a little mended, in the transcribing it, tho' I think there were but
few words altered or transposed.

I am, with the greatest esteem. Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,
THO. M'KBAN.

Philadelphia, July 16«S 1784.
Directed^

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esqtdre, President, &c., of
Pennsylvania.

No. 8.
In Council, Annapolis, May 20*^ 1784.
Gentlemen :

We have the Honor to acknowledge y cur's of the 7*^ Instant,
informing us that cur's of the 29*^ April, addressed to the l^resident
of vour State, was received, and referred by the Council to you as
Judges of the Supreme Court, to take measures to bring Mr. Car-
bery into your State for Prosecution and Trial, for the ofienoes which
he is charged to have there oommitted : in eonscquenoe of this Aol

PENNSYLVANIA ABOHITES 1784. SOS

of Oounoili yon have addressed us, and requested that we should
order Mr. Carbery to be sent to the Gaol of the City and County of
PhihdelphU.

As aoon as we were made acquainted with Mr. Carbory's Afftir*
W6 took measures to give your Executive power the earliest infor-
mation of it, conoeiving that by the Articles of Confederation, they
only eould nationally interfere, and demand him out of the Hands and
Junsdietion of this Government : the A^^ Clause of the Confederation
is plain and explicit, and we still think no Authority in your State
oompetent to demand Mr. Carbery but the Executive.

It does not appear from your Letter that you were Commissioned
■nd Authorised to demand Mr. Carbery : you address us in your
jndidal Capacity, and not as the Commissioners of your Executive :
the Aet of Council which you mention, seems to have had a diAerent
Object, and refers ouly to taking measures to bring Mr. Carberry to
yonr State for Trial.

When your Executive shall think proper to exercise their Authority
in the present Case, and make a Demand of Mr. Carbery, we shall
immediately order him to be delivered up, and removed to your
State. But we do not think we can be justified in the exercise of
any Authority over him beyond the Limits of this State : he must
be delivered by our Officers at the Limits' and there received by
your's If he is to pass thro' Delaware, we conceive the Executive
and Judicial Authority there should be made acquainted with the
Affair, and their ministerial Officers ordered to receive him of cur's*,
and conduct him to your Limits, where your Officer will take charge
of him, and carry him to such Gaol in your State as you may think
proper to direct

Not having had the Honor of any communication from your Ex-
ecutive in Answer to our Address on this Subject, we can say nothing
of their Intentions, and it does not become us to repeat the Infor-
mation by another Letter, as the one we have already wrote has been
received. We have the Honor to be,

with very great regard.

Your most obed.. humble Servants,
JOHN PACA.

The Hon'ble The M'Kean & Jacob Bush, Esq».

Alex. McClean to Prks. Dickinson, 1784.

Union Town, 16th July, 1784.
Sir,

A copy of a Letter said to have been addressed to your Excellency
from some person in this county, containing reflections upon such of
the Inhabitants as have formerly adhered to the Government of
Virginia particularly aimed at the appointment of Colonel Bobert

* See page 74, ana 29J.
13*

294 PBSNSTLVANIA ABGHITES 1784.

Bcall to the Lientenanoy of this Ooonty has been handed to me
amongst others.*

And I have also been applied to by some of the Gentlemen who
think themselves injured by the remarks contained in that Letter,
to certify to your Excellency whether they have deserved to ha
branded with a backwardness to join in whatever has been proposed
for the common good or defence of this frontier daring tie War.
In oonseqnence of this their requesty in justice to truth and to the
Inhabitants of Stewards Crossings (who seem to be particularly
pointed at,) I must inform your Excellency that so far from declining
any personal or other assistance that has been deemed essential to
the good of the a>untry at large those very people thus stigmatiaed
have over been as uniformly free of their personal service and as
liberfd of their property on all ocoasions as any others within my
Knowledge.

With those very people who are said to have had so little share in
the burthen of the War^ I have shared the &tigues of the most
difficult Campaign that has been carried on in this country, and
was a Witness to both their sufferings and fortitude. Many of them
have been in the Continental servioei and Colonel Beall in particular
during a ^great part of the War.

lam with Sentiments of esteem,
for your Excellency and the Supreme,
Executive Council of Pennsylvania,

your Excelleno/s most Obedient|
and very humble Sorvt.

ALEXANDER McCLEAN.
Dirtctedj Ilis Excellency, John Dickinson, Esqr., President.

Entered, |

Hond. *^r Ephraim Douglass, Esqr., j

Arthur Lsb and R. Butleb to Prbs. Dickinson, 1784.

Philadelphia, July 23d, 1784.
Sir,

Havinjg something relative to the Treaties, we are commissioned
to negooiate with the Indian nations, to communicate to your
Excellency & the Council ; we beg the favor of your Excellency to
inform us what day & hour it will be convenient for you to give us
an audience.

We have the honor to be,

with groat respect yr. Excellency's

most obedt. Servts.
ARTHUR LEE,
R. BDTLER.f
Directed^ His Excellency, the President.

* Seepage 2C4, 280. f CoL Rec, XIV., p. 166

PBNNSTLVANU ABCHIYES 1784. 296

CONFKRBKCS WITH MfiSSAS. LkX AKP BuTLSB, 1784;

Conference with Messrs. Lee & Bntler on their Letter.

They represented The neoessity of Dispatch in raising the Troopi|
b Perhaps a Guarrantee of the Pay to the Soldiers may be necessary.

Answer of Col. — We have viewed this Business in the same Light
— ^speot the members of the Assembly will make a Heose next
Monday — we shall lay the affair before them in soch a manner as to
show onr opinion that not a moment of time is to be lost in the
Bzeontion of the Measare.

As to the 2d. Pdint — We cannot be positive, but we think ift
probable, that from the Circumstances of the Case, the Legislature
may consider these states bound to make good the pay to Ike < '^
& Soldiers.* '

Ssc'y Armstrong to the Magistract and Sheriff of
Northumberland Co., 1784.

Philada., July 24th, 1784.
Oentlemen,

We are sorry to learn that the distnrbances in the neighbourhood
of Wyoming have within these few days revived under so serious a
form & that the two parties have proceeded to actual hostilities.
In this situation it becomes the duty of Council to req|uire you by
every legal means in your power thoroughly to investigate the fkcts
& to proceed with the utmost vigor, ft impartiality, so that every
Person committing an outrage upon the peace of the County, & the
dignity of the State may l^ duly punished. The more effectually
to countenance these proceedings Council have thought proper to
direct the Lieutenant of Northampton Connty to hold a militia de-
tachment in immediate readiness to proceed to your aid should any
assistance of thb kind be thought necessary.

I am, &c., with great regard. Gentlemen,
your most obed. humble 8ervant|

JOHN ARMSTBONa, Jan., Secy.

7nr?orW,— July 24th, 1784, Copy of a letter to the Magistrtoy
and Sheriff of North'ld Co., the original committed to Mr. Mead for
oouvcyance, Entd.

* The foregoing appears to be a rough memoraadnm of the oonfMrtnoe in
President Dickimion's writing. As tliere is nothing on the minutes respeoting
it, it is all that appears on the nature of it.

290 FHNNSXLYANIA ABGHIVBB 1T84;

Seo't AEHSTRONa TO Thomas O&Aia, 1784.

SeoreUrj'8 Office,

Phikd'a, July 24th, 1784.
Dear Colonel^

The distarbanoes at Wyoming have taken so alarming a cast and
eeem to be immediately directed against the peace & dignity of the
State — as to call for some very early & vigorous measures on the

Srt of Gh>Ternment. Letters have accordingly been written to the
lertff & Magistracy of Northumberland County, requiring them to
institute an immediate enquiry into the fiiets i proceed to the ex^
aoution of the laws with all possible energy. TTo give the greater
force to these proceedings, Council have also thought proper to
direct you to hold some part of your MiliUa in readiness to act at a
moments warning, as from many circumstances Ihey are lead to
believe that the exertion of a miliatry force will soon become
necessary.

I am, my dear Col.,

yours, &C., &c.

JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jr., Sec'y.
Indorsed,
To Thomas Craig, Esq., Lieu't of Northampton Co.

BsTUBN OF Criminals confined in ihb Jail of thb
City and County of Philadelphia, 1784.

Return of the Criminals Confined in the Jail of the City & County
of Philaaelphia, July 26th, 1784. f

THOBiAs Wall, Tryed. — Committed by Plunket Fleeson, Esq.
May 26th, 1782. Charged on suspicion of attempting to Rob a
House in this City st the Corner of Vine Street & front Streets, &
sundry other Charges.

iij:.EANoa WaiOHT, Tryed. — Committed by William McMullin,
Esq., Nov'r 23d, 1782. Charged with Stealing the Property of
Patrick Mulholland.

Barbara Orist, Tryed. — Committed by Jn« Miller, Esq., May
12th, 1783. Charged with stealing the sum of two pounds one
Shilling & five pence specie, the property of Barbara Roop.

Mathias Lukins, Tried. — Committed by John Moore, Esq.,
May 26th, 1783. Charged with Killing & Murdering Philip Keiser
of Kingsessing.

John Carroll, Tryed. — Committed by Plunket Fleeson, Esq:,
May 27th, 1783. Charged with Robbing the Store of Stephen
Austin & Co., and part of Uie goods found in his possession.

♦ Se« Col. Rec, Vol. XIV., p. 167.
t See page 286.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 297

BiCHARD SHiNNORy Tryed. — Committed by Conrt^ Jane Sd, 1783.
Charged with Robbing a man.

Oeoboe Doniyor, Tryed. — Committed by Isaac Howell, Esq.,
June 6th, 1783. Charged on suspicion of stealing a piece of Chints,
the property of Wm. Adcock, Esq.

AJicniBALD Taylor, Tryed. — Committed by Plunket Fleeson,
Eaq., June 2l8t, 1783. Charged on suspicion of Robbing Jn'o
Francis Volly on the Highway of 4 half Johannises & sundry
Wearing Apperil.

Joseph Sutton, Tryed. — Committed by Plunket Fleeson, Esq.,
July 8th, 1783. Charged with Horse Stealing.

Thomas Mount, Tryed. — Committed by Plunket Fleeson, Esq.,
July 12th, 1783. Charged with stealing a piece of Calico, the
property of Edw'd Pole.

John Kean & James Munks, Tryed. — Committed by the Court|
July 29th, 1783. Charged with an Assault & Battery.

Patrick Fitzsimmons & Malcom MoFaRland, Tryed. — Com-
mitted by Plunket Fleescn, Esq., August 8th, 1783. Charged on
suspicion of stealing a Looking Glass the property of Jacob Jeams.
Sarah Brown, Tryed. — Committed by John Moore, Esq., Aug.
25th 1788. Charged on suspicion of stealing 5 Silver Spoons, found
in her possession.

James McGuire, Tryed. — Committed by Benj'n Paschall, Esq.,
Aug't 29th 1783. Charged with stealing a Watch the property of
Mary Brown, also Charged with stealing 1 p' of silver BuckleB the
prop' of Mary Hunt.

John Butler, Tryed. — Committed by Benj'n Paschall, Esq.
Aug't 29th, 1783. Charged with stealing a Cow, the property of
Thomas Wiikcy, also Charged with stealing a Cow, the property of
Tho's Hall.

James Kelly, Tryed. — Committed by Benj'n Paschall, Esq.,
Sep. 10th, 1783. Charged with stealing a Mare the property of
Adam Levingston.

Ann Pembroke, Tryed. — Committed by John Miller, Esq., Sep.
29th, 1788. Charged on suspicion of stealing a Quantity of GoodS|
the prop' of persons unknown.

EdVd Connard.— Committed Oct'r 2l8t, 1788. Charged by
virtue of a Proclamation by the president & Council being attainted
with High Treason k out Law'd. Delivered by Capt'n Franks.

John Foster, Tryed.— Committed by the Court, Oct. 29«*, 1783.
Charged with Stealing a Horse, the property of Joel Evans.

IsAAO Austin, Tryed. — Committed by W" McMuIlin, Esq.,
Nov' 13% 1783. Charged with stealing the property of Paul
Barnes.

Thomas Charles, Tryed. — Committed by Benjamin Paschall,
Esq., Nov 15'», 1783. Charged with Stealing a Jacket, the prop^
of Jonathan Edwards.

298 PBNNSTLYANIA ABOmYBS 1784.

Mart Pailet, Trjed.— Gommitted by William M'MulHp, Esq.^
Nov 29^'', 1783. Charged with Keeping a Disorderly House.

Andrew Leblon, John Goodryon, & Lewis Colonet, All
three Tryed. — Gommitted by the Honorable Thomas McKean, Esq.,
Dec 1*^, 1783. Charged with Assulting, beating & wounding the
body of George MoNealy.

Joseph Bottomlt, Tryed. — Committed by Plnnket Fleeson, Esq.,
Dec 23', 1783. Charged with a Breach of the peace & an Assaalt
& Battery on the Body of Ge*> Hacket & Others.

Daniel Kh^O, Tryed. — Committed by Benj> Paschall, Esq.,
Dec 26'S 1783. Charged with Stealing a Great Coat the prop^ of
James Morris.

John Smith, Tryed. — Committed by Plunket Fleeson, Esq.,
Dec 27% 1783. Charged with Stealing a saddle from off a Horse
in Market Street.

Philip Hooi'NAOLB, Tryed. — Committed by the Honorable
-Thomas MoKean, Esquire, Dec30'>', 1783. Charged with Robb-
ing the Coach House of Rob< Morris, Esquire, & Stealing from
thenoe Sundry Goods, & Wearing Apperil, &o.

Daniel Williams. — Committed by the Honorable Thomas
HcKean, Esquire, Jan' 9% 1781. Charged with divers Bobberys,
of which he is Attainted.

John Philips, Tryed. — Committed by Plunket Fleeson, Esq., Jan'
12% 1784. Charged with Robbing the Store of Edw^ Pole, &
brei^ng Open & Robbing the Store of Jn* Strawbridge.

William Conner & George Davis, Tryed. — Committed by
Plunket Fleeson, Esq., Feb" 2% 1784. Charged with Stealing 2
Horses the prop^ of Jn" Garrett of Southwark.

James Brown, Tryed.— Committed by Plunket Fleeson, Esq.,
FoV 3', 1784. Charged with Robbing Edw^ Pole & Others, &
under Indictment in the City Court.

John Chandler, Tryed. — Committed by Plunket Fleeson, Esq.,
Feb' b% 1784. Charged with throwing the Mate of the Ship
Commeroo Overboard.

John Morgan, Tryed. — Committed by William Rush, Esq.,
March 12'i>, 1784. Charged with Stealing a pieoe of Marcillas
Quilting, the prop* of Peter Gallegher.

Charles Watman, Tryed. — Committed by W» M«MulHn, Esq.j
April 7*S 1784. Charged with Stealing the prop* of Jn« Walker.

Charles Smith, Tryed. — Committed by Isaac Howel, Esquire,
April 8"', 1784. Charged with Stealing Goods, the prop* of Thomaa
Drumond.

Godfrey Zimmerman, Tryed. — Committed by William Rush,
Esq., April 26<>', 1784. Charged with Stealing some Goods, the
property of Lazarous Bamet.

WiLLLVM Reed. — Committed by Plunket Fleeson, Esq., April
27% 1784. Charged with 111 Designs & Chalanging to £ight| &o.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVE8 1784. 299

Mich'l Powers, Tryed.— Committed by The Court, April 28**,
1784. Charged with an Assault & Battery on the body of John
Connor.

John Moo&k, Tryed. — Committed by the Honorable Thomas
McKean, Esquire, April 28'S 1784. Charged with Stealing a
Horse, the property of Bcnj" Shoemaker.

Thomas Fish, Tryed. — Committed by Jn" Miller, Esq., April
2S^y 1784. Charged with Stealing a White Bonnet, 2 Black Ditto,
1 Silk Cloak, the property of Job Lepinoot.

Robert Powell, Tryed. — Committed by William McMullin,
Esq., May 10^% 1784. Charged with an Assault & Battery on the
Body of Mary Powell.

Will'm Callaghan, Tryed. — Committed by Wm. McMuUin,
Esq., May ll^", 1784. Charged with Stealing the prop^ of William
Hammell.

Sam'l Hambleton. — Committed by Isaac Howell, Esq., May
11*^, 1784. Charged on Suspicion of an Assult & Battery on the
body of Tho" Wilson — And on Suspioion of Felony.

Ghasles GhiEEii. — Committed by Isaac Howell, Esq., May 12^,
1784. Charged with Doing his wife personal Injury.

KoDOiR McClanaqan, Tryed. — Committed by W- McMullin,
Esq., May 14'^, 1784. Charged with Stealing the prop^ of Kobert
Search.

Hugh Mulholand. — Committed by Will" Bush, May 15%
1784. Charged on Suspicion of Stealing 12 pounds State Money,
a Silver Stock Buckel, and a Pincushon Chair.

James Holland, Jno. Lkcdland, & James Hustons, all 3
Tryed. — Committed by Benj" Paschall, Esq., May 17, 1784. Charged
with Stealing a Jacket, the prop* of Tho* Volet, their Master.

Daniel Muneoes. — Committed by W" Bush, Esq., May 18**,
1784. Charged on Suspicion of being Concerned with others in
Stealing twelve pounds State Money & some other Articles, tho
prop* of Mary Switzcr.

John Benson. — Committed by Benj" Paschall, Esq., May 10*%
1784. Charged with having Stolen Goods in his possession.

Eleanor LiNDON. — Committed by Benj" Paschall, Esq., May 20»',
1784. Charged with Harbouring Jn<» Benson & John McDonald.

John McDormit. — Committed by Bonj" Paschall, Esq., May
24*% 1784. Charged with Stealing Sundry Wearing Apperil.

Thomas Bantling. — Committed by William Rush, Esq., May
24*^, 17S1. Charged with Fornication Committed on Beb^ca Mo
Ginnis.

Edw'd Nuton. — Committed by Benj" Paschall, Esq., May 26»*
1784. Charged with Opening a House by Henry Williams.

Charles De Lonucuamp, Tryed. — Committed by the Honora«
ble George Bryan, Esquire, May 25**'^ 1784. Charged with an
Assault and Battery on the body of tho Hon^^ Francis Barbe
Marboys Consul General of France.

800 PENNSYLVANIA ABOHIVES 1784.

John Karr & John McDonald, Tryed. — Committed by the
Honorable Thomas McKeaD, Esquire, May 26% 1784. Charged
with Robbing Thomas Leming in South Wark.

Sam'l Savenigh. — Committed by William Rush, Esq., May
28% 1784. Charged on Suspicion of Stealing a piece of Ghecht
Linnen the prop* of Ge* A. Bahore.

Charles Shavler & Arthur Harbert. — Committed by Benj"
Paschall, Esq., May 29*^, 1784. Charged on.Suspicion of Stealing
8 Silver Table Spoons & 7 tea ditto, the prop* of Mary Linn.

John Murpht. — Committed by Isaac Howell, Esq., June 5*'',
1784. Charged on Suspicion of Felony, by Andrew Tybout.

John Southerland, Tryed. — Committed by Will" McMuUin,
Esq., June 7% 1784. Charged with Stealing the property of
Mary Raisins & Sarah Barrey.

Joseph Chalk. — Committed by Bcnj" Paschall, Esq., June 8'^,
1784. Charged with Sundry Robberys, by him Committed in
Company with Jn* McDonald, John Benson & Others.

Will'm Smith. — Committed by Benj* Paschall, Esq., Junoll***,
1784. Charged with Stealing a pair of Silver Buckela the property
of Tho* Cooke.

John Buokius. — Committed by William Rush, Esq., June 12*>',
1784. Charged by Margaret Truely, of Stealing thirty-five French
Crowns.

Andrew Brady. — Committed by Benj* Paschall, Esq., June
18^, 1782. Charged with Stealing twenty Gold Rings, the prop^ of
W" Donaveou.

John Traiot. — Committed by William Rush, Esq., June 19'^,
1784. Charged with Stealing a Case of Raiors & some Wearing
Apperil, the property of Capt" Jeremiah Simmons.

Margaret Burnet. — Committed by Benj" Paschall, Esq., June
22^ 1784. Charged by Ann Darrough with Stealing 3 Handker-
chiefs & one pocket Book, &c.

George Crowder, Patrick Green & Mary Marr. — Com-
mitted by Plnnket Flecson, Esq., June 25'% 1784. Charged on
Suspicion of Robbing the Store of Joseph Turner.

Christopher Grogshop. — Committed by John Moore, Esq.,
June 25*^, 1784. Charged with an Assault & Battery on the body
of Margaret Grooshop.

JoftN Ud worth. — Committed by Benj" Paschall, Esq., June 28*^,
1784. Charged with Stealing two pair of Moreen Shoes, the pro-
perty of George Morris.

Mathew Dawson. — Committed by William Rush, Esq., June
28*^, 1784. Charged with Stealing Sundry Goods the property of
Persons Unknown.

John Bgyd & James David. — Committed by Plunket Fleeson
Esq., June 29^, 1784. Charged on Suspicion of Stealing some
Leather, the property of M' Willing.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 801

Mast Carson. — Committed by Jn» Miller Esq., June 29«*,
1784. Cbamd with an Assault & Battery on the Bodys of Judith
Emery and ^ancis Cooper, Constable.

Francis Rose. — Committed by Isaac Howell; Esq., June 29^,
1784. Chafed with Suspicion of Felony.

John Bouoausio & Peter Le Coster. — Committed by Tsaao
Howell, Esq., June 29^, 1784. Charged on Suspicion of Felony
by OaptF Stephens, Mendouphin.

John Napp. — Committed by William Rush, Esq., July 2*, 1784.
Charged with Stealing Nine pair of Men's Shoes, & three dollars,
the property of George Morris.

Wm. Murphet. — Committed by John Miller, July 8*, 1784.
Charged with an Assult & Battery on the body of Samuel Powell.

James MoMullin. — Cmmitted by Isaac Howell, Esq.; July 3%
1784. Charged with an Assault & Battery on the body of Daniel
Murphey, & also Robbing him of 2 half Johannises.

Joseph Bradon. — Committed by Samuel Wharton, Esq.; July
5*^, 1784. Charged with his not finding Securities for his Good
behaviour towards Emelia Taylor & Mary Purvis.

Philip Wies, Tryed. — Cmmitted by the Supreme Court July
6**, 1784. Sentenced by the Supremo Court to pay a fine of fifty
dollars, to be imprisoned 3 months, to Give Security for his Good
behaviour himself in £500 ; another security in £250; & to pay
Costs.

John Parr. — Committed by Isaac Howell, Esq., July S% 1784.
Charged on Suspicion of Felony.

BuRKLY McDonald. — Committed by Benj" Paschall, Esq.,
July 9*^; 1784. Charged with Stealing a pair of Silver Buckles,
the property of Christopher Ibish.

Daniel Etter. — Committed by the Honorable Thomas McKean,
Esquire, July IS***, 1784. Charged on Suspicion of Murdering
Oeorge Fitler.

George Masman. — Committed by William Rush, Esq., July
16<>'; 1784. Charged with taking a false Oath, which he has been
Convicted of by a Writting in the Hands of Thomas Bradford.

Mary Pendegrace. — Committed by Benj" Paschall; Esq , July
17^, 1784. Charged by her Husband; Jn" PendergracC; with Com-
mitting adultry.

John Burns. — Committed by Benj" Paschall, Esq., July 17%
1784. Charged by Jn<» Pendegrace with Committing Fornication
with his Wife.

John Long. — Committed by Plunket Fleeson, Esq., July 20**,
1784. Charged with an Assault & Battery on the body of his
Wife.

Isaac Hu-skins. — Committed by William Masters, Esq., July
20<*, 1784. Charged with Stealing one Great Coat the property of
Mathias Creidcr.

iMtt FBNNEnrLYANIA AB0HIVE8 1784.

Nicholas FirzQRRALD. — Committed by William Rush, Esq.,
Jalv 20"^, 1784. Charged with an AaBault & Battery on the body
of his Wife.

HsNaT Pjbu>880US. — Committed by William Masters, Esq., July
21>S 1784. Charged with Stealing 121b of powder, thd property of
Gapt^ John Eve, of Frankford.

Baenit O'Nbal.— Committed byBenj> Pa8chall,£8q., Jnly22S
1784. Charged with Stealing a pair Silver Bookies & one pair of
Shoes, the property of George Moore.

LiTKB KsATiNa. — Committed by the Honorable Thomas Kean,
Esquire, July 22', 1784. Charged with Coonterfiting & Forging
the House of Amos Ti^lor & Others.
His Excellency the President and the Supreme Ezecntiye Council

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

In consequence of your Order of the eighth of July, I have ex-
tracted from the Record of the Goal for the City and County of
Philadelphia, the names and Crimes of all the persons Committed
for criminal Offences.

THOMAS PEOCTER,
Shff.*

Ck)UNCiL OP CsNBOBS TO Pbbs. ahd Couhcil, 1784.

In the Cooneil of Censors,

July 26th, 1784.
Sir,

By an Order of Council of this Day I am directed to request your
Excellency & the Hon'ble, the Supreme Executive Council, to inform
them '^ whether any proceeding at your Hon'ble Board is carried on
by Balliot,f or silent and secret Vote, and if there be, how such prao-
tioe accords with the Right to which every Member is entitled of
entering his Reasons of Dissent firom any proceeding upon the
Jouriuib of Council I have the Honour to be respectfully,
Sir, your Exoellencv's ^

Most obedient, humble Servant,
FR'DK A. MUHLENBERG, Presid't.
Directed,
His Excellency, the President of the Supreme Executive Council.

War Offiob to Pbbs. Dickinson, 1784. -

War Office, July 28th, 1784.
Sir,

In obedience to the act of Congress of the 3d June last, I do my-
self the honor to inform your Excellency that the followbg Officers,

* See page 286. f See page 806.

PINNSYLYANIA ABCHIYBB 1784. SOS

bendes one Lieutenant Colonel Commandant^ one Regimental
Sargeon and one Mate, will be required of the State of Pennsyl-
vania to command her quota of Militia to be raised under that
resolution for the defence of the Western pouts.
Artillery, 1 Captain, 2 Lieutenants.
Infantry, 2 Captains, 2 Lieutenants^ 2 Ensigns.
I haye the Honor to be.

With the highest respect,

Your Excellency's mostobed. H'ble Sery't,

JOS. CABLETON.
Directed^

(Public Service.)
His Excellency^ The President of Pensylvania.
War Office.

260 — 3 Companies & 50 men to the State of Pennsylvania.
Calculation.
Pennsylvania, 75 men to a Company will be 3 Companies & 35 mon.
New York, - - - 2 « 15 "

Connecticut, - - - 2 " 15 "

Jersey, - - - 1 << 35 *<

Sbo'y Armstrong *to Thomas Craio, Esq., Lieutenant of
THE County of Northampton, 1784.

Secretary's Office, P-, July 29th, 1784.
Sir,

I beg leave to transmit the enclosed Resolutions of Council of this
day* — ^^b^J ^^^ sufficiently explain the Intentions of Qovemment.
Captain Boyd & myself have already directed a supply of Ammu-
nition to be forwarded to you. We shall exert ourselves to procure
an immediate Conveyance for it.

The Resolutions which regard the County of Northumberland|
are dispatched thither by Express, & wo hope that an immediate
oo-operation may be brought about.

I have now to request, from personal as well as public motives, that

you will make choice of such Officers as from your acquaintance with

them, will best merit your nomination & the Confidence of the State.

Enclosed is the additional supplement to the Militia Law, under

which you are to act.

We propose to set off to-morrow or next day, at farthest, &
hope to find ourselves enabled to proceed without any great delay.
I am, dear Col.,

y Ob. & very humble ser*,

JOHN ARMSTRONG, jr., Seo^j.
* See CoL Beo., Vol^ XIV., p. 167.

804 PBNNSTLTANIA ABOHIVSB 1784.

Sbo*y ABMSi&oNa TO Sheriff of Nobthttmbbrlabd Co.,

1784.

To the Sheriff of Northnmberland,
Philad% July 29, 1784.
By the enclosed Resolutions, you will find it the intentions of
Government to proceed with the utmost energy against every person,
without diacrimination, who has outraged y« Tranquillity of the State,
— By the 3' Resolution, you will observe the necessity of going
hand in hand w^ Captain Willson — & with him, awaiting the fii^ther
directions provided for by the 4^ Resolution. The ground opposite
the mouth of Nescopeck Creek, is assigned as the plaoe of Rendezvous.
I am, &c., &o.y

JOHN ARMSTRONG, jr., Sec'y.
Some of y* writs to be executed are enclosed.
Jndonedy
July 29th, 1784.

Sec'Y ARMSTRONa TO WiLLIAM WiLSON, ESQ., LlEIl!. OF

County of Northumberland, 1784.

Philad., July 29, 1784.
Sir,

Enclosed you have a copy of some resolutions of Council of this
day.^ They are of such a nature as to require your greatest possi-
ble industry & attention.

In addition to them, I have to tell you — that Council, from the
confidence they have in your capacity & Attachment, wish you to
engage for the supply of the Troops which may be called forth by
your Order. The price they propose to give, is 10} D. per Ration.
The quantity to be procured must depend upon your own Calcula-
tions— for 88 this business will be subject to much Contingency, it
is impossible for Council to hazard a single conjecture on that score.'

I have also to communicate their wishes, that you will not only
pay the greatest attention to the Character of the Officers nominated
to the Command of the men, & by all means avoid such as have been
distinguished by their predilections to either side of the Question —
but that you will also come on with the troops yourself to the ground
opposite to y* mouth of Nescopeck Creek, where we will endeavor
to meet you with the Northampton Detachment. As it is impossible
to calculate with much precision upon the movements of Militia —
we cannot venture to name the day on which we shall be there, but
the probability is, that we shall reach it before you, as it is our in-

* See CoL Bec^Vol. XIV., page 166.

PENNSTLYANIA ARGHIVBS 1784 806

taniion to moye as expeditiously as possible. If so, we will com-
omnioate with you by letter, or otherwise, & direct to what otbet
point you are to shape yoar movements.

The Sheriff of your County will receive the Orders of Council to
co-operate with us, & under the countenance we shall afford, be pre-
pared to execute the writs which have been issued by the Judicial
authority.

You will remember, also, to bring with you whatever ammunition
or other public stores that may be deposited at Sunbury;
if you should have no powder, you will make a purchase of such
quantity as will be necessary for your party, as it might bo impru-
dent to come forward without it.

I have only to add, y* if you should bo at the place of Kendezvous
before us, you will take euch steps as will best secure you against
disasters of any kind. — All this command, however, you are to ex-
ercise with great address, & let it appear to be rather the effect of
advice & persuasion, than the result of authority.

To Capt. Wilson.

Thomas Craig to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Easton, July 22«, 1784.
Sir,

I inclose a return of the outstanding fines (except twenty five
pounds some shillings that has been collected in the sixth Battalion
and paid into the Treasury) in th3 first, third, fourth and sixth
Battalions, for the fall 1783, and of the first, third, and sixth, for
the Spring 1784, 1 have not been able to get a return for the Spring
1784 of the fourth, commanded by Colonel Eean, nor anv of the
second and fifth, commanded by Colonels Beabm and Stroud.

Doubtless your Excellency and the Honorable Council, will think
me wanting in point of duty, for not having made this return fully
by the first of this Instant, but flatter myself that when, you come
to consider how difficult it is to collect them fromjthe different parts
of the County, the people they are to be got from, and that I am
totally unassisted by preceeding examples, you will I hope make
just allowance — for permit me to assure your Honorable Body, that
I have done everything in my power, except that of putting the law
in force, and that should have been done before this time, only that
I waited for the abstracts of the outstanding fines, that have been
delivered to the Comptroller General by my predecessors, in order
to make the business of the collection more easy, and less expensive.
I am told there was no orders issued for exercising in the Spring of

aOft BBNN8YLTANIA ABCHiyES 1784

1783y and tkat (he Militia did not assemble^ oonseqaently their will
B0$ be anj retuniB made for that period.
I have the honor to be

with all due esteem and respect

your Ezcellenoys most obed*

and most Hble Serv*,

THOS. CRAIG.
Diredadj — On pnblio Servioe,

His Exoellencj John Dickinson, Esquire, Preadent of the Sa-
preame Executive Council; Philadelphia.

A Betum of the fines arising from Delinquents in Northampton
County on the different days of exercise as made to me by the
Commanding Officers of Battalions.

Easton, July 22% 1784.
For IWl, 1783. For Spring, 1784.

£14 0 0
74 0 0

118 5 0

!•* Battalion, £ 24 5 0

8« BattaUon, 106 15 0

4*» Battalion, 65 0 0

6*^ Battalion, 92 5 0

I do certify that the above return is as true as it is possible for
me to make it, from the returns I received from the difl^rent Com-
manding officers of Battalions.

THOS, CRAIG, Lieut

Northampton County.

pRES. Dickinson to Council of CensoMb, 1784.

In Council, July 80, 1784.
Sir,
Thn Board proceeds by Ballot* only in Eloctions to Office.
I am with great Respect,

Sir, your most obedient

& humble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.
J)irectedj

The Honorable Predlc A. Muhlenburg, President of the Coundl
of Censors

*" Soe page, 802.

PBNNSTLYANIA ABGHIYSS 1784 807

Pebs. DiCKnrsoN to Messrs. Botd &; Abmstbokg, 1784.

In Connolly Angost 10, 1784.
Gentlemen,

We have received your Letter by Captain Schott, and are in
Hopes, that when the Insurgents are convinced of the determined
Resolution of the Government, to insist upon a due submission to
the authority of the people of Penn*, they will desist from further
violenoes.

As soon as they are in that Disposition, you will please to have
the proper legal steps taken, that those who have disturbed the
Peace, of whatever party they are, may be rendered answerable for
their Conduct. It shall be our Endeavour, as it is our Duty, to
impress this Principle, that it is extreme folly for men to expect,
they shall promote their real Interests by a Contempt for the Laws
of their Country.

Tho Fortifications at Wyoming we would have levelled and totally
destroyed, & the Cannon, arms removed to Sunbury, & their safely
deposited.

I am Gentlemen,

with great Esteem and Regard,

Your obedient and very humble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed,

Honble Jn* Boyd and Lieutenant Colonel John Armstrong.

Comm'bs of the County of Philadelphia to Council,

1784.

To His Excell^y John Dickinson, Esq*", President, and the Hon-
ourable the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.

Gentlemen,

The Commissioners having been applied to for some of the Iron
work of the Old Goal, which induced us to examine the Laws res-
pecting the Sale of the Old Goal, Work-house and house of Correct
lion, find by an act passed the 26*^ day of February, 1773, pase 488.
that the Commissioners were impowered to make Sale of the Old
Goal, &o. By a Supplement to the Act intitled ^ An Act for erect*
ing a New Goal, Work-house and house of Correction, in the Citj
of Philadelphia,^' passed 1775, page 523, whermn it is recited, that
the Commissioners were impowered by the first mentioned act to sell
the Old Goal &c. On a further examination of the Laws, find that
by an act passed the 28"^ day of Feb'y, 1780, page 269, in the third

808 PENNSYLVANIA ABOHIVES 1784.

Seeiion, that the power of making Sale of the old Goal &c., ia takea
from the Commiaaionen, and veated in the Supreme Exeontive
Coaacil, which puts it out of the Commissioners power to give the
appljers an answer. We beg the favour of Council to take it into
consideration^ and give us their directions.
We are Gentlemen

Tour most Obedient

and very HumV' Servants,

MICHAEL SHUBERT.
JOHN BROOKE.*
Philad-, Aug* 12*S 1784.

His Excellency John Dickinson, ^^% President^ &o. &o. &o.

MicHABL Ryan to Council, 1784.

To JHis Excellency the President and the Hon**« the Supreme Ex-
ecutive Council of Pennsylvania.
The Memorial of Michael Ryan,
Humbly Sheweth,

That your Memorialist being an Inhabitant of this State very
early embarked in the Cause of America, and served with reputation
in many Capacities, as he can elucidate from General Washington's
approbation of his Conduct when he left the Army and other respec-
table Testimonials. That your Memorialist continued in the said
service between three and four years and when he resigned it was
owing to his being injured in his Rank from an accidental appoint-
ment which then took place. That as soon as your Memorialist left
the Service of the United States he was immedflitely thereupon
appointed Inspector General of the Militia of this State, and thus
altogether remained in the Public Service as a Military Character
the principal part of the Late War. That your Meflbrialist obtained
Certificates for his depreciation of pay from the Auditors appointed
under the act of assembly in that case made and provided which Certi-
ficates have been long since transferred and negociated as Money
Bona fide and justly due to him.

That a Capias ad respondendum has now issued against your Memo-
rialist to recover back of him the am< and value of the said Certificate
(being about £547) and your memorialist is now in the Custody of
the Sheriff of this City and County. That your Memorialist con-
ceives it very Cruel after disposing of a Certifioate obtained in man-
ner aforesaid to be called upon to refund the same.

Your Memorialist conceiving himself very much injured under
these oircamstances is advis'd to apply to the Hon*'* House of
Assembly for redress.

* See Col. Rcc, Vol. XIV., p. 178.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 309

He therefore in the meantime prays your Hon'ble Board will be
Pleased to stay and Postpone the proceedings against him and make
BQch order in the premises as to your Wisdom may seem meet
Your Memorialist will ever pray, &e.,

M. BYAN.

Philadelphia, Aug"* 13*^ 1784.
Indorsedj

See act for settling Depreo'on Accts, passed 13 April, 1780, &
Retolotion of the Gen^ Ass^ of August 27, 1783. Koad in Gouncii
17th of Aug<, 1784, and rejected.
Directed^

To His Excellency the President and The Hon'ble The Supreme
Executive Council of Pennsylvania.

John Shribbr to Prbs. Dickinson, 1784.

Lancaster, Aug" 16th, 1784.
Sir,

The Council having appointed me to the Care of the Barracks,
Public Store-house & Powder Magazine in this Town, I beg leave to
inform them that one of the Gable Ends has lately been broke down
by the ^11 of a Chimney from that part of the Barracks which was
lately sold, this accident has laid open some of the Booms and will
receive much injury from the weather indeed the whole of the Bar-
racks are in a ruinous situation and unless a now roof is put on the
whole barracks will be destroyed in a Short Time.

I am Sir

Your h'ble Sorv*,

JOHN SHBIBEB.

Pres. Dickinson to Lieut. Col. Harmeb, 1784.

In Council,

August 14, 1784.
Sir,

Agreeable to our Communication of this Day ; You will prooeed
immediately to inlist and embody three Companies of In&ntry, Eaoh
consisting of seventy Men, and fifty Men as part of Artillery Company.

In penorming this service, you will please to conform strioUy to
the following lUiles :

First — ^To guard against Impodtaon, evei^ Beemit, before his
Attestation be signed, is to be oarefully examined, least he should

Vol. X— 14.

810 PENNSYLVANIA ARCfflVBS 1784.

litTe a Bapture, fitSi or some other Disease, which may render him
incapable of performing the more active Doties of a soldier. All
such, and also, all persons who ha^e been in the British service at
any time daring the late War, and also, all persons who have been
in the American service and have not been honorably discharged,
are to be absolately rejected, and those of the best Oharaoter, both
as soldiers & Men, to be selected.

Secondly — ^When an unexceptionable Recruit shall be engaged,
yoa are to take or send him to some justice of the Peace, who find-
ing him to be sober, & having read to him the form of the inlist-
ment, & attestation is to cause the recruit to sign the said inlist-
menty & then administer to him the oath herewith incloeed
duplicate of which attestation and inlistment the justice shall wit-
ness. Of these one Copy is to be transmitted to this Board, the
other you will retain in your own hands.

Thirdly*— The inclosed form of inlistment & attestation is to be
invariably observed.

Fourthly — ^As an Encouragement for the inlistment of such
Becmit, you are authorized to offer on the part of the United States
the Pay, subsistence & Bations heretofore allowed to the Troops of
The United States, and one months pay after the Troops are em-
bodied before their March.

Fifthly — Council expect a weekly Beport of your progress in
this Business till it be concluded.

I am, Sir,
your obedient
& hble. Servt.,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed,

Lieutenant Colonel, Josiah Harmer.

Acknowledgement & Attestation.

I acknowledge

myself to be fairly & truely inlisted in the Pennsvlvania Troops
commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Josiah Harmer for the space of
one year, unless sooner discharged.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand this Day

of 1784.

Witness.

I do swear

to be true & faithful to the United States of America, that I will
faithfully serve them in the Troops commanded by Lieutenant
Colonel Josiah Harmer for the space of one year from^ the
Date of this attestation unless sooner discharged, and that I will be
obedient to the orders of Congress and of the Committee of the
State in the Becoss of Congress; and to the officers who are or shall
bo set over me, according to the Bules & Begulations formed for the

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 811

gOTernmeiit of ihe late Army of the United States, or ench Boles
and Regulations, as Congress or a Committee of the State may
form. So help Me.

Sworn before Me
a Jastice of the Peace, A.B.

this Day of 1784.

MoNS. Db Mabbois to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

(Translation.)

Philadelphia, 15 August, 1784.
Sir,

1 cannot too much thank your Excellency for having furnished
me with an opportunity to amend the mistake of the Copyist in the
Letter, which I had the honour to write to you on the 8th of Juno
last.* It is so palpable, and the Sense which it presents so contrary
to the respect which I profess and Owe to the Supreme Council,
that I am really grieved at not having sooner had an opportunity of
transmitting to you the original of this Letter.

I have the honour to send you an exact Copy of it, and I beg
you to consider the other as null as it is so in fact

I eagerly embrace this opportunity of Requesting you Sir, to
assure the Council of my unremitted attention to whatever may con«
tribute to the maintenance of the Friendship and good Understand-
ing between the two Nations, and of the satisfaction which I feci in
meeting with the same dispositions in your Excellency and the
Supreme Council.

I am,
with respect Sir,

Your Excellency's
Most humble and
most obd Servant,

DE MARBOIS.

Lt. Col. Josiah IZabmab to Pbes. Dickinson, 1784.

Philadelphia, August 16tb, 1784.
The respectable appointment,! which your honorable body has
been pleased to confer upon me, and the very polite manner in
which it was done, lay me under particular obligations, to your £z-

• See Col. Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 140-

t Lt Col. Commandant for proteetion of N. W. froDtitrs.— Cot Bec«,
XlV. p. 177.

ai2 PISNNSTLVANIA ABGHIVBS 1784.

oeUenoy and Coanoil. Indeed, I oannot suffieiently ozpresB my
feeling npon this oocasion ; I shall therefore eDdeayour, by a steady
attention to the duties of this appointment, to render every possible
servioe to my oonntry, and thereby merit the approbation of your
honorable board.

I have the honor to be.

Your Ezcellenoy's

& Councils most

ob* & very hble. Servt.,

JOS. HARMAR
Directed^

-His Ezoellenoy, John Dickinson, Esq., & The Honorable The
Supreme Executive Council, Pennsylvania.

ELBonoif OF Oommiss'rs to bxamike thb Susquehanna,

1T84.

State of Pennsylvania,
In General Assembly.

Tuesday, August 17, 1784. A. M.
A^eably to the order of the day, the House proceeded to the
election of a Commissioner (in the room of William Montgomery,.
Esquire, who hath resigned) to examine the navigation of the Sus-
quehanna to the souroes of the same, and ascertain as near as conve-
niently may be where the northern boundary of thu State will fall,
pirticularly whether any part of Lake Erie is within the State of
Pennsylvania, &c., conformably to a resolution of the late Assembly,
passed the fifteenth day of September last, when the ballots being
taken it appeared that Joseph Montgomery, Esquire, was duly
elected.

Extract from the Minutes,

J. SHALLUS, Ass* Clerk

of the General Assembly.

Prbs. Dickinson to Robbrt Morris, 1784.

In Council, August 19, 1784.
Sir,

~r Colonel Harmar has this morning reported to os, that you do not
think yourself empowered to furnish the sums reqfuisite for subsisting
the Quota of Troops required from this Commonwealth by the Reso-
lution of Congress of the third Day of June last, and that therefore
he cannot proceed in enlisting the Men, tho' numbers haye offered.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 818

6j the seventh of the said ResolutioDs it is directed, '< That the
Saperintendant of the FiDanoes of the United States take orde^ for
liirnishing on the Warrant of the Secretary of the War Office, the
•luns requisite for earrjing the foregoing Resolation into effect/'

Conformablj to the Letter and Spirit of this Resolution the Oen-
eral Assembly has by the Late Law founded on the befoTementioned
Acty ordered, '' that the pay, Rations & subsistence of the officers &
Hen shall be the same as have been heretofore allowed, provided such

ry, Rations, Subsistence & other Expenses of raisiDg, supporting
maintaining the said Troops be furnished by the United States/'
We are of opinion, that this State ought only to furnish and not to
feed the Men; & we should be extremely sorry, that after such
prompt & zealous Exertions on the part of Pennsylvania, for accom-
plishing the Intentions of Oongress, the whole Plan should be now
defeated by a Construction put upon their Expressions by any of
their own officers.

J. D*
Directed^
To the Hon. Robert Morris, Esq.j Superintendent of Finances.

Robert Morris to Prb8. Dickinson, 1784.

Office of Fmance, 19 August, 1784.
Sir,

I had just now the Honor to receive your Excellency's Letter
dated in Council of this Day. I had the Pleasure of a Conversation
with Col* Harmar this Mominj? : In the Course of it I expressed
my opinion that as the United States had made a Call for Militia
they could hardly have had it in Contemplation to pay any expences
of raising Recruits or of supporting them until after they should be
assembled in Readiness to obey Orders to be issued by Authority of
Congress. I took Ocoision also to observe that the States of Con-
necticut, New York and New Jersey being at a Distanoe from the
Public Treasury could not apply for Money to defray the like Ex-
pences should they pursue the same Mode of furnishing their
respective Quotas.

Since the Receipt of your Excellency's Letter, being apprehensive
lest the Construction I had ventured to put upon the Expressions of
Congress should be contrary to their Intentions, I had Recourse to
the printed Journal and am rather confirmed in my former Idea.
For I find that a motion was made to add the following Clause.
'< That where the Laws of any State will not admit of their Militia
** being called out on the terms proscribed in the foregoing Resolu-
t* tions such State may be permitted to engage the Quota of Men

* Col. Keo. Vol. XIV., p. 182.

814 PBNNSTLTANIA. ABGHIVBS 1784.

<^ aaauned it, in suoh manner as the LcgiBlaiure thereof shall direct."
And I find that this Motion was set aaide bj the previons Qaestion.
I shall not pretend to enquire whether the Aol of your Lc^pslatnie
is or is not oonformable to the Letter and Spirit of the seventh Reso*
Itttion Quoted in voor Exoellenoy's Letter. I have great Respect
for the Wisdom of the honorable Assembly^ I entertain a jnst Sense
of the prompt and lealoos Exertions made on the Part of Pensilva-
nia, and I shoold feel mnoh Regret if the Plan were defeated. My
Construction of the seventh Resolution is contained in the answer of
this Date to a Letter of Yesterday from the Secretary in the War
Office of both which I have the Honor to enclose Copies.
With all possible Respect
I have the Honor to be
SiTj Your Excellency's

most obedient and hnmble Servant,
Directed, ROB' MORRIS.

His Excellency the President of Pensilvania.

IndoTMedy

Read 20th Ang>, 1784, ft considered. Upon which Col* Harmar
was directed to apply to the Sil'ry of the War Office.*

No. 1.
Jos. Carleton to Robert Morris, 1784.

War Office, August 18th, 1784.
Sir,

I do myself the honor to inform you that the Officers lately
appointed by the Executive of Pennsyh, have Orders from their
Cfommanding Officer to proceed imme^tely on the recruiting Busi-
ness, who has made Choice of Philadelphia and Lancaster as the
fittest place for the Rendezvous of the Recruits. As Provisions wiU
be immediately want^ for their Support, I beg leave to suM^t the
expediency of temporary Contracts being formed at these Posts for
the Supply of the Troops as they are enlisted.

I have the Honor to be, Sir,

your most obed' Servant,
Directed, (Signed.) JOS. CARLETON.

Hon'ble Robert Morris.

No. 2.

Robert Morris to Joseph Carleton, 1784.

Office of Finance, 19th Aug^, 1784.
Sir.

I have received your Favor of the eighteenth. I am clearly of
Opinion that it is always best to supply Rations by Contract. Yoa

* See Col. Rec. VoL XIV. p. 182.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 816

will obserye that by the Act of Congress of the third of June laat,
I am directed to UJce Order for fumishing on your Warrants the
Sums necessary for carrying their Resolutions into Effect Not
cooceiying myself Authorized by this Act to form any Judgment
either on the Amount or on the Application of the Sums in Question,
I can only say in answer to your Letter, that the Warrants you may
think proper to Issue shall meet due Honor.
I am Sir,

your most obedient & Hum^ ServS

Signed, ROB' MORRIS.

Directedf

Joseph Carleton, Eaq% Secretary in the War Office.

RfisOLUiiON OF Obkeral Assbmblt, 1784.

State of Pennsylyania, In Oeneral Assembly.

Friday, August 21, 1784. A. M.

The report of the committee read yesterday, on the Memorial of
one of the Commissioners appointed to examine the nayigation of
the riyer Susquehanna to the sources of the same, &c., was read the
second time ; whereupon

Resolyed, that an order bo drawn by the President in Council on
the State Treasurer, in fayor of William Maclay, Esquire, for seyen-
ty three pounds, to be applied for defraying the necessary disburse-
ments of the said Commissioners, in the prosecution of the objects
of their appointment, and to be accounted for by the said William
Maclay Esquire.

Extract from the Minutes,

J. SHALLUS, Ass* Clerk

of the General Assembly.*

Lt. Coim John Abmsironq to Council, 1784.
Sir,

By a letter from Co^ Harmer I find your Excellency & Council
haye been pleased to Honor me with an appointment in the ConU-
nental Reg* under his command. After acknowledgments to your
Excellency & Council for their confidence, beg leaye to obserye that
I fed myself hurt in being only appointed as Ensign after haying
seryed as Lieutenant in the Continental Army, since the 11'^ Sep-
tember, 1777, and lately Honoured by Congress with a Captains
Commission by Breyct & while I except my present appointment

* See CoL Beo., Vol. XIV., p. 182.

816 PENNSYLVANIA ARGHiySS 1784.

hope your Exoeneooy ft Connoil will give me that rank I held In
the Continental army. I am with every Respect

your Excellenoys hm' serv*,

JOHN AKMSTRONG.*
Sonhniy, 24th August, 1784.
Directed^

His Ezoellenoy John Dickinson, Philadelphia.
Gapt. Qreen.

Lt. Col. Habmab to Pbbs. Dickinson, 1784.

Philadelphia, AnguSt 26% 1784.

Sir,

As it is neoessary that the oflieen previous to receiving their
commissions should have taken the Oath of allegiance to the State.
I can certify to your Excellency ft the Honorable Council that
Captains Finney, Douglass, Ziegler ft McCurdy, likewise Lieut*
Herbert & Doyle, ft the Surgeon McDowell have already taken it.
The other (^oers I cannot certify to, but have not the least doubt,
but the Oath has been taken by them.

Your Excellency and the Honorable Council may be assured that
previous to my delivering them their commissions; I will be well
convinced that every one uiall have taken the Oath.
I have the honor to be, with the highest Esteem
ft Bespect, Your Excelleno/s ft the
Honble Councils most obt. Servt.,
Directed, JOS. HABMAB.

His Exoellency, President Dickinson ft The Honorable CoundL

Rbpobt ft Bbsolutions of GEiTfiiAL Assembly, 1784.

State of Pennsylvania. In General Assembly,

Wednesday, August 26, 1784.— A. M.

The report of the committee read August 23, was read the second
time, and adopted as follows, (viz :)

The Committee to whom were referred the several papers relating
to Indian affairs, with directions to confer with the Supreme Execu-
tive Council ; beg leave to report as the joint opinion of that Board
and your committee.

That weighty reasons have occurred in favour of the design for
holding a conference with the Indians on the part of this State, and
if under the present situation of Continental afiairs, that measure
can be conducted on sure ground and without too unlimited an ex-
pense, it ought to take place and be rendered as eflfectual as this
House can make it, under whose auspices a foundation would be

* See Col. Keo., XIV. p. 188.

MSNNSYLVANIA ABCHIVES 1784. 817

thus laid of essential and darable advantages to the poblio, by ex-
tending population^ satisfjine our officers and soldiers in regatd
to their donation lands and depreciation ocrtificatcS| restoring that
anoient friendly and profitable intercourse with the Indians and
gnarding against all occasions of war with them.

These are the objects to be kttained, truly interesting and so well
adapted to insure the attention of this House, that your committee
ofier the following resolutions.

Ipt Resolved that the Supreme Executive Council be authorised and
requested to prepare a present of Nine thousand dollars worth of such
goods, merchandize and trinkets as are known to be very acceptable
among the Indians, to be given them in case a purchase is concluded,
but as part of the consideration of such a bargain ; And that the said
goods be carefully forwarded wherever the commissioners may direct,
and the above sum, and any farther supply, not exceeding one
thousand pounds that Council may think necessary for the said Com-
aoissioners contingent expencos shall be drawn by the President in
Counoil from the State Treasurer ; the said Commissioners to be
acoonntable for such sum as they shall receive.

2dly. Resolved, it is the sense of this House that should the
Continental Indian treaty be delayed, the Commissioners on tho
part of this State, shall notwithstanding proceed and call together
the Indians who claimed the unpurchased territory within the limits
of this State, particularly the Six Nations, Delawares and Shawancse
for the purpose of finally purchasing the said territory agreeable to
ancient usage.

8dly. Resolved, that the Supreme Executive Council bo requested
to furnish such further instructions to the Indian Commissioners as
shall appear from time to time, conducive to the good purposes ex-
plained in the foregoing resolutions.

Extract from the Minutes.
J. SHALLUS,
Ass^ Clerk of the General Assembly.

Paes. Dickinson to Lt. Col. Abmstrono, 1784.

In Council, August 27, 178-1.
Sir,

It i^ the sense of Council, that until further Measures can bo
pursued, the Wheat lately reaped on the disputed Lands should bo
secured for the use of the persons who sowed the same ; and wo
desire, that you will immediately give strict directions for this pur-
pose. I am with great Esteem Sir,

your most obdt. Servt.,
Directed, JOHN DICKINSON.

Lieut' Col. Armstrong.

* See Col. Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 186.
14*

sisf

^EDrNSTLYANIA AKCHIVEB 1784.

Idst of Qoodn neoeasary towards effecliDg Uie purchase of the
vteporohased Territory within the State of Penii^.

20^ Casks Guo-powder|

1 Ton Barr Lead,

2 Gf0S9 Thimbl^if
2 ditto Jew9 Efarps, •
2 ditto Marrice B«Lls. .
6 dtyz* pieoQs j el low, green antl purple RibbaOj

5 pieces embotsed Flaonel^
80 pieeee Best LoudoD Stroud,
80 ditto Befit French Match Coats
10 ditto B I auk eta,

20 pieces Half- thicks, purple ft White Dap,
60 doz. White Ruffled shirts,

6 Dos. Laoed Hats,
60 dot. KniveSi
10 doi. Haiohets,
10 doz. Pipe Tomahawks, .
12 doL LookiDg Olassesi (2 Siies.)

2 M. Awl Blades, . .

5 M. Needles,
1 0. Vermillion,

60 Rifles,

00 M. Wampum, 30 Blaok, 80 White.
12 do^, Sihcr Arm Bands,
12 d- Wriat bands, .
60 ditto Broaches,
2 ditto Gorgets,
12 ditto Nosebobs, .
12 ditto Hair pipes, .
12 ditto Rings,

6 Pieces Scarlet Broad Cloth,
lOOlb Brans Wire,

20 doz. Silk Handkerchiefs,
20 ditto pieces Calicoe,

4 doz. Saddles and Bddles,
1000 Flints or 1 Kegg,

1 Groce Shears,
^ 1 ditto Scissara,

1 ditto Horn Combs,

1 Ivory,
12 ditto MorricQ Bells, (JError.)

1 Hhd. Tobacco,
20 doz. Pipes, (Moravian.) '
20 ditto Calicoe Shirts,

0
0

X42 10

44 00

[7 4
9 00

85 00
27 10

255 00
887 10
78 10
00 00
525 00 0
105 00 0
17 10 0
12 10 0
20 00 0
12 00 0

0 10 0

1 15
56 5

800 00 0

90 00 0

217 16 0

124 00 0

86 00 0
84 4 0
12 00

87 16
9 00

180 00

16 10

50 00

80 00
130 00

1 10
7 10
6 00

2 8
10 00 0

9 00 0
35 00
5 00
150 00

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6

0
0
0

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

819

60 lb. Thread, (sorted.)

500 lb. Brass Kettles, in nests, (complete.)

100 lb. Small White Beads,
12 Qrooe Scarlet & Star Gartering^
12 ditto Green ft yellow Bed lace,
SHhdsRam; ....

35 00 0
75 00 0
25 00 0

60 00 0

Aug. 28, 1784.*

P&ES Dickinson to Lt. Col. Armstronq, 1784.

In Council, Angost 80^ 1784.
Sir,

We have received yonr Letter of the 24th Instantf w\^h the in-
elosares, & have this Day put thorn into the Hands of a Committee
of the General Assembly.

That Committee is appointed for the purpose of bringing in a Bill
to prevent any Interruption by suit of Certiorari or other writ, to legal
proceedings for restoring forthwith to the persons who were violently
dispossessed in May last the Lands & Tenements which they then
occupied.

This Measure is adopted in Conformity to the sentiments of the
Board & the Chief Justice, as well as of the Legislative Branch of
government, and the Insurgents may be convinced by considering
the circumstances existing at the Time when it was adopted, that
nothing but a Regard for Eouity has prompted it. If they repeat
their violences, they will at length render themselves answerable to
publio Justice for so many offences, that they must expect a very
different Treatment, which it is in the Power of this Commonwealth
to inflict at the Instant when it is in her Inclination.

We therefore desire that you will order the men who are oollected
mt Bowman's Creek, immediately to disperse ', b to inform them
•nd others what will be the Consequences to themselves if they
continue to disturb the Peace of the State.

Captain Boyd proposes to set off for Wyoming in a Day or two,
who will bring more particular Intelligence.

I am with a very great Esteem, Sir,

your most obedt. and Hbble. Servt.

JOHN DICKINSON.

Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong.

* See Col. Rec., Ytl. XIY., p. 186. f See page 817.

820 PBMNSYLYANIA ABCHIVBS 1784.

Prbs. Dickinson to Gov. Paca ov Maryland, 1784.

In Coanoil, Philaddphuiy Angufit 80th, 1784.
Sir,

When we hftd the honor of receiving from the Councnl of your
6tftie die Letter of Uie twentj-ninth of April last, Wo referred the
nSair therein mentioned to the Judges of the Supreme Court*, not
doubting, but it would be conducted accordiog to the constant
usage in similar Cases between this State and the States of New
Jersey and Delaware.

The Chief Justice and Judge Rush have communicated to us the
Objections that have arisen.

To expedite the Business, We have sent the Bearer Mr. Joseph
Bullfinch, and request that Mr. Henry Carberry may be immedi-
ately delivered into his Custody at the limits of Maryland and of
this State, in order that he may be brought into this County, and
tried for the offence with which he has been charged.
i have the honor to be,
with great Esteem Sir,
Your most obedient humble Servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed f

His Excellency William Paca, Esquire, €h>venior of the State of
Maryland.

Instructions to Comm'rs for TRSATiNa with thb
Indians, 1784.

In Gounqil, Philada., August 31st, 1784.
Gentlemen,

As soon as yon receive information of the time and place where
the OonUnental Treaty shall be held with the Indians, you will
consider it your duty to attend the same with ye utmost punctuality
and for your better information on this subject it will be advisable
to correspond with some of the Continental Commissioners.

We inclose a Copy of the Resolutions of the General Assembly
of the 25th Instantf by which you will perceive the sense of the
Legislature on the subject of your Commission.

You wiU chose the most favourable opportunity of signifying to
the Indians ^our Intention of purchasing ye unpurchased Territory
within ye Limits of Penna. & produce at the same time your Com-
mission for that purpose, as there can be no doubt but the Conti-
nental C^mmisssoners will readily yield you every possible aid in

* See page 74, 292. * See page 818.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784,

821

jonr Degooiations on Uie part of this State, you will therefore be
particularly careful od your side, to facilitate as far as you can, the
importaDt business wiuch the United States have committed to
them

In negociating with the Indians you will regulate your conduct by
the principles of Justice as well as the most exact Economy, ob-
taining credit for the Goods wh. you may deliver haying the Deed
of purchase duely executed to the Commonwealth, and fixing the
balance yt shall remain due^ which balance should be in goods
rather than money, as such intercourse may be the means of rcviying
a Trade with the several Tribes interested ; and in this respect, you
may depend on the faith of Government for discharging any con-
tracts which shall be made by you.

In all your deliberations with the Indians you will ose your ut-
most endeavors to conciliate their affections and gain their confidence
rather than irritate their tempers or provoke their resentments.
I am Gentlemen,

with very great Regard,

your obedient and humble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.*
/ficfors^,— August 81st, 1784. To the Honble. Samuel J. Atlee,

Esqr, Wm. Maday and Francis Johnston, Esq.

Men shut up in the Garrison at Wyoming, 1784.

List of the Men whQhave been shut up in the Garrison at Wyoming
with the Snbeoribers and the Numbers of Arms & amuni. Public £

private property.
Luke Brodheadi
James Melvin,
Daniel McLaskey,
Joseph Cavana,
Joseph Marshall,
Abm. Courtright,
Elisha Courtright,
John Courtright,
Ezekel Schoonover,
Peter Cursau,
Saml. Yangorder^
Enos Randle,
Laurence Kinney,
Oarret Shoemaker^ Jun.
Jacob Tilberry,
Abm. Tilberry^
Peter Stagg,

Jacob Woodc6ck,
Richard Woodcock,
James Culver,
Iseah Culver,
Preserved Cooley,
Peter Taylor,
Silas Taylor,
Ebenezer Taylor,
Benj. Hillman,
William Sims,
William McKinney,
William Miller,
John Hillman,
Alex. Hoover,
Abm. Hammond,
Alex. Strickland,
Jacob Van Horn,

* A Treaty was held with' the Indians & a purdhase made at Fort Stan-
Wiz, Oct. 23d, 1784. SeQ Smith's Law8» VoL II, p. 128.

822

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

George Yoman^
John Pinscll,
Daniel Swartz,
Joseph BiggerSj
John Borelandy
George Tanner,
Edward Gavana,
Garratt Shoemaker,
James Stagg,
Kichard Savage,
Laurence Osbonrne,
Patrick Dunlevej,
Joseph King,
Nicholas Brink,
Juba,

Jacob Cramer,
Jacob Kljno,
David McCartney,
John Laslej,
Robert Clark,
Gabrial Ogdcn,
Ge5rge Tanner Junr.,
Joseph Montancj,
James Covert,
John Potman,
James Johnston,
Ephm. Van Orman,
Isaac Van Orman,
John Van Orman,
Henry Wynn,
Obediah Walker,

2 Four Pounders,
1 Swivel,
1 Wall Piece, .
98 stand of arms,
83 stand of Arms,
1 Box of Cartridges,'"

We the subscribers do Certify upon our Honor, that the above is
an exact and true Return of the Men, arms & ammunition that wore
in Fort Dickinson on the arrival of the Commissioners from the
Supr. Executive Council of Pennsylvania at this place.

ALEX. PATTERSON,
B. W. BALL,
SAM. REED,
A HENDERSON.
Wyoming, August 8th, 1784.

Stale Property,

ditto.
Private property. .
Public property.
Private property,
State property.

I have the honor to enclose your Excellency & the Honorable
Council, a statement of the troops at present ; since this return has
been made, several more men have been recruited— -I imagine ray
Total is about 100. — I have just rcc'ed a Letter from Capt. Zioglor
dated Aug* 24'" — wherein his success is but very trifling as yet
1 have the honor to be,

with the highest esteem & respect,
Your Excellency's & the

Hon*''' Council's most ob' Senr*,

JOS. HARMARJ Col. Com*.
Saturday noon, August 28'% 1788.
His Ex> Jn" DickinsoD; & The Hon"' Council.

MlimSTLVANIA ABCHIVES 1784.

828

Report of tHB American Beqiment, 1784.

Report of the Amerieftn Regiment under the command of L^ Colonel
Joeiah Harmar — Camp^ Western Heights of Schajkill. AoguBt
28% 1784.

Companies.

ca
o

T3
CI

a
a
Q

Bom arks.

Captain Douglass

Captain Finnej

No aoc'*yct of his sncoeH»,

Capt$ia McCnrd;

Total

1 SO

Attest^
STEWART HERBERT, L* & Adj.

JOS. HARMAB.
L* Col. Corn*.

Ikbtructions to Thomas P&octob, Sheriff, 1784.

In Council, September 1«S 1784
Sir,

Inclosed is a Letter for the Goyemor of Maryland,* demaodinff
M' Henry Carberrj to be immediately delivered to H** Samuel BulP
finch, deputized by you for the Purpose of receiving and conveying
him to the now Goal in this City, to be tried for the Offence with
which he is charged.

* Sec page W6.

m PBNNfiTLVAiHA ABOfilYES VIU.

You will give Orders to M" Ballfinch to obtaia a DepntatioD from
the Sheriff of Chester County, for oomrejipy the Prisoner through
that County, & to use the utmost Care & I^ligence in bringing him
op. We ezpeot M' BuUfinok will ooavej our Letter without Loss
ofTimetoQovPaca.

I am, Sir,

Your most obed' serv*;

JOHN DICKINSON.

Thomas Porter, Esquire, Sheriff of the City & County of Phila-
delphia.

Gov. Paoa, of Md., to Prbs. Dickinson, 1784.

Annapolis, 5^ September, 1784.
Sir,

I have the Honor to acknowledge yours of the SO^ August by
M' Bullfinch.*

The President of our Council wrote you. on the 29^ April, that
Captain Carberry had been arrested and Recognised by our Judges
to appear at our General Court to be hold on the Seeond Tuesday in
Ma^ : By our Laws, our Courts have Jurisdiction, and may try our
CitiEens for Treason committed in any of the States against this or
any of the United States, and Carberr/s Offence was conceived to
be of a treasonable Nature : But Congress having recommended that
he should be sent to your State, where the Offences were committed,
and the Confederation making it a matter of Right that the Offender
should be tried where the Offence was committed, if he should be
demanded by the Governor or Executive Power, our Court did not
proceed on the Affur, but held M' Carberry in Custody, expecting
him, to be demanded according to the Confederation, on the above
Notification from the President of the Arrest and Offence charged;
the Court sat almost a Month, and no Demand being made, they
took his Recognizance to appear at their next General Court, which
will be held the second Tuesday in October next.

When I did myself the Honor of writing to your Judges, on the
20^ May, our Court was then sitting, and Mr. Carberry was in Cus-
tody ready to be delivered up.

I have given the above Detail in order to account for not having
Mr. Carbury on the spot to deliver up to your Officer, Mr. Bullfinch.

Mr. Carbury shall be immediately informed of your Demand, and
I have every Reason to think he will voluntarily attend your Judges
and surrender himself up. If he does not, our Judges, on his ap-
pearance at the next General Court, will deliver him up to the Ex-

• See page 822— also, 291.

FBNNSTLYANIA ABCmVES 1784. 825

eoQtivey wbo will forward him to the Limits of this State, giving
jour .ESzoellenoj previous Notice of the Time and place, so that your
Officers may meet cur's and receive him into Custody.
With great regard,

I have the Honor to be

Your Excellency's ..

most obedient humble servanti
W- PACA.

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq'.
Mr. Buifinch.

Pbbs. Dickinson to Commissioners for treating with
Indians, 1784.

In Council, September 4th, 1784.
Gentlemen,

We are not informed of any Instructions given by Congress to
their Commissioners concerning a Bestoration of prisoners. This
object appearing important to us, We desire that you may apply to
the Continental Commissioners, represent the propriety ot the
Measure, and strenuously endeavour that all prisoners taken by the
Indians during the late War, may be restored.
I am, with great Esteem,

Gentlemen, &c.
Samuel John Alice, William Maday & Francis JohnaoUi Es^iire

Col. Francis Johnston to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

PhiUd-, Sep. 7, 1784.
Sir,

In conformity to your Excelly's Letter of the 4th Instant, I made
application to Arthur Lee, Esq', One of the Continental Com", for
information touching a restoration of Prisoners, and find Congress
have given him and his Colleagues particular instructions on that
subject, as will appear from Mr. Lee^s letter to me of yesterday, A
Copy of which I have the Honor to inclose.
I am your Excellency's

most Obed' Hble. Senrant,

FRA'S JOHNSTON.

826 PBNNSTLVANIA ABOHIVSS 1784.

A&iHUE LxE TO Col. F&ancis^ Johnston, 1784.

The Hon^ CoP Johnston.
Sir,

In answer to your enquiries touching the restoring of snoh
Prisoners heing, Citizens of the United States, as may be in the
hands of the Indians, I have the honor to inform you that the Com-
missioners from Congress are instructed to demand a restoration of
them all. In conformity to this instruction, the Commissioners have
desired in their Messuages, that all prisoners, White & Blacky may
be brought to the places of treating to be delivered up, as a proof
of the sinoere disposition of the Indians to establish peaoe and
friendship.

I have the honor to be,

. with very great esteem,

S', YourObt. Servt,

(signed) ARTHUR LEE.
A Copy — signed

ALEX. CAMPBELL, Secy

Direetedy — Public Service.

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq', President in Council.

Rbsolxttiokb of Coukoil op Cbnsorb, 1784.

In the Council of Censors,

September 7th, 1784— A. M.

On Motion of Mr. Bryan seconded by Mr. .

- Ordered, That his Excellency the President and the Honorable
the Council of the State, be requested to furnish the following
papers, vig*,

Governor TrumbulFs Letter to the President and Council men-
tioned in the Message to the House of 19th January, 1784.

Copy of Colonel Zebulon Butler and others memorial to the
Honorable Congress, dated 11th November last

Copy of Report of a Committee of the Assembly of Connectiouty
concerning the settlers, west of Delaware &c., dated last fall, men-
tioned in Journals of the Qeneral Assembly of February 14th, 178i.
^ Copy of the act of Congress appointing a day to hear the allega-
tions of Zebulon Butler and others, on the one part, and the private
claimants of the State of Pennsylvania on the other.
Extract from the Minutes,

Saml. Bryan, Secretary.
Also Letter from Zebulon Butler & others mentioned 28th May
on Minutes of Council.

Sam'l Bryan, Scc'y.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 327

Sec'y Abmstrong to Sec'y Bryan, 1784

Sec'rjB Office, Philada., September 7th, 1784.
Sir,

Bj clirection of Connoil I am to inform you that some of the
papers mentioned in the Resolution of The Hon'ble the Council of
CeDBors of this day have been transmitted to the General Assembly,
and others were put into the hands of the Att'y Oen'l as one of the
Agents of this State for managing the trial for private right of soil
to the lands at Wioming — which papers are not yet returned to
Coundl.

I am, &ca.,

James Trimble, for

John Armstrong, Jr., Scc'y.
JHrectedj
Sam'l Bryan, Esqr.

John Reynolds, Jailor to Sheriff Prootor, 1784.

After thanking you for the favour done me, in Communicating
the Contents of a Petition to his Excellency the President of the
State, Sent to his Excellency by the most daring k Dangerous
Villain, on earth one Liblong :

I must beg leave to state the facts as they truly are, & if the least
doubt should arise, proof can be made to your satisfaction, & to the
public ;

This Liblong was committed by his Honor the Chief Justice, on
the first Day of December, 1784 which follows in these words, foras-
much as Andrew Liblong of the City of Philadelphia, Mariner, has
been brought before me, & Charged Upon Oath with assaulting,
beating, & wounding, Qeorge McFrcely of Carlisle in the County of
Cumberland yeoman, & another person whose name is yet Unknown,
so that their Lives is Greatly Despaired of; &c., &c.

This Liblong was tryed k Convicted with some other of the same
Gang, & fined £100 each tq this Commonwealth, & Give Security
for their Good Behaviour for one year to Come ;

This Liblong on the night of the 17th of May last, broke tho
locks from his Room Door, and then proceeded to the next Room k
Liberated all that was in that Room ; by breaking the Lock off, k
then Joyned both Gangs together making 28 Desperate Blood
thirsty Villains in number, then Cutt k broke the fastenings of the
yard Door, the Locks k other Fastenings so spoilt are now in my
Hands to be seen if Called for ; Sir you have already seen them ;
then the whole party proceeded to the yard, k eight of them with

828 PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVES 1784.

Liblong with a Long knife in his Hand headed them & Effecteci
their escape, I Engaged the Rest of them and subdued them to
Confinement; & sent for jou Sir to inform you of what had
Happened ;

On the 18th day of May I took such measures as I thought sMit
Adviseable to Apprehend thorn that Escaped, I went to Mrs.
Andersons in whose bouse two of the wives of two of the Priaonen
LWed that Esoaped, after some Conversations with the woman I
found that Liblong was to be had, & I offered a Reward of ten
pounds for Liblong. About Eleven o'Clook one of the women Oomea
to me and told me that Liblouff had just Rode by her House in a
Chair with a white Horse in it, & Liblong Dressed in Oreen Glotha,
I then pursued & soon saw Liblong on foot walking down Walnut
street, & then 1 Raised a hue & Cry after him in these words, stop
Thief, Liblong kept a Great number of the Citizens off with a Long
knife in one hand, & a I^stol in the other, & not one person ap-
proached'so near as to take him. I myself took the most favourable
oportunity & with a stick that some Gentlemen that stood by put
in my Hand, I knocked him down & while he was down two of mv
own men Took him by the feet to keep him from Geting up, k
Draped him a piece on his Back & then I discovered his watch
Cham Draging bh the Ground and I took it from him & have it
now. After getting him to Gaol some person Brought his Shoes &
Buckles in and gave them to me which I also have, his knee
Buckles I had Arom himself to keep for him, as for any money I
never saw, but this I know, he hired the Chair & Horse of Michael
Shoemaker in Market Street, & Liblong had no money to pay for
the Chair Hire but Mr. Shoemaker's son was going with him for
the pay for the Chair & Horse when I Pursued him & took him, &
Sir the Boating he Complains of was for threatening your Life &
mine. Also you, yourself being personally present and you
Remained there untill he was put in Irons & Secured^ which is the
Very Irons he Complains of, about 50 lb. or less ;

On the night of the 18th of July about 12 o'Clock, I Discovered
No. 4 broke which was the Room Liblong & 18 more was in, &
about one half of the number in the Room, the other half was down
at the foundation of the Gttol at work, & a Blanket over the hole to
prevent my seeing ihe Light, Liblong Called out with a Loud Voice
stand to it Boys, kill or be killed, & as Liblong Commanded I obeyed,
I knocked down the first that aproached me, and then the next, ft
one of them prickt in the Arm with a small sword pled for mercy ft
he would Discover the Ringleaders, ft said that Liblong was the
man that proposed the Escape, ft after they got out they were to
knock at the front door ft Get me up by telling me the prisoners •
were breaking out of the East wing, & by that means Liblong was
to lay hold of me & Kill me ; upon this news I gave Liblonff a
severe Beating and put him in a Room by himself about four weeks
in the same Irons he has always bom, ftjiaving him always in my

PKNNi^YLVANlA AKCillYES 1781. 320

mind I have waited upon him m)-self once every Day & permitted a
woman that's Coofined ia the Jail whom he CiEdls his wife in his
Letters to go to him with provisions every Day ;

Mr. Liblong seems to have a longing Desire to be Released from
his IronB k he permitted to be upon the front of the Jail ; if that
riumid take plaoe you would need no Jail for there would be no
prisoners to ooupy it;

Sir, I have here given you only a part of the Conduct & behaviour
of Andrew Liblong, Relative to some particulars that he has wrote
to his Ezbellency the president about ; — he also oomplains of my
Inveteracy against him, because he is a Frenchman, there is Lewis
Colonel and Charles Ooodryon Convicted and fined for the same
offinioe with Liblong & they are Frenchmen, why are they not so ill
Treated, because they are orderly. Quiet, well behaved men, &
Befnsed to be Concerned in breaking Jail with Liblong & his
party, which is the noted Philips, Conrad and Williams, & the
Doans, & sundry others, but Sir this party ought never to be at
Liberty Day nor night they are so dangerous a gang, & there is
hardly any such thing as keeping these wretches in Irons for they
find means to out them off every Day or two by the assistance of
their friends, bringing saws, files, & other Instruments for their
purposes. Baked up in pies & Loaves of Bread; witness these kind
of transactions every day ;

Sir, I have paid to a Certain Eliz*^ Anderson ten pounds for her
Information of Liblong, & the full worth of Liblong^s watoh &
Baokles shall be faithfully accounted for or Delivered, but for the
present I Cannot give them up to my own Loss or for to answer
Mr. Liblong's intentional Escape with his friends before mentioned,
which is now Ready pland & waiting for the opportunity to put it
in execution but it is the mainspring of the watch is wanted & not
the watch.

And lastly — Sir, you well know my Care & attention for yonr
Interest & my own safety in Conducting the business of your JaiL
ft beg that the Sheriff will be pleased to give me a Hearing on au
roch occasions, & if any further explanation should be wanted, I
beg to be Called upon, for that purpose & believe me Sir nothing
ahall be wanting on my side in doing the Duties of my station for
your interest & my own safety, & at the same time see that every
thing is done that prudence & humanity Dictates for the Relief of
the poor and Distressed here ;

I am Sir with all Due Respect

your most obedient & humble servant,

JOHN REYNOLDS, Gaoler.
September 9th; 1781.
DireeUdy

Thomas Prootor; Esquire, high Sheriff of the City & County of
Philadelphia.

880 ' PENNSYLVANIA ARCHiyES 1784,

Pbes. Dickinson to Commrs, Botb, &c., 1784.

Id CouDcili

September 10th, 1784.
Oentlemen,

Yoa will peroeive by the RosolutioDs of the Genera! Assembly of
the 7th InstaDti & our Aot of yesterday, inelosed that yoa are ap-
pointed Commissioners, for eseonting a Trust of Great Importance.
Belying on your Integrity, Pradenoo & Zeal for the public Interest.
We shall only say, that we wish the Business may be soon com-
pleted. It may be of considerable use, if you could obtain a List
of the names of those persons not claiming under Pennsylvania,
who have settled at or near Wyoming since the Decree made at
Trenton.

Tou wfll be pleased to observe that the Decree at "Trenton was
made on the thirtieth Day of December, 1782, & that there are
several papers in the Hands of the Clerk of the General Assembly,
which might facilitate your Enquiries. These Papers were laid be«
fore the House by Mess^* W** Montgomery, Moses McGlean &
Joseph Montgomery, the commissioners nominated in February,
1783.

I am, with great

Esteem Gentlemen your,
most obdt. hble. Servt.,

JOHN DICKINSON.*
Dtrecledj

The Honorable John Boyd, John Armstrong, jr., James Bead &
John Okely.

In Council,

September 9th, 1784.
Gentlemen,

Indoeed are Copies of a Bill published for Consideration, & of
certain resolutions of the General Assembly, by which you will per*
ceive the Sense of theLegislature.

It is our wish that you may use your utmost Influence, for prevail-
ing on persons claiming under this State peaceably and immediately
to give up possession to those who wore violently dispossessed last
May.

It is proper that two or three Deposition should be taken to prove

*See Col. Rcc., Vol. XVI., p. 202.

PENNSYLVANIA AROHIVEB 1784.

331

who were oonoerned in the attack upon Mr. Daniel and bis Company
at Locust Hillj mentioning their names, the circumstances of the
Attack, the wounding of Jacob Avery one of that Company, & his
death, in Consequence of the Wound, and that the Deposition
should be transmitted to Council.

Becognisancos should be taken from the Witnesses for their ap-
pearance, to give Evidence at the next Court of Oyer & Terminer
for the County where tho offence was committed, with sureties.
I am, with the greatest

Esteem, gentlemen, your

most obdt. hble. Servt.,

JOHN DICKINSON.
JHrected,

Captain Boyd, & Lieut. Col. Armstrong.

P.S. — We desire that you will exert your Influence, in settling
all Disputes Concerning Grain lately gathered or now in the Ground^
upon equitable principles.

Officbrs is the 4th Battalion, Berks County
Militia, 1784.

A List of Officers in tho 4th Battalion Berks County, Militia,
Via:

George Az, Lieut. Col.
Benjamin Talbert, Major.

Caernawon Township.

1 Company.

John Robeson, Capt. "^

Aaron Rattew, jr., Lieut, y

John Harper, Ensign. )

BoBEsoN Township.

8 Company.

Adam Beard, Capt.^

Elias Redge, Lieut. V

Christopher Kunsman, En. )

DouotASS.

5 Company.
Samuel Sands, Capt. "^

Samuel Avenshine, Lieut. >
Henry Mauger, Ensign.}

Robeson Township.

2 Company.

Mathiaa Ealer, Capt. "^

Joshua Stephenson, Idont. [•

Peter Moyer, Ensign. }

Exeter.
4 Company.
John Ludwig,
Abra" Griffith,
Conrad Tecder, Ensign, j

Amity.
6 Company.
David Wcidner,
Adam Betz, Lieut.

Mathiaa Keyler. En's, )

Capt. ^
Lieut, y

-•^)

3a2 PANN^L¥ANIA ABOHIVBS 1784.

ExETicE. 8th, late Col. Ax's Comp^.

7 Company. Ukion.

John Snejder; Capt 1 ^

John Hider, Lieat. v C

I>aniel Schneider^ Epsign. J ^ ^ j

Maiden obisk.
8 Battalioit.
George Widenhammer,

I do herebj Oertifj that the above officers are ^as jet uncommis-
sioned^ Witness my Hand, Sep' 10th, 1784.

VALENTINE ECKEKT8.
Directed^

His Ezoellenoy, the President and Council, State of Pennsylyania.

Lbb & BuTLBB, CoMMBS., &0., TO Pbbs. Diceinson, 1784.

Philadelphia, gept' 11th, 1784.
Sir,

Upon ordering the troops, raised in this State, for the purpose of
tbe Treaty with the Indians, to prepare for an immediate march to
Pittsburg, we are informed that several of the officers are absent
from their duty \ Who they are will be represented to your Ex-
cellency by the Colonel commandant of those troops.

As the public service requires the immediate attendance of all
the officers, and indeed, did require it from the moment of their ap-
pointment; We tiJce the liberty of requesting your Excellency and
the Council to i^oint persons who are present, and who will im-
mediately attend to their duty, in the pUoe of those who shall be
reported as absent. The attention your Ezoellency and the Council
have hitherto given to the expediting this indispensible support to
the Treaty, ms^es us rely upon a compliance with what we now
request.

We have the honor of being,

with the greatest respect,

Y' Excellency's most
obdt. & most
humble Servants,
ARTHUR LEE,
RICH'D BUTLER.
Dtrectedj
To his Exoellenoy, (he President of the State, in Council.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 888

Minute op Council of Censors to Peeb. Dickinson,

1784.

In the CoQDcil of Censors,

Septem' 13th, 1784.— A. M.
Ordered That his exoellency the president and council bo requested
to furnish to this Council the papers undermentioned, Tiz :

Letter from General Washington desiring that martial law be
declared, dated about May, 1780. Letter from the Commissioners
of 'Philadelphia County, lUBking directions about the Sheriff's ex-
pences at the General Election; It appears to be dated on the 19th,
Peoem', 1782.

Copy of a resolution of the General Assembly of 1st June, 1780 ;
enabling Council to declare martial law.

Extract from the Minutes.
SAM'L BRYAN,
Secy.

Indian Commissioners to Pees. Dickinson^ 1784.

Septr. 18th, 1784.
Sir,

The expenoe which will unayoidably attend the Transportation of
the Indian Goods k stores to the Northward & Westward makes it
necessary for us to apply to your Excellency for six hundred pounds
mere beinff the balance of the order for one thousand pouuds which
the Honble. House of Assembly were pleased to make in our favor
for Contingent Expences.

We have Sir, the honor to be,
your Excellency's most obt. Hble. ServantSj

SAM J. ATLEE,

ERAS. JOHNSTON.*
Directed^
His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esqr., President in Council.

Bbsolution of the General Assemblt, 1784.

State of Pennsylvania,

In General Assembly, 1784.
The report of the committee of aoeounts read September 4, on
the aecounta of his Exoellency the President of the State for repairs
done to the mansion hooae, was read the second time, whereapon.

* See Goh Bee. Vol. XIY. p. a05.
Vol. X.— 15

884 ^ENNBYLVAKZA AROfilVBS 1784;

Besolvedi that an order be drawn by the Supreme Executive
GkNinoil for eightj-foor pounds two ehillings and four pence, in lull
for repairing the House which his Excellency John Dickinson
Esquire now occupies; beingthe property of the State.""
fiztract from the minutes,

J. SHALLUS,A8st. Clerk
of the General Assembly;
Bead in Council & order drawn.

John Schbbiber to Ssot. Arhstroko, 1784.

Sir,

I wrote to you sometime since and informed yon, respecting one
of the Gable ends of the Barrack's here that has been thrown down
by the fall of two stacks of chimneys of Doctor Frederick Kuhn's.
I now understand that the Doctor means to remove the Bricks, not
only of the Chimney's but also those that were thrown down in the
Gable end and convert them to his own use.

Application having been made onto me to Lett the powder Maga-
zine at this place, for the purpose of storing some powder the
property of some of our Storekeepers, in consequence of which I
have applied to William Henry, Esquire, for the Keys of the Maga-
xine, who has several time refused to deliver them, until! the pub-
lick powder, (which was lately sold) was removed thereout.
I should be glad to have your directions on these casesy

and am. Sir. your most obedient Humble Servant,
JOHN SCHREIBER.
Directed^

To John Armstrong, Junr., Esquire, Secretary to the Supreme
Executive Council of Pennsylvania^ Philadelphia.
Indorsed J

Sept. 16th, 1784.

Ebsolution op General Assembly, 1784.

State of Pennsylvania, In General Assembly.
Saturday, September 20, 1784, A. M.
Agreeable to the order of the day the House proceeded to elect
SIX Commissioners for the purposes expressed in the resolutions
adopted September 15, and the ballots being taken, it appeared,
that David Rittenhouse, Thomas Hutchins and Nathan Sellers,
Esquires, were duly elected for performing the duties mentioned in
the first, second and last of the aforesaid resolutions; and that

* CqI. Kec. Vol., XIV. p. 206.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 885

William Maclay, James Wilkinson and William Montgomery
Esquires,, were also duly elected for the performing the duties
mentioned in the third of the aforesaid resolutions.

Extract from the minutes,

J. SHALLUS Asst. Clerk,
of the General Assembly.

Report on thb Statk Housk^ 1784.

State of Pennsylvania.

In General Assembly,

Wednesday, September 22, 1784.— A. M.

The report of the committee read September 9, was read the
second time and adopted as follows, (viz :)

The committee appointed to examine the oondition of the State-
house, beg leave to report such repairs as appeared most immediately
necessary with their estimate of the ezpence.

The turret roof requires new shingling, and a plain cor-
nice continued round it to cast the rain clear of the walls.

The large outside cornice being in a dangerous condi-
tion should be repaired, and the whole of the said wood
work painted, the ezpence including a scaffold of fifty-six
feet high for the above purposes, is estimated by your
committee at £190 00 0

New shingling part of the main roof and repairing other
parts, copper gutters in the vallies instead of the leaden
ones that are broken, new gutters by the chimneys, repair
of the balustrade on the roof, and the roof well painted
are estimated at 126 00 0

To repair the ruinous battlements and prevent the dam-
age occasioned by water running down between the Walls
and Wainscot of the chimnies to the lower story, may cost 7 10 0

Painting the Cornice, doors and Windows with the Gla-
ziers bill may amount to 79 00 0

The turret ceiling very dangerous, may be renewed for
about 31 00 0

Copper spouts and a brick pavement of nine feet broad,
on the East and West side of the steps to meet that of the
Wings, taking up the present pebl)le-stone pavement and
repairing the Mason work of the base of the builiing may
cost ^^ 106 16 0

Other necessary repairs to the Stair-cases of the Winga
and other parts of the buildings, not before enumerated. 30 6 0

Painting the Clock faces and guilding the hour lines. 22 10 0

To new cap the old part of the Bast wall inclosing the
yard, and to paint the SonthgateS; and covering the whole
of said walls. 91 5 0

aSQ PBNNSYLYANIA ABOHXYBS 1784.

Xiieiefore

Beflolvedy that tbe Supreme Ezeentite CoaDcil be aatborized and
reqnested to have each repairs made in and about the State-house
as m the foregoing report are specified to be immediately necessary ;
and for defraying the ezpenoe thereof; the President in Council
shall draw on the State Treasurer for any sum not exceeding seven
hundred pounds.

Extract from the Minutes.
J. SHALLUS,
Asst. Clerk
of Uie General Assembly.

Bbsolutiok or Gbnbbal Assembly, 1784.

State of Pennsylvania.

In General Assembly,

Thursday, September 28, 1784.— A. M.
A letttt from Robert Andrews, Esquire, one of the Commis-
sioners on the part of the State of Virginia, for asoertaining the
boundary line, waa read, and on motion, and by q^ecial order, the
mmio was read the second time, whereupon

Resolved, that the Supreme Executive Council be authorised and
requested to draw an order for the amn of one hundred and fifty
pounds, Virginia currency, in favor of the said Robert Andrews,
Esquire he to be aooountabie for the same.

Extract from the Minutes.
J. SHALLUS,
Asst Clerk
of the (General Aaaembly.*

Council of Censors to Pees. Dickinson, 1784.

In the Council of Censors^

^ Sept. 24th, 1784,

Sir, ^

Pursuant to the inclosed Resolution I am to request your Ex-
eellene^ & the Honble the Supreme Executive Council to draw an
Order in favour of the Secretary of this Council, for the sum of one
hundred pottnds, being the remainder of the Sum appropriated by

* See Col. Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 210.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHITE8 1784. 887

the Oen'l Assembly, to defray the contingent ezpences of this
Board.

I have the Honour to be,

with the highest respeet, Sir^
your Ezoellenoy's most

obdt. homUe Seryt..
FBEFE MUHLENBEEO,
IVesd.
Directedf

His Ezeelleney Jno. IKekinion^ Esq., President of the Sapreme
ex. Gonnoil.

In the Oonncil of Censors,

Septm' 24th, 1784.— A. M.
Eesolved, That in order to defSray the contingent ezpenoes of this
Coanoil, the President request the Honorable the Supreme Exeen-
tive Council to draw an order on the Treasurer of the State for the
sum of one hundred pounds^ in favor of the Secretary of this Coun-
cil, he to be accountable.

Extract from the Minutes.
SAM'L BRYAN,

Seo'y.* -
There hath been ^'one hundred pounds" paid only.

JOHN NICHOLSON.
Sept 24th, 1784.

Lt. Col. Josiah Habmab to Pbes. DioKnrsoiir, 1784.

Philadelphia, September 25th, 1784.
Sir,

I have the honor to inclose to your Excellency ft the Honorable
Council a weekly return of the troops under my command, ft at the
same time to inform that last Wednesday, the Artillery ft Captain
Finney's company marched from their encampment for Fort Pitt.

In the course of next week the remainder of the tifoops will
march. I have the honor to be,

with the highest esteem ft

respect, your Excellency's ft
The Honorable CounciFs

most obdt. Servt.,

JOS. HARHAB,
Lt. CoL com* 1** Am* Beg*.
Dtreciedj

His Excellency, John IKckinson, Esq., ft The HonofaUe The
Supreme ExecoliTO CounttL

* Bee C<fl. Beo., YoL XIV., p. 212.

88« PBNNS¥LYANiA ABOHIYBS 1784.

Xiieiefore

Beflolvedy that tbe Sapreme Exeentite Coancil be antbonzed and
requested to have auch repairs made in and abont the State-house
as m the foregoing report are specified to be immediately necessary ;
and for defraying the ezpenoe thereof; the President in Council
shall draw on the State Treasurer for any sum not exceeding seven
hundred pounds.

Extract from the Minutes.

J. SHALLUS,
Asst. Clerk
of the General Assembly.

Bbsolutiok or Gbnbral Assembly, 1784.

State of Pennsylvania.

In General Assemblyi

Thursday, September 28, 1784.— A. M.
A letttt from Robert Andrews, Esquire, one of the Commis-
sioners on the part of the State of Virginia, for asoertaining tbe
boundary line, waa read, and on motion, and by special order, the
mvoB was read the second time, whereupon

Resolved, that the Supreme Executive Council be authorised and
requested to draw an order for the sum of one hundred and fifty

Eunds, Virginia ourrenoy, in favor of the said Robert Andrews,
quire he to be aooountable for the same.

Extract from the Minutes.

J. SHALLUS,
Asst Clerk
of the General Assembly.*

Council of Censors to Pees. Dickinson, 1784.

In the Council of Censors^

^ Sept. 24th, 1784,

Sir, ^

Pursuant to the inclosed Resolution I am to request your Ez-
eelleney & the Honble the Supreme Executive Council to draw an
Order in favour of the Secretary of this Council, for the sum of one
hundred pottnds, being the remainder of the Sum appropriate^ bT

* See Col. Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 210. ' *'"^ ^**

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHITES ITSI. WT

the Ocn'l Assemblj, to dcfny the contingent expssc^i «c li^
Board.

I have the Hononr to be,

with the highest respect, Sir,
jour Exoellencj's most

obdt. bamble Serrt.i
FRED'E MUHLENBERG,
Prcsd.
Directedf

His Exoelleney Jno. Dickinson; Esq., President of the Saprome
ex. Coanoil.

In the Council of Censers,

Septm' 24th, 1784.— A. M. ^
Resolved, That in order to defray the contingent ezpences of this
Council, the President request the Honorable the Supreme Ezeoa-
tive Council to draw an order on the Treasurer of the State for the
sum of one hundred pounds, in fayor of the Secretary of thia Coun-
dl, he to be accountable.

Extract from the Minutes.
SAM'L BRYAN,
Seo'y.*
There hath been ''one hondred pounds'' paid only.

JOHN NICHOLSON.
SepL 24th, 1784.

Lt. Col. Josiah Ha&ha& to Pess. DicKiNBO^r, 1784.

PUladdphia, September 25th, 1784.
Sir,

I htve the honor to Inclose to you Escellencj & the Hononhle
Coaaeil a weekly retmrn of the tnopi uder a, command, & at the
nme time to inform that Urt Wcdnciaaj, the AitilleiT & Captain
Finney a company marched from thai encampment for Fort I'itt

In the oovse of next week the lemundet of the tnoN will
maich. I haTc the honor to he, ^^ *

with the highect esteem k
respect, your Exeellawy's k
Tbt HoBoiab> C-nacS'i

■ostoUt&nt, „„„„

JOB.EAB}!h.R. '""°*""
^Ci-'I-^."ii<th3Town

i,UJDr,|i2!3.

888

WaSlS&JS^fJtNU ABCSIVEB 1784.

't -I

^ §

§ 1

£4 a

o &

s «
I I

-a •

c2S

■pB9a

*p0:iJ999Q

*pdSHl«qt>BT{[

*pati!Of

'\^}0J^

O «0 OS ^
iO ^ to t^

'poa^ao

-0A99f ^notfim iflqy

'0Aiid[ ij;tji "isqy

'OdiAJdg m%x^ QQ

^ptiummo^ no

*)i]aRqY '^oig

'4 11989 J^ '^B

*fl9)i;ALi^

'&\ni9djiO[^

*F)ira9paig

i# (D K^ ^

'^T-l ■* 01

M* C9 CO 1

-13

^w too

i fl BI «

_ <
o3

1 1

•Sit

«4

B^ a

B « g

4i^

^ a

QQ
O

O O ;-*

PENNSYLVANIA ABGHIVES 1784. 830

To Hon. John Botd, John Abmstrong, Jb., James Bbkd,
John Oeelet, 1784.

In Coonoili September 28Ui, 1784.
Gentlemeoy

We have reeeived your Letter of the 24th Instanti & are coaoemedi
that suoh a spirit of violence prevails among the settlers.

As Captain Boyd & Ooll. Armstrong have had opportunities of
aoqaaintiog themselves with many Circumstances relatinff to the
late Disturbances, it is our wishi that they may immediately repair
to Philadelphia, that we may receive from them all neoessary
Information.

Messrs. Bead & Okely are impowered to proceed in the Execution
of the Commission ; and we hope, that when the nature of it ia
fully made known to the deluded People who have been so trouble-
aome, they will perceive, that it is dictated by a Dwre, to treat
them with Equity.

If such interruptions shall be given to the proceedings of these
two Commissioners, that they cannot with safety discharge the trust
delegated to them, their presence at Wioming will be useless for the
Business is of such a kind, that it cannot be accomplished but in
free Conference, with the settiers. An armed force would not
promote it; and besides such a measure would not be agreeable to
the sense of the Legislature. We rely upon the Prudence & firm-
ness of the Commissioners, that they will make every possible effort
before they relinquish an affair of so much importance.

I am.

P. S. — ^With Respect to Grain raised on disputed Lands it appears
to US upon a Consideration of all Circumstances equitable, that it
should be divided among the Claimants in an amicable manner so
that their present necessities may be as much as possible relieved,
k those that may reasonably be apprehended in the approaching
winter, be prevented.

We should be glad to know in particular the names of those
settlers who were expelled last spring, & of such of them as ire now
again repossessed of their Houses, Lots or Lands.

Writ for Election in Bucks Co., 1784.

Pennsylvania [Ss.] John Dickinson.
The President and The Supreme Executive Council of the Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania.

To Adam Hay one of the Constables of the District of the Town-
ships of Easton and Forks in the County of Northampton, and
Andrew LedUo and Juoob Abel Asvstants to the said Adam Day

840 PENNSYLVANIA AROmVES 1784.

at an election held in the said District on the sixteenth day of June
' last, npon a yaoancy occasioned by the Expiration of the Gommia-
flions of John Amdt and Thomas Sillyman BBquires.

Whereas an Election was held in tne District of the Townships of
Eaaton and Forks In tiie County of Northampton, on the sixteenth
day of June last, by virtae of a Precept of Robert Levers, Esquire,
bearing date on the fourth day of the same month, and to yon tho
said Constable directed, upon a vacancy occasioned by the Expiration
of the Commissions of John Amdt and Thomas Sillyman, Esquires,
late Justices of the Peace in and for the said County, and the
Betum of the said Precept hath been made, certified and delivered
under your hands and SeaLi respectively, and under the hand and
Seal of Peter Leip, Inspector of the said election ; And Whereas the
Bud Election hatn been by us considered and declared void. We do
by these Presents authorize and Command you the said Adam Hay,
Andrew Ladlie and Jacob Abel to hold an Election upon the
Twenty-seventh day of this month at^leven o'CIock in the Forenoon
of that day, within the said district, by the Freeholders of the same,
of four Justices of the Peace elect, to supply the vacancy occasioned
br the Expiration of the Commissions of the said John Amdt and
Oniomas Sillyman, Esquires, and to certify and deliver the Return
thereof, according to the Act entitled '^ An Act to remedy the defects
<^ of the several Acts of Assembly heretofore made for regulating
** the Elections of the Justices of the Peace throughout this State
*^ and to establish a permanent mode of holdiuff sucn Elections and
** to authorize the Justices of the Peace of Philadelphia, to hold the
" Courts of Record of the said City f And you the said Constable
are hereby further required to affix a notice in Writing of the
ifisuinff and design of this Precept and of the time and Place, when
and wnere such Election is to be holden, at six or more of the moat

Sublio Places within the same Dbtrict at least ten days before the
'wenty-seventh day of this month.

Given in Council under the Hand of His Excellency John
Dickinson, Esquire, President and the Seal of the State at Phila-
delphia, thb Seventh day of September in the year of our Lord, one
thousagd seven hundred and eighty four.

Attest, James Trimble

for John Armstrong, jun'r, Sec'y.

In obedience to the within Precept we the Subscribers the Judge
and one of the assistants within menUoned met with the other
aasistant Andrew Ledlie at the Court House in Easton on the
Twenty Seventh day of September within mentioned, and at the
Time therein appointed to hold an Election of Four Justices of tho
Peace for the District of Easton and Forks as we are therein
anthoriaed and commanded. That when we were about to open the

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 811

said Election, the said Andrew Ledlic first hesitated & afterwards
refosed to attend the said Election, and went out of the Court Hoase,
so that the Subsorihers after wuting in the Court House till after
two o' the olook in the afternoon had it not in their power to open
and carry on the said Election as within commanded. Witness our
Hands the Twenty Eigth day of September in the year of our Lord
one Thousand Se?en Hundred and Eighty Four.

JACOB ABEL,
ADAM HAY.

Robert Levers to Pass. Dickinson, 1784.

Easton, September the 28th, 1784.
Sir,

I had the Honor to receive from your Excellency in Council a
Letter, enclosing a Precept for holding an Election in the district
of Easton and Forks, the twenty seventh instant — Immediately I
sent to Mr. Adam Hay, the Constable and Judge of the Election,
read to him the Precept and the Letter, delivered the former to him,
and requested he would make known the contents of the letter to
Mr. Ledlie and Mr. Abel in particular — A day or two after, Mr.
Abel called on me, and I produced to him, and teas many as desired .
to see the contents.

Yesterday being the twenty-seventh, the day fixed by the Supreme
Executive Council for holding the Election, the Freeholders of the
district met at the Court House, the place appointed in the adver-
tisement, when some difficulties were started by the assistants ; on
perusing the Letter from your Excellency in Council, viz', that no
particular reason had been assigned by the Council for the deter-
mining the Election void, and that therefore they know not upon
what ground to go on, and how to conduct the Election — Mr. Ledlio
said he could not consider tho Letter in any other manner than as a
private Letter to me — In answer to these objections, I could not
forbear remarking, that tho subject matter of the Letter plainly
indicated it to be of a public nature ; that the whole of tho Letter
plainly pointed out the Ueasoos for the Election having been declared
void by Council, and that tho Letter came directed to me, on public
service, as Prothonotary of the County, and with it the Precept from
the Supreme Executive Council for holding tho Election, which precept
was in their Possession, and of a very pubiic nature. Mr. Poter Seip,
the former Inspector, declined serving at this Election, as ho was in his
way, as I was told, to PhiUdelphia, and the Freeholders were about
to chuse another inspector, when Mr. Ledlio declared ho would not
act as an assistant — On which I pointed out to Mr. Ledlie from the
Law, and endeavored to convince him that the Election could
not be held without him. It was then said. Col. Stephen BaUiet|

15*

843 PENNSTLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

onr RepreseDtative in Council, was in Easton, and the Freebolden
reqaested that Gentlemen might be consulted. Aocordingly, Mr.
liMlie waited on him, and Col. Balliet oame into the Court House—-
And being requested by the assistantSi that he would please to let
them know for what Reasons the Eleetion had been OTerset, CoL
Balliet answered, that the Election had been declared void by Council,
because the Poll had been opened after it had been closed— And
added, that least, upon the Election ordered anew, any misunder-
standing among the inhabitants might happen, Council had thought
proper to give some instructions concerning the several objections
that had been made against the Proceedings in the former Election,
that the future Elections might be regularly held, and that the
instructions were contained in that Letter sent to me by yonr Excel-
lency in Council with the Precept. Upon this Information from
Col. Balliet, the Judge of the Election, Mr. Adam Hay, and Mr.
Jacob Abel, one of the assistants, agreed to open the Election directly ;
but Mr. Ledlie positively refused to at' end the Election, and went
cat of the Court House to the great dissatisfuction and disappointment
of the most of the Freeholders present who could not forbear, many
of them, to declare their indignation against a man who would thus
insolt his countrymen, aflfront the Supreme Executive Power of the
State, and despise and trample on the Laws of his Country — Never-
theless, they retained their anger within due bounds, and, like virtuous
citisens, after patiently waiting till after two o'clock in the afternoon,
proclaimed that they were ready and willing at all times to come
forth again to assert their Rights, support the Freedom of Election
and the Laws of their Country.

I judged it necessary to give your Excellency in Council this
detail of the Proceedings, with as much expedition as possible, and
do enclose the Precept delivered to me by Mr Adam Hay and Mr.
Jacob Abel, with their Reasons for not holding the Election as they
had been authorised and commanded.

There has no Precept, as yet, been issued for holding an Election
of Justices of the Peace, for this District, on the vacancy occasioned
by the expiration of the Commission which appointed Abraham
Berlin, Esq', & myself. Justices of the Peace — which ended tho
fifth day of August last ; And the delay has been occasioned on this
account — ^The Law, wherever there is a County Town in tho district,
authorises the Freeholders in that district toelect Six Justices of the
Peace. At the Election lately held. Four Persons were chosen, to
supply the Places of Thomas Sillyman and John Arndt, Esquires,
whose l^mes had expired. Wo were at a Loss to known how to
act I for as there was a vacancy of Two other Magistrates also in the
district, Mr. Berlin and myself, we apprehend^ if four Persons
were chosen, it would be contrary to Law, and if only Two wcro
chosen, there would bo no choice left for the Supreme Executive
Council. Upon consulting Col. Balliet yesterday, he advises the
Blection of Two only^ in the stead of Mr. Berlin and myself; and that

PENNSYLVANIA AHOHIVES 1784. 84S

Cmmoil, on tbe Retarn of tho Preoepi, may appoint Ooa or more—
80 that it baa siooe been determined upon to apply to a Magiatrate
for a Precept for the Election of Two Persons to be eleeted for the
above Purpose — It being found extremely inoonvanient having no
Justice of the Peace in thia diatriot, and more especially in this
Town.

I am^ with very great Bespeet,

Sir^ your Excellency's most obedient
and most humble Servant,

BOBERT LEVEBS.
His Excellency John IMokinson^ Esquire.

SuRGBON McDowell to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

.His Excellency the President and the Honble Members of the
supreme executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylv*.

Gentlemen,

When the Troops marched this morning, three men were left on
tbe Ground too sick to go on with the Detaehm^ I am of opinion
that they would be able to follow the Reg< in the Coarse of two or
three weeks, if they were properly attended to; It is a pity to leave
them lying on the Ground friendless and monevlesa. I therefore
ordered them with the advice of Col. Harmar to be removed to Car-
penter's Hall, where they must atay untill I have the Pleasure of
your Commands concerning them.

I have the Honor to bci ^^

Gentlemen, your most
obdt. Humble Servt.,

JNO. McDowell,

Surg.

Pbila., Sept. 30A, 1784.

1st American Regt

SeCB'T AbMBTBONG to JoHJI WxiTZELy 1784.

Sir,

It is the desire of Council that you will procure and transport a
Quantity of Provisions, Via : Flour, Beef, salt & rum as imme-
diately as possible to Wyoming — there to be deposited under the
oare of auoh person as you may appoint to reoeive it ; yon mar
aakmlato upon 100 men for a fortnight The emergency which
makea this busineas ao eztiemely interaitiiig to Ooopcil & imp<^tanfc

S44 FENNBTLVAinA AB0HITB8 1784.

to tiM State, will not admit of a moments delay & makes it neoes-
sary again to engage your indoatry and management in the servioe
of the publio.

I, am Sir,

with the highest respect, &c., &o.,

JOHN ARMSTRONG.
Phila., 1st Octoberi 1784.
Directed, ^

Mr. Weitiel, Northum* €••

To Hbnrt Antes, Esq., Sheriff of Coukxt of Northum-

BEELAND 1784.

Philada., Oct 1, 1784.
Sir,

f on are hereby directed to proceed immediately upon the receipt
of this, to raise the Posse Oommitatns of the Co. of Northumberland
and with them proceed under the direction of the Magistracy to ap-

?rehend & secure the persons concerned in the late Violation of the
^eaoe at Wyoming, & more partioalarly the persons whose names
are hereafter mentioned. John Swifk, John Franklin, Ebeneier
Johnstone, Phineas Peiroe, Elisha Saterlie, Joel Abbot, Water-
man Baldwin, Phineas SteTcns, William Jacques, Ishmael Bennet,
jr., Benj" Sills, Wm. McGlure, Daniel Gore, Abraham Westbrook|
Abraham Pike, Wm. Ross, Gideon Church & Richard Halsted.

lam. &0.

JOHN ARMSTRONG,
Sec'y.

To THE Magistracy of Nobthttmberland Co., 1784.

Philada., Oct. 1, 1784.
Gentlemen,

The late Violations of the Peace at Wyoming & abuse ^ of the
Commissioners sent thither to promote the designs of the Legislature
will call for every exertion in your power. A spirit so alarming to the
honour of the State & the Tranquility of its Inhabitants will deserve
the most exemplary punishment. The orders of Council, will be
found more explicitly declared in their letter to the Sheriff of your
Co., & point out the immediate necessity for your personal attendanoe
on this business.

I am with great Esteem, Gendemeui
yr. ob. & very hble. Servt.,

JOHN ARMSTRONG.
Sec'y.
Direeterfr-To The Migisttatea.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 845

Lt. Col. Harmab to Fbbs. Dickinson, 1784.

Philadelphia^ October let, 1784.
Sir,

Agreeably to Instructions received from jour EzceRlncy & the
Honorable Council, I have the honor to transmit jou Copies of the
aeyeral Inlistments for the troops raised in this State.

Yesterday the remainder of the men, viz : Capt. Ziegler's & Capt.
HcCnrdie's Companies marched from their Encampment on Schuyl-
kill river for Fort Pitt.

I have the honor to b0|
mih the highest Esteem k
respect| your Excellency's &

The Bonorable Connoirs
most obd. Servt.,

JOS. HARMAR,
Lt Col. Com'g 1st Am- Seg*.
Directed,

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq., & The Honorable The
Supreme Executive Council, Pennsylvania.

Sbc'y Armstrong to County Libuts. vob Buoin^ and
Berks, 1784.

Phila., Oct 1, 1784.
Sir,

It is the direction of Council, that Fifty Men, properly arm'd,
accoutred & Officered, be immediately drawn forth from the
Batt" of Bucks [or Berks] C* Militia, & mov'd with all possible expe-
dition to George Kline's, in Lower Milford Township^ & place com-
monly called Hosenhaason.

Tou will be pleased to accompany thom thither, & remain with
them untill the farther Orders of Council ; & As the emergency upon
which this detachment is called out, will admit of no delay. It is
expected that you will take some means to furnish them with pro-
visions for a day or two after they reach the place above-mentioned,
when some other mode of supply will be adopted. All possible Care
is to be taken that the troops come out properly prepared for the
most active service — & it is the express order of Government that you
call upon the whole Reg* until you get the aforesaid Number so
prepared.

I am; sir, &c., with much respect,

yr. ob. & very humble servt.,

JOHN ARMSTRONG; Jr.,
Seo'y.
Ammunition shall meet thom at the place of Rondexvoiis.

846 FENNSTLVANtA ABOmTES 1784.

COMMISSIONSRS FOB INDIAN TrEATT TO PrBS. DiCKINSON,

1784.

Fort Stanwix^ Oct. 4^, 1784.
Sir,

We embrace the opportunity which i^ offered to us by the return
of Monseiur Marbois, to iDform Tour Excellency and the Honorable
Counoil| of our safe arrival at this place after a tedious Journey.
Sundry unexpected delays have retarded the Treaty, And the con-
ferences were not opened till yesterday, when they were begun with
four of the six Nations ; the Business, in our Opinion, would not
have commenced so soon had it not been at the instance of
the Marquis De la Fayette, who wished to address the Indians, and
was under the necessity of departing this day, or to-morrow. The
Commissioners did not enter fully into the business of their appoint-
ment, they explain'd the purpose of the Treaty, introduced the Mar-
quis De fa Fayette & Monsieur De Marbois in Character of tho
Minister of France. The Marquis Addressed them, praised those who
had adhered to us in the late War — blamed those who had been our
Enemies with freedom ; Uieir Answer was pertinent, and breathed
the spirit of peace. The Mohawks, in particular, declared their
repentance for the Errors which they had committed. We were
likewise introduced to them by the Continental Commissioners.—
We have Intelligence that Ten Tribes of Indians are on their March
for this place, great part of whom are expected to Morrow. When
these Indians arrive, the Commissioners will proceed (we are fully
satisfied) with all possible diligence. — Nothing has been done Offi-
cially in the Business of our appointment ; but we beg leave to
asmire you, that we are not a moment inattentive to the Object of
our Mission. We are happy in a perfect harmony with the Conti-
nental Commissioners, Altbo' we have had many cross accidents and
embarrassing eircumstances from other Quarters. The delays which
we have experienced, (& which we know have been unavoidable,) have
indeed given ns pain ; But, we know that our only resource is patience,
and we are determined to use it We will not venture to give any
certain Opinion as to the final Issue of our business, and can only
say, that the disposition of tho Indians now Assembled appears to be
favorable.

We have the Honor to be,

with the greatest respect,

Your Exoellene/s most

Obedient & very Hum'l Serv'ts,
SAM. J. ATLEK,
W- MACL'AY,
FRAS. JOHNSTON.
2>tVee/€(f,— Public Servico.

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq', President of the Supreme
Exec. Council for the State of Pennsylvania.

PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVES 1784. 847

Grand Inquest to Council, 1784.

To the Honourable the Sopreme Ezeoative Counoil of the State of

PennBylTtQia.

The Grand Inqnest for the Oity and County of Phfladelphia, do
xepresent,

That from the nnoommon importation of Gunpowder lately into this
City, and the inadequate size of the Publick Magazine to the pur-
poeet intended — ^The City is now exposed to very great and immi-
nent danger.

That many hundred Quarter Casks of this dangerous commodity
is now kept in various places within the City and suburbs; to the
immediate danger of the lires and property of the good Citikens
thereof.

Therefore, the Grand Inquest requests the Honourable Supreme
Executive Council to take the alarming situation of the Inhabitants
into their instant and serious consideration, (na the danser to be
apprehended in case of Fire is truly alarming,) and adopt such
measures for the safety & protection of the City, as to their Wisdom
may seem meet.

Signed by Order of the Grand Inquest, this 29^ September, 1781

WILLIAM EUSH, foreman.

PfiES. Dickinson to Magistrates, 1784.

(Circular.)

In Counoil, October 6, 1784.
Gentlemen,

In pureuance of the Act of which a Copy is enclosed, it becomes
my duty immediately to direct that some two or more of the Justices
of the Peace in & for the County of Northumberland, proceed forth-
with in executing the Jjaws relating to forceable Entries & DetaineiB, in
Order that the several persons, who in the Month of May last were
violently dispossessed of their Messuages, Land & Tenements, at or
near Wioming, which they then occupied, may be restored to the
Possession of the same.

Confiding in your Zeal for Justice, Peace & good order, I desire
that you will proceed accordingly.
With great Regard,

I am, Gentlemen,

your mozt obed* & hblo. serv*,

JOHN DICKLVSON.

John Buyera, Christian Gettig, Andrew Culberson, John Seoly &
David Mead, Esquires.

818 PBNNSTLYANIA ABOHIYES 1784.

Copy— Petition op Aaron Doanb, 1784.

To His Excellency, John Dickenson, Esq', Governor of the State of

PennsjWania & President of the Executiye Coanoil.

The humble Petition of Aaron Doane, a poor unhappy Man| now
nnder Sentence of Death in the Gbal of Philadelphia.
Host humbly Sheweth,

That your unfortunate Petitioner deeply Impressed with a full
Sense of your merciful Generosity for the Extension of a few days
Lifbj most humbly throws himself at thy Mercy Seat praying thy
Gompassioui Humanity, and Mercy.

Innocent of the Crime laid to his Gbarffe, Outlawed & being
absent from the State, which hinder'd his knowledge thereof, He
is now Condemned to Suffer an Ignominious death, unheard or even
Tried, to know if he was guilty of the Crime or not.

Qh thou Great Ruler, to whom the Laws have given the Power
of being the Dispensor of Life and death — Seal not my Death —
Have mercv on an innocent Man — Shed not my Blood unheard or
Tried— If by the Outlawry I am to Suffer— Consider thou great
Governor, my Innocence, my not being Tried, not being heard and
the Power vested in thee, to Extend it to Objects of Mercy — Save
then my Life oh gracious Judge — Let Mercy and Compassion
preside in thy Breast over Rigorous Law — Let thy Government bo
Crowned by Lenity, Moderation, & Mercy, not Rigor or Resent-
ment— Pardon thy Suppliant Petitioner, Extend thy mercy towards
him — Give thy distressed Servant another Sentence — ^Bannish to
other Territories thy . unfortunate Suppliant — But Let not thy
humane hand Seal my Death, Unheard or Untried, but Show thy
Mercy; and may the Almighty Dispensor of Life and Death, take thee
in his Charge will be ever the prayer of the wretched unfortunate.

AARON DOANE.*

New Goal, 17 Oc, 1784.
Directed,

Sis Excellency, Jno. Dickenson, Esq*, Governor of the State of
Pennsylvania.

Repairs op State House, 1784.

J. Pearson requests the Honble Council will be pleased to favor
him with an Order on the Treasurer for Two hundred pounds to
purchase several materials, and to pay for others already bought for
reparing the State House.

Great part of this sum is now necessary and the whole withid"
Ten days.

♦ He was pardoned, March 28, 1785. See Col. Rec, Vol. XIV., p. 887,
888 — 398. A persoa of the Mme name was reprieved under the gallows at
Newark, N. J., July, nHB^^ShaHtu' Tables, Vol. 2, p. 09.

FENNSTLVANIA ABOHIVES 1784. S49

, Also requests an Order on Mr. Joseph Stiles for snch ropes and
-Takle Bloeks that are in his posseisioQ belonging to the State and
for a wheel harrow or two.*

Ponble Executive Council.

Oot 19th, 1784.

Wardmts of Phila. to Preb. DicKursoK, 1784.

Warden's Office,

Philadelphia, October 26th, 1784.
Sir,

We haye the honor of inclosing sundry Reports relatire to the
removing of the Chevanz de Friie for the satisfaction of Tour Ez-
oellency and the honorable Council, firom which as well as from
every other Circumstance we ooneeive all obstruction to the Naviga-
tion, comprised within the Contracts made with Mess" Levi Hollings-
worth and Arthur Donaldson are effectually removed in Consequence
of whioh we have given those Gentlemen a Certificate.
We have the honor to be,

with the greatest Respect,
xour Bzcellen<^»
Host obedient and
very humble Servants,
by order of the Board,
DirecUd, FRANCIS QURNET.f

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esquire, President

Port of Philadelphia,

Warden's Office, October 26th, 1784.
We do hereby Certify that Mess" Levi Hollingsworth and Arthur
Donaldson have not only removed and destroyed forty-nine Chevauz
de Frize, but from the Reports of the Pilots employed in sweeping
the Bed of the River in the Neighbourhood of Mud Island and
Billing's port, we have every reason to believe that they have also
removed all the Frame that were Obstructions, and that the naviga-
tion in both the Eastern and Western Channel is rendered perfeotly
safe. FRANCIS OURNEY,

SAMUEL CALDWELL,
GEORGE ORD,
NATHANIEL FALCONER,
JOHN HAZELWOOD,
JOS. BULLOCK.}:
A true Copy.
James Trimble, For John Armstrong, Jun'r Sec'y.

* See Col. Bee., YoL XIY., p. 286.
t See OoL Bee., Yol. ZIV., p. S41.
t See CoL Bee., XIY., p. 241.

9B» FBNN87I4YANIA i&BOHUnBS 1784.

P£fli9. Dickinson to Levi HoLUNeswoaiH k A. Donald-
son, 1784.

In Coancil; October 28ih, 1784.
Gentlemexii

The Certificate from the Wardens of this Port gives us great
Satisfaction, and we have drawn an order for the Payment of the
Ballance dne to joa.

We cannot deny oorselves the Pleasure of expressing apon this
occasion^ onr sense of the Attention & Ingenuity exerted in remov-
ing the Chevaux de Frize, and of the very great service thereby
rendered to our Fellow Citizens.

I am, with muoh Bespect^

Gentlemen, your most

obedient and very

humble servant,
JOHN DICKINSON *
Directed^ .

Messrs. Arthur Donaldson and Levi HoUingsworth.

Prks. Dickinson to Mons. Marbois, 1784.

In Council, October 80th, 1784.
Sir,

We inclose the concluded proceedings of the Supremo Court
in the Case of Charles Julian de Longohamps, and it is with much
Pleasuite we observe the Bespect therein manifested for the Law of
Nations.

I am with great Begard,

Sir, your most
obedient & most
humble Servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.
JHreeiedf

Mr. Barbe de Marbois.

Pres. Dickinson to Minister of United Netherlands,

1784.

In Council, October 31st, 1784.
Sir,
We inclose the final proccediugs of the Supreme Court of justice

* 8eo Col. Reo. Vol. XIV., p. 241.

PENNSTLYANIA AROHIYES 1784.

851

in the Case of Charles Jnliaii de Longohampe; and observe with
Pleasnre the Respect thereby manifefet^ for the Law of Nations.
I am, with very great Esteem,

Sir, year most
obedient and most
hnmble servant,
JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed,

The Minister of the United Netherlands.

MoNS. Marbois to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

(Transhition.)

Phikdelphia, 1st November, 1784.
Sir,

I was informed on my journey that the Conrt of Oyer & Ter-
miner had passed Judgment on the Frenchman who became guilty
of a crime against the Law of Nations. I immediately repaired
hither to be informed from your Excellency of the tenor of this
Judgment. My Brother delivered me on my arrival the Extract
from the Record which you have been pleased to send him the day
before yesterday; I shall transmit it to the King's Miuisters, k
wait on Congress with the orders which his Majesty shall think pro-
per to cause to be directed to me.

I am with respect, Sir,

your Excellency's most

humble & most

obedient servant,

DE MARBOIS.
Direetedf
His Excellency, the President of the State.

Tkstimonials op p. S. Duponcrau, 1784.

Je rends aveo plaisir ^ M Du Ponceau le t^moignage qn'il m'a
pam dans toutes les occasions se conduire de maniere E meriter la
confiance du public et je pense que ses talens et sa bonne conduite
le rendent digne de Temploi, qu'il, sollicite.

Philadelphie le 26 Sber, 1783
Francisco Rendon. Jacq. Lacaze. Jh. Th. Carr^

Onfray Lainniere. P. D. Robert. Du Bey.

Benj. Terrasson. C. P. Raguet. P. Barriers.

N. Perre. Chev. de la Luieme. Mallet.

Ch. Carr^. Marbois. N. Raguet.

Fred. Divoux. Barb^. E. Htittner.

Dumont James Yanuzem.

88S PBNNSTLYANIA ABCHITES 1784.

Stbubbh to Prb8. Dioeihson, 1784.

Nov. 3rd,
Sir,

Mr. DnpoDoeau, who will have the honor to deliver your Ezcel-
lenoy this, was with me fbor years as Captain & aid de Camp in
whi^h time I had continual proofs of his capacity & conduct, after-
wards he served as assistant Secretary in the department of foreign
affairs with the approbation & esteem of its head A of those who
were joined with him.

He is now a Citizen of Pennsylvania, & offers his Service to the
State as a notary fto., for which affair be possesses all the necessary
analifications. As I am particularly interested in the wellfare of
this young Gentlemen who came with me from Europe, I take the
liberty to recommend him to your Ezcellencys protection & assis-
tance, which will lay me under the greatest obligations,
with the greatest respect,

I have the honor to be Sir,

your Ezoellency obedient Servant,

STEUBEN,
H. M.
His Ezqy. Qoy. Diokinsoui

Petition op P. S. Du Ponceau, 1784.

To His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esqnire, President and the
Honorable the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.

The Petition of Peter Stephen Du Ponceau, of the City of Phila-
delphia,

Humbly Sheweth,

That the office of Notary Public & Interpreter for the French &
Spanish Languages having become vacant by the death of the late Paul
Fooks, Esquure, the mutual intercourse between the Citizens of this
State and foreigners has greatly suffered from the want of another
persons beiuff appointed in his place. That the number of foreign-
ers who daily nock to this City to enjoy the benefits of an unre-
strained commerce, having greatly increased since the peace, their
ignorance of the language of this country lays them continually
under very great difficulties, and that the appointment of a successor
to Mr. Fooks, would greatly tend to the advantage of Commerce k
facilitate an intercourse with foreigners in this state.

Your Petitioner takes the liberty to represent to your Excellency
& the Honorable Council, that he has made the study of foreign
languagesi & particularly of the French^ Spanish & Italian^ the

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVBS 1784.

858

object of his partionlar attention. He is a Citiien of this oomnon*
wealtb, & has serred the United States from a very early period of
the late war, first as a Captain in the continental army ft aid de Camp
to major General Steuben, and afterwards as under Secretary for
foreign afifairs. Upon the cessation of hostilities he has retired to
private life. Not beina favoured with the gift of Fortune, he
wishes to support himseff by an honest industry, & to enable him-
self at the same time to continue the study of the Law which is the
immediate object of his pursuit. Your Petitioner therefore prays,

That the Honorable Council will be pleased to appoint & com-
mission him to be a notarv & Tabellion public for the English,
French, Spanish & ItaUan languages, & Interpreter for the same,
in the room of Paul Fooks, Esquire, deceased.

That they will be pleased to allow him to exercise the same powers
of administering Oaths and affirmations &c, as are mentioned in the
Commission granted bv the Honble. Council to the said Paul Fooks,
Esar., & that they will invest him with the same offices, powers &
latnorities, with which the said Paul Fooks by the above mentioned
oommission was invested.

And your Petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray &c.,

PETEK 8. DU PONCEAU.
Philadelphia, 80th October, 1783.
Being well acquainted with Major Du Ponceau, and having had
frequent opportunities of observing the Ease and Readiness with
which he hath interpreted and translated dififerent foreign Langua-
ges into English. We do certify that from the best Judgment
which we are able to form, and from the great satisfaction which he
hath given as well as from his good Character we believe him to be
a well qualified and very proper Person for the office or Appoint-
ment in ye foregoing Petition prayed for.

Jacob Rush,
Dan. Glymer,
Robt. Morris,
James Wilson,

Wm. Lewis,
Jona. D. Sergeant,
Jared Ingersoll,

Alex. Wilcocks,
John D. Cox,
Stnben, H. M.

' Prbs. Dickinson to (}oybrnor of North Carolina,

1784.

In Council, November 6th, 1784.
Sir,

We are informed, that Amos William also is charged with being
an accomplice in several Robberies Burglaries & Felonies committed
ia this State, & has fled from Justice, is now in the District of
Hillsborough in the State of North Carolina, We therefore think it our

8U PBNNSTLTAMIA ABGHiySS 1784.

daiy to reqaest, that he may be delivered up to Amoa Bailji the
Bearar^ in order to be removed to this State.
I am with great Esteem Sir,

joar most obedient, and

most humble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.
JDireeUd^
His Sxoellency the Governor of North Carolina.

Pbbs. Dickikbon to Goysrnob of Massaohusstts, 1784.

In Oonncil. November 12th. 1784.
Sir,

We are informed that George Gamer and Joseph Smith who are
charged with Felony committed in this City and have fled from
Justice, are now in Boston. We therefore think it our duty to
^nest, that they may be delivered up to the Bearer Mr. John
Poyntell in order to be removed to this State.
I am with great Regard Sir,

Your most obedt. hble. Servt.

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed^
His Exoellency, The Governor of Massachusetts.

Election of Delegates^ to Congress, 1784.

State of Pennsylvania In General Assembly
Tuesday November 16 1784, A. M.
Agreeable to the order of the day the House proceeded to the
election of Delegates to represent this State in the Congress of the
United States for the ensuing year, and the ballots being taken it
appeared that the Honorable Joseph Seed, Cadwalader Morris,
William Montgomery, Joseph Gardner^ and William QlDry, of
Lsnoaster, Esquires, were duly elected.

Wednesday, November 17, 1784, A. M.
A letter from Cadwalader Morris Esquire, electmi a I>elegate to
represent tliis State in the Congress of the United States, was read,
praying leave to resign' the said appointment, and on motion, and
by special order, the same was read the second time.
Ordered that his resignation be accepted.

Extract from the minutes,

J. SHALLUS,*
Asst. Clerk of the General Assembly.

♦ Col. Bee., VoL XIV. p. 2«1.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVKS 1784. 856

MoNS. Marbois to Pees. Dickinson, 1784.

Philadelphia, 16th Novr. 1784.
Sir,

I Lad the honor of writiog sundry Letters to vonr Excellency,
reqnesting that you would oe pleased, in conformity with the
recommendations of Congress to procure to the subjects of His
Majesty, the payment of the interest of the Loan Office certificates
issued in this State. I beg you wil be pleased to let me know what
has been determined thereupon, that I may give information of it to
his Majesty's subjects. You may easily conceive. Sir, how unfortu-
nate it is for them, after haying placed so much confidence in the
thirteen United States to see that the interests of those Certificates
have been paid to Americans, while the French haye been excluded
from those payments.

I also beg your Excellency to let me Know the motives which
Jiave rendered the recommendations of Congress ineffectual, that I
may impart them to that Honourable Body.
I am with respect Sir,
your most obedient humble servant,

(Signed,) DE MARBOIS.

A true Translation from the original.

PETER S. DU PONCEAU,
sworn Interpreter.

Judge Hopkinson to Pbbs. Dickinson, 1784.

To His Excellency the President and Honourable, The Supreme
Executive Council of Pennsylvania.

Gentlemen,

I beg leave to submit the enclosed Depositions to the Considera-
tion of your Honourable Board; requesting your advice in the
Business to which they refer. The Vessel in Question was attached
noder a writ of the Admiralty to answer a Tradesman for work done
& materials found in building her at Marcus hook, by virtue of
a late Law of this State for that Purpose. As soon as she was
launched the attachment was laid, & the forcible rescue immediately
followed, & the offenders escaped with the property into Delaware
State. The vessel & the Parties I believe are yet in the Port of Wil-
mington, & I should hope that it will be thought necessary to take
':tii« nostipeedy measures for bringing the cCendtir io ammer for

85a FBKNBniYANU ABOHIYBS 1784

the Indignity they have thrown on » Goort of Justice of this
Gommonweallh.

I have the Honour to be,

with gveai Bespeot Gkntlemeni
your most obedient^
and most fkithfnl humble serrant.

FRAS. HOPKINSON.
Direeledf
His ExeeUenoy President DiokinsoO;
Philada.^ Not. 16tfa^ 1784.

M0N8. MABBOIS to PbBS. DiOEINSONy 1784.

Philadelphia, the 17 November, 1784.
Sir,

In the befanning of last Summer a report spread in some parts of
this Continent that there was suspicion cf the plague being at Mar-
seilles ; altho' withoufany foundation this report has been the source
of anxiety to Merchants. The Marshal de Castries who has been in-
formed of it has done me the honour to write me such particulars
as are most proper to remove their fears ; he informs me that *< all Trad-
'^ ing vesseb coming from the Levant are only admitted at the ports
^< of Marseilles & Toulon, but particularly at the former, that the
*' Lazaretto of Marseilles has the most sure resources, in the most cer-
'' tain practice of the various methods used for the purification of
*' Goods and the treatment of Persons/' '< Vessels, continues this
*^ Minister, directly fitted out from Marseilles, when there are no
'' particular groundis of suspicion, may be received with perfect con-
*^ fidence and full credit may bo given to the Bills of Health de-
'^ livered by the Ma^strates of this City whose Integrity is as well
''known as their vigilance and Capacity/'

I thought it my duty. Sir, to communicate to your Excellency
these accounts in order to dissipate now and henceforth all kind of un-
easiness. You will find further particulars in the printed Paper
which I have the honour to address to you, and the experienoe of all
the Vessels which trade between Marseilles and the Ports of this
Oontinent proves the truth of the &ct8 which are therein advanoed.
I am with respeot Sir,
your Excelleno/s very humble, and

very obedient Servant,

BARB& DE MABBOIS.
Dtreciedf

His Exeelleney Joka Dickinson^ Esqpr., President of the State of
Penna.

PENNSTLVANIA ABGHIVES 1784. 867

COMMI88IOHBRS FOB TBEATING WITH THB INDIANS, 1784.

Sanburyy November 15th, 1784.
Sir,

*■ We have the honor to inform joa that after enduring very great
fatigue we have happilv effected our negociations with the six con-
federated Tribes of Indians. The consideration agreed on by us to
be paid them for the Land purchased, with such other particulars as
you would wish to have communicated, GoL Johnston will lay be-
fore you.

In regard to the Tiadaughton Creek on the West Branch of Sus-
quehanna mentioned in the Deed of 1768. We bes leave to inform
you that the six nations publicly declared Pine creek to be the same
as will appear by the inclosed paper. We are now in Company with
the Continental Commissioners and mean to proceed with all the
dispatch, the approaching season will admit to Cayahauga, the place
fiz^ on by them for holding a Treaty with the Western Inauns,
where we trust we shall be as successful as at the former.
We have the honor to be.
Your Excellency's most obed.

and very humble Servants,

BAM. J. ATLEE,
WM. MACLAY,
FRA. JOHNSTON.*
Directed,

rPublic service.)
His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esqr., President in Council.

Answer of the Six Nations to Commissioners, 1784.

Brothers from Pennsylvania.

We have heard what you have said and are well pleased with the
same. The Consideration we have fully agreed on which we are to
receive for the Lands, and agreeable to your request have appointed
Capt. Aaron Hill, Onegueandahonjo and Koneghariko of the Mo-
hawk Tribe, Kayenthoshke, Thaghneghtanhare & Teyagonen-
dagcghti of the Seneca, Ohendarighton, & Thoneiyode of the Cayu-
ga, Sagoyakalongo & Otoghselonegh, Ojistalale, Oneyanha, Gagh-
saweda, & Odaghseghte of the Oenida, & Onasaghweughte ft
Tbalondawagon of the Tuscarora, as suitable persons to receive the
Goods from you.

With regard to the Creek called Teadagbton mentioned in your

* CoL Beo., YoL XIV., p..2ei«— See als» Afddtif, TcL lY., p. 800 (note.)
Vol. X.— 16

898 imNSniYANIA ABGHIVES 1784:

Deed of 1768, we have ^already answered yon and again repeat it,
it.ii the same joo call Pine ereek, being the largest emptying into
the West branch of the Snsqaehanna.

Agreeable to yoor wish we have appointed Tbagbneghlanhare to
attend your Surveyor in running the Line between you and us.

We do hereby certify that the aforegoing speech was this daj
made by Captain Aaron Hill, on the behalf of the Six Nations to
the Pennsylvania Commisdoners.

Witness our hand this Twenty third day of October, Anno Domino
One thousand seven hundred and Eighty four.

SAM. KIRKLAND, Missry,
JAMJSS DEAN, Interpreter,

Pre8. Dickihbon to Pke8. of Conobess, 1784.

In Gouneil, November 22, 1784.
Sir,

Last May we informed Congress of the Oflenoes committed by a
Frenchman in this State. We have made every Exertion in our
Power for asserting the Law of Nations on the occasion ; the final
proceedings of our Supreme Court concerning it, are inclosed.

We now rely upon the Wisdom of Congress, and hope that the
Communication we have had the Honor of transmitting will be im-
proved by them in such a Manner, that this troublesome affair may
not be attended by any disagreeable Consequence.
^ I am, with the greatest Kespect,

' Sir, your most

obedient and most
humble Servant,
JOHN DICKINSON.*
DirecUdf

His Excellency, the President of Congress.

Pres. Diceikson to Delegates in Congress, 1784.

In Council, November 22, 1784.

.Gentlemen,

. We inclose a Letter for the President of Congress which we hi|ve
left open for your perusal.

As you must be sensible of the Difficulties that have occurred in
a Case of such Novelty, we think it unnecessary to say any thing on

,. , . * See CeL Rec, Vol. :5JV,, p. 262,

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVBS 1784* S(»

that Head; and we do not doiil>t, bat joa will satisfy Congress, tbat
every proper legal step has been taken by the government of this
State upon the oocasion.

We are also confident that you will exert your Inflaenoe to pro-
mote such Measures in Congress as may happily terminate this dis-
agreeable affair.

I am, with greatest

Bespect, Gentlemen,

Tour most obedient,

And most humble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON * '

P. S. — We inclose the Resolutions of the committee of the State,
of June 4, 1784. Approving the Conduct of this Government
Directedf

The Honorable*the Delegates of Pennsylvania, in Congress]

Election oe R. H. Lbb, as Prbs. of CoNaRESS, 1784.

(Circular.)

Trenton, November SOtb, 1784.
Sir,

I have the honor to inform you that Eight States being met the
United States in Congress Assembled have this day proceeded to the
Choice of a President, & have Elected for the ensuing year His Bx«
oellency Richard Henry Lee.

I have the honor to be,

Sir, your most obedient

& most hum. Servt,

CHAS. THOMSON,

Seo'y.f
Directed,

His Excellency, the President of Pennsylvania.

Pees. Dickinson to Paul Phipps, 1784.

In Council, Deer. 1, 1784.
Sir,

We are extremely sensible of the Humanity and Politeness which
dictated the Communication contained in your Letter dated the 8d
of last month, and which we received this Day.

♦ See Col. Bee., Vol. XIV., p. 262.
t See Gel. Bee. VeL IX., p. 271.

S6» FKNNSYLVANIA AJIOHIYSS 1784.

We have ordered tbem to bo prinfed immediatelj ; and shall be
Terj glad if anj Meamirea we oan take oan eontribnte to the seiiae
of joar exertions for the adyancement of '^ Jnadoei" & the Relief
of the ^' ooDoemed/'

I am with great eeteem

Sir; yonr ob. ft

yery hUe. Seryt,"

JOHN DICKINSON.

1784| December lat To Paul Phipps, Esquire^ at Kiogstoni
Jamaica.

Sam'l J. Atlbe to Prbs. Dickinson, 1784.

Peqaea, Lancaster Countj, Noy. ISth^ 1784.
Sin

I take the first opportunity to inform Council of my arriyal last
eyoning, at my own bouse, to take a few days rest and refreshment
after the most fateaguing piece of Business I oyer undertook.

I haye the great pleasure of reporting that, that part of our mis-
aioit that respected the Northern Tribes has been concluded to our
utmost wish, and I trust will be fally satisfactory to the State. The
Consequences we must leaye.

Col. Johnston has beged a few days to see his Family, when we
shall sett off upon the remaining part of our Task, which I fear
will be mnch more disagreeable than the former, by reason of the
advanced Season of year, I mean our Western Duty. We hope,
howeycr shou'd we return safe to be able to report upon that Busi-
ness with equal Satisfaction to ourselves and Constituents.

The Deed from the Six Nations for its greater security we thought
proper Col. Johnston should take with him, but upon second con-
sideration I thought best to have it with us, and have apprised him
thereof. Sbou'd Councill be desirous of seeing it, he will have the
pleasure of laying it before them for their purusal.

Untill my Arrival I heard little of the Contests subsisting re-
specting the late Elections, particularly of this County. My un-
fortunate absence upon publio Business in October last prevented
my declaring against an Election of Committees for this County,
which had I been present I think I should have done judging my-
self fully intitled to a seat in the Executive for three years from the
preoeediog Election ; this I think I have full Authority for, from
the 19th Motion of the Frame of Qovernment, which says, " for the
present, (that is the year 1777,) the Supreme Executive Councill
shall consist of twelve persons chosen in the following manner, &c.,
and ever after the first choice in 1777, the sucecssive Councellers
shall be chosen for three years and no longer.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 861

By this Clause, I think myself intitled for two years longer to a
Seat in the Coancill. Nothing bat the important pablick Duty
assign^ me, would prevent my Attendance and demanding my seat,
but trusting in the Wisdom and impartial Justice of Councill and
determining shortly to Proceed to the Westward must defer it, untill
cor return to make our final report

Orauting a right of Election for a Counoellor the last OctobeTi
(which I by no means do,) I think my pretentions strengthened

iif possible,) by a great majority of my Constituents having declared
or me which I trust will be found if the matter shall be thoigKt
. worthy of cool and full investigation.

The Election of the District of Paxton returning about Eight
hundred Votes, I understand has been held without the Judges,
&c., being legally quallifyed, and that not more than one hundred
and fifty or at most two hundred Voters present

Complaints are likewise made against the Exorbitant members
returned from the District of Lebanon, the Disproportion of the
Voters present being nearly similar to that of Paxton.

Mcer matter of Right and not of Choice has induced me thus
fully to write to your Excellency and Council, for be assured, Sir,
I find more real enjoyment and Satisfaction in one weeks residence
with my Family and Friends„than I have experienced in all the nine
or ten years Attendance upon the Duties of the Pnbliok.
I have the Honor to be,

Sir, your Excellency's

and the Council's most
obedient and most hble. Servt

SAM'L J. ATLEE.
Directed,

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq., President

Pres. Dickinson to Gbn'l John ARMSTBONa, 1784.

In Council, November 27th, 17S4.
Sir,

We should be dad that you would return to Philadelphia as soon
as will be convenient, in order that upon the fullest Information we
may take such ulterior Measures as the situation of the affairs in
JNorth* may render proper.

JOHN DICKINSON. ^
Directed,

Oenl John Armstrong.

882 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

P&S8. D10KIN6OK TO MoNS. Marbois, 1784.

In Goanoil, November 30, 1784.

We have transmitted to the Qeneral Assemblj jpnr Letter of tho
.16 Instant as we have the former applioations with which we have
been honored on the same subject.

The Power of deciding thereon belongs solely to the Legislative
Branch of the government ; and as we have no Right to require an
Exposition of the <' Motives '' of their Conduct^ we cannot undertake
to determine what they are. ,

I am with Respect^ Sir,

your very bumble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.
DirtcUdj

Mr. do Marbois.'

Managers of Statb Lottbry to Council, 1784.

To the Honorable the Supreme Executive Council.
The Managers of the State Lottery beg leave to represent ;
That the sale of the Tickets in the first Class of the said Lottery
at present amounts to but thirteen hundred & sixty five Tickets.

That they are of Opiuion it would contribute very much to the
Sale of the Tickets if a day was immediately fixed, upon which the
drawing of the said Class should commence ; which they humbly
submit to the Consideration of Council.

M. HILLEGAS, )

B. FULLER, V Managers.

MATTH. CLARKSON.3
Lottery Office, Decem. 6, 1784.

Charles Hellstedt to Prks. Dickinson, 1784.

Philadelphia, Dec'r 7th, 1784.
Sir,

I have the honor of communicating to your Excellency His

^Majesty the King of Sweden's commission, constituting me Swedish

Consul, to reside as such in Philadelphia in the state of renosylvauia,

along with the Recognition of the United States in Congress

assembled, and request your Excellency will be pleased to issue an

♦ See CoL Rcc., XIV. pp. 276.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 868

Exequatur thereof and eause the said my appointment to be known
to all^ whom it may oonoern.
I am respectfally

yoor Ezoellenoy's most hnmble
and most obedient Servant,

^ OHABIiES HELLSTEDT.*
Directed,

His Excellency John Dickinson^ Esq^r^ President of the State of
-Pennsylvania.

•y

Report of Cottkcil op Cemobs, 1784.

Toor Committee appointed to extract such parts of the Report as
adopted by the Conncil of Censors, as they shall judge necessary for
the House to take Order thereon Beg Leave to Report further in
part.

The Council of Censors are of opinion^ That the proceedings and
Sentence of the Genl. Assembly (5th March, 1783) by which
Timothy Matlack, late Secretary of the Supreme Executive Council,
was declared '^ unworthy of Publick Trust and Confidence ''f were
unconstitutional, page 118.

That your Committee are of Opinion the Houso should take
Order thereon.
JMarsedf ^ ' .

Further Report in part of oommittee app'd to extract such parts
of the report of the Council of Censors as they may deem necessary
'for the House to take order thereon.

Read 1 time Dec'r 10, 1784. Read 2 time Dec. 11 and referred
to Mr. Kuhl, Mr. Eyre, Mr. Frazer and Mr. J. Clark to report
thereon.

Memorial of Timothy Matlaoe, 1784.

To The Qeneral Assembly of Representatives of the Fceemen of

Pennsylvania The Memorial & Petition of Timothy Matlack
Respectfully sheweth.

That the Comptroller General on the 19th of March, 1783 re-
ported to the President & Council a state of the money received and
paid by your memorialist as Secretary reduced to specie value ac-
cording to the scale of depreciation, stating in the report his opinion,
that ^e Secretary had to account for certain fees received by him
^<Bueh as the keeper of the great seal, &c.,'' giving his opioion, thnt
the sum of divers fees charged to the state by the Secretary ** is

♦ See C5ol. Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 276.
t ^^ Archives, VoL IX., p. 762.

884 FENNSTL7ANIA ABOmVES 1784.

sltogether inadmisBible," Btating that the Secretary ''has also
charged his salarj, as fixed in October, 1778| to December, 1781,
ID contradiction (as he says) to the Act of Assembly by which it
ends at the 22nd day of Jane, 1781, and praying '< to be instmcted
^ by the Honorable the Oonneil or Assembly what to their pmdence
<< and Baperi<» wisdom appear most elligible'' as to the manner of
determining the said points. That the said report was referred by
His Szoeilency & Gonnoil to tbe^ Honourable House of Assembly
which, thereupon, March 22nd, 1783, Resolved, That the Comp-
troller Qenend of this <' state proceed to the trial of the contested
** points in the accounts of Timothy Matlack, Esq'r, Secretary of the
** supreme Sxecutiye Council by a jury in the Supreme Court/'
That your memorialist used his utmost endeavours to have the said
points tried as early as possible; but, when he had flattered himself
that the day had arriyed on which they would haye been determined,
the Counsel for the state declared that the house had ordered what
could not be done, that it was an absurdity, that to swear a jury to
try and nye a yerdict on a point of law, was a thin^ which had
noyer before been heard of; and hitherto your memorialist has not
been able to obtain any decision on the said points.

That in consequence of this mode directed by the house your
memorialist has been preyented from entering into business of any
kind for near two years past, and that any furtiier delays will utterly
ruin him and his mmily. That the facts respecting his said accounts
are agreed, no question whatever haying arisen upon them at any
time; neither has your memorialist at any time objected to any
mode of deciding the points stated by the Comptroller General.

If a jury cannot be sworn to try them| which indeed your memori-
alist stancis informed is an unusual thing, he is content to take the
opinion of the Judges thereupon, and therefore prays that this honour-
aole house will reconsider the said resolve of March 22, 1783 and
order that the opinion of the judges may be taken on the points
stated by the Comptroller General which are points of law only in
which no fact whatever is mixed, and that he be directed to proceed,
conformably thereto, and conformably to the equitable principle of
reducing the paper money to specie value according to the scale of
depreciation as it stands in his said report, to settle your memorialists
accounts as speedily as possible.

And your memorialist as in duty bound will ever pray, &c.

Thomas Scott to Pbbs. Diokinson, 1784.

Washington, IS^^* Deo', 1784.
May it Please your Excellency,

Inclosed is a Return of an Election in the Township of Fallowfield
for Justices of the Peace. The Warrant on which this Election was

^ ^S^S^^SSSSSa^SBSmBSSSBS

PBNNSTL7ANIA ABGHIYES 1784. tt65

J
held is never oome to my liand, nor is it poauble to bold these Peeple
to strict form, notwithstanding I have give them every Instraotkm— -
Howeveri I believe the Election was feir and open. I will only
Bemark, that sundry Elections have been held in this Township^ and
ftom various canses no Commission has ever been Issued.
I have the Honour to be

Tour Excellency's & Council's

Most Obed* & very Hble, Serv*,
THO. SCOTT.

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esquire, President^ & Suprene
Executive Council of the Commonwealth of PennsylvaniA—
Phihidelphia.

Resolution of Gbnbbal Assembly, 1784.

State of Pennsylvania.

In General Assemblv,

Tuesday, December 14, 1784, A. M.
A Message from the President and the Supreme Executive Coun-
cil, was presented to the chair and read, whereupon

Resolved, that this House will hold a conference with the Supreme
Executive Council, on the subject proposed, in the Assembly Cham-
ber, at eleven o'clock to-morrow morning.

Extract from the Minutes,'^
SAM. BRZAN,
Clerk of the Ckn* Assembly.

Report of Committee ok the Memorul of Timotht
Matlace, 1784.

^ Your Committee, on the Case of Timothy Matlack, Esq., reported
by Tour Committee on the Report of the Committee of the Council
of Censors, as adopted by the said Council, and to whom was aI»o
committed the Memorial & Petition of the said Hmothy Matlaok|
beg Leave to recommend the following Resolution, Yiz. :

Resolved, That the Case of Timothy Matlack, Esq', late Secretary
of the Supreme Executive Council, was not a subject proper for the
interference of the Legislature, otherwise than by impeachment, if
that Mode had appeared to be necessary.

Resolved, That the sentence of the General Assembly^ passed by
their Vote of March 5«^, 1783^ by which the said Timothy Matlack

* See Col. Bee., Vol. ZIV., p. 281.
16*

866 FBNNSTLVANIA ABCHIVBS 1784.

C
wu declared '< unworthy of public Trust and Confidence/' was
unoonatitatlonal.

Reaolyed, That the said Vote of March 5*^ 1783^ condemning the
said Timothy Matlaok be rescinded and annulled.

Resolved^ That the Resolution of the Oen^ Assembly of Marob
22*^1 1783, founded on the Report of the Committee of the same
date^ directing the Comptroller General << to proceed to the Trial of
<< the oontesti^ Points in the Accounts of l^mothy Matlack, Esq',
** Seeretaiy of the Supreme Executive Council, by a Jury in the
** Stapreme Court, & that he be authorised to employ a Council for
" that purpose," be also annulled and Rescinded, and that it be left
with the Supreme Executive Council to take such Order upon the
subject of their Message to the House referred to in the said Report
of the Committee, as may be right and just, and to which they are
fully competent.*

iTulorsedt

Read 1 time Decem' 14^ 1184. Read 2 time Dec', whereupon
Resolved^ &c.

Prbs. Dickinson to Gov. of New Jbrsbt, 1784.

In Council, December 14% 1784.
Sir,

By Resolution of the General Assembly of this State, We are
authorized to appoint three or more Commissioners, to meet with
such Commissioners as are, or shall be, appointed on the part of
New Jersey, to settle, agree upon, & accurately to determine, which of
the Islands, Islets, and insulated dry Land, mentioned in the Agree-
ment between the two States, bearing Date on the twenty-sixth Day
April, 1783, belong to each of the said States, according to the pur-
port of that Agreement.

We intend in a short time to appoint Commissioners agreeably to
the foregoing Resolutions, and now make this Communication, to
your Excellency, in Ilopes that New Jersey will immediately take
proper Measures for finally executing the said Agreement in the
Manner proposed.

I am, with great Esteem,

Sir, your most obedient hble servt.,

JOHN DICKINSON, t
Hb Excelleney The Governor of New Jersey.

* They were adopted on the 15th— See Col. Roc, Vol. XIV., p. 281.
t See Col. Rec. XIV. p. 280.

PBNNSYLYANIA AKCHIVES 1784. 887

Resolution of Gbnbral Assembly, 1784.

State of PeoDBjlyaniai
In General Assembly, .

Wednesday, December 15% 1784. A. M.
The report of the committee read yesterday,* on the memorial of
Timolhy Matlaok, and the further report of the committee appointed
to extract such parts of the report as adopted by the Coanoil osf
Censors as they should deem necessary for the House to take order
thereon ; was read the second time and the resolutions therein oonp
iained adopted as follows, vis : (See them on page 366.)
Extract from the Minutes,

J. SHALLU8,t Ass* Clerk
"^ of tne General Assembly.

MoNS. Marbois to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Philadelphia, 16** Dec, 1784.
Sir,

A box containing Effects has arrived to my direction in the PaH
franc a Vessel coming from L'Orient. 1 have the honor to inclose
as a proof the bill of lading with my receipt at the bottom of ik
The Custom house Officers have refused to deliver the box ni^cr
pretence of my not enjoying the franchises & exemptions from
duties as Consul general. This practice being contrary to that
which takes place with regard to all Consuls voKo do not trade, and
likewise being in contradiction with the Exequatur which has been
given to me by your Excellency & the Council of the State, I beg
you will be pleased to acquaint me with the Intentions of Council
upon this point, that a perfect reciprocity may be established in France
with respect to the American Consnb & Vice Consuls which do not
trade.

The Officers of the Customs might immediately have delivered
that box to me as I am invested with the double character of Consul
& Chargi des afairea of his majesty, but as they raise doubts about
my franchises in the first of t£ese capacities, I beg you will let uie
know the opinion of Council upon this difficulty, that I may impart
it to my Court.

I am with respect. Sir,

Your Excellency's most obedient

& most humble Servant,

(Signed) DE MARBOIS.]:

(Enclosed in the foregoing is a translated copy of Bill of ladiog.)

' • See page 865. f See CoL Reo., VoL XIV., p. 281, 284.

t See Col. Rec, Vol. XIV., p. 282, 283, and 808 of this.

MS PBNNJ3YLTANIA AS0HIVS8 1784«

MoN9, Mai^bois to thb Collector of thb Customs
Phila. 1784.

PhilAdelphu; IT''^ Deo., 1784.
Sir,

I baT« reeeifed your polite oommunioation reapeotiog the Paokage
of goodi directed to me as Oonaul General . As the diffloultj started

Sterday about my exempttons from daties as a Consul is now
ore the Oonnoil, the respeot I owe them does not permit me to
receive that package previous to their determinations, & before I
know whether they acknowledge or not my claim to an exemption
of the dnties as a Consal not in trade.

I am. Sir, with perfect regard,

your very bumble obedient servanti

DE MARBOIS *

Pbes. Dickinson to Mons. Mabbois, 1784.

In Council, December 18^^ 1784.
Sir,

In consequence of your Letter of yesterday, we have taken order
for the Delivery of the case therein mentioned.

We cannot perceive a propriety in our determining upon this
occasion conoemioff the claimed fi*anchises of the Consulate, as no
agreement respecting them has yet been concluded between His
most Christian Majesty & the United States, and in the present
Instance the Character of Consul is merged in that of Charg4 des
affaires.

I am with Bespect Sir,

your very humble'& obed. Serv*

JOHN DICKINSON.

MoNS. Da Mabbois to Pws. Dickinson, 1784.

Philadelphia, 19th December, 1784.
Sir,

Oi\ the 16th inst. a resolution was passed in Congress, of which
I have the honor to enclose a Copy to your Excellency, in case the
original should [not] have reached you, I beg you will lay it before the

* See CoL Bee., Vol. XIV., p. 282, 283.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784, 880

Assembly as soon as business will permit, that they may take this
object into their consideration before the end of their present sitting.
I am with respect Sir,
your Excellency's most obedienty

and most hnmble seryant,

(Signed) DE MARBOIS ♦
A trae Translation from the original.

PETER S. DU PONCEAU.
Sworn Interpreter.

Resolution of Gongbess, 1784.

By the United States in Congress, Assembled.
Deer. 16tb, 1784.
On the report of a committee to whom was refered a note from
the cbarg^ des affairs of his most Christian majesty dated the 1
Deer. 1784, respecting the delays and difficulties complained of by
French agents in settling their accounts in this country.

Resolved, That copies of the said note be immediately sent to the
different States and that it be recommended to them to paser such
remedial laws on the subject aa their respectire Constitutions may
permit.

CHA. THOMSON, Secy.

Pres. Dickinson to Deleqates nf Conqress, 1784.

In Council, December 20th, 1784.
Oentlemen,

We inclose a Letter to the ^President of Congress, with Copies of
the late Law for adjusting Claims against the United States, & of
Resolutions of the General Assembly of the 16th Instant on that
subject. It is proper that you should be informed why these
Resolutions were taken, after the Law had passed.

This Law appearing to all of us likely to be attended by Tcry
injurious Consequences, we desired a Conference with the Legislative
Branch, which was held the 15th Instant In that, we among other
things, represented ^^that the Law directly contradicts the Mode
agreed upon by the United States in their acts of the 20th of
February, 1782 & the 3d of June, 1784 — that those acts are now
carrying into Execution in the other states as appears by a Letter
produced from the Honorable Robert Morris, Esquire — that Penn-
sylvania had actually voted for that mode at both the times before
mentioned, and had thereby contributed to give it the federal Foree

♦ Col. Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 281.

870 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

that is now executing it in the otber States — that she has^ by her
legislative and executive acts, repeatedly approved the Exercise of
this Power by Congress, and acknowledged its obligation — & that
from these circumstances there appeared a striking Impropriety in
such a Deviation from the national Plan —

That in proceeding upon this Plan such care has been taken to
prevent partiality, that no person has been nominated to settle
amounts in a State, in which he resides as a Citizen — that a line is
well drawn for dividing with Justice between such contending
Interests & that a Departure from this prudent Caution, & the con-
sequent appointment of Citizens for Commissioners, who may be
exposed to the various & powerful Influences of local Connections,
is by no means adviseable —

That if a Continental Commissioner misbehaves, or is incapable
of transacting the Business of his Department in reasonable time,
the proper £emedy is by application to Congress for the appoint-
ment of another, & if necessary, of more —

That for any state to break thro' the national Plan and assume
the settlement of all accounts within itself, & to insist that it shall
be binding upon the Union, would seem to impeach the Wisdom,
Integrity, or authority of Congress —

That it is very probable. Congress will deny us Credit for accounts
thus adjusted, as irregularly settled & hence may begin a Competi-
tion of powers, to be followed by many Evils —

That the Injunction in the Law, of Correspondence with the
Commissioners <' in order to prevent Confusion, and to gain neces-
sary Information," will be totally vain if those Commissioners refuse
to give E£fect to the Correspondence — that if this happens there
will then be several Commissioners, unconnected, appointed by
different authorities, and employed at a double Expence, in affairs of
the samc.kind requiring in the Management of them the strictest
uniformity of Regulation and the fullest Communication of Intel-
ligence— & for want of these many Errors & Frauds are to be
expected, as is manifest from the Law itself—

That the Law does not seem to ascertain with sufficient precision
the persons or Demands, that are its objects — that all those whose
Claims may be adjusted by the Commissioners of this state, will
insist upon a particular Right for having them funded here, alledging,
that their Reliance upon a Law of this Commonwealth of which at
the time of its Enaction they were *' Inhabitants," prevented them
having their accounts liquidated in such manner as to be admitted
by the United States as just charges against them, so that they will
not only lose their original Demands, but will have been put to
much useless Trouble & Expence in attending the Commissioners of
the state, unless the state will pay them — and their Demands to a
very large amount, properly chargeable to the United States, and
which would have been acknowledged & provided for by then], if
they had been settled & certified by their Commissioner according

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 871

to the Dational Plan, maj by the Interferenoe of this Law be fixed ^
as a perpetaal Debt on this state, without our ever beiDg able to
obtain any allowance for it from the^United States/'

We hope, that upon a Consideration of the Reasons that in our
judgment have weight, you, Gentlemen, will agree with us in
opinion that it is exceedingly important, that the additional Com-
missionera should be appointed by Congress, and any occasion for
an appointment by ns be thereby superseded.

We have only to add, that a variety of Circumstances in the
strongest manner requires, that the Commissioners should be imme-
diately appointed ; and therefore we earnestly request, that you will
be pleased to make every Exertion in your power for this purpose.
I am with great Respect, Ocntlemen,

your most obedient & very h'ble serv't.

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed^

The Honorable, the Delegates of Pennsylvania.

Pres. Dickinson to Pkes. op Congebss, 1784.

In Council, December 20th, 1784.
Sir,

We have the Honor of enclosing Copies of a Law of this state
ktely passed k intitled '^ an act to carry into immediate Efieot
the R^olutions of the United States in Congress assembled for
adjusting the Claims of Individuals of this Commonwealth against
the said United States,'' and of Resolutions of the General Assembly
6f the 16th Instant upon the same subject.

Several Considerations arising from the particular Circumstances of
this state, urge us to request, that Congress will be pleased as speedily
as possible to appoint two or more Commissioners in addition to the
on^ already appointed, for the purpose of settling & properly
certifying the Claims of the Citizens of this State against the United
States, which will supersede the necessity of an appointment Jby us.
I am with great Respect, Sir,

your Excellency's most obedient '

and most humble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed^

His Excellency, the President of Congress.

872 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

Pkes. Dickinson to Managers of State Lottert, 1784.

Beoretarj's Offioe, Deo'r 2lBty 1784.
Sir,

CouDoil ibis mornuiff took joar kte applioation npon the subjeot
of the State Lottery into eonsideratioD and have dirooted me to
oommanicate as the Beault of it, that they cannot approve the
proposition of appointing a day for the commencement of the
drawing.

They flatter themsdves that the late encouragement given by the
Ass'y will have their intended effect and are sure that the Managers
will take all possible means to avail themselves of them.
I am; with much respect,

your obedient hum. Seiyt,

J. Armstrong, jr., Sy.

Matthew Clarkson, Esq'r.

Andrew Porter to Council, 1784.

Gentlemen,

The Commissioners having adjourned from the business of runing
the boundary Line of this State until sometime in the month of
May next — I have Ordered the light Wagon & one of the heavy
Wagons with the Mathematical Instruments to this place, and
expect they will arrive the Latter end of this, or the beginning of
next Week — The other two Wagons k five Horses I left with an
Inhabitant of Ten Mile Creek in -Washington County, where the
Horses will be Wintered on reasonable terms — I now wait to know
the Orders of Council what I am to do with the remainder of the
Horses k the Two Wagons when they arrive. — When my Books &
Papers come to hand I shall make a further report with an accurate
ace t of the expenditures, as soon as I can possibly attend to the
drawing out of those acc'ts, but in the mean time must request,
that Council will please to order a Draft in my favour for Two
Hundred pounds to enable me to pay off the Wagoners; and a sum
of money I borrowed and applied to Public use.
' I am with every sentiment

of Bespect k Esteem, Gentlemen,
Your Obed't Serv't,

ANDREW PORTER.*

Philad-, Dec 20th, 1784.
Directed^

To His Excellency the President, and the Supreme Executive
Council, Pennsylvania.

* See Col. Rec, Vol. XIV., p. 286, 286.

PEimSYL7ANU ARCHIVES 1784. 878

Bbpairs of Statb Housb, 1784«

.To the* HoD'ble the Supreme Exeoutive Coancil of the Commoiip>

wealth of PenDsyhania.
QentlemeDy

Having expended the two hundred pounds reo'd of the Treasurer
y jour Order in those repairs of the State House which the Season
of the year made most necessary ; The copper trunks to convey the
water from the roof, paveing and Gravelling at the front, and the

Caparations for planting trees in the Square back of the House
ing nearly accomplis^d. It will require the further sum of
Three hundred pounds to pay the Several Expenoes incurred.

Therefore request the Hon'ble Council will be pleased to give an
Order for that Sum on the Treasurer of the State, and Oblige

y h'ble Serv't,

JAMES PEARSON *
Philad'a, Decem' 20th, 1784.

Directed^

To the Hon'ble Executive Council.

Joint Report of Comm'bs on boundary bbtwebn Penn'a
AND Virq'a, 1784,

Agreeably to the Commission given by the State of Virginia to
James Madison, Robert Andrews, John Page and Andrew EUicott,
& by the State of Pennsylvania to John Ewing, David Rittenhouse,t
John Lukens & Thomas Hutchins, to determine by astronomical
observations the Extent of five Degrees of Longitude west ftrom the
Biver Delaware in the Latitude of Mason's & Dixon's Line, & to run
ft mark the Boundaries which are common to both States, according
to an agreement entered into by Commissioners firom the said two
States at Baltimore in 1779, & afterwards ratified by their respective
assemblies ; We, the underwritten Commissioners, together with the
Gentlemen with whom we are joined in commission, have by corres-
ponding astronomical observations, made near the Delaware & in the
western Country, ascertained the extent of the said five Degrees of
Longitude: and the underwritten Commissioners have continued
Mason's & Dixon's Line to the Termination of the said five Degrees
of Longitude, by which work the southern Boundary of Pennsyl-
vania is completed. The continuation we have marked by opening
vistas over the most remarkable Heights which lie in its course, £
by planting on many of these Heights in the Parallel of Latitude^

* See GoL Beo., ZIY., p. 286.

t See Smith's Laws, Vol. 11., p. 261.

8.74 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVSS 1784.

the true Boundary, Posts marked with the Letters P & V., each
Letter facing the State of which it is the Initial. At the Extremity
of this Line, which is the South West corner of the State of Penn-
«yivania, we have planted a squared unlettered white oak Postj
around whose Base we have raised a Pile of stones. The Comer is
in the last vista we cut, on the east side of an Hill, one hundred &
thirty-four Chains & nine Links East of the meridian of the western
observatory, & two Chains & fifty-four Links west of a deep narrow
Yalley through which the said last vista is cut. At the Distance of
fifty-one Links & bearing from it North twenty-three degrees east
stands a white oak marked on the south side with three notches ; &
bearing South twelve Degrees west & at the Distance of twenty-nine
Links stands a black Oak marked on the North side with four
Notches The advanced season of the year & the Inclemency of the
weather have obliged us to suspend our operations ; but we have
agreed to meet again at the South west Comer of Pennsylvania on
the sixteenth Day of next May, to complete the Object of our Com-
mission. Oiven under our Hands & Seals, in the County of Wash-
ington in Pennsylvania this 18th Day of November, 1784.

ROBERT ANDREWS,
ANDREW ELLICOTT,
JOHN EWING,
DAV'D BITTENHOUSE,
THO. HUTCHINS.*

Report op Penna, Commissioners on Boundary with
Virginia, 1784.

To His Ezoellenoy John Dickinson, Esi}', Preeident of the State, &
To the honorable the Supreme Executive Council of the Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania.

The Commissioners appointed for ascertaining the Length of five
Degrees of Longitude and for determining and fixing the Boundary
Lines between this State and Virginia by astronomical Observationsy
beff Leave to Report|

That after procuring the necessary Instruments, according to the
Directions of Council m the preceeding Spring, we sett off for our
respective Places of observation about the Beginning of June, Mess^^
Bittenhouse and Lukens to Wilmington, and Ewing and Hutchins
to the South Western Comer of the State.

The observers at Wilmington compleated their Observatory, and
furnished it with the necessary Instruments, so as to begin their
astronomical Operations, in Cod junction with Mess*^ Page and An-
drews, Commissioners from Virginia, about the Beginning of July ;
where they continued observing the Eclipses of Jupiter's Satellites,
till the 20th of September, that they might have a sufficient Num-

* See Col. Rec, Vol. XIV., p. 288.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 875

ber of them, both before and after his opposition to the Sun ; And
altho' the Sammer proved very un&vourable for astronomical pur-
posesy they wore fortunate enough to make, amongst them, near 60
Observations of these Eclipses, besides many other Observations of
the other heavenly Bodies for the Regulation of their Clock and
fixing their Meridian Line ; sa that they were well accertained of
their Time to a single Second.

In the mean Time, the other Observers, setting out from Phila-
delphia, pursued their Rout, to the South Western Extremity of the
State, where they arrived about the middle of July, having been
greatly retarded by the Badness of the Roads through that moun-
tunous Country. There they met with MessF* Madison and EUicotty
the Commissioners from the State of Virginia, who had arrived about
the same Time. With all possible Dispatch, they erected, their
Observatory on a very high Hill at the place where the Continuation
of Mess'* Mason and Dixon's Line by Mess'* Nevelle and M'Clean
Ended ; supposing that this place would prove to be near to the
Western Extremity of five Degress of Longitude from the River
Delaware. After erecting their Instruments, which had not sustained
the least Damage, by the Carriage through so long a Journey, and
the most unfavourable Roads, they began their astronomical Obser-
vations about the middle of July, and they continued them Night
and Day till the 20th of September following. Although they were
frequently interrupted and disappointed by an uncommon quantity
of Rain and Foggy Weather, which seems peculiar to that hilly
Country, yet by their Attention to the Business of their Missioni
they made between 40 and 50 Observations of the eclipses of Jupi-
ter's Satellites, many of which were correspondent with the Obser-
vations made by the other Astronomers at Wilmington ; besides
innumerable Observations of the Sun and Stars for the Regulation
of their Time Pieces and the marking of their Meredian with the
greatest Precision.

In this part of their work, situated near 80 Miles beyond any of
the Inhabitants, the Commissioners were greatly assisted by the
Diligence and indefatigable activity of Coll. Porter, their Commissary,
to whose Industry in providing every Thing necessary, and prudence
in managing the Business of his Department with the utmost
Oeconomy, the State is greatly indebted.

The astronomical Observation being compleated on the 20th of
September, the Eastern astronomers set out to meet the other Com-
missioners in the West, in order to compare them together. Mess^
Rittenhouse and Andrews carried with them the Observations made
at Wilmington, while Mess" Lukens and Page returned home, not
being able to endure the Fatigues of so long a Journey, nor the
Subsequent labour of running and marking the Boundary Line. Mr.
Madison continued with the Western Astronomers till the arrival of
MessF* Rittenhouse and Andrews, when the affairs of his Family and
paUiok Station obliged him to relinquish the Business at this Stage^

876 PENNSTLYANIA ABCHITES 1784.

and retarn Homei after concurring with the otber Commissioners tisi
to the principles on which the matter was finally determined.

Upon Comparison of the ObservaUons made at both Eztremities
of our Southern Boundary, your Commissioners have the pleasure of
assuring you, that no Discouragements arising ft'om the un&YOuraUe
State of the Weather, or tho unaToidable Fatigues of constant appli-
cation by Day and frequent Watobings by Night, have prevented
them from embracing every opportunity, and making a suffieient
Number of Astronomical Observations, to determine Uie Length of
five Degrees of Longitude with greater Precision than could be
Attained by terrestrial Measures of a Degree of Latitude in difierent
places of file Earth : and further, that they have compleated their
Observtions with so much accuracy and certaintv as to remove from
their Minds every degree of doubt concerning their final determination
of the South Western Comer of the State.

In the Result of the Calculations, they found that their observa-
tories were distant from each other twenty minutes and one second
and an eighth part of a Second of Time. But as the Observatory
at Wilmington was fixed at 114 Chains, 13 Links West of the In-
tersection of the Boundary line of this State with the River Dela-
ware ; and as 20 Minutes of Time are equivalent to five Degrees of
Longitude, they made the necessary Correction for the said 114
Chains, 13 Links, and also for the said one Second and one eighth
part of a second, which is equal to 19 Chains and 96 Links ; and
4usoordingly fixed and marked the South Western Corner of the
State in the manner mentioned in the joi^t agreement and Report
of the Commissioners of both States under their Hands and Seals,
which we have the Honour of laying before the Council.*

Ailer these calculations were made, the Commissioners proceeded
with all convenient Dispatch to the place where Mason and Dixon
formerly were Interrupted by the Indian Nation in runniog the
southern Boundary of this State, in order to extend the said
Boundary Westward to the length of five Degrees from the River
Delaware. Being prevented by rainy weather for near a week from
making any astronomical observations in order to ascertain the
Direction of the Parallel of Latitude, which we were to extend we
concluded, to save Time and Expence, that it would be* eligible to
take the last Direction of Mason and Dixon's Line, and to correct
it, if necessary, when we should have an opportunity of a serene
Sky. Upon extending the Line in this Manner 195 Chains from
the place where they ended their work, we found by astronomical
observations that we were 82 feet and 5 inches North of the true
Parallel, and we accordingly made the necessary Correction here
and marked a Tree with the Letters P. on the North side and Y. on
the South. From thence we assumed a new direction, which we
again corrected in like manner at the distance of 575 Chains where
we found our Line to be 73 feet and 6 inches North of the Parallel
of Latitude. We made the offsett accordingly and planted a large
* See page 878.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 377

post 10 the true Parallel marked as above. From thenoe we fouDd
another direetion by caloulation, which beginning at the said post
should at the Distance of eight Miles from it, intersect the said
Parallel, making o&etts at convenient distances, and planting Poats
in the true parallel. This direction being continued 83 Chains far-
ther than the eight miles above mention^, fell 28 Inches South of
the Parallel, where we also planted a post in the true Boundary
marked as before ; and from thence to the South West Comer of
the State we assumed a new Direction which being continued, fell
two feet and eight inches South of the said Corner. This correc-
tion therefore being made, we planted a Squared White Oak Post
in the said Point, and marked its bearing from Different Objects, as
mentioned in our joint Report. Besides the Marking of the Boun-
dary Line by the Posts and Stones above mentioned ; your Commis-
sioners took care to have a Visto of 20 or 30 feet wide cut over aU
the most remarkable Ridges which were in the Direction of the
Parallel.

For a more particular description of this part of our work, we
beg leave to refer to the annexed plan"*" and sketch of the Country
through which the Line Passed. The season being now far advanced,
we were obliged to desist from any farther Prosecution of the work,
and agreed with the Virginia Commissioners to meet them at the
South Western Corner of our State on the 16th of May next, to
proceed in running and marking the Western Boundary of this
State.

Agreeable to our Commission to report the Situation of the
Country and the best means of preserving the Communication and
Connection between the Eastern and Western Parts of the State, wo
beg Leave to observe that the natural obstructions to so desirable a
purpose may be, in a great measure removed by a few easy Instances
of attention, paid by the Legislature of this State to the Situation
and exhausted condition of the Western Citizens. Their public Roads
are numerous, extensive and in bad order ; while the Citizens being
few in number, scattered at a Distance from each other, and being
harrassed and exhausted by an Indian War, are unable to repair their
Roads, or to open them through more easy and convenient Passes
over the Hills and Mountains. A few' hundred pounds, not exoeed-
inff one thousand judiciously and frugally applied, would in our
opinion make a tolerable good Waggon Road from York County to
the Monongahela; and thereby facilitate the Exportation of Goods
from this City to that Western Country, and secure their Trade with
ns ; especially if the Ferry over the Susquehannah was made free to
all the Citizens of the State. It appears probable to us, that other-
wise the Exertions o f Maryland and Virginia, to repair their Roads
to that country, will frustrate the Expectations, which we are en-
titled to entertain of enjoying the advantages of the Trade with the
Western Parts of our own State. We beg Leave fiurther to ob-
* No plan has as yet been discovered.

878 PENNSYLVANIA. AKCHIVBS 1784.

aerre that the natural attachment of the Western OitiKens to this
State might be inoreaeed and fixed by an indulgeoce to their distressed
Situation in the price of their Lands, and the Terms of payment, and
particularly in the remission of the Interest due on the porohase
Money, dmring the Time they have been obliged to eyaouatc their
Possessions by the 8avageS| and fly to Forts for the security of their
Lives and Families.

JOHN EWING,
DAVID RITTBNHOUSB.
JNO. LDKENS,
THO. HDTCHINS.*
Philada., 28d Dec., 1784.

Indoraed, — ^The Report of the P* Oommissioners for running the
line between this State & Virg*, enclosing the joint report of the s*
Commissioners & those from Virginia — to be entered in the letter
book with its enclosures — Entered.

Bepobt & Resolution Respecting Arrears of Imposts,

1784.

State of Pennsylvania,

In General Assembly,

Friday, December 24th, 1784.— A. M.

The^House resumed the consideration of the Report of the Com-
mittee appointed << to enquire from what cause so large a Sum of
** public money due upon the imposts laws, appears to he outstand-
« ing and report thereon/' when the same was adopted as follows,
viz*:

The Committee appointed '' to enquire from what cause so large
'< a Sum of public money due upon the impost laws appears to be
outstanding, and report thereon," Report,

That they have made the enquiry to them committed and find
from the information of the Collector of the imposts, and from the
Books and Papers by him exhibited to your Committee, that there
appeared to be due from sundry individuals on bonds, on the IstDay
of November last, about the Sum of Sixty thousand Pounds. That
the said Collector hath, as well by advertisements published in the
News-papers, as otherwise, used endeavours to collect the monies duo
on the said Bonds ; that some of the said monies have been col-
lected, since the said first day of November ; and that the said Col-
lector expressed strong expectations, founded on the assurances he
had received from the oblieors in the said Bonds, that the whole of
the monies due as aforesaid would be paid in the course of one or
two months.

Your Committee nevertheless deem it expedient that measures

* See Col; Reo., Vol. XIV., p: 288. Dr. Ewing resigned March 26, 1786.
See ibid., p. 454, and this VoL under that date,

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 379

should be taken to expedite the collection of the said debts and more
especially those which have been long due, and therefore your Com-
mittee offer the following Resolution, viz* :

Resolved, That the Supreme Executive Council be desired to
t»ke proper order for procuring the payment of the monies due on
the said Bonds. Extract from the Minutes.

SAM'L BRYAN,
Clerk of the General Assembly.

Message from the General Assembly, 1784.

A Message from the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, To His Excellency The President, and the Honor-
ftble the Supreme Executive CoanciL

Gentlemen,

With all due respect and Attention we the Representatives of the
Freemen of the State of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met,
have taken into Consideration your message of the fourth instant,'*'
and tho' public debates of this nature seldom produce real Convic-
tion either in the minds of those with whom they originate or by
whom they are conducted, we are of opinion that the Plan for pro-
viding for the payment of the public debts, against which the pre-
sent address militates, is founded on such Principles of natural, and
political Justice, that nothing farther will be necessary to evince ita
Merit, than to state some of those leading principles, and re-call to
memory those Sentiments which in time of public danger operated
on every feeling mind with truth and emergy ; Nor can we suppose
the security and case resulting from peace have or can obliterate
them. We trust we shall also rectify some mistakes into which Your
Honorable Board have fallen in point of fact ; We admit and We
avow it in the face of the World that we esteem it a duty t^ pay
the debts contracted on the faith of the public according to their just
Value, and to the Amount ascertained by those officers who under
public authority have stated and certified them; and that every
thing which interferes with a such payment either in the creation of
the funds from which it is to be made or by direct diminution of
the debts so acknowledged, we consider unjust and impolitic and to
which of course we cannot assent.

As the message generally and highly approves, the principles, on
which the several AcU of the 12th March, 1783, << for the Sale of
certain Lands therein mentioned," and 1st of April, 1784, intitled
" An Act for opening the Land Office." We need only observe on
this point, that it was ever our intention generally to adopt and
carry them into Effect, and that the evils arising from long Credit,
from which would probably result uncertain payment, and factious

♦See Col. Beo., Vol. XIV., p. 271.

380 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

GombiaatioDa asaiDst the peace of the State, oannot arise, no Booh
Credit being to be given by the Act passed this Session. It is pro^
posed to sell the Lands at moderate prices, and immediatelj reoeivo
the Consideration which the ^lessage admits as best calculated to
extinguish the demands on the Commonwealth, and relieve the peo-
ple in the article of Taxes. The Mischiefs of increasing publio
Credit, and of course, the dealing in public funds are not so well
known to us as the message supposes. Wo know such funds exist
in all free States, the most flourisliing and best regulated ; and pre-
sume that they arc only dangerous from their abuse. We flatter
ourselves, That on this occasion, with caution, and moderation they
will not be liable to the dangers resulting from an improvident exer-
cise of power cither in the mode of administering such funds, or their
disproportion to our Ability in supporting them. We consider
these funds as providing the means of payment of a just debt, and
that by vigorious exertions in reducing the debt as speedily and
into as small a Compass as possible, we sball most effectually goard
against the Consequences suggested of dealing in public funds; for
the debt being lessened or discharged, the Opportunities for such
Speculations will be diminished or done away.

If your Excellency and the Honorable Board suppose, that bj
making no other provision for the Relief of the public Creditorsi
than what will arise from the Sale of Lands, such Creditors driven
by despair, and pinched by necessity will be compell'd to take
Lands on any terms, or will sell their Certificates at any price to
those who seek to speculate in Land, We are at a toss to reconcile
it to those professions of tenderness expressed for Widows, Orphana
and worthy Citizens yet retaining their Certificates. For when we
recur to the provision made by former Legislatures for these respect-
able Claimants in the Acts of Assembly enumerated in the Mcssagei
we find them totally inapplicable to the End. The Act passed the
21st March, 1783, in titled << An Act for providing the Quota of
fooderal Supplies," and its Supplement passed the 25th September
following, only gave a temporary relief for payment of Interest for
one year, and were declared to be for enabling, them to pay their
Taxes for the Supplies of the Current year, and as for the Act
intitled^An Act to appropriate certain monies arising from the
Excise with its Supplement of the 20th Sept., its Benefit was ex-
clusively limited to the Otficcrs and Soldiers of the Army. Those
respectable Claimants therefore, certainly have never received that
attention the message so explicitly declares, and other efforts, than
those mentioned in the said Acts, are requisite for their Uelief, or
they must remain, not merely in the uncomfortable state so coldly
described in the message, but in a state of great poverty and dis-
tress. The objection to the just and honorable payment of these
debts because the folly of some, and necessity of others have thrown
a part of them into other hands than the original holders, at a prioe
below their apparent Value, seems to as as destructive of all future

PENNSYLVANIA ARCniVES 1784. 381

Credit as present Justice. Being in tbeir nature negotiable, and
original! J made transferable, who will ever receive thcra hereafter
if tbej are thus depreciated bj public Authority f Let it al^o be
remembered, that whatsoever price the present possessors may haVe
paid for some of these Certificates, the public bad a valuable Cousi-
deration, and that a great proportion of them jet remain in the
hands of the original Possessors ; aod as no discrimination is pro-
poeed| and must be extremely difficult, what is to become of these
respectable C/aimants f are they to suffer because their interests are
accidentally blended with those of others less so? It does not appear
to us consonant to Justice or sound policy to depreciate honest debts
because they vary in the degree of merit; for that any are unjust
in themselves, none pretend. ,

To these original possessors none of the Observations in the
message apply, which suppose such an Accumulation of value. They
expected to receive their real value ; they ask no more ) aud this they
are intitled to : — to oblige them to take less must be confessedly un-
just But we feel no apprehensions of a few Persons being sud-
denly raised into great wealth, while others are proportionably
depressed : Because we see every Species of public Certificates have
been long current and the most unexceptionable funds provided in
mauy Cases to support them, such for instance as the appropriation
of the excise for the Benefit of the Army, and yet we see no such
exorbitant wealth or depressed industry. To make common Conver-
sation, (and that founded in supposition,) a ground of public mea-
sures from which injustice to the Widow, Orphan and worthy
Citizen will follow, we cannot suppose the generous and benevolent
temper of Pennsylvania will admit, and yet we can dednce no other
Consequence from admitting that those who were about to buy Cer-
tificates were led by general Conversation to Contemplate the Lands
of the State as the only fund for their redemption. We trust the
public proceedings of this State will have a more stable and solid
foundation. ^

That the Certificates will rise in valne in consequence of a well
grounded hope of just and honorable payment, we hope i&nd expect^
but that it will enhance the price beyond their origiual Value, we
cannot believe, and their advance towards it will be fully compensa-
ted by recovering public Credit, renewing confidence in.Govemment,
and enabling us to establish a Loan Office from which the distant
freeholders will be accommodated with money on easy Terms and at
a reasonable interest But how will this be attained if instead of
applying the wisdom and energy of Government to restore publio
Credit, — we fall into every temptation to commit publio iojustice-*
whether the debts are just, is in opr view, the first Consideration —
this is not questioned, for they are admitted, not only to be just but
meritorious. The next is, how shall they be discharged f we say,
hanetiljff as a Source of futare Confideooe and supply equitably as con-
foroiably to natural Juatioe } and arat^uU^ as apioper return to thoM
Vol. X— 17.

S82 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

who in times of public danger and difficulty lent their Property to
effect the great Parposes of Liberty and Independence. In Confirma*
tion of those sentimentSi we shall recnr to a message of your Excellen-
cy's and the Honourable Board of August 17th,1783, as the most un-
exceptionable authority. There it is said^ << The discharge of debt8
<' due by the State, cr if that cannot be soon accomplished, at least
** the regular Payment of the Interest, should be provided for, and
'^weli secured by adequate funds; so that the best satisfaction
" which Circumstances will permit, may be given to the Creditors.
** Continual and sometimes very affecting applications are made to
'' us : but while we perceive the obligations of Justice, and the
" Injuries and distresses attendant upon a non-compliance with them
'' we are unable to afford Relief. It is essential to the public wel-
** fare that public Credit, upon which alone oonfidenoe can be foun-
<'ded, should be supported; and we earnestly wish, the General
** Assembly would take into their serious Consideration the ways
^'and means for establishing a more regular and improved System
** of Revenue. We believe that the burthens of the good people of
'' this state might be thus relieved ; and we shall esteem ourselves
" very happy if we can furnish any useful Information upon this
'' subject.^' Contemplating the resources of the State, we cannot
with your Excellency and the honorable Board, consider the Circum-
stances of the Treasurers notes as proofs of our inability to support
our Credit, because a Want of Punctuality in the redemption of all
our public securities is equally to be lamented. Even the anticnt
emissions of Paper money before the Revolution were not punctually
redeemed, but certainly not from inability. It arises from the de-
lay of the Collection of Taxes, which it is the duty of the executive
part of Government to remedy.

We wish and hope to ease our Constituents under the public
burthens ; we partake of them ourselves, and therefore must be al-
ways interested to lessen them ; but we see no cause to depreciate
the ability of the State, as well as its Credit, when we reflect that
in the year 1782, when we had tieither rested from the ravages of
the war, nor tasted the blessings of peace, a Tax of £420,000 was
imposed, and tho' heavy it was not insupportable. In the year
1788, a farther Tax was laid for £226,000, without any aid ft-om
the sale of Lands. The present supply calls for a Tax of but
£76,945 17 6 annually, which is the very sum recommended by
Congress, and adopted by a late Assembly for twenty five years, and
when the Purposes to which it is to be applied are duly considered^
and that its duration will probably be terminated in a much shorter
time than twenty five years, " the generous and benevolent temper
of Pennsylvanians" will not permit it to be deemed grievous, nof
hndttly bnrthensome. We oome now to the last objection against
thus providing for the payment of the public debts; that it will
interfere with foederal measures; we wish your Excellency and the
honorable Board iniAead of resting on a general declaration; had

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVES 178 J. 888

pdinted oat this ioteferenee. BMides the inatanoe above iseiitioDed
the Journals of GoDgrese aboaad in Beaolvea and ReoommeiidatioiiB
ia whioh the ntmoBft energy of language is exerted to induoe ns to
pay these debts honorably and justly. We mean to show our respeot
ibar the Counsels of that honourable Body by our Gomplianoe as well
as by our professions. We ha?e thereupon eoUeotod their senti-
Bientsas scattered thro' divers of their Prooeedinga.

In the celebrated Letter of the 13th Septeraber, 1779, after ex-
prMsing with the most pathetic eloquence, the baseness and bad
policy of failing to support the public faith, thus urge its inhumanity
as well aa injustice : That the Complaints of ruined widows and
latherless Children whose sole support rests in the public funds have
already gone forth, and with the greatest Solemnity they bid us take
eare, that they rise no higher.

On the ISth April following they declare that the hoUersof loan
office Certificates should sustain no loss by any depreciation of the
Bills loan'd subsequent to their respective dates. On the 28tk
June following they declare that the Principal of ail the Loans that
have been made shall finally be discharged at the full current value
a( the bills when loan'd and the interest in the mean time paid on
the same just principles.

On the 16th December, 1782, Congress declared, that it is essential
to the justice and Preservation of .public faith, that whenever a
nation is obliged by the exigencies of publie a&irs to contract a debt
proper funds should be estaUished not only for paying the annnal
Value or Interests of the same, bnt for discharging the principal
within a reasonable Period.

It then goes on to encourage the States to exertions of Payment
by assuring them that whenever the produce of the Revenue ahall
exceed the Interest, it shall bo applied to sinking the PrincipaL
But unfortunately no fund has been found by Congress to pay even
the interest or any part of it from that time to the present.

In 1783, soother most animated address from Congress in the
ninth Page of a Pamphlet called an address and Recommendation
to the States, after enumerating the Classes of public Creditors,
speaks of those who originally lent their money, those who have pur-
chased Certificates, and whose Property has been otherwise advanced
or assumed for public Service, and this is the language of that re-
spectable Body, a just regard to whose Counsels the Honorable
Board declare, and we concur in believing is essential to our Happi-
ness '< To discriminate the merits of these several descriptions of
'' Creditors would be a task equally unnecessary and invidious, if the
« voice of humanity pleads more loudly in favor of some than of
'^ others, the voice of Policy no less than of Justice pleads in fiivor
" of all — A wise nation will never permit those who relieve the
** wants of their Country, or who rely most on its faith, its firmness and
** its resources, when either of them is distrusted, to sufcr by the
t' event'' la the foltowiBg Parsgffapk of the same address, which

384 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

we earaestly Tecommend to the attention of yonr Excellency and the
honorable Board, these Sentiments are farther nrged and enforced
by Oonaiderationa of the most powerful nature aucb as in our opinion
exollide CTery idea, that the measures of any partionlar State at
this time of day for the relief of these suffBrers can be dissagreeabla
to Congress. The State of New Jersey has made a Provision simi-
lar to oars, except that it rests on Taxation only, while ours has the
Lands as an auxiliary, and we have never heard their Conduct ob-
jeoted to as interfering with federal measures or weakening the
union.

If from defects in the Confederation, or too limited views, some
States hesitate or fail in Compliance as they have done from year to
year, shall we bring poverty and Ruin on the Citizens of Pennsyl-
vania whose Circumstances, the message admits, demand immediate
attention ? do not these debts make a part of the national debt, and
if lessened now, will not our future burthen be less. Thus while
we substantially comply with the Recommendations of Congress, we
shall p^orm an act of duty^ Justice and Humanity, in relieving our
suffering fellow Citiiens.

A Regard to the Constitution, and the confederation, and affection
to the Common-wealth which seemed to require we should rectify
many mistakes in fact from which erroneous Consequences have been
deduced in the message, have oall'd forth this R eply. We do not mean
to wage a war of messages and addresses which, the experience of for-
mer times shows, irritate but never convince. The business of Legisla-
tion neither admits our employing our time or spending public money
in disputes. If the Engagements of your Excellency and the Hono-
rable Board leave you at leisure to attend to other Cases than those
of the Council, we shall always be happy to receive your assistance,
and advice in the approved and long practised mode of Conference,
not only as the most Constitutional when there is only a single
Branch of Legislature, but best adapted for reasoning and conviction
Peace and Harmony.

Signed by order of the House.

JOHN BAYARD, Speaker.*

Assembly Chamber, Philadelphia, December 24th, 1784.

Copy op a Letter, John Adams, 1784.

Auteiul. near Paris. Nov. 8d, 1784.
Sir,

Dr. Franklin has lately communicated to Mr. Jefferson and roe,
a letter he has received from the Gointe de Vergennes, and another
from Mr. Grand, the first informs that Mr. Marbois had informed
him, that upon bis application to the superintendant of Finances, he

* See Col. Reo., Vol. XIY., p. 280„ & answer 328^ 343.

PENNSYLVANIA AB0H1VE8 178 i. 885

had reoeived an answer bj Mr. Oovernenr Morris, that letters should
be written both to Amsterdam and Paris, to provide for the pay-
ment of the interest of the ten million of liTres borrowed for the
United States in Holland, by the King, and reminds the American
Minister that other interest is due, and the first payment of the
eapital will beeome due next year. Mr. Orands letter informs, that
he is already about fifty thousand livres in advance for loan office
oertifioates, Salaries, &ce. ; These letters the Dr. will no doubt transmit
to Congress and as they relate to matters within his Department ;
I might have been excused from mentioning them } if the mention of
Amsterdam had not made it probable, that Mr. Morris had it in
contemplation to draw upon our Bankers there for money to discharge
this interest ; and I cannot excuse myself from observing that if
saoh drmnghts should be made^ I am apprehensive they will be pro-
tested.

France is at present in so much danger of being forced to tako
part in a War, in the low Countries, that I am not surprized at the
Gomte de Vergennes' attention to matters of revenue and that I
cannot see any hope that Doctor Franklin will be able to obtain
any relief from this Court.

It will be remembered that there is a debt of near a million
and an half sterling to France, and another debt of more than half
a million sterling in Holland, whose interests are constantly accru-
ing. There are also salaries to Ministers; and there is another call
for money, which is very pressing. The Commerce of the Medite-
ranean is of great importance to the United States, and to every
one of them, hnd this commerce cannot be enjoyed without treaties
with the Barbarv Powers. It will be not only in vain, but daneerous
and detrimental to open negotiations with these powers without
money for the customary presents. How are all these demands for
money to be satisfied ? If Cash, Bills, or produce can be sent to
Europe for the purpose, it will be happy for ns. But I suppose that
no man believes it possible, and therefore we must not only forgo
great future advantages, but violate contracts already made, and
Siith already pledged, and thereby totally ruin our credit, if not
expose the property of our Merchants to be seiied abroad, or we
must borrow more money in Europe. Now there is no part of Eu-
rope in which we can expect to borrow, unless it be in Holland, and
there we may rely upon it all our hopes will fail us, if efiiootual
measures are not taken to fund onr foreign debt, if adequate funds
were established for discharging the interest we may hope for fur>
iher Credit ; without them our circumstances are truly desperate.
It is not for me to enter into the question, how this is to be done so
far distant, and so long absent, it would be impossible for me to form
a Judgment, if the subject were within my province which it is not.

The ability of our people for this and much greater things cannot
ba doubted by any Man wko knows any thing of their affiursi and

888 PBNNSTLYANIA ABOHIYES 1784.

it k ft pitj that tDj qvesHoiM about the made sbotild retard this
most neeefltary proTision for the ezistenoe of our Credit abroad.

I have this neraeiit a letter from our bankers at AmsterdaB,
dated the 28th of Oet in whieh thej inform me that they have not
reeeived the ratifioation of mj last Loan, perhaps it did not arrive
till after the reoess of Ooogresa. I mnst earnestly request thai
Congress would dispatch it as early as poasible after their meeting,
baoause the delay of it msy excite an alarmy and dash all our hopes
at ooee. The hslf million sterling which we have obtained in Hol-
land has been all transmitted to America in Dollars by the way of
Havannah, or paid in redeeming Bills of Exchange, sold in America
for very advantageous premiums ; none of it has been laid out in
goods, and therefera every other oonsideratioB calls upon ua to be
punctual as well as our honor, which alone, ought to be anfficient

(Signed,)

JOHN ADAMS.
Indanedf

1785, reed. Jan'y Slst. Copy of a Letter from Honble John
Adams, Esquire, dated near Paris, November 8d, 1784. Entered.

EXTBACT 07 A LETTER FROM THE HoiTBLE JOHlf AdAMS,

Benjamin Franklin k Thomas Jefferson, 1784.

Ezkact of a Letter from the Honble John Adams, Benjamin
Franklin & Thomas Jefferson, dated at Paris, 11th November,
1784.

^ A Letter received from the Count de Yergennes, & another
from Mons'r Grand to Doctor Franklin, of which No. 21 & 22 are
Copies, give us reason to apprehend, an uneasiness in this Court lest
we dionld fiiil not only in the punctual payment of the interest on
their particular Loans, but should permit the payment on the Dutch
Loan, which this Court guaranteed^ to &11 in the first instance upon
them. This circumstanoe under the present probability of a war
in Europe might be really inoonvenieat to them and give unfavor-
able ideas of tho sense we entertain of their past favours. Coni-
gress will know whether measures have been tsken to make timely
payments here, and they can best judge of what exertions the States
are ospahle for reducing their foreign debt, even faster than their
atipulations require. A hearty dispositi<« in the people goes far
towards making them equal to whatever it is d&eir duty and interest
to do ; and we cannot help supposing that if our oountrymen would
boldly look that part of their foreign debt in the face, which
they have a right to discharge, if they would view it and view

PBNNSTLVANU ABCHIVBS 1786. 887

themselvesi they would find thej coold maater it, perittps with a .
BiDgle effort ; of this we can asaare them that nothing woald pro-
dooe anoh a revolution in the opinion entertained in Europe of their
powen, of their justioe A of the tone of their government. If a
reputation for equity and gratitude, if a demonstration of our re-
90UTces and of our resolution, if the subjection of the riches of
Europe to our wishes on any future emergency may be bought at
half a Guinea a head cannot our countrymen be roused to make the
purchase? Add to this that it would command for us a respect
which might save us in the end, millions of money, and torrents of
blood. Congress we hope will pardon us these reflections. We are
on a field were every eiroumstance tends to produce them. Our in-

5trnctJoD8 as to a gratification and indemnification to John Baptist
i^equet has not yet been complied with; Mr. Grand's Letter will
assign the reason.

Tne honor of our own country as well as our own feelings wiU not
permit us to pass unnoticed, that we are now depending for daily
flubslstance on the bounty of a subject of this Kingdom : A bounty
which he tells us in his Letter, ^'qu'il sera fbrc6 mettre oes bomeSi''
^e will be forced to set bonds.) Wo trust thait Congress will be
$0 good as to order us effectual and instantaneous relief from this
Situation.
ftulorted,

1785, reed. Jan'y 81st. Extract of a Letter from Honble John
Adams, Benjamin Franklin ft Thomas Jeffierson, dated at Paris^
November 11th, 1784.

888

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786.

Rbtttrn of Dsbbrtbbs from a Dbtachhsnt

BetarDB of Deserters, with their desoriptioo, &e. who deserted from
ihe Oloaths, Arms^ &O9 which thej have received, likewise their |mij

Camp on the Indian

Inlisted. 1

' shore west side of

Place bom
or resided.

Trade
or Occn>

Allisany Biver,
December let, 1784.

When.

Where.

pation.

^^.

From Cap. Douglass

Co. of Artillery.

James Morton,

Ireland,

Aug.,

Phila.,

Farmer,

John Monngstam,

Germany,

Thomas Smith,

Ireland,

John Hancock,
From Cap. Finnej's
Co. Infantry.

England,

Labourer,

John Coleman,

derm any,

Aug.,

Phila.,

Stone Ct,

Jos. Bottomley,

Ensland,
Irehnd,

Sept'r,

WeaTcr,

Thomas Delap,

Aug.,

Patrick Fowler,

Tanner,

Jno. Leard,

Labourer,

Adam Myre,

Germany,

Barber,

Conrad Huffner,

Fuller,

John Kidd,

Sept'r,

Labourer,

Thomas Atkinson,

Jersey,

Aug.,

Labourer,

Edw. McCarday,

Ireland.

Weaver,

Jno Dannivan,

Labourer,

Osbarn Pearson,

Connecticut,

James Davidson,

Penn'a,

Thomas Service,

Ireland,

•27

Jno. Sutherland,

Scotland,

Bl'k S-"»,;3l

Jno. Kerney,

Ireland,

Weaver, i35

Philip McDonald,

Labourer,

2-2

Thomas Everly,

England,

Thomas Howell,

Delaware,

Samuel Moor,

Penn'a.

Hatter,

25, Patrick O'llaro,

Ireland,

Labourer,

William Smith,

Taylor,

James Melvln,

Taylor,

John Eir,

Mass.,

Turner,

Da'l M'MuUan,

Ireland,

Labourer,

The columns containinfic a detailed description, and the cloatbing and arms,
arc not printed, although in the original.

PBNNSrLVANU AECHIVBS 1786.

OF THs IsT Ambricak Beqimbnt, 1785.

a detachment of the 1st American Begiment, with an Inventory of
as soldien in the Ist A* R'**, com' by Jos. Harmar, E*«, L< O' 6«".

Camp on the Indian

Inlisted,

shore west side of

Place born
or resided.

Trade
or Ocou-

Alligany River.
December Ist, 1784.

When.

Where

. pation.

From Gap. Zeiglars

Go. Infantry.

Jno. Hendrioksonj

Jeraey,

IIV'

PhilB.,

Labourer,

Andrew Soott,

Pein'a,

Shoem'r,

William Qriffey,

26 do

Labourer,

Robert Gamett^

24 Aug.,

Lano'r,

Jno. Johnston,

6 Sept'r,

Phila.,

Francis Johnston,

23 Aug.,

Carl'le,

John Davidson,

10 Sept'r,

Phila.,

Taylor,

Casper Morrits,

7 Oct.,

Cwl'le,

Taylor,

Albert LegraQd,

\ir-

PhiU.,

Cook,

Mathias Qoltier,

Labourer,

Francis Usman,

Germany,

1 do

Taylor,
Labourer,

Carl Reynard,

27 Aug.,

George Clark,

Penn'a,

27 do

Cooper,

James Coleman,

Delaware,

29 do

Labourer,

SO-

Jno. Stephenqfn,

Peun'a,

BO do

Nicholas Laplain,

France,

JY"

.46

Frederick Miller,

Germany,

Shoem'r,

William Justice,

Penn'a,

20 do

Labourer,

Patrick Turner,
From Cap. McCur-
day's Comp'y.

Ireland,

U do

Edward Gaffoey,

Ireland, [1
Scotland, 1

n Aug.,

PLila.,

\^Ml(]«t<r

£0

Thomas Grimes,

16 Sepf r.

Laboures,

«1

John Smith,

Penn'a, ]

18 Aug,

Weaver,

John Sides,

do i

56 Sept'r,
3 do

Labourer,

David Brown,

Parmer,

Edw'd Leonard,

N. Yoik, 1

SO Aug.,

Shoem'r,

55 Jno. Bead,

Jersey, |!

SI do

Labourer,

56, Dennis Camej,

Ireland, ]

12 Sept'r,
16 do

57|Jno. Snyder,

Penn'a, i

58.Jno. McLaughlin;

Ireland, ]

9 Aug.,

59 Jno. Burns, do [i

!8 do

do ]

Parmer, 27

Benry Tatterson, |<

Jersey, iJ

!1 do

do 1

ffaylor, !

No 88 and No. 39, Albert Legraod an4 Mathias Qoltier, are two French
)f em, who hsTO dssertef from this place and gone down the riTer to the
"IllinAils Country*

JOS. HABMAR,Lt. Col. Com. Ist Am. Reg^t
17*

890

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVE8 1786.

1 S^ »'-

■< -S _ ♦s i-f

3^ a a
H .g cj "^ H

at? 8

'ggj^^"^ liS'

'^QtAJO^ ^^l^H

■laaRqti i^aig

')uaea4<i ^otg

*my*^^*^^a

'B^ottaCjag

1 laixtf J^J<'ti5

;anif

-aoeSjtig

■jo^giryy jlb J

-istCTy^f .la]^

■aiildtqQ

'SaStsa^

■nawa^inni'j

'AupidiiQ

pmo^ 10^ IT

ia eo ^
to cp CO

t3 "

£3 a ► '^

CO ^ tD

^ CO <-<
'«*' kO O

CO -^Ot

f-t I 1F-t

S 5 * S S

■a ^^ _ V p '-I

c 3 ^ * * "S J

_*« Q 2 1

TJ >

01 g^ia^AV

7^(»X

-^at^oit^t^

mJ ^na I ^

*8j?iiiinf) [

-nl

'S]«jodjo;> I

I gl.fjaR '

*si^^n©iq

•oi^dwg

0 ei fl [2

•3 "5 3 ^

CU £)m <^

.g «

5 >»

B* &

PBNNS7LYANIA ABOHIVES 1784. 8&1

Col. Josiah Harmab to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Gamp near Fort Pitt, on the Indian Sbore, the Western side of

the Allegany river, December 5tb, 1784.
Sir,

I have the honor to inform yonr Excellency & the Honourable
Council of the arrival of the first Detachment of Pennsylvania
Troope, composed of Captain Douglass's company of artillery, &
Captain Finney's company of Infantry at this place on the 18tb,
Ootober last.

The second Detachment composed of Captain Zeiglers's & Captain
McCurdy's companies of Infantry arrived here on the 29th of the
same month.

We have remained in this position till this day, in hourly expec-
tation of the Commissioners ; they are just arrived, and upon a Con-
sultation, considering the advanced Season of the year, the difficulty
of stipplieis, Expence of Transportation, &o., to Cayahoga ; they have
resolved to hold the Treaty at Fort Mcintosh, thirty mOes distant
from Fort Pitt, down the Ohio river.

In Consequence of their resolve, the Troops marched this morning
from this Kncampment for Fort Mcintosh, the Tents baggage &c.,
are to go by water. Mr. Alexander Lowrey messenger to the Com-
missioners was dispatched this day to Cayahoga, with an Invitation
to the Indians to assemble at Fort Mcintosh.

The Fort is in very bad order, & will require considerable repairs
before the Troops can have comfortable winter quarters.

Inclosed, your Excellenoy & the Honourable Council, will be
pleased to receive a return of the Pennsylvania Troops, likewise a
List of all Deserters with their descriptions since the corps was
raised. Lieut. Herbert, I have ordered twpended in hts command
& have written this day to the Secretary in the War Office for orders
in his ease, as a General Court Martial cannot be convened for his
Trial.

The List of Deserters is indeed very considerable owing to the
extreme hurry in raising the corps ; I apprehend the chief part of
these Villains must be lurking about the City of Philadelphia, as
most all of them had attachments there. I have suggested to tho
Secretary in the War office, that perhaps it might be adviseablo to
advertize & offer pardon to them, provided they delivered themselves
up in a limited time ; your Excellency will please to observe that
my Total at present is only 231 including Non-Comd. offrs. & music
consequently 29 are wanting to complete ; my sole dependance is.

882 PSNNSYLYANIA ABCHIVBS 1784.

upon apprebending the deserters, in order to have my full eomple-
ment of men.

I have the honor to be,

with the highest Esteem ft respect,

Yoar ExooUeacy's ft the Honble. Oonncils,
most obedt. Servt.
JOS. HABMAB,

L(« CoL oomd. 1st Am. Begt
DireeUd,

His Ezcy. John Dickinson, Esq/ft The Honble. The Svpreme
Bzeoative ConnciL

Edw. Crawpobd, Jr., to Prks. Dickinson, 1784.

Dear Sir,

I beg leave to inform yon that there has never been any marriage
orTavem license Received in Franklin Connty as yet, there has
been several applications and I think if there wore a few of each
ordered something might be saved to the Commonwealth.

The bearer Colo. Cook will be so good as to forward them if yon
should send any.

I am Dr. Sir,

your most obdt. and very Homble Servt.

EDW. CRAWFORD, Jun.
Franklin County, 24 Deer., 1784.
Direcitdf

(Public Service.)

John Armstrong, Jun., Secretary to the Executive Council of
Penna., Philadelphia*

PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVE8 1786u

05 "d

Oaptftiiii^

^ I Lieuten^nta.

MM j Borjeanta.

^ I (kitporiLlg.

% "

tjg J >i«trM5«i.

Total IncFiid'
ing KoD-Com.

Wftut to camplete.

00 ^

S O

•--•-II ?

PeI'

t- •

ea S M

Toia[ Includ
ing Non Com

O^cen and

£1

I Strjeanta.

^ i X>T*TB kTn'tB,

.^iS [ ^nk & File.
^7^5^ ^

5^
IE

I-

I 8

' t

i
g

g:l

?5l'

I "

n M

I i

1 9*

S84 PENNSTLYANIA ABCHIVES 1785.

Wm. Attleb to Pres. Dickinson, 1785,

Lanctstcr, ye 3rd January, 1785.
Sir,

I was yesterday honoured with your Letter of the 17th of laai
nontfay meDtiouing that the original minute of my appointment as
Deputy Commissary Gcnl. of Muaters for Lancaster County cannot
be found and requesting that a Copy of it may be transmitted to
you.

At the time of my resignation of that appointment I handed the
Orig^l to Council with whom it remained, & as I did not keep »
Copy of it, cannot have the honour of complying witlr the wish of
Council by transmitting it. Upon examining the Copies of muster
Bolls in my possession, the earliest date I find is the 12th of August
1776, when I mustered aome of the first Company's of ye Militia
who marched to Jersey from this County (tho' we had Guards on
duty over the Prisoners of War taken at ct. John &c., for a con-
siderable time beyond that)— it was sometime after that when I
received the regular appointment as Depy. Comy. Genl. of muster
for Lancaster County, the date of which i cannot ascertain, & it was
I think, in February 1778 that I resigned the appointment to his
Excellency President Wharton & the flonble. Council then at Lan-
easter from a pursuasion that there was an impropriety in my holding
that appointment under the State, after taking the oaths as one of
the Justices of the supreme Court.

I should gladly have complied with the commands of Council was
it in my power.

& am, Sir,
with sentiments of respect,

your most obed. Servt.

WILLM. ATTLEB.
Pir^ctedf

John Armstrong, junr.j Esquire, Secretary of the Supreme Exe-
cutive Council, Philadelphia.

Col. Joseph Harmar to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

Fort Mcintosh, January 15th, 1755.

I had the honor of addressing your Excellency and the Honorable
Council on the 5th ult*, inclosing a return of the Pennsylvania
Troops in the service of the United States, dated the 1st December
last.*

* See page, 890.

PENNSTLVANLL ARCHIVES 1T86. SOS

Inolofled your ExeellcDcj will be pleased to reoeiye another
Monthly retarn of the Troops, dated the Ist insi.

The whole corps have been on constant fatigue since their arrival
here, in repairing the fort, and fitting np rooms, Stores, &c., for aceom-
modating the Continental and State Commissioners; whieb has in-
jured the dothing much.

A few days since, the Treaty eommenced, and I believe will be
aatisfactorily concluded against the latter end of this month ; altho'
the Chiefs of the Wyondof^^ Chtppaway*$ Delaware's & Otavjay's^
which are the Nations that are assembled here,) in a speech they
delivered at the Council fire yesterday, held out an Idea to the
Continental Commissioners, that they still looked upon the Lands
whioh the United Stotes held by the Treaty with Great Britoin, as
their own ; but the Commissioners have answered them in a high
tone; the Purport of which was, that as they had adhered during
the war to the Kins of Great Britain, they were considered by us
as a conquered people, and had therefore nothing to expect from the
United States, but must depend altogether upon their Lenity and
Generosity. This spirited answer it is supposed will have Jtiie
Desired Effeot.

The State Commissioocrs I believe will not have the least diffi*
culty in transacting their business, which lays with the Wyondot
& Delaware Nations.

I have the honor to be,

frith the greatest Esteem
& respect, your Excellency's
& The Honorable Council's
most hble. k obdt. Servt.,

JOS. HARMAR,
Lt. Col. Com. 1st Am* Regt
Directed^

His Exoelleney, John Dickinson, Esq., President, k The Hoiior-
ftble The Supreme Executive CouneiL

Indian Comm'rs to Pbes. Dickinson, 1785.

Fort Mcintosh, Jan'y 16, 1785.
Sir,

Opportunities to Philadelphia very seldom offer, and indeed the
present is an uncertain one, we therefore hope this will apologiie for
our communioatipns not being more frequent.

We now have the honor of informing your Excellency that our
business wears a very promising aspect. The Wiandotts and the
several Tribes of the Delaware Nation with whom alone we are to
negociate, (for the Shawanese have no claim,) have agreed to our
profieBala^ and as soon as peaoe shall be eaUUiahedi whioh we doubt

* See pag^ W8.

M8 PBlirNSYLYANU ASCHIYES 1785.

fUitf Ae GoQiiBeiiUl ComBiisaionen will eff«et in a few days, we
shall have our Deed ezeoated in doe legal fbra for the nnparehatetf
Linda within the aoknowledged limits of PenDSylyania.*

jQesiromi oi retoraiag to Philadelphia to make a final Report of
4N|riN:oq0ffU9g9 to jour Exoelleaoy aiiji the Honorable Cooncili ve
shall use all possible diligence in bringing «ar negooiationa to #
OIO10. We have the Honor to be,

yeor Ej^oellenoy's most cibedient

and Ter J humble aervantSy

SAM'L J. ATLEE,
FJEUN'S JOHNSTON.
Dire^tedf — PnUio Service. . ' 1

Hia Bxcelleneji John Dickinson, EsV-i Fireaident In Gonnoil,
Philadelphia.

Thos. McKiban to Prks, Dickinsoit, 1T85.

Philadelphia, January 17th, 1785.
Sir, .

A certain Abraham Bare & son of John Bare, a worthy oitiien
of Lancaster county, about the month of January, 1778, being then
a very young man, was seduced by a trutor to assist him in convey-
ing several Hessian prisoners of war from Lancaster to this City,
and for reward delivering them up to Oeneral Sir William Howe.
As soon as this traffiok was disoovored. Judge Atlee issued bis
warrant to apprehend them, but they fled, and took refuge with the
British army. However a abort time previous to their evacuation
of the city, iBare left thom, was attainted of treason by a proclama-
tion of the Supreme Executive Council, and his estate was sold by
the Agents for forfeited estatea } since this he has lurked in secret
places in the back counties, in constant dread of the hand of justice.
Judge Atlee has lately informed me that ha is fully satisfied, this
man has become a sincere penitent In consideration of which, he
joins with me in recommending him as an object worthy of the
humanity and mercy of Your Excellency apd the Council, and in
interceding for a pardon for his person, ''that he may- live and not
die.'' I have the honor to be,

with the most perfect
Esteem, Sir, Your
Excellence's most
obedient and very
humMe^ servant,
Direefe^, • THOS. McKEAN.f

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esqture, President, &c., of
Pennsylvania.

* This deed wa^ signed Januarv 21, 1785; see this and all other
doenments relatiag to tide parehase la the Joamahi of Assembly^ Fehrvaryi
—April, 1786. Mote to Smith's JUws, Vol. U., p. 128.

t See Col. Rec., Vol- XIV., p. 818.

PENNSYLVANIA -ARCHIVES 1786. 897

Pres. Dickinson to Deleqates in Congress, 1785.

In CoiiDei]. January 18th. 1785.
Sir, •

We have received yonr J^ettor of the 14tb, ft are very mnch
obliged to you for the Intelligence cooveyed in it, & for the attention
you have had to the Interest of your Native Land.

We have desired Mr. Henry fully to communioate to you, the
Information we have given him upon the subject ; and we hope they
are such as will afford you great satisfaction, and convince you that
Pennsylvania has been more offended against than offending in this
troublesome Buunesa. With sincere wishes for your Happiness^ and
with high Esteem,

I am sir, your

most obedient &

most humble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.*
Directed J

The Honorable Hugh Williams, Esquire, Delegate in Congress
fiom the State of North Carolina, New x ork.

pRES. Dickinson to Pres. of Congress, 1785.

In Council, January 18th, 1785.
Sir,

On the 20th of last Month, we had the honor of addressing a
Letter to yon enclosing copies of • Law of this State, entitled << An
Act to carry into immediate Effect the Resolutions of the United
States in Congress assembled for adjusting the claims of individuala
of this Commonwealth against the said United States,'^ k of Reso-
lutions of the General Assembly upon the same subject.

We requested an early determination of Congress upon the Bnsi*
ness ; and while we trust that Congress will do justice to the re-
spectful deference for them, which induces us earnestly to wish that
they may appoint the additional Commissioners, we also confide that
they will consider the situation in which we are plaoed by delaying
the execution of a Law, k will therefore think our Conduct very proper
in repeating our Request.

We were informed last Saturday, that application baa been made to
Congress on behalf of Claimcra of Lands within this State, — the
Jurisdiction over which was lately claimed by the State of Conneo-

* Respecting Letter from Governor Conn., to Congress Dec., 24, 1784 ; &
resolutions of Assembly. Complaints of Persons by settlers, see H. W's
letter in Letter Book, VoL L, p. 287 ; and see Col. Reo. XIV., p. 817.

998 fJSmSYhYJUSlA ABCBIYES 1785.

tienty for a Goori to be appolDted to try tbeir priYate Right of
Boil^

The Recess of the Oeneral Assembly at this time who cannot
m^t ((ill the first of next month, and several other circumstances
will pnt it out of *bar power to have this matter bronght before
Congress in a propeir manner sooner than about the middle of
February. Wa therefore hope that no Measures wiU be adopted in
this important affair, until! this Commonwealth is prepared to oflbr
her Representations to Congress upon it

Xam with g^At esteem, 8k»
your Exoelleney's most

obedient humble Senrt,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed,

His Excellency, The President of Congressi

Pass. Dickiksok to Dblbgates m Conqbess, 1785.

In Council, January ISlh, 1785.
Gentlemen,

On the 20th of last month* we wrote to you eoneeniing the late
Act k Resolution of Assembly for adjusting claims of Individuals
against the United States, earnestly requesting your exertions, to
obtain, an appointment of thq a^dttioqal CommissionerH by Con-
gress, as the Assembly is soon to meet, k the pressure of affairs calls
for a fj^ij Peeiaion of the Business, we now think it our Duty to
repeat our Request, assuring you, that the Decbion cannot be
delayed without my disagreeable consequences.

We BOW inclose scTeral papers relating to the Claims and Conduct
ef the pasBons pretending Right to the I^nds at & near to Wyoming,
k Uie prooeedings of this State thereon, being informed that appli*
oation haa been made to Congress for a Court to be appointed uoder
the ninth article of the Oonfedefationi to try the private Right of
soil.

The late Assembly was of opimon, that those persons were not
entitled to such a Court; and therefore it seems proper, that the
ai^intment in this ease should be oootested. Two Gentlemen of
the Law Messrs. Wilson k Bradford were employed as agents among
other thbgs, to dispute that point They repaired to Annapolis, £
appeared there on the 28th of last June, sceording to the preceding
Resolutions of Congress ; but no person was there to Act on Behalf
of Connecticut or the Ciaiownts. It is impossible in any very short
time to -send those gentlemen to New York properly prepared. Re*
spect fpr the General Assembly dictates that their Sentiments on this
very important Business should be known and regarded; and we arq

* See page Sea.

PfiNNSTLYAMIA AKGHIYES 178& 809

penaadedi that this State cannot fnlly offer Bepresmitations even
againit the appointment of the Court nntill about the Middle of
next month.

We relj on joar prodenee to make the best nse of the intelligence
now communicated to jou. The first point, is to prevent anj
step being taken by Congress in the matter, nntiU the sentiments
of the Legislative branch can be known. If this delay cannot be
obtained,, we desire yon to give ns the earliest notice of the Day
fixed by Congress for appointing a Oonrt, that we may prevail npon
Messrs. Wilson & Bradford, if it be possible for them to attend.

Duty to ourselves requires us to shew and candour will induce
even the State of Connecticut to acknowledge, that tho^ several
violent and outrageous acts have been committed by individuals of
Ibis State ; yet that such acts were not more opposed to Justice and
humanity than to the spirit and meaning of the Authority and Laws
of this Commonwealth.

The inclosed paper will shew the uniform Lenity of this Gk)vem-
aient and in many instances their extreme anxiety to bring the
Connecticut Claimants into an aflfoctionate confidence upon its dis-
positions and its laws.

It is much to be regretted that these endeavours have been so
vniformily treated with insolence and neglect by the People, they
were intended to relieve and attach, and that we should have it in
oar power to oppose so many facts authenticated in the most solemn
manner, to their feeble unsupported professions of Loyalty and
obedience.

A late outrage mentioned in the deposition inclosed from which
it appears that they have plundered Men, Women And Children,
indiscriminately and obliged near 600 people to fly from their homes
and seek a precarious subsistence in the Neighbouring Counties, is so
alarming and unaccountable in its nature as to induce a belief in
this Board that the system of Lenity which they have hitherto pur-
sued, b no longer calculated to promote either the honor or happi-
ness of Pennsylvania.

I am; Gentlemen, with great Regard.

Tours obedient and very humble servant|

JOHN DICKINSON.*

To the Honble the Delegates of Pennsylvania in Congress.

Pbes. Dickinson to Jaueb Wilson, 1786.

In Council, January 20th, 1785.
Sir.

As you have been appelated one of the agents for managing the
Dispute oonoeming the private {Ught of seal to the Idmda on the

* See list of documents, &o., sent CoL Bee., Vol. ZI?, pp. S1&-821.

400 PSNNSTLYANIA ABCHIYES 1785.

Siuqaehannth, the Jurisdiction over which was lately io Controveraj
between this State & the State of ConDectient, we think it proper to
inform you, that application has been made to Congress since their
adjournment to New York, for the appointment of a Court under
thei ninth article of the confederation, to try the said Right.

Understanding that you propose to be at New York in the course
of the next week. We desire, that you will employ all the Means
in yonr Power, to prevent any step being taken in the Business,
Qntill the general assembly meet on the first of next month, and
they can be consulted upon it.

The Delegates of this State will give you all the Intelligence on
the aubjeot, whioh we have communicated to them ; but it will
require oonsidcrable time to collect Documents, & have them Copied,
in order to be fully prepared to make proper Representations in
Behalf of this Commonwealth.

The late assembly were dearly of opinion, that the Claimants
were not entitled to sueh a Court as has been mentioned, & we
apprehend, no appointment ought to be made, nor any Decision
given upon the QuesUon of Bight, till the sense of the present
assembly can be known, & they can be heard, if they judge it
advisable to oontrovert the propriety of an appointment.

As several Communioations have been made by us to you some time
ago upon this affair, we do not doubt but you will make the best use
of them & of those yon may receive from the Delegates for main-
taining the Honor & Interests of the State.
I am with great Respect,

Sir; your most obe'dt H'ble ServS

JOUN DICKINSON.
Directed,

To James WilsoUi Esquire.

Managers op the State Lottery to <!ouncil, 1785.

To the Honorable the Supreme Executive Council, The Managers of

the State Lottery,
Most respectfully represent,

That they have taken all possiblo means to avail themselves of
the late encouragement given by the Assembly for promoting the
sale of tickets in the said Lottery ; all which hitherto have, and as
the managers believe, will prove abortive, unless a day is fixed when
the drawing shall absolutely commence.

That they are induced to be of this opinion by the repeated appli-
cations made for information on that subject, and the almost daily
declarations 6f numbers who incline to become adventurers, that
they will not purchase tickets until it shall be known when the
drawing will begin.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCITIVES 1785. 401

Tbe managere therefore beg leaVe to prepose to the Honorable
Oooneil, that Monday, the leoond day of May next, be fixed for the
oammenoement of the drawing of the first class.

M. HILLEGAS, ")

B. FULLER, ^ Managers.

MATT'H CLARKSON, 3

Btate Lottery Office, January 26, 1785.*

Hoir. John Jay Seo'y of Forbign afvaibs to P&es.
Dickinson, 1785.

(Circular.)
Office for foreign Affairs,

New York, Jan'y 29th, 1786.
Sir,

I have the Honour of transmitting to your ExoelFy official
Extracts from the Journals of Congress of the sixenth 4]ay of May,
and of twenty-first day of Dec last. The first certifies my appoint-
anent to be '< Secretary of the United States of America for the
Department of foreign Affairs'' and the second my having accepted
that Place and taken the oath of Offioe. The lattei* happened only
two days before the adjournment of Congress from Trenton to meet
at this Place on the 11th Instant.

The Removal of the office from there here, and the time neces-
sarily employed in preparing accommodations for it, and putting
things in order for Business, delayed its being opened before yester-
day, and will account for my not having sooner requested the Honor
of Toiur Correspondence.

Permit me to observe. Sir, that it is part of my duty ''to corres-
'' pond with the Governors or Presidents of all or any of the United
^ States, affording them such information from his Department as
'< may be useful to their States or to the United States, stating
'' Complaints that may have been urged against the Government of
'' any of the said States or the Subjects thereof by the Subjects of
^ foreign Powers, so that justice may be done agreeably to the Laws
^ of sooh State or the charge proved to. be gronndieas, and the Honor
^ of tbe Government vindicated.''

• It will be unnecessary to remark to your ExeelFy the ininenoe
if oar domestio affaire on our foreign, their intimate connexion
with each other, and how necessary it is that they who aie ^onoemed
in conducting the latter should be accurately informed of the State
of the former.

These Considerations lead me to request the favor of your Excel-
lency to afford me from time to time such Intelligence on this Head

* See CoL Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 824,

4m PBNNSYLYANA ABOHITES 1786.

•• JOQ nuty deem important and particnkrlj that yon woald be so
obliging aa to send me a eopj of the Lawa of yoar State now ia
force, and also oopiea of ancfa aa may from time to time be paased.*
Gaaes may.bappen in which a reference to these Laws will be
indispensable, and for that and other Reasons I am anxious that the
Office for foreign affidra should faava a compleat Collection of them.
Whatever Ezpenoe may be occasioned by it, shall be immediately
paid out of the monies proTided for the contingent Ezpences of the
Office

Your Ezcelleney may rely on my punctuality in communicating
to yon whatever nttelligenoe my Department may afford that may
be useful for you to know.

I have the Honor to be
yout Excellency's

Most Obd* & very H'ble Serv*,

JOHN JAY *
IHreciedf

To His Ef oeUenqr The President of the State of Pennsylvania.

37 At Unite! Statea ib «aiigreflB Aasembled.

May 7th 1784.
Congress proceeded to the eleotion of a Secretary for foreign aflkirs,
and being this Day informed by a letter of the 9th of March hist
firom Doot'r Franklin that Mr. J. Jay propoecd to embark for
America in the month of April, and this informatioD corre8pondiD£
with the Intelligence communicated to Congress by Mr. Jay himself
in his letters of laat year, Mr. Jay was pat in nomination; and the
Ballots being taken :

Mr. John Jay was elected Secretary for foreign afiairs, having
been previously nominated by ^Ix, Gerry.

€HA. THOMSON, Scc'y.

I do fiirther oertify thai the said John Jay, ee^uire, having on the
filst day of Deoember, 1781, taken the oath of fidelity & oath of
Office befor the hon'ble Isaac Smitb, one of the Jnaticee of the
SnpremeOoiirt of the state of Neir JMey, a certificate of the same is
lodged in the office of the Seeretafy' of the. United States in Congreaa

BBbkd.

OHA. THOMSON, Seo'y.

* Bee CoL Beo., ToL XIV., p. 856.

PENNSTLYAMIA ABCHIVES 1785.

408

3::

El-

i^ \ t^ \ Captain.

^ I Lieo tea taut.

go [ BerjenQta.

f I Corpgr^te.

I Matro^os.

BQmb]Lrdi«i-s.

Gunners.

Dr*rfl&Fifr'a

Total includ-
itig KoQ^Coin.
[OflQceTA] And

?b:i

« ^ 5 ^ A JL D

^ 5 "5 f

^ p »

^ <« 'T^

r r f*

^ « or

r? ^

oorotiCdt^
Ciptams.

LaeuteaiintB.

ibugon.

Cbaptftia.

Qa'r. MasVr.

Pay M&ster.

Surgeon.

M I Hftt«.

^ I Q>, Mr. iSeij. ^

SerjeiiDtB.

Dr^ & Fifra
Present Stfor
dutjr*

2.^

Sick preavnt

Sick ftbsent.

On Eitr. Ser.
Total indinA,
ii]g Non-Com.
Ofiicera &
iDusio^

Seijeftnti.

^ I ^1 Dr'TB & Fift^.

t^^^ I Rifik k File,

404

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785-

Field Officers elected for Northumderland County,

1785.

Bcturn of the Field Officers Elected for Northumberland County,
Militia; with their Kuuk of Butt>.

- T^ jj, ( Peter Hostcrman, Lieu* Col.,
1 15att I (Christopher Getting, Major.

' James Morrow, Lieu* Col.,

James McMaughin, Major.

Wyoming district, no election held on

Account of the disturbances at that place.
I William Hempbum, L* Col.,
' John Chattam, Major.

John Kelly, Lieu* Col.,
' Thomas Foster, Major.

I do hereby certifio the above account to be just,

W- WILSON, Lieut

CommiBsiona made out according to the foregoing Return, dated
!•* of May, 1783. [?]
Directed^

Brigadier General John Armstrong.

David Mead to Council, 1785.

Wioming, February 6**, 1786.
Gentlemen :

I lament that I have occasion to address you on the affi&ir of this
unhappy part of the State. I have delayed writing until all hopes
of establishing any kind of order is vanished — it is true that irregu-
larities have been committed by many of the Pennsylvanians against
the Connecticut Claimants, but great Care has been taken that the
Offenders are generally prosecuted with severity, and the Courts of
Justice are yet open — And unwearied pains have been taken tocon-
Tince those Claimants of the determined Honor and Justice of the
State to afford them every restitution in the reach of the Law — But all
to no purpose — who have descended to commit almost every kind of
disorder, and bid defiance to Government, so that the exercise of the-
Civil authority is altogether impracticable ; they have app* two oi^
three Committees to transact different kinds of business for the pro-
motion of their designs ; they have formed their Militia, appointed
Field and other Officers in contempt of the state — many inoflfcndve
families are now under orders immediately to move away, or their.
effects to be made a Reprisal of. Therefore, as a Citizen and Servant

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786. 405

of Government, I am obliged to claim your protection and support,
and am, in the mean time, Gentlemen^

with the greatest Kespect,

Your most humble Servant,

DAVID MEAD.

N. B. — ^The inclosed deposition of the Shawnese Township Con-
stable,'*' who was Elected by the Inhabitants of said Township, in
consequence of an order issued by M' Martin and myself, which was
roost likely to take with the People, and remove doubts than other-
wise; so that every Endeavour seems fruitless — the constable of
Stoke Township is now out of the place, who made report some days
ago nearly corroborating with this deposition, but not taken in form,
therefore Omitted. However, the Express can give some Information,
who is a Gentleman of Candor and deliberation. D. M.f

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq., president

Wm. IIenry and Joseph Gardner to Pees. Dickinson,

1785.

(Copy.)

New York, Feb'' 7% 1785.
Sir,

The Wioming dispute rests at present, and we hope will do so for
some time — ^we have seen M' Wilson and rec' by him some additional
papers to those brought on by M' Hervy, relating to that unhappy
dispute.

The Report of a'Committee upon your Ezc'ys letter, with y*
inclosures, relative to the appointment of additional Comm'* for
settling & adjusting the ace*' of the Citizens of Penn* against the
United States, remains undetermined until a report is brought in to
prevent frauds supposed to be practised by some persons having un-
settled acc^, and stated to Congress by Mr. Denning, Comm' in this
state, which we hope will be made to morrow.

The first report, as brought in, and which we have reason to believe
will pass, comes up fuUy to the Idea of the Legislature as expressed
in the act, and we hope they will see the propriety of a further sus-
pension of the operation of that Law rather than ^ffer the state to
be reproached with an unfoederal measure, especially as the objects
of it ean saflfer very little by a delay of a week or 10 days, and per-
haps not half that time.

We are| with due respeoti

Your Exc'ys very humble serv'",

WILL- HfiNRY,
JOS. GARDNER.

His Eze'y the President of Pena*.

* Not found. t 8«o CoL Rcc, Vol. XIV., p. 358.

Vol. X.— 18

406 PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVE8 1786.

Col. Jos. Harmar to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

Fort Mcintosh, February 8tb, 1785.
Sir,

I had the honor of addressing yonr Excellency & the HonoraUi
Council on the 15th ult, inclosing a return of the PennBylvaiiii
troops in the Seryice of the United States, dated the 1*^ ult*.

Inclosed, your Excellency will be pleased to receiye anothei
monthly return of the Troops, dated the 1"^ instant.

The honorable the State Commissioners, Colonel Atlee & Colonel
Johnston, by this time, I imagine, must have arrived at Philadelphia^
by whom your Exc'y & the Honorable Council will hear of the
Satisfactory Conclusion of the Treaty with the Indians at this post.
This Garrison is at length, by hard faUgue of the troops, put in
tolerable order. I bog Leave to observe to your Excellency & the
Honorable Council, that unless some person is directed to remain
here, that immediately upon my marching from hence, it will be
demolished by the Emigrators to Kentucky.

Previous to our arrival, they had destroyed the gates, drawn all
the Nails from the roofs, taken off all the boards, & plundered it
of every Article.

I would therefore recommend (for the benefit of the State) to youi
Excellency & the Honorable Couuoil, to adopt some mode for iti
preservation, otherwise immediately upon our leaving it, it will agaii
go to ruin.

I have the honor to be,

with the highest esteem & respect.

Your Excellency's & The Honorable

Council's most hble. & obedt. Serv',
JOS. HARMAR
L* Col. Com* 1-* Am- Reg*.*

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq., President, & the Honora-
ble The Supremo Executive Council, Pennsylvania.
Honor'd ^ Capt. E. Butler.

Skor'y Armstrong to Committee of Merchants, 1785.

SecreUry's office, 10th Feb^ 1785.
(lontlomen,

In answer to your memorial of the Instant, I have the
directions of ( 'Ounoil to inform you, that they are entirely persuaded
of the many Advantages which ^would follow the construction of a

* Sco Col. Rec, Vol. XIV., pp. 356, 878.

PENNSYLVANIA ARGHIVB8 1785. 407

number of now piers in the river Delaware & that under the influenee
of this persuasion they had some time before the date of your
memorial consulted the Wardens of the port upon the subjeoti and
left to their consideration & reply the following Questions, vis. : In
what places the piers were to be fixed. The number proposed.
How man^ ships each were intended to protect, & the Expence, as
nearly as it eould be estimated. Theso were points which Council
wished to have determined before they ventured upon the expenditure
of the publio money.

I am Gentlemen,

w^ the greatest respect,
your most obed serv't.
JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jr., Sec'y.

SECR'r Armstrong to John Jay, Secr'y &c., 1785.

Secretary's office, Philad*, 10th Feb'y, 1785.
Sir,

Agreeably to a late order of the Supreme Executive Council,* I
have the honor to transmit to your office a copy of all the laws made
by the Gen. Assembly, of the commonwealth since the revolution :
and am, Sir,

With the highest respect,

Your most obedient,

ft very humble servani

JN- ARMSTRONG, Jr., Secr'y.
Dfrectedf

The Honorable John Jay, ESsqr. Secretary of Foreign affiiirs,
New York.

Fre6. Dickinson to Speaeeb of Assembly, 1785.

Philadelphia, February 11% 1785. ,
Sir,

I beg leave to remind you of the subjeota we conversed upon last
night, the appointment of Delegates and the Determination of the
Auembly respecting the Disposal of the old Prison, workhouse k
Lot

It is the wish of Council, that the House would revise the aet
passed in 1705 for bailing of Prisoners & as the allowanoe for priao-
ners therein mentioned still continues, & from the increased Pnoa of
Bread is certainly insuffiioient. .^

The sheriff of Montgomery county has representedi that these ifl

«Sce Col. Reo., YqL XIV^ p. 856.

408 PKNNSyLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785.

no Prison yet baiU in tbat eoantj, & therefore requests, that he may
be permitted to seeare his prisoners in the Gaol of this city & county.
It 18 the desire of Council that proyision should be mode accordingly
by the Legislature.

I ion, sir^ with much esteem^

Your most obedient and yery
humble servant.

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directedj
Honble the Speaker of the Qcneral Assembly.

Extract of lettbb from Minister of United Netuer-
LANDSy 1785.

Copy.

Paragraph of a Letter to an eminent Dutch Merchant in London.

Philadelphia, September 29.

'^ At length one of (he secret articles transpires settled by Mr.
Adams in behalf of the thirteen free and independent States of
America and the seyen United States of Holland viz. : In case of a
rupture between the seven United States and other Powers the
States of America agree to furnish ten Kegiments each Regiment
consisting of one Colonel, one Lieutenant colonel, one Major, one
Captain, two Lieutenants, two Ensigns, three Sergeants, three
Corporals, two Drums and ninety privates, to be transported to the
Dutch West India islands or their settlements on the Spanish Main,
or to Holland if required ; and in case of an attack upon any of the
thirteen United States of America, the Dutch have agreed to furnish
them with ten ships oi the Line : the rank and conditions of payment
I could not particularly get at. This information you may rely on,

as it came last night from M' Van B- 1, the Dutch resident

here. Should there be an immediate occasion, the Grand Monarch
of Germany will find ten thousand of those daring spirits wafted to
the Eastern Continent| who had presumption enough to oppose the
disfpraoefnl and arbitrary measures adopted by the Government in
which you now reside (which lost them this Country.) There are
Dvtoh and other Ships in this harbour, sufficient to reoeive that
number of troops in six weeks.''
hidormdf

February 12th, 1785. From the Minuter of the United Nether-
lands.*

* See page 415, and See Col. Reo., Vol. XIY., p. 864.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHn'KS 1785. 409

Skcb'y op Forbiqn Affaibs to Prks. Dickinson, 1785.

Office for foreign Affiurs, 15th Feb^, 1785.
Sir,

I have the Honor of transmitting to jonr Ezccllency a Copy of a
Letter which Mr. De Marboie wrote me on the 10th Instant and of
an anonymous Letter which he inolos'd in it.

Altho' anonymoos Letters seldom merit much attention, yet as I
received it from a public Minister, and as it relates to an affair which
has caused great uneasiness; I think it tdyiseable ta transmit it to
your Excellency.

I have the honor to be with great
Bespect and Esteem your,

EzcoUencys most ob* and very h'ble Serv*.

JOHN JAY.*

His Ezccllency the President of the exccutlye Council of Pen-
sylvania.

I have the Honor to transmitt to Mr. Jay an anoaymous Letter
which I received by yesterday's Post. I am very doubtful whether
it has been written with good Intention. Such as it is I thought
proper to communicate to the Honorable the Secretary for foreign
Affairs.

(Signed,) DE MAKBOIS.

New Tork, 10th February, 1785.

Anonymous lbttsb to Mons. Db Mabbois, 1785.

Translation.
Sir,

My attachment to you & the publio good induce me to' give you
warning that you cannot return here with any degree of security.
The friends of Longcbamps are outrageous on account of the Steps
which they say you are takins against him. It is said that if you
should return, they are resolved to take violent measures against
you, Ik he himself threatens to be revenged upon you in an exemplary
manner as soon as he is set at liberty. I think that you will do well
in neglecting no precaution to secure you from his designs; I beg you
will consider that this man hath nothing to lose, that he Ims no
means of subsistence, & that his debts far ej(ceeding the value of hb

• See. Col. Eco.» YoL XIV., p. 858.

4110 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785.

Wife's property, he is ripe for any the most desperate undertakiDg.
I do not sign this, not wishing to expose myself to the resentment
of those who have oommunicated their schemes to me, nnder an
injanotion of secrecy.

I am with profound respect

sir, yonr most humble &

most obedient servant,
A true Translation,

PETER S. DUPONCEAU;
Sworn Interpreter.

Comm'rs on Indian affairs to P&es. Dickinson, 1785.

Sir,

I beg leave to inform your Excellency and the Ilon'ble Council,
that the commissioners of Indian aflkirs have in their possession some
horses w'h they were under the necessity of purchasing to accommo-
date themselves in going to. and returning from the late Indian
Treaties.

As considerable expences will attend their being kept at a Livery
Stable (which is the case at present,) I should be glad Council wou'd
be pleased to instruct me what to do with them.
I have the Honor to be

your Excellency's most ob*

& very H'ble Servant

FRA'S JOHNSTON.^

Philad'a, Feb'y 16th, 1786.
Directed^

To His Exeellencys John Dickinson, Esquire, President in
Council.

Council to Deleqatxs in Congress, 1785.

In Council,

February 17th, 1785.
GFentlemen,

We inclose a Copy of a Memorial lately presented to us by the
Merchants k Traders of this City oonceming Captures by Barbary
Corsairs.

The Matter is of so much Moment, that we desire you will
immediately bring it before Congress, k endeavour to have the

• See CoL Ree., Yol. XIV., p. 860.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786. 411

most proper Measures adopted for preventing the mischiefs that are
apprehended.

Tour obe't & very humble Servant.'*'
Direciedf
To The Honorable Delegates of Pennsylvania in Congress.

Memorial op Merch'ts op Philadelphia, 1785.

To hia Excellency the Presid* and the H'blo the Supreme Executive
Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Memorial of the Merch'ts & Traders of the City of Philad'a
by their Committee :
Respectfully Sheweth,

That the Capture of an American Vessell bv the Corsairs of
Barbary gives this Committee Real & Just apprcnensions of future
depredation, on our trade from the same quarter.

Upon an occasion so extreamly Important, it is the duty of this
Committee to entreat that Coupcill will Represent to Congress the
Necessity of endeavouring Speedily to oonciliate the states of Bar-
bary to us by presents, as it is practised by most of the Commercial
Nations in Europe, or by treatys to bo entered into with them as
ahall be deemed expedient by the Wisdom of that Body.

We trust the Necessity of the Case will Induce Councill to take
the earlyest apportunity of Laying this business before the United
States in Congress, in such manner as shall appear to them most
likely to produce the Remedy prayed for.
Philad'a, 17, February, 1786.

J. M. NESBITT,
THO'S FITZSIM0N8,
J. ROSS,

MORDECAI LEWIS,
JOHN NIXON,
TENCH COXE,
GEO. CLTMER,
SAM'L HOWELL.
JOHN WILCOCKS,
ISAAC HAZLEHURST,
CLEMENT BIDDLE-t
Directedj

To His Excell'y the Presid't & the Supreme Executive Council
of Pennsylvania.

• See Col. Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 8G1. f Ihid.

412 PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIYES 1785.

Rbsoltjtion of General Assembly.— Boundary, &c, 1785.

State of Pennsylvania In General Assembly, 1785.
Friday February 18, 1785. A. M.

The report of tbe oommittee appointed to confer with the Com-
missioners &o., read February 16, was read the seoond time and
adopted as following (viz.)

The oommittee appointed on the eleventh instant to confer with
the Commissioners elected in pursuance of the third resolution of
the General Assembly, adopted the fifteenth day of September 1783,
to examine the navigation of the Susquehanna, and to ascertain as
near as convenientlv may be where the northern boundary of this
State will Ml &o., beg leave to report.

That the ascertaining of the Northern boundary of this State is
rendered the more immediately necessary by the late purchase of terri-
tory from the Indians, and the design of opening the Land Oflice
for the Sale of lands bordering on the paid boundary especially as
your committee are well informed that the six nations of Indians
have appointed one of their Chiefs to attend the Commissioners on
the part of this State in running and marking the said boundary lino
as early as the season will admit.

That on considering the objects of the said resolution of tho
fifteenth day of September 1788, your committee aro highly sensible
of their importance to the true interests of this State, and as they
may be effected by the same Commissioners without any considerable
additional exponce, your committee are of opinion that they ought
also to be carried into execution.

That your committee have conferred with two of the said Com-
missioners, and find that they are nearly prepared and propose to set
out on the business about the first of April, but as greater accuracy
seems now to be requisite in ascertaining the northern boundary,
than was formerly in contemplation, a further supply of mathemati-
cal instruments may be necessary.

Your committee therefore offer the following resolutions.

Kesolved, That the Commissioners appointed in pursuance of the
said third resolution of the General Assembly of this State, adopted
on the fifteenth of September 1783, be directed to proceed as early
as may be to ezeoote the objects of their appointment so far as may
be done without proceeding up the Susquehanna beyond the limits
of this State, being careful to mark the northern boundary line
thereof in such manner as that the same may be readily known and
understood by the Surveyors and settlers^ also by the Indians who
may approach the same.

Resolved, that the Supreme Executive Council bo and they are
hereby authorisEcd and desired to cause to be paid out of tho Treasury
of this State to the said Commissioners such sum of money as to
the said Council shall appear proper in addition to what the said Com-

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785. 418

murioners have heretofore receiyed, for tbe purpose of parchasiDg
instlmmentSy proTisions and other necessaries for the said serrice
and abo snoh snm and sums as the said Commissioners or any of
them shall respectively require on .account of their pay, not exceed-
ing fiffy pounds to each of the said Commissioners.

Kefloivedy That the President and Supreme Executive Council of
this State be desired to inclose the foregoiug resolutions to the Gov-
ernor of the State of New York and to reauest that Commissioners
on the prt of that State may be appointed to run and mark a tem-
porary line between the States of Pennsylvania and New York, in
eonjunotion with the Commissioners of this State ; and that the
Commissioners of this State be directed to meet at the north-east
corner of this State, or Station point as heretofore settled, on the
first day of April next.

Extract from the minutes,

J. SHALLUS, Asst. Clerk

of the General Assembly.

Phbs. Dickinson, to Govbrnor of N. Y., 1786.

In Council, February 19th, 1785.
Sir,

We ioclose Hesolntions passed yesterday by the General Assembly
of this Commonwealth* and request that Commissioners on the part
of your State, may be appointed to run k mark a temporary Line,
according to the said Kesolutioos. The Commissioners on the part
of this State are,

I am Sir,

your most obed. Servt.

JOHN DICKINSON.f
Directed

His Excellency the Governor of the State of New York.

Dorset Pentecost to Pres. Dickinson, — Boundary,

1785.

PhUadelphia, Feby. 19th, 1785.
Sir,

On applying to the Register of the Land Office under claims to
Lands deriveafrom the State of Virginia, I fiod many obstructions
in carrying them through the different offices of this State, which I
beg leave briefly to state to your Honorable Board.

«Se« page^ 412i f See Got. Ree., Vol. XIY., p. 868;

18*

414 PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVES 1785.

Finty — The Coantj Sarvejor alleges that it is impossible for him
to execute the different Sarveys agreeable to the iDstmctioDS rcH
oeived from the Property Board, as it subjects him to tediooa
Litigations on many Surveys, too burdensome for him, and in a
Great measure involves his reputation in the determinations thereof.

Secondly, — On my producing to the Register Sundry receipts for
Composition money paid to the Yirg. Commissioners, appointed to
settle the claims to unpatented Lands and grant Certificates, and
orders of Surveys. — I was told that they could not be admitted in
his Office, untill proof was made that the Gentleman who signed
them was Bonifida Clerk to the said Board of Commissioners. He
farther observed he was under difficulty to determine the authenticity
of the Orders issued by the Commissioners, as ho b not furnished
with a Copy of their Commission, or appointment. He also men-
tioned other difficulties for want of some of the Virginia Laws.

Upon the whole I find myself (and others) greatly imbaras'd in
procuring permanent Titles fdr our property, for which in the first
instance we risqued the lives of ourselves and Families, and in the
next paid our money to the State of Virginia,

One other mischievous evil is daily growing, Involving us in
deeper difficulties, and subjecting us to tedious and expensive Law
Suits. I mean the Warrants constantly Issuing for Lands actually
under Virginia Titles. And the Surveyors can find no difficulty in
the Execution of them, because there is nothing to obetruct them,
but the bare Ipse-dixitof the Person claiming under Virginia, for I
take il for granted that producing a Certificate from the Com-
missioners can have no weight under the Idea, conveyed from the
above state of this matter.

Your Excellency and Council being in my opinion the only power
adequate to this very interesting Subject, and the willingness you
have ever demonstrated to do Justice has induced me to adress you
for remedy and if Possible to put us on a speedy Equitable, and
certain footing to ^obtain Patants for those Lands that has cost us
BO dear.

I know this is a Business that requires some attention and Inves-
tigation, and consequently must give you trouble, and perhaps can-
not at this stage of the bussiness be put on a footing altogether de-
vested of difficultv and Imbarassment, but permit me to observe
that the longer it is delayed the ereatcr those Imbarasments will be.

When your Excellency and Council reflects how sensibly I am
(with hundreds of others) affiscted with a delay of this Bussiness,
you will I hope pardone the liberty I have taken in this adress,
especially when I assure your Excellency that nothing but the most
pressing necessity, necessity and appearance 9f certain ruin could
nave produced an application of this kind, yon will excuse me for
entertaining Ideas not favourable of some who to our misfortune
have influenced this business.

If Council should be at a loss for information on this subject, I

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786. 416

beg leave to recommend an Enquiry at Colos. Ritchee and Cannon
now in this City, and Oentlemen on whoae Teradtj the utmost Con-
fidence may be placed.

It 18 nnnocessary as well as improper for me in tbis place to pre-
tend a State different circumstances attendant on this business as
your Honourable Board can be fully informed from Gentlemen Dis-
pationate and disinterested.

I have the Honor to be,

with perfect Esteem your Exellencies,
most obed. very Hmb Servt.

DORSET PENTECOST.

His Excellency John Dickinson Esquire.

Minister of Holland to Pres. Dickinson, 1786.

Translation.
Sir,

I have read with surprize in Humphrey's & Oswald's paper the
pragraph,* of which a Copy is here inclosed. Altho' the Contents of
it appear only to be ridiculous & con temptible, yet the Liberty which
is there taken to use the name of a foreign Minister, in order to
give a sanction to the malicious inventions of some restless, meddling
individuals, appears to me of such a nature, that I cannot think of
passing it over in silence. I think myself obliged. Sir, to make
representations to you on the subject, k to submit it to the oon-
flideration & Judgment of your Excellency, whether Equity and
good policy do not require, that such an unwarrantable act be duly

SunisheS, and that government should take proper measures to shew
ow highly such an attempt provokes their indignation, that the
author of this falshood may be exposed to public contempt, & the
falsity of the account he gives, may be known every whore.

As I make no doubt but your Excellency will easily find out the
proper means of attaining this end ; I put all my confidence in your
best Judgment, while I have the honor to be with much Esteem k
conuderation,

Sir^ Your Excellency's most

obedient & most

humble servant,
(Signed,) P. J. VAN BEREKEL.f
Philadelphia, 20th Feb'y, 1785.
JDireciedj
His Exoellency, Air. President Dickinson.
A true Translation from the Original.

PETER S. DUPONCEAU,
Sworn Interpreter.
♦ See page 408. f Cot Reo., XIV., p. 804.

41« PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785.

Comm'rs 021 Boundary to Pbbb. Dickinson, 1786.

Phikda., 22iid Feb'y, 1785.
Sir,

In tlie proseoation of the Duties assigned ns, as Commissioners
appointed to ran the northern Boundary of this State ; We found
it necessary to provide ourselves with a transit Instrument which we
have bought. Price Thirty Pounds. Please therefore to Order a
draught on the Tieaanrer for said sum ; as also for Fifty Pounds to
be charged to, Sir,

Your moat obedient
& Humble Servant,

JOS. MONTGOMERY.*
Directed^
His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq., in Council.

. l)AyiD Rbdioe to Prb8. Dickinson, 1785*

PhUadolphia, 24th FeVy, 1785.
Honorable Gentlemen,

I have lately received instructions from the Surveyor Gen'l to
Survey in the County of Washington, on Virg. Titles, the dificul-
ties which I find in complying with those instraotions appears to me
80 great as to render a complience impracticable. A very short
experience has convinced me, that to attend on the taking deposi-
tions, &o., considering the difficulty of getinff witnesses togather,
before a justice or Majistrate, as well from their being often wide
Bcatered, as from the Majistrate often residing for from the place of
Action, makes it in* my humble oppinion an almost insurmountable
part of my duty ; not only so, but if it could be even conveniently
done, it will greatly involve me in mischief, in as much as the un-
fortunate Claimants, will often be disposed to gather as much trash
as may lay fals Signs of guilt op me ; this will happen the mor6
certainly in as much as many people are by no means capable of
knowing, when my duty has been faithfully performed, and I should
think it hard to be brought frequently to Philadelphia to Account
for my Conduct, on the complaint of an individual when many
cases might be such as to make it very difficult to me, to know how
to act I and still much more difficult to convince government as to my
reasons for so doing ; when length of time & multiplicity of busi-
ness might not leave a single mark of the transaction on my mind.

Another difficulty, o£ Executing Surveys, at the time mcn-

♦Col.Rec.,XIV.p.«64.

■I 9 !• m._ !^

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785. 417

tioned in the public notice to be given agreeable to those instruc-
tions; the changes of seasons, as well as other unavoidable interven-
ing accidents will often prevent its being punctually complied with ;
and it is Easoy to see that one single accident of this sort, will
naturally confuse after business ; this observation alone I hope will
convince your Honorable Board, that my business cannot at all be
carried on regularly, which alone gives life & spring to business,
unless the whole surveying of a Township or the like could be done
togather as it were, which cannot be, as few of the inhabitants of the
same district will be prepared at the same time with that of some
of their neighbours.

Another thing Honorable gentlemen would be of especial use to
the inhabitants of Washington County that is, to know what kind
of Virg* Titles are deemed legal and valid, for many of the people
if they only knew their claim to be ill founded, would immediately
apply to the office of this State Else time may put it out of their
power on the same favorable Term as are held out at present to
secure their lands. Honorable Gentlemen I hope to meet with your
indulgence for troubling your Board with so tedious a letter, if you
will l^lieve that a real regard to the good of public business, & my
own future fame are Reasons which has prompted me.
I am. Honorable

Gent., your most

obt. Humble Servt.,
Directed, DAVID RBDICK.

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq., Prest., and the Supreme
Executive Council, of Pennsylvania.

Skc'y Chas. Thomson to Pres. op Council, 1785.

(Circular.)

New York, 26th February, 1786.
Sir,

Attempts having been made in the settlement of accounts to
defraud the public by means of Certificates and some of them being
discovered. The United States in Congress assembled have passed
the resolutions, which I have the honor to enclose.

That these resolutions may have the desired effect, permit me to
request that yon would be pleased to give orders for having them
printed without delay in the News-papers of your State.
With great respect,
I have the honor to be.

Your Excellency's
most obedient and
most humble Servt.,
Directed, CHA. THOMSON.

His Excellency, the President of Pennsylvania.

418 PENNSYLVANIA ABCDIYES 1785.

Wm. Maclay to PfiBS. Dickinson, 1785.

Sunbttry, 26th Feb'j., 1786.
Sir,

The inclosed Letter came to my hands a few days ago, open as
you now receive it. I have since seen David Price, who received ii
from the Indians, and brought it into the Countv. He says the
Indians are in perfect good humour, but wish much for the running
of the Line between us and them, as was agreed at the Treaty in
October last : By Price's account they are well informed of the
general direction and place of. beginning the Line; altho' it is by no
moans clearly expressed in their Letter.

As the Letter cam« into my hands open, and is of a publiek
nature, I thought it best to forward it to you, that Oovernmeat
might be informed of the Contenta.

And am, with the greatest

respeet. Sir, your
most obedient &
most humble servant,

WM. MACLAY.
Directedj

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq., President, &o., of the
State of Pennsylvania.

Pres. Dickinson to Mbrohants of Philadelphia, 1785.

In Council, Febuary 26, 1786.
Gentlemen,

On the Receipt of your Memorial ol the 17th inst.,'*' we that Day
wrote to our Delegates inolosing a Copy thereof, and requesting them
immediately to prosecute the Business in Congress. We hope their
Exertions will produce the desired Effect, and it will afford us a
most sincere satisfaction, if the fivent is as successful as you wish
it to be.

1 have the honor to be,

with the highest esteem,

QenUemen, your most
obedient and very

humble servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.f
Directed^
The Merchants and Traders, of the City of Philadelphia.

* See page 41 f C^ol. Rec , XIV, p. 8C9.

PENNSYLVANIA AKOHIVBS 1785, 419

Sso't Abmst&ono to County Libutbnakts, 1785.

Circular.
Secretary's Office, Philad", 28** Feb'y, 1785.
To siioli of the Liciiteiiants of Counties as hare not reported to
Council the divisions of their respective Counties into Batt*
districts &c.
Sir,

Council have long since expected from you a report of ''the
'' several ^ttalion districts into whioh the County of
'' has been divided, the names of the townships composing each, ft
the probable efficient force of the whole.'' Orders for this purpose
were issued as early as the 9th of Deo. 1783, and Council are much
at a loss to account for so great a delay in your complying with them,
I have it now in command to report their directions on this Subject
& am

Sir, with'muoh respect Tours, &c.

J. AEMSTEONG, Jr., Sec'y.

Sec'y ABMSTRONa TO Smith & Kblly, 1785.

Secretary's Office, 28th Feb., 1785.
Sir,

Under the directions of Council, I wrote you some time since, (on
the 3d of Sept. 1784,) informing you, that it was the opinion of
Council that your appointment as a Justice of the peace for Mountjoy
township, was void in itself, being founded upon an election held
contrary to law, & directing you to resign your commission without
further delay.

It is however with some degree of astonishment that they have
seen this notice of their wishes treated with so disrespectful a silence,
and with still more surprize have they heard, that in direct oppo-
sition to them, you have continued to exercise the duties of an
appointment thus illegally obtained. It is the object of this letter
therefore to require you within ten days from the date hereof, or as
early thereafter as possible to transmit your resignation of the
appointm' aff* to this office, and thus spare Council the necessity of
issuing a public supersedeas.

I am &c.

J. ARMSTRONG.*

(A copy of this letter to be sent to M' W- Smith, & W- Kelly
respectively.)

• See Col. Bee., Vol. Xiy.« p. 454.

420 PBNNYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786.

Jambs Pbabson to Gounoil, 1785.

To the Honorable the Supreme Exeoative Council;

Gentlemen,

The Oaidner employed to phint the trees in the State honse yard
is directed by M' Vaughan to procure a number for the purpose from
different places, M' Reese requests a small sum of money to pay his
expences and those of a man to assist him in diging them, also to
pay for their carriage; and were necessary for the trees. The forty
pounds for which I reo* an order is Expended in the work already
done.

Therefore request the Honble Council will be pleased to order me
such a sum as will be sufficient for the purposes aforesaid, and also
to proTide a number of Stakes to secure the trees whe«i planted. I
cannot estimate with Certainty what those expences may amount to)
but suppose a sum equal to the former order will be sufficient. •
Am your h'ble Serv^

JAMES PEARSON.*

Philad*, Peb^ 28th, 1785.
Directed^

Honorable John Dickinson, President of Council.

RESOLirnoN op Assembly, 1785.

State of Pennsylvania, In General Assembly.

Thursday, March 8, 1785, A. M.
On motion.

Ordered, that the committee appointed on the account of James
Searle, Esquire, be instructed to confer with the Supreme Executive
Council touching the said accounts.

Extr&ct from the Minutes.

J. SHALLUS, Ass't Clerk,
of the General Assembly.

Thomas Procter to Pres. DMkinson.— Lands, 1785.

Sir,

It has been suggested by the Honble the Council that certain
lands entered by me in the land office, may be within the late
purchase made from the Indians. In order to satisfy any objections
on that head, I pledge my honor tp the firm belief y^ the twenty-one
Tracts herewith returned to Council ; and said be on the waters of

♦ See Register of Penn'a, Vol. I. p. 416, for vote of thanks to Col.
George Morgan, of Morganxa for a present of 100 Elm trees for the State-
hoaae yard, Ap. 22, 1786, also, Col. Reo. Vol. XTV., p. 8fi8.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786. 421

Munoey, Tawandy & Lacoming, are intirely in tho old purchase so
called, and should it appear hereafter contrary to this certificate, I
rescind all right of Claim thereto, hut what shall be done by me in
the necessary form. This be pleased to communicate to the Honour-
able Council And the honor done mo shall be duly acknowledged by
your Excellency's

most humble Servant.

THOMAS PROCTER.
Land office^ March 3' 1785.
Directed,

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esquire.

Wm. Butler to Brio. Oen. John Armstrong, 1786.

Pittsburgh, 10th March, 1785.
Sir,

I was Honour* with yours of the 8* Feb^ together with Mr.
Brown* proposals for a printing office & have every reason to believe
the subscriptions in this Country will answer his expecktations. I
have got but five signers yet, oweing to my late sickness, and am now
only just able to sit up but recovering fast & shall use every endea-
vour to forward Mr. Brown's interest. The gentlemen of the Law,
intends exerting themselves at the different oorts in Apriel ; which
will be the only places to get a numerous subscription.*

Sir, will you be so obligeing as to apply to Council in my behalf k
obtain their order to tho surveyor gen'l Direckting him to give an
order to the surveyor of the districkt to survay my lott over tho
Alligany River for the aoomodation of my ferry agreeable to the ackt
of assembly. Capt Ja* Aharra will doe tho business for me if you
will procure him the order he will also pay anny just Due as may bo
made requisite. I Presume Council has been mad acquainted with
the villiny of the People of this Country, the are fiocxing from all
Quarters, settling & taking up not only the United States lands but
also this States, many Hundreds has crost the Rivers & are dayly
goin^ many with their family's, the Wisdom of Council I hope will
Provide against so gross & growing an Evil.
Excuse heast, & ^lieve me to beci
yours sincerely,
Direcfed, W- BUTLER.

John Armstrong, Jun'r, EsqV, Secretary to the honble the
Council, State of Penn% Philadelphia.

Hon^ by Capt Aharra.

* The Qazetto was commencod about this year or the Dezt» sud to be
the first paper west of the noontaiiis. Reg. of Peima , YoL I« p. 181.

422 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786.

Gov. Clinton, of N. Y., to Pbbs, Dickinson, 1786.

New York, 1 1«* March, 1785.
Sir,

Previous to my receipt of your Ezcellenoy's Letter of the 19'^
February,'*' molosiDg Resolutions of your General Assembly, a Bill
had orinnated in our Legislature for running and marking the juris-
diction Line between this State and Pennsylvania, which has since
passed into a Law, and I have now the Honor to inclose you a Copy
of it.

Your Excellency will perceive that instead of a temporary Line-
between the two States, which appears to be the object of your
Assembly, our Law provides for the establishment of a permanent
Line ; and I flatter myself, that upon a reconsideration of the matter,
your Legislature will concur in the Idea. I presume it will be ad-
mitted if a temporary Line only was to run, it should bo done with
accuracy to prevent the obvious inoonveniencies which the Borderers
would be subject to as the Settlements advance on either side ; and
the consequent broils which the two States might be involved in by an
incorrect Line in the first Instance, and in this Case there can be
but little additional ezpence incurred in rendering it perfect and
permanent

By the Act, you will observe, it is left with our Council to appoint
Commisssioners for this Service on the part of this State, which shall
be done, and their Names transmitted to your Excellency, and every
other necessary Arrangement made on our part for carrying the
business into effect, so soon as I shall be informed of the Concurrence
of your State.f

I have the Honor to be,

with the highest Respect,

your Excellency's most Obed* Serv»,
GEO. CLINTON.
His Excellency Governor Dickinson.

Act op New Yoke rblativk to Boundary, 1785.

An Act for running out and marking the Jurisdiction Line between
this State and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.*
Whereas, the Honorable Cadwallader Colden, Esquire, Lieutenant
Governor of the late Province, now Stale, of New York, with the
Advise of the then Council, did, on the Eighth day of November,
One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy-four, Nominate and Ap-
point Samuel Holland, Esquire, to proceed in Conjunction with M'

* See page 413. f See CoL Bee, VoL XIV., p. 880.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785. 423

DaTid Rittenhoase, or such other Person as might be Appointed on
the part of Pennsylvania, to fix the beginning of the Fortj-third
Degree of North Latitude, on the Mohawk or Western Branch of
Delaware, and to proceed Westward as far as the Season would per-
mit, along the Beginning of the said Degree, which is the Boundary
between this State and the State of Pennsylvania.

And whereas, the Honorable John Penn, Esquire, late Goyemor
of the late Province, now Commonwealth, of Pennsylvania, did, on
the Twenty-fourth day of October, in the Year aforesaid. Nominate
and Appoint the said David Rittenhouse to proceed on the like Ser-
vice, in Conjunction with the said Samuel Holland, or such other
Pttrson as should be Appointed on the part of the then Province^ now
State, of New York.

And whereas, the said Samuel Holland and David Rittenhouse,
did, in pursuance of their said respective Appointments, proceed on
the said Business, and made a Return thereof, under their Hands,
bearing Date at Philadelphia, the fourteenth day of December, in the
■ame Year, by which Return it appears that the said Commissioners
Afleertained and fixed the Beginning of the Forty-third Degree of
North Latitude, on the Mohawk or Western Branch of Delaware,
and there, in a small Island, planted a Stone, with the Letters

I ^^^'^J^^^' { cut on one side, and on the Top, LAT. 42°

V AR. 4'' 20', thence due West on the West side of Delaware River,
then Collected a Heap of Stones at High Water Mark ; and in the
aaid West Line, four Perches distant, planted another Stone with
the Letters | PENNSYLVANIA, | out on the South side, and

on the Top, LAT. 42° VAR. 4° 20', and thence due West
Eighteen Perches marked an Ash Tree ; and that the Rigour of the
Season prevented them from proceeding further, as by the Report of
the said Commissioners filed ,with a Map annexed thereto, and filed of
Record in the Secretaries Office of this State,{will more fully Appear.

And whereas, it is necessary that said Line should be run out —
Marked and Ascertained,

Therefore be it enacted by the People of the State of New York,
represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby enacted by the
Authority of the same. That the Surveyor General of this State be,
and he is hereby. Appointed and Authorized on the part of this
State, to meet such Person or Persons, who, in like Manner may be
Appointed and Authorized on the Part of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, at such Time or Times, Place or Places, as shall be
agreed upon and determined by the Persons Administering the Gov-
ernments of this State for the time being, and the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, then and there to run out, mark and Ascertain the said
Line of Jurisdiction between this State and the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, beginning at the Place so fixed and Ascertained by the
said Commissioners as above mentioned, on the Mohawk or Western

424 PENNSYLVANIA AKCHIVES 1785.

BmDoh of Delaware, at the beginning of the Forty-third Degree of
North Latitadoi and from thenoe to proceed Westward along the
beginning of the said Forty-third Degree of North Latitude as fir
as this State and the said Commonwealth of Pennsylvania border
on each other.

And bo it enacted by the Anthority aforesaid, That the Surveyor
General of this State be, and he is hereby, Authorized and impow-
ered to employ a Surveyor or Surveyors, Cbainbearers, and such and
so many other Persons as may be found Necessary to perform the
Executive part in running, marking, and Ascertaining the said Line
in conjunction with such Person or Persons as may be Appointed on
the part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for that purpose ;
And such Line so Agreed upon, Approved of and Consented to by
the said Surveyor Qeneral of this State and such Person or Persons
as shall be Appointed by, and on the part of, the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, being reported to the Persons Administering the
Government of this State and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
for the Time being, and Ratified and Confirmed by the Legislature
of this State and the Legisature of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl-
vania, shall at all Times hereafter, be the Line of Jurisdiction be-
tween this State and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

And be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid, T^at the said
Surveyor General be, and he is hereby, Authorized from time
to time to draw upon the Treasurer of this State for such Sums of
Money as he shall Judge Necessary for defraying the Ezpenoes of
running out, marking and Ascertaining the said Jurisdiction Line on
the part of this State, not exceeding in the whole, the Sum of One
Thousand Pounds, for which he is to be accountable.'*'

Circular ov Congress on Claims, 1785.

(Circular.)

Secretary's Office, March 18**, 1785.
Sir,

Congress being impressed with the Necessity of limiting a time
for all persons having unliquidated Claims against the Unit^ States
to bring in such Claims, as well for the purpose of ascertaining with
the utmost expedition the amount of the National debt, as to prevent
or detect the attempts that are making to defraud the public, have
passed the resolution which 1 have the honor to enclose.

As it is of importance to the inhabitants of your State, who have
just Claims against the United States, to be informed of this as
speedily as possible, I trust your Excellency will excuse the liberty
1 take in addressing this resolution to you and requesting that you
will be pleased to give the Necessary Orders for making it known

* See Vol. lY., pp. 662, 670, 678.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785. 425

to all coDoernedy by oaosiDg it to be printed and dispersed tbrough
the diflPereat Counties and districts of joor State, or in snoh other
way as yoa shall judge best.

With great respect,

I have the honor to be

Your Excellency's most Obedient
and most humble Sery^

CHA. THOMSON.*

Hifl Excellency The President of Pennsylvania.

OmoBBS OF Pbnns'a reoommending Wm« Irvine as
Land Agent, 1785.

Philadelphia, March 21st, 1785.
Sir,

Wo the Subscribers, a Committee chosen by the officers of the
hto Pennsy* lino, beg leave to inform the Supreme Executive
Council, that there is now before the Honorable House of Assembly,
a Bill for directing the mode of distributing the Donation landsf
granted to the late officers & Soldiers of said line, in whioh the
appointment of an Agent to see justice done to the State, as well as
to the Individuals, is left in your honorable Board.

We therefore pray that Council will be pleased to appoint William
Irvine. Esqr.^f to that office, if the Bill passes in its present State,
as he is a Gentleman well acquainted with the land appropriated
for that purpose, and who is, we humbly conceive, worthy your
Confidence^ as well as that of

your most humble Servants,

A' S» CLAIR,
T. B. BOWEN,
SAM» NICHOLAS,
W. MACPHERSON,
MAT. McCONNELL,
RICH* FULLERTON.

Directed^

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esqr., President of the Supreme

Executive Council.

Indorsed,

March 21, 1785. From the Committee (P* Line,) pnmnjr the
ajq^intment of Oen. Irvine^ aa Agent under the late law tn l^ona-
lion Lands.

♦ See CoL Rec, Vol. XIV., p. 886.

t He was appointed Uaroh 26. CeL Rm., XIV., p. 886» 464, and his
initmction on page 427 of this VoL

486 PENNSYLVANIA AfiCHIVES 1786.

James Milligait, C. T., to Pbes. Dickinson, 1785.

Comptroller's Officej

March 24th, 1786.
Sir,

In pnrstiance of the Reeolations of Congresss of the 23d Febmary
last, erapowering me to nominate the CommissioDers therein men-
tioned, I do myself the honor to nominate John Story, Esqnire as
an additional Commissioner for Settling the Accounts between the
State of Pennsylvania and the United States and for Liquidating
and settling the claims of the Citizens of that State against the
United States, &c., aooording to the meaning and intention of the
Act of Congress of the 20th of February, 1782.

I think it necessary to observe to your Excellency that this
Qentleman is a native of the State of Massachusetts, and was for
some years employed in public Accounts in the Office of M^or
(General Green, when Quarter Master General. He is recoommen-
ded to me as a man of Strict integrity, Industry and knowledge of
Aooonnts. I hope be may be aooeptabie, and that his Conduct may
be toch as to deserve the approbation of all honest men, and corres*
pond with the Character I have received.
I have the honor to be

with great respect. Sir,

your Bzoellency's most

Obedient Hum. Servant,"*"

JAS. MILLIGAN,
Comp'tr of the Treas'y.
Directed,
To His Excellency, the President of State of Pennsylvania.

Jambs Pbabson to Pres. Dickinson, on State Housb,

1785.

To the Honorable the Supreme Executive Council.
Gentlemen,

The expences incur'd by paving and Graveling at the front of the
State House, Obliged me to expend the money drawn for other
repairs of the buildings and involved me in debts for part of the
bncks, hauling and labour, also for sundry materials for the repairs
— those balances the persons are desirous of having paid.

Therefore request the Hon'ble Council will please to order the

* See GoL Reo., Vol. XIV., page 886, 899.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVBS 1786. 427

ram of Three hundred ponnda to pay the debts already contraoted
and enable me to proceed in the repairs of the buildings Ac^ as
Ordered by the Hon'ble Assembly.

And Oblige yours

JAMES PEARSON.

March 25th, 1785.

Ihbtbuctions to Gen'l Wm. Irvine as Lani> Agent,

1785.

In Council, March 26th, 1785.
Sir,

By Virtue of the Authority vested in us by the Act of Assembly
''for directing the Mode of distributing the Donation Lands,
promised to the troops of this Commonwealth." We have appoint-
od you Agent to perform the Duties of this office, it will be neces-
sary that with all possible Dispatch & accuracy, you explore the
Country to be laid off agreeable to Directions of that Act,'' noting
the quality of the land in the several parts thereof, the bills, moun-
tains, waters, creeks, marshes, uplands, bottomlands, &c., and such
other occurences as may deserve notice with their situation, & dis-
tanoe, but particularly the parts of the land which you may deem
vnfit for cultivation, &c. ; and from time to time transmitting us
your Bemarks, notes and Description of the Country.
I am, with the greatest

Esteem, Sir, your most

obedient humble Sorvt.,

JOHN DICKINSON.*
Directed,

The Honorable General William Irvine.

P&BS. Dickinson to Speaker of Assembly, 1785.

Sir,

Mr. Millegan Comptroller of the Treasury of the United States,
baa this Day notified to Council, that in pursuance of an Act of
Congress of the 28rd of last Month, he has appointed John Story,
Epqnire, an additional Commissioner for settling accounts within this

* See page 425, also Col. Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 886.

428 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785.

State. Tho appoiatment meets the approbatioB of Connoili if
approved by the Ijegislature.

I am, with the greatest

Esteem, Sir, your most

obedient humble Scrvt.,

JOHN DICKINSON.
March 26th, 1785.
Directed^

The Honorable the Speaker.

Rev'd Dr. Ewinq to Prbs. Dickinson.— Resignation,

1785.

Philada., 26th Mar., 1785.
Honble Sir,

When I last had the Honour of waiting on your EzocUenoy ia
Company with 'Mr. Hptohins ; I informed you that it would not
be necessary for both Mr. Rittenhouse and myself to be employed
in running the western boundary of the State in conjunction with
the Virginia Commissioners in the ensuing summer. I mentioned
farther y^ my connection with the university, & my own church
would require my continuance in Philadelphia, and that therefore I
should no longer be considered as holding the Commission with
-which the Council had been pleased to honour me in tho preceding
year. Lest this might have escaped your memory in the Multipli-
city of public Business, I have taken the Liberty of requesting Y^
Excellency to give this information to Council, and am. Sir,
with the greatest Respect,

your Excellency's most obdt.

and very Humble Servant,
^ JOHN EWIXG.*

Directed y

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq., President of the State of
Philadelphia.

Pres. Dickinson to Speaker op Assembly, 1785.

Sir,

The General Assembly on the seoondof December, 1788, Resolved,
that a sum not esroeedinff six hundred Pounds should be appropriated
for the purpose of enabling Council to make public Demonstrations

♦ SCO Col. Reo., Vol. XIV , p. 454.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIViaS 1785. 429

of Joy upon the defioitiye Treaty of Peace between the United
StateSi and Great Britain."*" The inclosed acoonnts exceed thai
EBtimate, & the Demanda for payment are very pressing, as will
appear from the Letter herewith transmitted; Bat Council are
unwilling to draw orders upon the Treasury for more than the sum
appropriated, without the Consent of the Legislatnro.
I am with much Esteem Sir,

your most obedient,

& very humble Servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.
March 20th; 1785.
Directed^

The Honourable, The Speaker of General Assembly.

Michael Huffnaqle to Gen'l Armstronq, 1785.

Dear Sir,

I received yours a few days ago, with Mr. Brown's papers in-
dosed, and shall do every thing in my power to get Subscribers.

I wish you to mention to His Excellency, the President and
Council that having obtained Judgment against Conrad Winomiller
at the Suit of the Common Wealth on four Bonds due to Ross &
Thompson; I gave him notice of the same upon which he called
on me, as the Bonds where given for Lands sold to him ; I re-
quested to see his Bill of sale, & found by it, that the Lands h#
purchased where Located in the Name of John Dunn & Robert
Mitchell ; & by my return to Council yon will find that 150 acres
were sold to Abdol M. Clure, being part of the Lands Located in
the Name of John Dunn. I give this notice that no Deed may
issue for the same.

I also wish you to mention that a great number of people are
settling on the Lands, over the Allegany River, within the Bounds
of this State } as soon as I heard of it, I immediately issued a
Warrant directed to the Sheriff to apprehend such as he could get,
& in case of resistance, to call on the Commandant at this post,
who promised me to give such assistance as the Sheriff might stand
in need of; as the Assembly is now sitting, something ought to
be done immediately, otherwise in a short time the Lands will be
settled, notwithstanding all I can do, or order to be done.

I have made inquiry agreeable to order of Council, respecting
the Claim of Major Craig, & find that the Commanding Officer theui
had orders from General Gage to demolish the Works and sell the
Ruins of the Garrison; which he did, & that Ross & Thompson be-
came the purchasers. I imagine that the best Testimony that can
be had will be General St. Ckir & General Hand. I think that

* See page 149.
Vol X.— 19

480 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785.

OeDeral St. Clair moniioned to me that tbey were sold by tbe oon-
aent of Mr. PeDn, & General Hand was the person who sold theni|
but Q", whether the Crown had not a right to demolish any of their
works & sell the Ruins at that time in any part of her AmerieAO
plantation ; this I leave to better Judges. I wish you also to in-
form me by the first opportunity^ whether debts due to the Common-
wealth by Confiscation will come under the same Law as debta
Between private persons before January, seTenty-seven, as all the
debts due to Ross, are before that period.

I wish Mr. Trimble, by the first opportunity, to send me the laws
of the two last sittings of Assembly.

I have the Honor to be

Tour very H'ble Serv't,

MICH. HUFFNAGLE.

Genl. Armstrong, March llth, 1785, Pittsburgh.

Lt. Col. Josiah Harmab to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

Fort Mcintosh, April 2nd, 1785,
Sir,

I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency and the Honor-
able CouAoil, a monthly return of the Pennsylvania Troops in the
Service of the United States, dated the first instant.
^ I have the honor to be,

with the highest esteem and respect,
your Ezcellencys & The Honorable Councils,
most h'ble. & obcd. Servt.

JOS. HARMAR,
Lt. Col. Comd. 1st Amn. Regt.
Direetedj

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esqr., president & The Honom-
ble The Supreme Executive Council Pennsylvania.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785.

4S1

OS lid

3:-

CA].atim.

Lfeutonapt,

i^eijetiiitB.

Corp 0 rain.

Bomb ft rdi era.

GlllJDtTH,

Dr'rs&FifrsL

ToXmX including
taid music,

AIntrosBOB.

» -O CC GO £L QOO

' « e H* o
, fl ft ™ q

» 1 ° ^
« ra -J- 3

* B « ^

o « 2 -1

Ere3 g

;;- e P 2 o

^. O f* c*

H a ® !=?
"^ ^ ^ a

I 3 as-

2 « *

Lieu I, CqU

Comm^dt,

,-i p^ »-. I Cttptaius.

Lieut emLDts-

Knsigua,

^^hfLplflin.

Qu'r. MftalV.

I'ttj Maater-

Surg^on.

^ I Mftie-

O I » Ik 4ff

Oi I ^|£ I-'

Dr'ri&Firrfi.

Oi o» ^1 to

Frcftejjt fit for
duty.

-^1 oa h5 la

f Sick prtseut.

Elak ubi^^ut.

On CommADd.

On Ejitr, Set.

Tot&l izvelud-

Stijeanta.
Dr^rvfrFifm
Rflok & File"

p :? ^ 3

(fr o e ^

■td rt Apr

& ES

__>. 'S 1^ fi^ <» (

^cS B

482 PENN8TLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785.

MoNS. Db Marbois to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

A PhUadelphie le 4 Avril 1785.
Monsienr,
Je Buis sar le point de me rendre 2tNew York pour raider prds
da Gongres. Je proposerai k cette assemblee los mesures k prendre
poor que le seryice du Consulat de Philadelphie ne soit pas inter-
rompu par mon absence, et j'aurai I'honneur d^informcr Votre Ex-
oellenoe de ce qui aura ^t^ arr6te«

Permettez qu^en prenant cong^ de youb, Monsieur, et du Gonseil
Supreme Ez^ntif de Pensylvanie, j'ezprime ma reconnoissance de
Tappui que j'en ai recu dans Texercise de mes fonctions consulaires*
Je m'empresse aussi a reconnoitre lea avantages qui en out result^
pour le Commerce entre le Royaume et I'Etat de Pensjlvanie et
pour le maintien de I'ordre parmi les Navigateurs fran9ais; Tattache-
ment dont vous faites prefession aux principes de notre alliance et
les preuves frequentes que vous m'en av^z donnas ne me permettent
pas de douter que Voire Excellence ne f&sse tout ce qui sera en son
pouYoir pour oonsolider I'union des deux Nations en continuant k
accorder sa protection k un commerce r^iproquement utile.
Je suis avec respect,

Monsieur, de Votre Excellence,

le tr^ humble et tr^ ob^issant serviteur.
DE MARBOIS.
Son Excellence
Monsieur le President de TEtat de Pensjlvanie.

Timothy Taylor to Pres. Dickinson, on Case of Vickers,

1785.

Newtown, April 5tb, 1785.
Sir,

I have seen Collonal Wall since I was with Council, he says he
Cannot attend 'till some time next week when he means to attend,
(if health Permits). I should be glad that Council would Postpone
their Determination on the aifair of Solomon Vickers* till that time
I thought it might be of some use for Council to know the time 8*
Vickers was apprehended, as it was not mentioned in our Petition }
the enclosed, will Determine as he was taken the Day of the Date of
8^ Precept, and if there is a Reward to be given I contend that no
Person has so good a Right as myself as I Look upon myself to be
the Principal means of his being apprehended and Likewise of con-
fineing his Brother Jessee who made the first Discovery.
I am with sincere Respect

yours & the Publicks well wisher.
Directed, TIMOTHY TAYLOR.

To The Honorable John Dickinson, Esquire, Philadelphia.

♦ S€e Vol. IX., p. 601, 614, 616.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVEB 1786. 433

Backs, S8. Subpoena Elisabeth Kieth and Catherine Vanpelt, to
P - -1 appear Forthwith before me at Newtown, to give Evidence
I- '*^ in Behalf of the State against Soloman Vickers now con-
fln'd in goal on Sospition of Gommiting a misdemeanour in Break-
ing into the house of the said Elisabeth Kieth on the night of the
18th of Jaly last, given under my hand and seal, August 3d, 1782.

TIMOTHY TAYLOR *
jDirecied^
To the Constable of Newtown.

Sbcretary of Forsion affairs to Prb8. Dickihbon, —
Amer. BiSHOPy 1785.

(Circular.)
Office for foreign Afiairs, 81st March, 1785.
Sir,

I have the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency a Copy of a
Letter from Mr. Adams to the President of Congress, of the 22d
April, 1784, and of a Letter to Mr. Adams from Mr. de S^ Saphorin
of the 2lBt April, 1784, together with a Copy of the Paper referred
to in the latter.

Yoar Excellency will perceive from these Papers, the Bishops of
Denmark will confer holy Orders on American Candidates, without
any Tests which (like those insisted on in England) would be
improper for Americans to comply with.
I have the Honor to be

with great Respect yonr Excellency's

Most obed't & very h'ble Serv't,

JOHN JAY.t
Directedj
To His Excellency The Governor of Pennsylvania.

No. 1.
Hon. John Adams to Prssidbnt of Congress, 1784.

(Copy.)

The Hague, April 22d, 1784.
Sir,

I received sometime since a Letter from an American Gentleman
now in London, a Candidate for Orders, desiring to know, if Ameri-
can Candidates might have Orders from Protestant Bishops on the
Continent, and complaining that he had been refused by the Bishop

* See Vol. IX., p.601.

t See Col. Ree., Vol. XIV., p. 899.

484 PENNSTLYANIiL ASGHIVBS 1785.

of London and the Aroh-Bisbop of Canturbory, unless he would
take the Oaths of Allegiance, &o^.*

Meeting soon aftem^rds the Danish Minister, I had the 'Gnrionty
to inquire of him, whether Ordination might . be had in Denmark.
He answered me that he knew not, but would soon inform himself. I
heard no more of it untill to Day, when the Secretary of his
Embassy Mr. De Rosenkrantz, made me a Visit, and delivered me
the Papers, Copies of which are enclosed.

Thus it seems that ^hat I meant as current Conversation only,
has been made the Subject of Deliberation of the Government of
Denmark, and their Faculty of Theology, which makes it necessary
for me to transmit it to Congress. I am happy to find the Deoisioa
so liberal.

I have the Honor to be, &c.,

(Signed,) JOHN ADAMS.
Directed,

To Hb Excellency Thomas Mifflin, EsqV, Preside of Congres.

No. 2.
Mr. de St. Saphorin to Hon. John Adams, 1785.

Translation.
Mr. de S* Sapborin has the honor to communicate to Mr. Adams
the answer he has received from Hb Excellency the Count de
Bosencrone, Privy Gounoellor and Secretary of State for foreign
affairs of His Danish Majesty, relative to what Mr. Adams desired to
know. He shall be happy if this answer should be agreeable to
him, as well as to his superiors, and usefal to his fellow Citizens.
He has the honor tb assure him of his Tespect.

(Signed,) DE ST. SAPHORIN.
Hague, 21st April, 1784.
The preceding taithfally translated from the Original, by

BEN. WALKER.

No. 3.
Translation.
Copy of an Extract of a Letter from His Excellency the Count de
Bosencrone Privy Counsellor of His Majesty the King of Denmark,
to Mr. de S^ Saphorin Envoy Extraordinary from His Majesty to
the States Genend.
Sir,

The opinion of the Theological Faculty having been taken on the
question made to your Excellenoy by Mr. Adams, If the American

* Afterwards Bishop White who, with Bishop Provost, was consecrated in
England, Feb. 4, 1787. See accoant of it in Reg. of Penn'a, Vol. III., p
406. See CoL Rcc, Vol. XIV., p. 899, 084.

PSaiNSTLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785. 486

Ministers of the Church of England can be consecrated here by a
Bishop of the Danish Church ? I am ordered by the King to aatho-
rise you to answer, that such an apt can take place according to the
Danish Rites, but for the convenience of the Americans who aro
Bupposed not to know the Danish language, the Latin language will
be made use of on the occasion, — for the rest, nothing will be ex-
acted from the Candidates, but a profession conformable to the
articles of the English Church, omitting; the Oath called Tuit^ which
prevents their being Ordained by the English Bishops.
The preceding translated f&ithfully from the original, by

BEN. WALKER.

Prks, Dickinson to Gov, Clinton, op N, Y., 1785,

In Council, April 6% 1785.
Sir,

Your Letter of the 11*^ of last Month,"*^ with tho Indosure, we
immediately communicated to the General Assembly of this Com-
monwealth, and now have the Honor of transmitting the Copy of an
Act passed by them for ascertaining our common Boundary.

David Rittenhouse & Andrew Porter, Esquia's, are appointed by
us Commissioners on the part of this State.
I am, with great Regard, Sir,
your most obed* serv*,

JOHN DICKINSON.
His Excellency Gov' Clinton.

Prbs. Dickinson to Minister of Unijed Njbthsrlands,

1785-

In Coundl, April 6^, 1785.
Sir,

Your late journey to New York prevented our acknowledging sooner
tho Receipt of your Letter of the 20^ of February last :t And we now
flatter ourselves that the steps that have been taken, will prevent
any further uneasiness upon the affair.
I have the Honor to be,

with the sincerest Esteem,

Sir, your most obed*, hble. serv*,

JOHN DICKINBON.J
The Minister of the United Netherlands.

* See page 422. f See page 416.

t Col. Reo , VoL XIV., p. 899

436 PENNSTLVANIA ABGHIYES 1785.

Bbturn of Public Stobbs in County op Washington,
8 1786,

A Belarn of the pabliok Stores in the Coanty of Washington.

Yis. 50 Mosanets,

40 Pooohes,
29 Coats,

8 Waistcoats,
23 Shirts,
10 pair Shoes,

7 Blankets,
29 Hatts.
26 pair Overalls,
67i^*» lead.

I do Certify that the above Return is Just. Given under my
hand this 7*^ day of April, 1785.

JAM- MARSHAL,

Lieu* W. Co'y.

Bbturn of Officbbs of Militia in County of Washing-
ton, 1786,

A Return of Officers for Such Districts as Neglected or Refused to
Elect, at the last General Election for Officers in the County of
Washington, Viz. ;

8« Battalion—

Robert Park, Captain, No. 2, )

David Gault, Lieu*, [• Elected [ 86 privates.

Alexander Ralston, Ensign, )

William Scott, Captain, No. 8 1 ^

Samuel Buohanon, Lieu* v Nominated, y 82 privates.

John Scott, Jun^ Ensign. . ) )

A'^ Battalion—

WiUiam M'Farlane, Cap*, N* 2 )

James Tucker, Lieutenant, v Nominated. [- 75 Do.

Caleb Baldwin, Ensign. )

I do Certify that the above is a true return.

JAM* MARSHAL,

L* W. Co'y.
April V\ 1785.

}

]■

•S8Z.I 'qi^s 'IH^V

•Bjouoiog 9q; Aq dm dauS sam^
-a^ 9qi taoij (^oiu^Bqti ^snf n oq o^ OAoqB eq^ ^JH-idO i^qoiaq op j

'ovaiia(j iidjpay
'mBd'^ s^I^qoi^

'jaqong qocn?j[^
'pa«a qoOTjp

^'jnXl£ 9UJVJ3 uqof

'pvumau nomis

'aioopi o9i080

'qoiJifi 99jo9{)

'avmoioQ uqoji^

DO^uaq^iAi ni;jBj^

's^avao^nai'j

'la^w dinqd Z
'laij^ satuqa 9

'z^aajtivrj qdasoj^ ^

'i>siaT[ Mrjpay 8

'sanop mvqvjqy g

'aiqof) 6aiJ«q3 x

*8ai«)diif)

*a«iiMd)Bon '^od
]ano|OQ ^nvuo^nai^ Xq papntiniaiOQ vpijip^ X^nnoQ pavfJoqainq^io|i{
uoiiB^^nq "jsjg aqij ni paioajg siaa^o ^a^dnioQ aq^ jo ajn^a^ y

S8II **^0- *aNvaHBffwaHi.HOj^ ao shbomjo ahvuiik

'SJ^bsg ^Xjaino9)aox^ qdasof pav iCiqoDjf nrejinAl ^X

''0^ m« X loadsai qanm qijAV.

-aaiAjas ;}«q^ a^naa
-za Q% pa^aiodd^ naaq aAvq 'sajinbsg 'aa^ioj ^tV^Y 9 a6aoqn9)!|i^
piAV(X fa)«9g srq) jo XjBpanoQ njaq!)Jo^ aq) ^aiaiaxia^ap iC|(«ag
Joj ^iqmasBy jo foy a9«| aq^ lapan ^vq^ noiC asups o^ aAtiq \

•98Z.I 'qi8l IHdy '.p^nqd

•aa^gO sAj^oag

*«ia«A|i[Bnaa J jo
a)«9g aq^ jo ^aapisajj ^'jhB^ 'uoBumoiq^ aqof Xaaaifaazg sig ox

4c'9fAiag aiqoinq ^laA t^

l^poqo iBoni jhoX

^jtg aiq^ooq ura x

*gBanvn{[ oq^ xoj notiaj laq^o amoi ^oioddv <n ^^q^ 9*^^ o^
roddv p9|mdM Jc oi em eoop mm
qoiqM 'jnoooQ aq^ jO mi'x eiqnaM iOAMioQ 'jikmi aqj Saiaudfo^

peonu^saoo m« x ^vmniaroddv peimdai »£ oi em eoop f«i[ ipanoo

'S811 fifSTAIHOttV YISVA7li!B&«aa. >?^

9 nvipuoai 9q) JO ao!PdJT(j[ aq; 9ami«^9dn ai ooub^sissti oai9 o)
aaAd'q^aoai 8(8are « loj oondsqv £m o% i^adsaoo pfnoii sao^saix 9x\%
' 'aopm^ig ^adsaid .^ ai J8q;9qM 'em o% (njiqnop bi %] pa« '^sdja^af
B)i *)Dd]g« ^[|RU9)«in p(noii iC^^isiaAian ain mojj ooaasqv ub Sao[ og
'fnxp JO ooaB^daoov iCoi !(Bani9« iC^njidiioa sti o^viodo '>[jom dmvs oq;
nuojiad o; em painoaoq Oiojaq p«q nonnoQ qoiqii qim ^.^aoissica
-moo eq^ ^mi o) am paanpoi 9«qi saocraa^ aqx *amn)ny Tg lammng
dtmBoa aq)*jo a|oqAii aq^ aiinbai \\m ^vq; ^jom « 'a^v^S ^IH^ J^ ^-'^P
-aiiog uio^BOM aq) 'aopvAiaaqo |«>imoaoj)9!i Xq niviJaasD pati am
o^ ^tqo9ii]Q[ *jrp([ q^iM aoi^oatifaoo ai 'am SapnioddB iioanoQ mojj
aoraeimmoQ vSauiaoai jojoaoji aq^ p«q j SaiaaA^ iCcpja^Dg qq

'jig .wnon

*«tavAif saaaj jo a^«)g aq; jo ipanoQ OApnoaz^ amajdng
^VL JO inapiBwj SbBji 'aoBaiipiQ; aqof Xoaanaaxg bih ©x

•§811 'IH^V V8l OV '«>gjO s^aBaajnaii 'iC^anoo ii,p«[iqd

•i[a|«H pjviips ii3i8aa
'jaqai^ mvpy ^craaa^narx
'nwio^ ja?aj nnnd«o
'HwsdmoQ PS 'aoipi^^vQ q^g

Mvpifip^ «iqd[9p
•^tim JO AanoQ eq) 09 Sai9ao[aq 'pa^aaia X(iip uio^ p uin^Byi

•ggll *vixniK viHdiHa

-YIIHJ 20 JLXKaOQ sex ox OMIOHOiail SHaOIIiQ ^0 KHQXa'S

Nosavaj gawvp

OA a!

•98ii *q^9i iH^v '-'P^nqd

V»S »W*q J^oX a^jiqo pnv

*9oajip Xvm piBog e(q«2oaoQ jnoiC wt aiBobs pS aqi ai
BloaaniAOidmf jaqynj qons 9^$al pm 'sSaipiniq oq^ jo saoi^tuvdai
^1 anni^aoQ 's^qap aBoqi X«d 09 t^aaio^oB aq \\im. 8« mns « qons
am japio o^ pasaaid aq \\uk lioanoQ aq^ ^naabai Oiojaiaqx 'paunoai
spanod iC^aaMx a«qY aaom jo'i^qap « poi papaadz;? an ajmilM asnoij
09«lg aq; jo ^aamaAOidrnj oqi loj iapio o) pasvaia ajaM no^ spanoa
A^iqX V ^^^J P moDM aqx '^Assaoaa bi ^aamiCvd ^dmoid Basuqo
^ind omos in pa« Somraid iiOiA aiv snosxad amoi qoiqM joj 'spanod
X^qScff VBuoqt JO ^onomv aq) c% oap ^aX auni aaoavpq [tJiaAos 'JiaoBajd
98001* aqi pegaf^w £\}ad n aaoi^iod qons ai 91 papuip ajopiaq;

s» '9811 saAiHOinr vuw^TiBssaa.

•90^ -d *AIX 'PA *'^^n 'V>D MS «

'pdioui^noo noqt s^q^p oqi i^^d 09 (^aop^nsni bum -)|n xpQ^ ^m^ P
iapjo jno^ £f{ jomevdij; aq) jo paAidoai epaaod pdjpnnq om) oqj^

'vinBAifsaadj jo
q)[«9iiaoTnmo3 oqi jo iioanog OApnoazg amdjdns oiq^aon oq) ojq

•fiSil ^uosMixoid 'saHj oi KO8HYSJ sawvf

-vTTniA|irsna8j jo ^nopmij aqx 'Xouoipoxg Big

•N08K0HI THO

^avAjw 9(qinnq 980m pm

^aoipoqo ^soin B^foodfioozg moC

^eq O) loaoq oq^ oAnq j

^oadBOi )boj9 qiT^

'^uaaaS j3:)8«miC«d
oq^ Xq loj pap}d8 neaq oAvq 90a ipqs 89otaj9S oq) papiAOid 'opvoi
B^adrnXiid oq^ q^iii saqv^g p^nif) aqt a^juqa 09 'iCdo5 v asopad ov[b
J qaiqii jo 'f Si.x 'aanp jo ^s^ jo ^an aq) jo safdiaaud aq; no saai(
aApc^Bai Jiaq; q^iM pa[9)as aAvq [piqs qaiqii sa^v^g aq^ SauaModoia
H181 ^R9 pasBtKi Bsaa^aoQ jo ^av uti aeopua o) aoaoq aq^ dAvq j

•981.1 'qi9I IH^V

'ao^O s^Aiv^axoag

'SSil *NOSillIXOI(I 'SaHJ 01 SSHHDKOO ilO iHVIHHOag

•pajama 'tip«Iiq^ Jo £flQ ^ X910 atjoxji jo
lOfoanoo 'ajnnbsg 'MamopqiJnia; piVMpa ©x -qi^I ludy '58il

*"ay 'mi j

*a8ivqoBip itaq^ m
X^ipro^onnd ^ tiOT^aa^^visa^vajd aq^ loj jps) 09 vv 'paii[ Jiaip ota^vaiif
•JodmT pav 'jaqinna ai 9«di9 ob aj« panj Biq^ aodn spavmapaqx

*dO]|go 9«q) o) enp aa Xtnn
qoiqA BaSunauv aq^ ||ii 9aa|[0» 09 paaooid Xfa^Bipaaiaii doa ^vq;
liannoQ jo lopio BBajidza aqi ti 91 9«q9 a^tiaianinmoo 09 ospi aAvq j \

inqd[ap«iiq(j jo' /91Q aq9 joj asiaza aq9 jo ia9oaf {oq
JO eogo oq9 09 9aaiii9aioddBaj xnoX jo iidoo pagi9iaa v si poBopoi

*9g2.X ^Mxnmonmyq^ (r«M<rs ox eKOHXsiray x.cnrg

V8zr ssTAiHOiry vihyatixb^usc&a «^

•90f' '^ AIX 'PA '^n 100 WS +
•90^ •<! *A1X 'V>A *'^U '{00 aog ♦

4.-iC,oag <!£ 'ONOHXSWHV NHOf , 'pno9M(i

'anp eq Xvm qoiqii saStureaura ^eodoix eq) \^ jo uopod^ioo
o^voimTJOfixpai if iim^odjga'av 09 poadojd i[9;«ip8aimi \\\il not 'aoi)
-ismbaj qans qiiii ^{daioo 0^ noiC o^qvaa q% jo^^oq oq) )Tiq; '[loanoQ
JO japio Bsaadxa aq; si 91 ^vq) pun f noi p aptsoi aq ^[UBSsaaaa pu«
aoo8 iiiii 'iaaom jo mns e9i«|4i joj uopmnbai « '^vx\% ^ol rajojai
0% aiq/aiaq^ 8Avq j 'QUI ''ao^ jo qi^g eq!j jo '^iqcaaesy -naf)
aq; JO 90V 0; /[qvaajSv Saiiaa^s 000^913^ J^ ^^^ ^R1 dAiaaai o|
8)aa§v aAipadsaj Jiaq; Xq jo aosjad at iioanoQ ojiojaq jcaddv o) noda
pai[tta aaaq aA«q a)B)8 siq; jo saiiv^audoid 8;v[ aq; !)Bq| 'favosa j 98 x
aq) JO iioanog jo japio wu jo iCdoo paso^oaa aq; iq ad8 |[im noj[^

'9911 WV V8I '^ogjo s/jv^aioag

•982.1 'iKYiaci dHYHg HOioaiioo 01 iioKaoQ

•«iaeAiX8uuaj jo ^napisaij aqx 'Xouanoorgf sih

♦ NOSKOHX THO

'Ajas aiqmnq ^som !^ (inaipaqo t^soxn

6,^oaa[[doz;{ ^^^A 9^^^^^^ 9vaj9 q^m

aq 0; joaoq aq; eAvq x 'spna
aiqvjisap pa« 9«aj9 asoq) a^omoad 0; sa^o^g psiaAas aq; jo sjnoAvap
-aa pa^mn pnv ^saajva aq; ssaiSaoQ o^ Sapiodaj jo 8apinn)Joddo
^aanbaij asq*; aaasvaid J0!)«aj9 am aAid {{im Sniq^oa '(^tsaq ^ca jvan
XxaA SYoafqo Saiaq aoi!(va jno jo X^uadsoad pm 'eavad 'jonoq aqx

'aauvaipjo
pi«8 aq; 0; iC{q«injojaoo joaiaq; !)jodaj a^m Xvoi x ^vq; 'paaSfissQ
«9onb aq; Saisrei Joj a;v;g jnoi iCq ixoi[«; ede^s aq; jo ;anoaaB
an q;|ii am jnoAvj ||tm iCo^a^aox^ jnoiC ;8iu; pnv 8;o« pa8opaa aq;
Saipraiiioj JO iC;ian^oddo ;8ai(j«a aq; paaeiqina OAvq x ^/acntra aq;
JO aoi;TU)aza aq; 0; aAi;v[ai maq; mojj 6aoi;«>ianiBaioo daiAiooai
JO osodjnd oq; joj sa;B;g aq; qiiii paodsauoo* 0; pa« ssaj^aoQ
JO raoi9«paaiQaiooaj pav 8aoi;n{D8ai 'Baoavaipio 'b;o« ]|« 8^v;g
liiaAas aq; 0; ;iax8au; 0; ,, ssaiSaoo jo iCi«;8Joag aq; jo X;np aq;
JO %nd « ;i aspni o; 'idoQ « a80[oaa x qoiqii jo ooavaipiQ 9;v[ v Xq
poflvaid aaaq aAvq paiqmassB ssaoSaoQ ai 8a;«;g pa;i'a£X ^^'^ ^V

*8aJo;8 oi]qnd aq; piBiiS 0;
pov '8a;Q;g pa;mf][ oqi 0; SaiSaofaq sputq ao Baoi8nj;ai aiqv;aujvM
-on 8ai;aaAMd joj 'savipax aq; jo saoiivpaidap oq; isaniv B;a«;S
-iqvqax' aq; jo ooaajap aq; '8jat;aojj aja;BaM q;joa oq; jo *aoi;oa;ojd

oOt- '^ 'A IX 'FA '"o^U 'I^'.) *

Dx\} joj sdoojj^ JO Apoq v 9aisit?j oq:) o^ OApt?ioi ^qbisui ip^,[
';s|^ 9q) JO B^OB pasopud aq) noi dap^imsawf jo joaoq oq*) oa

•S8ii 'qisi IH<IV ^

•vimiAiiCsaadj jo Oftrig aq^ jo i^adpisojj eq^ iroa9|pozg[

■l-'sioeavK aa

^n«AJ9g ^adipaqo ^ qqcanq

/jOA 8,^oa9||dOZ2 Jnojt

-9oeiTp i^Tii Xon9{jeoz;^ inoiC qoiqii jnoq eq^ r^ pn99|
I *jmo9u 891 d^uepom 09 lo 'doi^Bnf jo !)ov uv eojojae o| ^oooi
X^iavomq Jiaq? 0% BpniMidijv )i 9aTAii9| 'pauoiopaoo ^(iraf o<n 9
•imuo qoaaj^ « jo a^vj aq) 01 Sai^viaj 8t)avj emos jo maq^ nu
'(laanoQ aqi^ 9f Xoaanaazg ano^ 09 paonpoj^ai aq o^ aA«8| 2

'9811 S»si iH<iv '^iq^pp'nqd

*S8ZI *KOSNiHoi(i •sairj 01 siosHYpi sd •suoj^

*88dj9aoo nt 88;i9a|a(i aqx a|q«joiiog 1

*NOSNraora NHor

Vdt ipoqo )80in xnoA
'oamai^aaf) 'maa^sg )«9j9 q^iM

^aq 09 Joao£[ aq^ aA«q j

*S8aj9aoQ 09 ^(a^vipacoiai eaot^na^o]

•ivaianmmoo 09 paraafd eq p]noii no^ qsiM aj||j^'pa«'{ maq*

0>|ui9do-oo 09 Xpvai aq him a^vig qqi^ jo uaaoissioiinoQ eqt ^

9«qi| ao f jaaofaiiiamoQ Ixxb aitinimoa 09 iadojd 3[inq9 bbuSooj

•qiooigT
^«(r ^^91 •W "0 '®^J paoopnain itig aqi -ju ifJOj^ ^vq^ oiSe
'joajaq) joiuoq 98aM*q)io|{ aq^ o\ jbuioq ^saA-q^oog aqt viojy 1
•00010103 8iq) JO ^jQpanog aq) nmm pav nnj 09 pa^aioddv f
-simoiOQ oq9 ^lobefj <8aiqo)nQ 8«moqx 9 Smiig;' oqof

•S8/.1 *ssaHONoo Ki gaivoaiad oi KosinnDid •sa
ly^ir SHAIHOHV VMVATliB&SSLl

'88«[9no(i mituqdg; y ^^oog .oqx 'oiSbu^jiih ia«qoip( oj; — 'p984opui

'£fi9S 'V '9N0HXSWHV NHOf

'}AJd8 o^qmnq £i9A t]ji
'jig 'aq 01} joaoq 9X{% OAvq j

*noii«niJojaT iCMSsaoaa
•^ joj '90|^ iQOiC in raiR^M ^d|q«^aoQ qt^ o^ 'iodoid ^«q) ^vm
eq gv aa^jo sn jnoai 09 pd^^ioiiad oq i^unoQ e^^d^vj jo iO)oa|[OQ
9q) !|vq) '{loaaoQ jo aoi)09J!(j[ oq^ 'sjojaiaq^ 'samoaaq %i 'apvoi ooais
oiQ^va 4«iiaiis o jo ecioq) kq paaiojua ejaqM ^i8Ad m fay iiqx '
g^'9pvtu 09 89iqxfi9uoQ d^} fo nun^d ay; o^ aCiinodM
9^12}^ /^''Y^ /^funoQ ^0D9 fo M}:^}ioQ 91(1 fD^f 7g 'paaoi^aam aAoqv
9oy aq) ^q pasodcni eapnp ^X iCud o^ oiqvfl saonbi^ la« daipaaA
JO Samin^aj diqsiuiax ^V ^m^}^ siiotiad ij« jo apoqv jo 8do«[d ig
eamva aq) p ^raoBsag J^ }o 94003 aq; 0)nn 'aoi^itaiJ^Q lo q^vo ao
'oiii^aji ai|«ai 'Xiiinad ats^iao n japan 'n^^ 'X^anoQ XioAa ui ^ou^sip
io diqsaAOj; qava jo a^qi^aaoQ aq; ivq^u 'pa^oajip si %i ^iqua
-iXsaoa j JO 'a^«)S iioa 'eaaiAoocI 9r>[ ^1 P A^iqtnassy jo ^av ig

♦ asQomraixia a

-pai[iitai Apnaio^na
/p«aJi« 81 it 9f 'psja^pi aq 09 laojoo 98«a-q?JO|{ aqi jaj^ns {{i^ siaaois
-simai0Q'3[J0j[^ aqi 9«q; ajqBqojd 90a 8I «)j *6apn)i)«7 aq^ dai
-Ajraaqo joj eiaanniJi^iii q^ia papiAOjd aq niii Ii\no Xaqi pav 'piw
-aiojti nttipua}^ aq^ ^oasia^ai \\uk eai^ iiaq; ajaqn fntod oq^ n 91
40J ^aaoisBimmoQ aiaq)jo|^'tq9'iCq paapaaia^ap aq Xiao'avo jaoJOQ
98aM-qiJO>i' aqx '9ii^ ^jfij 0| a^inb tdvqiad 'q^ion qSnoua
jvj iaiaq jo ini92ao axv uaaoifsioiiaoQ aq^ |pan panapaoa aq ^snni
pov oavi v«ipua]f « n Xxvpnnog oaa^Ba^ aqx — 'aot^vAiasqo

(^/jaoiDO 9BB8-quo^ n 'fpiOA aq) joi
^f»OJoa ^aaA-mnot n 'apioii oq; 9ai8a«qQ fjao aaopomiTani 8otos
-aioj aip UI St; 'poipvoi 0An[ 09 ^'m oa Xji pnnog^ jo oaFj oqjj

*8nopoaj)8ai laqi^jnj
xnoiC Joj ppti 0) 9i%m 9tiq aAvq mi r^ 'no^ iCq painiojiod onq o|
iC^np oq) ^0 sfoiod ii(oj oa poaopoi n Adoo « qoiqai jo ^oy aqx

'po^vo
-paaq^QV i(np ig 'paiaAijop inmajaq ^y jqo moj| ivadds |[tm wn
^ppNMiaoannoQ Biq^ jo !|J«d aq^ no BiaaoissiniaioQ noiC pa^aiodda
aAvq aM ^/of azuoq^nv 09 ^oy ny ,; papi^aa nvj v Jo aoounsind aj

'aamapaaf)
•98ir 'lw*V 'ipwnoa «i

«S^ ^9811 SSLMEOW TiSXtSUSS^V^^

NOSNisoia NHor 'vH^^ia

'!)acAJog o[qainxi Xjoa pun

'^pqo ^som jnoiC 'aaoiapaoo

» 'pdpnadxa 80inoj\[ oq) jo ^nnoa

-OB dnj) pnB 9&nr ti japaai sp ^Siainoqv^ iCicssaooa eaiq 'aoi^vjadQ
JO 8ao«|d oq; )« saoisuoid ojnooad 'soio^s oi[qnd eq? mojj poare^qo
aq 080 8« qone ^daoxo 'pa80|oai bi ^si] v qoiqM jo Boppjv oqi
^no ^08 noiC oiojoq esvqojnd O) si ou 'Qoipajip jnoiC jopan Xibs
-simmoQ 8« noiC pao^^v o% jo^joj udqao^g 'Ji\[ paqnioddv OAvq o^

'ii^unoQ oq!) JO s^nd
^oais^ip oq; aooMioq s^vavQ 7g spvo^ £<{ eaoi^voianrnmoQ snoaSv;
-UBApv !|8oai Qi{% Saiouoj jo i^oafqiis Sui)80J0)ni £idA oq; ao 8|paQ0Q
oi[qnd oq; 8ai)8i888 ai osn ^sw\ oq) jo oq Aum %vi{^ '8iu«9anoj^
pQV 8i|ig '8ai8dJ)g » 8JdAr^ jo osaaoo pav aoi9«n;i8 ojn 9aiai8oaoo
'aopvnuojaj o|qis8oa |[b ^amiv^qo puts 'aopBAJOsqo AjoAadai^iiai
joj '/amn^aoddo eq^ oziob 'iua!^e}{ anoiC ai pav noissimoioi}' siqi
JO nopnoozd eq; ai Anm 'aoaio(9ao{) 'no£ %^^'\ 'qsiii ^paapji a^'

maq) q;iii o^uiado-oa o) X[[njjaaqo
pdBB0[d oq \\iA no^ ^Xivpanof^ oq) suiaiB^jaosB ai noiC q^iM aiof o%
'jBoddB Ba;B)g po^I^n ^V P il^m^Q. ^4^ ^^ sianoissiaiiaoQ ^vn jj

'osiAap QBO noiC sana]^ oq) |[v i!q aq ^boi bb oiqBqsin^ai^
-Bip BB paiapaaj oq O) bb pa^Jtttn os oq t^sam i^ 'Booi^BAjosqo (boc
•moaoi^BB Xq paaiB^joosB oq o% n oms ^1} P J^cuoo ^saM-q^Jou oqx

'jaujoo ^sdM-q^noB oq; mojj ooaB^Bip oq; q)iM paquoB
-ni oq 0) oao)B iCiaAO 'jaq^oaB moij oao 'saiiai OAg jo ooaB^Bip oq^
^B 'paaoj{) aq) ai paxg !^ paiBdaid iC[jadojd Boao)B iCq paB ^sw b £q
pa3[jBai OABq o) ojisap aM XiBpanoq jo oaj| oqx *no^ q^iM paaooia
O) OBOoqa Xboq iCaq; bb ibj bb 'biqisji^ jo 0)Big oq) jo )JBd oq) ao
uoaoiaBimcnoQ oq^ q)iii aor^oan'raoo ai )ob i[m noj^ 'Baoi)BAJOBqo
fvoiaioaoi)9B moij paAuop oq o) 8Boa)OBXO oq*) ipt ^ 'i^9II9p!J[ V\^
'ooBBOB Samsao oqi ai poqBiidoioooB oq |[im i[iom )iiB)iodiin stq) ^Bq^
9oadza d4i''a9poiiioa][ ^ iC)!i?a)ax <ooao9iji(j ino£ nodn 8aTpaodo(£

*pa)BO!)aaq)nB ^^np paB paiaAifap
ipuioioq ^oy jno ^q oAiooiod |(i4i nbiC bb 'omBS oq) jo ^aoioo
^M*q)J0^ oq) 0) jooioq) JoaiO() ojoq^noB aq) inojj ^q)|BOMaoaiaioQ
Biq) JO XiBpanoq oq) 3|ibui paB am O) KiaaonsiaiaioQ aoiC pa)atod
-^B aodaojaq) aABq 'paoiB)iao8B Moa bi iCjBpanog aJdq)nos jno )Bq)
pav ')8B[ jaqaiaAOfi jo q)gx oq) jo '8iai9ii^ jo o)B)g oq) 7g q)[Baii
•aoinaioQ Biq) aaaM)aq XiBpanoQ oq) 9amiaua)ap ioj Bioaonitfiaimog
eq) JO )Jodag oq) paB ^2SLl 'T^Q^ny P VSZ ^V P ^naK^^ssy
{BioaoQ oq) JO aoi)a[08a^ oq^ aoi)Biopisaoj3 o)ai Sai^B) |ioaaoQ

'adoio[)aa{)
'S8II *V6 IH^y 'ipnnoo m

*8ao!)oaj)8ai

'8811 ^AHVcumos no shhkoxssikkoo ^1a

C N3

'•^Ajog 'eiqii isopj 8810091100X3
jnoX '^oodsoi ^vaoS q^i^
^ 'oq 0) joaoq aq^ 8Aiiq o^ "pdiodjip

QTdioq; 9jtu([ aq? sn :)ntu9 o) pofitioid oq \\m [Toano|[) i^nqi Xud pn«
'/[qtnoBRy jo oraog ®I^^<>H ®^ J^ nopn|o»9g oq*} asoiont a^

•88Z.I
'pg i<AO|^ JO 'ssaiSaoQ jo dA|08a^ O!) a^qvaaiS^ '((oajip i^m OAi^noo
-z^ oaxaidng aq^ sv ('sjaqonoA pav s^ooq ino q)iii iaq^aSo)) ^fto
-gi^iOQ Sniaiimiaj aq^ ^raodfap <n ^Tpvai aq 09 b« 'ssanisnq ^vqt ps^afd
•moo Xfiva'a ' ob OA«q om ^irq) pm ^s«| jOiaodQ ai luniai ino aoais
'X}tQ fftq^ ui maq^ anssi 0^ panni^noo OAvq oa 9«q; f ^aomapiag
pniij[ JO so^vogi^iao Jioq^ oofj via«A|^8aaa^ a^vf aq^ jo Bjaipjog
if uao|gO aq) 0; Sapnqu^sip jo oeodand aq; joj 'pi«og[ afquoooq
jnoiCXq po^aojip sv '09193 aq^'jo e^xid ^noiajgip aq; 09 papaaooid OAiq
om 9«q9 <iionn6j3 m ^oaaiiaozg ino^ 09 9iod9J 09 oAva^ 9oq a^

•981.1

•[woaao dq9 P j^i^q

'809nai]^ oq9 mojj 90U9zg[

*po909ia /[np OJOA aosff^ sarnvf pav
Ifl^M ^1^3 cqqv^oooQ eq9 aaqii '-0^ '8a9«9ai9Q 0M9 jo 00190010
oq9 09 pepaooojd aonon ^ll '^«P oqi p japio aq9 09 /{qsooiSy

*pa90d|a Xinp
VfA noflifovf piAVd aiquonog aq9 naqn '0^ 'e9iSa(a(][ v jo 00190010
eq9 09 papaoooid osnoQ oq9 'Xvp oq9 jo xapjto 8q9 09 iCiqtioaiSy
'K 'V— SSiT 'qi6l ^CiTOjqaj <i[«pjn9«g

'pa)oa|a £\nf oiaM ('ja9finK>avi jo)
'XinaH ^^nilAi P^ ^lanpno qdasof aiqtuonoQ oq9 9vq9 painaddii
9t^'oai[«9 9niaq opjivq oq9 pav 'jvaX Soinsaa aq9 Joj 8a9«9S pa9Ta^
oq9 }0 BsaaSaoQ aq9 ai 09995 8iq9 9ao80Jcloj 09 Ba9«8o{a(][ jo aopoa[d
oq9 09 popoaoojd otnoH oq9 '/v(X aq9 jo lapio oq9 09 Xiqi80j9y
'K T— T82.1 *1^9I wqraoAo^ 'iCipBonx

'iCiqaiasBy puaaaf) nj

-BiovAiXsnaaj jo a9V9g

*S82.I ^savBHOQ ox sxiydx^sg; ko Koixoai^
Zff^ ' '9811 ERSAIHOVY YIK?UI1S&1EI^^

Pennsylvania archives i785.

445

A Return of the Company Officers Elected in the second Battalion
Northumberland County Militia^ Commanded by Lieutenant ^Col.
James Morrow.

Captains,

1 Joseph Alexander

2 John Wheeler,

8 Wm. Montgomery,

4 John Nilson,

5 John Martin,

6 Charles Clark,

7 Richard Martin,

8 Robert Smith,

Lieutenants.
,Oeorge Headman,
Daniel Goodman,
James Lemon,
George Hammond,
John Clark,
Alexander Dickson,
Hamilton Armstrong,
John Eason,

Ensigns.
Francis Malone,
Garrit Vancamp,
Andrew Cochran,
Aaron Hemrod,
John McMahon,
Willm. Case,
Thomas Pollock,
Daniel Vincent,

I do Hereby Certify the above to be a just abstract from the
returns gave me by the Colonels.

WM. WILSON, Lieut. North. Co.
April 24th, 1785.

A Return of the Company Officers Elected in the third Battalion
of Northumberland County Militia, Commanded by Lieutenant Col.
Hepburn.

Captains,

1 Peter Grove,

2 Thomas Foutner,
8 Corn's Walldrum,

4 Robert Flcmming,

5 Willm. Hammond,

6 John Surdder,

7 WUlm. McGrady.

Lieutenants,
Robert Hamilton,
Samuel Jiles,
Joseph Wickoff,
Alexander Mahan,
Willm. Jones,
Jacob Coliincr,
Braton Caldwell,

Ensigns,
John Love,
Willm; Walker,
John Robb Junr.,
Andrew Boss,
Willm. Winters Jr.,
Peter Sydles^
John Cledinin,

I do Hereby Certify the above to be a Just abstract from the re*
turns gave me by the Colonels.

WM. WILSON, Lieut, N. County.
April 24th

A Return of the Company Officers, Elected in the fifth Battlion
Northumberland County Militia, Commanded by Lieutenant Col.
John Kelly.

Captains.

1 Michael Andrews,

2 Willm. Clark.

3 John Thompson,

Lieutenants.

Adam Harper,
John Eackin,
James Irvine,

Ensigns.

Joseph Price,
George Clark,
George Brook,

446 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785.

Captains. Lieutenants. Ensigns.

4 Joseph Poake, Samuel Iddings^ James Moore,

6 Joseph Green, Henry Pongers, James Moore,

6 Samuel McGready, Jacob Treasbaob, Benjamin Miller,

7 James Potter, Jr. John Brown, ' James Hunter,

8 John McPherson, Michael Wildgoose, James Templeton,

I do hereby Certify that the aboTO to be a Just abstract from the
returns gave me by the Colonels.

Indorted, WM. WILSON, Lieut. N. County.

. Sunbury April 24th, 1785.

Sect, of Foreign Affairs to Pbes. DiCEiNSONy 1785

Office for foreign Affairs, 28 April, 1785.
Sir,

I haTe the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency herewith
inclosed, an act of Congress of the 18th Inst, recognising Jan Hendrik
Christian Heineken as Consul from their High Mightinesses the
Lords and States General of the United Netherlands for Pennsyl-
yania and along the River Delaware to reside at Philadelphia ; and
ealling upon your State to fhraish Mr. Heineken with their Bxe-
qaatur or notifioatioQ of his Quality, &o.,

with great Respect and Esteem,

I am your Excellency's

most obt. and hble. Servt.
THrecUd, JOHN JAY.*

His Bxecllency, John Dickinson, Esqr., President of the State of
Pennsylvaiiia.

By the United States in Congress Assembled.
It is hereby made known, to all whom it may concern. That full
credence ana respect are to be paid to Jan Hendrik Christian
Heineken, Consul from their High Mightinesses the Lords the States
General of the United Netherlands for Pennsylvania and along the
River Delaware to reside at Philadelphia, Which State is called
upon by virtue of the powers delegated by the Confederation to the
United States in Congress assembled, to furnish the said Jan Hen-
drik Christian Heineken with their exequatur or notification of his
quality, delivering one copy thereof to the said Jan Hendrik
Christian Heineken and causing another to be published in one or
more gazettes.

Done at New York this Eighteenth day of April in the year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred & Eighty five, and of Sovereignty
and Independence the ninth.

By the United States in Congress assembled.
RICHARD HENRY LEE, P.
CHA. THOMSON, Secy.
* See Col. Reo. Vol. XIV. p. 461.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786. 447

The United States in Congress Assembled, September 7, 1781.

The following form of the exequatur, is recommended to the
Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Penns'a.

To All to whom it may concern :

John Hendrick Christian Heineken Esquire, having been recog-
nised by the United States in Congress assembled, as Consul from
their High Mightinesses, it is hereby declared, that the privileges,
pre-eminence and authority belonging to such character and quality^
we due to him*.

MONS. De MaRBOIS to PrES. DiCKIKSONy 1785.

Philadelphia^ April 28th^ 1785.
Sir,

The clemency used by the honourable Council m the case of
Lewis Colinetf has impressed me with sentiments adequate to the
motives I had for intreating for his pardon. If your Excellency will
l^ve orders for his being released whenever I will send for him I
shall take care that he bo carried to New York to be thcro embarked
on board of the French Paket, as there is no French vessell in this
harbour, I shall be under necessity of Keeping him in gaole some
days^ but will use as little delay as can be.
I am with great respect.

Sir, your Excellency's,

most obedient and humble Servant,

DE MARBOIS.

Pres. Dioeinson to Thomas Smith, 1785.

In Council, April 80«*, 1785.
Sir,

As there are great Numbers of Counterfeit Certificates]: now in
Circulation, We wish that the utmost Care may be used by you to
guard asainst them, in performing the Duties required by the ** Act
for fumishine the Quota of this State toward payiilg the Annual
Interest of the Debt of the United States ; and for funding and
paying the Interest of the public Debts of this State."

It 18 therefore much to be desired, that you should immediately
procure from the Continental Officers such Books or Transcripts as
may prevent any Imposition, cither by Falsification of Names or
Sums. I am, with great Esteem, Sir,

Your most obed' Serv*,

JOHN DICKINSON,

Thomas Smith, Esquire, Continental Loan Officer in this State.

* Col. Bee. Vol., XIV. p. 451.
t lb. 449. t lb. 460

448 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786.

Pres. Dickinson to the Judges, 1785.

^ In Council, May 2', 1785.

Qentlemen :

We have received Information of ^many very outrageous Dis-
inrbances of the public Peace in the County of Northum^rland, by
persons not claiming Lands under this Commonwealth.

As some of yon. Gentlemen, are soon to be at Sunbury upon the
Circuit, it is our earnest Desire, that all the Enquiries may be made
& those legal Measures immediately directed and prosecuted, that
will tend to restore & preserve the Peace.
With great Esteem, I am,

Your most obed<, hble. serv*,

JOHN DICKINSON.
The Honorable The Chief Justice & the other Judges of the Sa*
preme Courts

Lieut. Col. Jobiah Harmab to Pbes. Dickinson, 1785.

Fort Mcintosh, May 1*^ 1785.
Sir,

I have the honor to inclose to your Excellency and the honorable
Council, a monthly Return of the Pennsylvania troops in the Ser-
vice of the United States, dated this day.

If your Excellency & the honorable Council should be of opinion
that it is^necessary to appoint some person for the preservation of this
fort upon the troops marching from hence, and have not already nomi-
nated one for the purpose, I beg leave to recommend M' David
Duncan, of Pittsburg, as a suitable person, and one who is desirous
of taking charge of it.*

Understanding that several Vagabonds had presumed to improve
the lands betwixt this & Fort Pitt which have been appropriated by the
honorable the legislature of the State for the redemption of the de-
preciation Certificates, and apprehending that a removal of them
would meet your Excellency's and the honorable Councirs approba-
tion, (altho' not in the line of duty as a Continental Officer,) 1 have
taken the liberty to detach an Officer with a small party, who has
destroyed their cabbins & driven them from their improvements.
I have the honor to be,
' with the highest esteem and respect,

Your Excellency's & The honorable
Council's most hble. & obed* Serv*,
JOS. HARMAR,
Directed, Lt. Col. Com* !•* Am- Reg*.

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq', president, & The Honora-
ble The Supreme Executive Council| Pennsylvania.

♦ See Col. Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 448.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVKS 1786.

^ f Cftptwa.

§2

1-*

Lietitenatit^

fit

Sorjimnta.

i«

Corporab,

BombaJ^iers.

QuQueri.

■ **

Drra & Fifrt.

MatroBseB,

W«int*g tocoroprt

Ill

-1
1^

-1 -

I-*!-*

Captains,

9'
1

■^

Lieutcn lints.

(^ 1^ ^^

EnaigDS.

Chaplain.

V»

Qr. WftBtw.

Pay Master,

1 Surgeon.

^ Mau.

N-i

^ Qr, Mr. Sety,

t*rt^» SeijftftDU,

wio^ Dr'rB&Firra.

0»pi lb

o « c?<

Present fit for
dtttjr.

1—

e»BOi

8i«k present
Sick absent^
On Command.
Ott EtiT. Ser.
ToUl, includ-
ing Non-Coin.
Officer* k
mnsiG.

sss

fieijeantBp

J— •

1-^

Dr'rs k Fif'rfl.

•^1

|g| „„S |K.i.k A File.:

•

449

1^ 5
Is ^

Bo S

si **

§3 «
""I I

en ^

s §

2. «

I «

g. m

DO M

Is
Is

f8
If

M 00

460 PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVES 1786.

Gov. Clinton of N. Y. to Pres. Dickinson, — ^Boundary,

1785.

New York, 2nd May, 1786.
Sir,

Since I bad the Honor of receiving yonr Excellency's last Letter.

, Philip Schuyler, James Clinton and Simeon De Witt,

Esqnires have been appointed on the Part of this State for running
and ascertaining the jurisdiction Line between your State and this,
80 that nothing now remains to be done, but the appointing a Time
for the commencement of the Business and making the necessary
arrangements for carrying it into execution* I should suppose if
these were to be submitted to the Gentlemen respectively appointed
to perform the service, matters Might be so conoerted by them as
not only to facilitate it and save expences but so as best to suit their
own Private Conveniency. I shall be happy therefore if this senti-
ment should meet with yonr Excellency's Concurrence-
I have the Honor to be. Sir,

your most Obedient Servant,

GEO. CLINTON.*
Directed^

To His Excellency John Dickinson, Esquire, President of the
State of Pennsylvania.

Honored by
Col'o Wilson.

}

John Story to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

Philadelphia, May 8d, 1785.
Sir,

I had the honor of addressing your Excellency under the 14th
ultimo requesting an advance of Cash to enable me to enter upon
the Business of my office. In answer to which Council was pleased
to inform me that it was not then convenient to make the advance,
but if on application to Congress I could not obtain it, that Council
would make the advance upon my Return to this City.

Agreeable to which Intimation I have made application to the
Treasury Board for an advance, but could not obtain it They
informed me there was no cash in the Treasury. I did not apply to
Congress as it would have detained me several days. They being
determined not to take up any private application untill the Business
before them is =t;om pleated.

* See Col. Roc., Vol. XIV., p. 457.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786. 451

My not sQooeediDg at New York obliges me to renew my applica-
tion to Oonnoil, and I am nnder the necessity of requesting that
Ooancil will be pleased to grant me five hnndred Dollars. When I
requested Three hundred Dollars, I did not make a calculation of
the Ezpences I should necessarily be at, and upon making an
Estimate find that the sum now requested is as little as I can pos-
sibly do with.

I have received my instructions from Mr. Milligan, and shall be
ready to proceed to the place of my destination as soon as I can
obtain cash, procure Horses, &c.

I have the honor to be

with great Respect,

your Excellency's most

obedient Hum. Servant,

JNO. STORY.*
IHrectedy

To his Excellency The President of the State of Pennsylvania,

Pres. Dickinson to John Story, 1786.

In Council, May 8d, 1785.
Sir,

To enable you to discharge the Duties of your appointment, we
have in Compliance with the Request in your Letter of this Day,
agreed to supply you with five hundred Dollars.

We wish you to enter upon the Execution of your office as soon
as possible in Washington County, k to proceed thereon through the
Counties of Westmoreland & ' Payette, unless Circumstances shall
hereafter require any alteration of this Direction. "^
Directed J

To John Story, Esquire, additional Commissioner of accounts.

Pres. Dickinson to John Lukbns, S. Gbn., 1786.

In Council, May 8d, 1785.
Sir,

The '^ Act for directing the Mode of distributing the Donation
Lands, promised to the Troops of this Commonwealth,'^ orders that
the surveyor general shall forthwith appoint Deputies for surveying
the Lots therein mentioned.

* See Col. Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 886, 899, 451, 462, and this Vol., p. 426
t See Col. Rcc, VoL XIV., p. 461, 462.

452 PBNNSTLyANIA ARCHIYBS 1786.

We find by a Report made to us this Morning by the Comptroller
General,* that it will be necessary to have the Lots surveyed & laid
ofiF in the following numbers & quantities : that is to say, 177
lots of the first Deseriptiou; eaoh containing 500 acres ; 88 of the
second Description^ each containing 300 acres; 186 of the third
Description, each containing 250 acres } & 2119 of the fourth DesOTip-
tion, each containing 200 acres.

You will be pleased to order your Deputies to take effectual care,
that the Lands remote from the eastern and northern Boundaries of ^
the State shall be first surveyed, & that this may be done in sudi
Manner as may be best. We wish you to avail yourself of all the
Information that can be obtained from Wm. Irvine, £2squire| the
Agent appointed by us in pursuance of the aforesaid Act

We rely upon your Prudence & Attention for giving all the In-
structions to your Deputies when appointed & approved that may be
requisite for carrying the act into execution.
I am with much Esteem, Sir,
yr. most obdt. hble. Servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed,

The Surveyor General.

And'w Ellicott to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

Sir,

By a Letter which I received from Mr. Eittenhouse, dated the
28th of April ; I understand that the Executive Council, (at the
Head of which you preside,) have appointed me one of your Com-
missioners to run the Western Boundary of your State over the
Ohio.f As I have been employed in favour of Virginia on this
business to that River, I find that I can attend with conveniencj
afterward in favour of Pennsylvania. I think it would be proper
to send the Commission either to M' Rittenhouse or Cap* Hutohins,
as it may miscarry by the way of Baltimore. I shall leave this
Place and proceed for the Western Country in two or three Days,
where I expect to meet the above Oentlemen.
I have the honor to be, your

Excellencies Humble Servt.,

AND'W ELLICOTT.

Baltimore, May 4th; 1785.
IHrectedf

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq.; Philadelphia.

♦ Soe CoL Rec, XIV., p. 458.
t 8ee lb. 464, 464.

PENNSTLYANLl ABCHIYSS 1786,

458

A Beturk oe Officers Elected agreeable to Militla

Law of PENNBYLVANIAy 1785.

A Betorn of OflK^ers duly Elected and Nominated ajgreeable to the
Militia Law of the State of PennBylvania.

Wh«n

Kamei.

Rfl£ik.

BattftHoa |

Whm Elected.

Xomiiiateit

Henry R&l],

Lieut,

Fifth,

Aug. 30, 1784.

John Hawkins,

Ucut,,

Do,.

Bept. 11,1784,

Andrew McKiitir«. Ensign.,

Do.,

Do. 2ft, »

John DenbB, 'Captaiii,

Da,,

April 12, 1785.

Loke Homes, Jr*

CapUl%

First,

April ISi -*

John Piflact,

M^OP,

Third,

AprUlS, 1784,

John Woodflide,

Cftptam,

Artillerj

Do. 18^ "

John Rn^k,

Gaptnin,

Third,

Do. £1, »

George Nelson,

Capt. Lt,

AriiHoiT

Do. 25, **

Joeeph H&aftfi«ld,

Lieatettini

Third,

Do. 30, «

Thomme Reynold9,|IiieateiiAiit

First,

Mv 2, 178$.

Henry Waa v^r . Ensign. ,

Do.,

May 2, "

Lambert Wilmer,

list Lieat.,

ArtiUery

May 2, «

City Philada., Lientenants office. May 5th, 1785.

WM. HBNKY, Lt
Direciedj

Hia Ezcelleiicyy John IHckinaon, Esq., President, and the Honor-
able the Supreme EzeoutiTe Goancil, of the State of Pennsylvania.

Pbeb. Dickinsov to Col. F. JoHirsToiTy 1786.

In Council; May 6th^ 1785.
Sir

Ab there are great numbers of Counterfeit Certficatesin Circu-
klion, we wish that the utmost Care may be used by you to guard
against themi in performiguthe Duties required of you by the ** act
for opening the Land office, for granting and disposing of the un-
appropriated Lands within this state.^' r

It IS therefore much to be desired, that tou should immediately
procure from the Continental offices such books or Transcripts as
may prevent any Imposition^ either by nullification of Names or
sums.

I am with great Esteem, Sir,

your most obedH senr't,

JOHN DICKINSON.*
Directed f

Francis Johnson, Esquire, ReeeiTcr General of the Land office.

• See Col. Reo., Tel. J^IY., p. 456,
Vol. X.— 20 ^

464 FiENNSTLYANIA ABOHIYBS 1785.

Pbes. Dickinson to Commissioners on N. Y. BouNDABYy

1786.

GendemeD,

I received the inclosed Letter from Gov'r Clinton* late laat
night ; & as his proposal of a Correspondence between you & tb^
Gommissiqners of the State of New York; appears very proper to be
adopted^ I think it necessary that the Communication should be.
made to you, before you set out on your journey to the westward.

I shall be obliged^ if you will be pleased to return the inclosure
to-day.

I am. Gentlemen,

your very h'ble ser't

May 8th 1785. JOHN DICKINSON.f

Directed^

Dayid Rittenhouse & Andrew Porter^ Esquires.

David RixTENnousH to Pbes. Dickinson, 1785.

^ May 8th, 1785.

Sir, '

I thank yout Excellency for communicating Governor Clinton's
JiCtter. I likewise received one last evening from Mr. De Witt, one
of the Gentlemen apfpointed by the State of New York for asoer-
taining the Boundary Line. He proposes their meeting us at
I'hiladelphia to concert measures for carrying the business into
execution, and wishes to receive our propositions by the next Post,
as he is goinx to set off soon for Albany. He says they must
depend on us for the necessary Instruments. I believe there is no
Instrument fit for the purpose in this part of America excepting the
6 feet Sector belonging to Mr. Penn. But I have been for some
time employed in makmg one which will be muoh more portable
than that of Mr. Penn, and, I doubt not, equally accurate. It
might soon be finished if I was not obliged to go to the westward.

Whether the Northern Boundary may be deferred to another
season Council alone can determine. I wish it might, as it seems
scarcely possible to attend to both this Summer; if not I see nothing
more eliKible than the nlan agreed on via^*, for me to retura some
time in June, But I wisn to remind your Excellency how little my
Constitution is adapted to so much btisuei

I am, Sir, your ExccU'cys,

very Humble Servant,
Directed, DAV. RlTTENHOUSE-t

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esquire.

* See page 460.
t See Col/Beo., Vol. XIV., p. 467. % Ibid.

^^^^^^^^^B^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785. 455

Pbes. Dickinson to David Rittenhouse, 1786.

Secretary's officei

Philadelphia, May 9, 1785.
Sir,.,

Governor Clinton's letter of the 2d of May with the letters whfoh
passed yesterday between you & the President upon it, were this
morning laid before Council — who after reconsidering the subject
have thought proper to direct, -that you & Coll. Porter should pro-
ceed to the westward agreeably to their instructions of the 6th inst
and that you should enter upon an immediate correspondence with
the New York Commissioners and with them, determine when yoa
can proceed to ascertain the northern Line.
I am, Sir^ with great regard

your obed. & very hum. sery't,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed^

David Rittenhouse & Andrew Pof ter, Esq'rs.

Sir,

Sec't Armstrong to Col. J. IIarmar, 1785.

Sec'y Office, Philadera, 10th May, 1785.

nolosed it a second copy of the late Resolutions of Congress for
raising a new Regim*. 1 have also to repeat the requisition of
Council that you would be as early in communicating to them, the
names &c., of such of the officers as choose to continue under the
present arrangement, as possible.

Captain Finney will inform you of another ordinance, providing
for the discharge of the Troops now in service. The time and man-
ner of carrying this into eflfect are committed, to the Secretary of
War — Cpunoil are however of opinioib, that should no order of this
kind reach yon before the enlistment of the Troops expire, you will
render a very important service to the State in keeping the men to^
gether until! the sense of the Legislature qm bo taken upon- the
you mode of raising their proportion of the new Corps. The Assembly
will begin to sit some time in Atlgust. I have also to inform that
under the very improper k unaccountable reduction which has been
made in the pay of the officers — Council have thought it their duty
to bring about if possible a reconsideration* of that p&rt of the Qfdi-
nance k cannot but flatter themselves that such alteration will yet

* Bee page 440.

m PSNNSTLYANIA ABGHIYSS 178Sl

take place as mast make your continuaiice in senrioe as agreeablo ma
they ooeld wiah it

I have the Honor to be

with great esteenii Sir,

y mo. ob* & very Hb. Serv*,*

JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jr., Seo'y.
Dirededf
To Lt. Col. Jouah Harmar.

D. RiTTBKHOUSx, Tbxas., TO Pres. Diceiksok, 1785.

May 10th, 1785.
Sir,

Ton will please to inform Connoil that there is at present about
£7000, of the now paper money Signed and ready to be issued, moat
of the Signers an but just entering on the business, but so many of
them are now engaged that with very little industry they may fur-
nish ;^10,000 % week in future.
I am Sir,

your Humble Serv't,

DAY'D RITTENHOUSE, Treaa.
Directed,
To John Armstrong, Esquure, Seeretaxy.

Pb03. Dickinson to Board of Wardens, 1785.

In Council, Hay 11th, 1785.
Gentlemen,

Inclosed are a Copy of a Contract made this Day with Thomas
Davis in pursuance of your Recommendation, & an order on the
Treasury for four thousand & one hundred pounds payable to you,
for enabling him to erect piers in the Biver Delaware for sheltering
shipping.

As we understand, that putting the Business into this train is
a|^»ble to you. We rely on your knowledge & attention in super-
intending it, so that the aj^reement may be strictly observed, and all
the public advantages denved from it that are expected.
I am Qentlemsn,

your most obed* ServS

JOHN DICKINSON.f
JDirecied,
To the Board of Wardens.

« See pages 440, 457.

t See CoL Reo., YoL XIV., p. 468, 468, 474.

rBNNJStLVANlA ARCHITE8 1785. 457

Pabs. Dickinson to Deleoates in Congress, 178/>.

In GoaDcil, May 11th, 1785.
Oentlemeiii

We are of opinioiii that by the Beaolatioii of Congress of the 12th

of last April, the pay of the Lieut's Col., Major & Captains, &

particularly of the first is reduced too low. We therefore dusire, that

you would endeavour to obtain a Reconsideration of that Besolution.

I am with much respeet^

Oen'tn y mo. obd'* ft very h'ble Servt

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed^
To the Hon'ble thei>elegate8.

Sec't of Congress to Pees. Dickinson, 1785.

Secretary s OflhOi

May 12th, 1785.
Sir,

I have the honor of transmitting to your-Excellencjr an Act of
the United States in Congress assembled for laying out into distjnot
States the western Territory ceded to the Union by individual States,
and stating the principle on which the temporary and permanent
governments of the New States shall be established, also an ordinance
for ascertaining the mode of disposing of lands in the western terri-
tory and subsequent measures tiULcn for canying the ordinance into
effect.

Having received no answer to my letter of the 12th April last,
covering the Acts of the 1st, 7th and 12th of that month, relative to
the raishig a body of troops for the purposes therein mentioiied, I
must beg the favour of your Excellency to communicate to me the
steps taken by your State for raising the quota assigned, that I may
be enabled to make reiM>rt thereofl
With the greatest respect

1 have the honor to be your

Bxcellenoy's most obedient

and most humble Serv't,

CHA. THOMSON.*
JMrerfcJ,
To His Excellency the President of Penni^lvania.

• Bee GqL See., YoL Znr., p. 471, and page 4#e eT-tkls.

468 PENNSTLYANIA ABGHIYBS 178S.

D. RiTTBNHOusB TO V. P. James Irvine, 1785.

May 12tb, 1785.
Dr. Sir,

When the marking a temporary Line between this State and Hew
York was talked of a small astronomical Quadrant was purchased
for that purpose, it is very portable and would be osenil on thb
western lane, not for the purpose of running the Line or fixing the
N. W. Corner but for correcting the Qeography of the Country, as
it is public property and at presentt in my possession I would not
hesitate to take it with me if I wiwi assured that it will not be wanted
by the Gentlemen who were going on the temporary Line. I shall
be much obliged to you ifbr any information on this matter,
your's with great respect,

DAVId' RITTENHO0SB.
Directed,

Hon. James Lrvine, Esquire, Y. President*

Prbs. Dickinson, to Gov. op New Jerset, 1785.

Li Council, May 18th, 1785.
Sir,

We have the Honor to inclose a BesoluUon of the Oeneral
Assembly of this Commonwealth of the thirty first of last March,
concerning an object of much Importance both to New Jersey &
Pennsylvania. *

I am Sir, ^

with great Bespeot, &c.,
Directed,
His E:^cellency, The Gov., of New Jersey.

John Lukbns, S. G., to Secy. ARMSTRONa, 1785.

Surv. Genenh Office, 14th May, 1784.t
Sir,

I received yours of yesterday's date concerning the Commissioninff
persons whose names were sent to Council qn the 5th .Inst.| wou'd
beg you wou'd lay the following facts before Council, — as soon as
Oen. Irvine was appointed agent to explore ihe Donation lands he
came to me and we agreed to divide the same into ten Districts an

* He was elected as miocessor to James Ewing, Nov. 6, 1784. — and re-
signed Oct. 10, 1786. and wMsucceded by Hon. Charles Biddle. See OoL
Eec., Vol. XIV., p. 249, 662.

f Indorsed, May 14th, 1786, which is probably the correct date. I?ee koL
Bee., XIV; p.| i64. ■ t ^hid.

PBNNSYLVANIA AHCHIVES 1786. 469

named the Survejors, foar of whom were officers of the PenDsylva.
Line, and were recommended by their Superior officers, and were
Practical Sarvejors in the back Counties, to which we added Six
more as per List, sent to Oooncil ye 5th Inst, at which time Mr.
Watts coming in, desired me to enter his son's name which 1 did,
and have also sent in the names of James Hoge & Peter Light since
lor fear some of the first ten should disappoint os, four of the first
ten are Commissioned & the others are sent for— «ow why the
eleventh should be pushed in before we hear someUiing from the others
J shoa'd be glad to be informed, unless Council have some objection
to some of the first, especially as Mr. Watts objects to his Sou
coming to town to take out his Deputation, ft ConfeBses he has not
been in the practice of Surveying,

I remain yours to serve,

JNO. LUKENS, 8. a-
IHtecUd,

John Armstrong Junr., Esqr., Secy, to Council, present

Wab Office to Pbes. Dickinson, 1785.

(Cirenlar,)
WarOffice, New York, May 19th, 1785. ■
Sir,

As Secretary of the United Spates for the war department I have
to re<|ue8t that your Excetlenoy will have the goodness to inform mo
of the measures which have been adopted by the State of Pennsyl-
vania to raise the proportion of troops required by the aot of Congreas
of the 12 of April last.

It is importcnt to the public interest that these troops should be
raised as soon as possible as a great part of them are to attend the
commissioners of Indian affairs upon the Wabash or Illinois the d\t^
taoce of whieh places require that the troops should be pat early
into motion that the treaty may be held in due season.
I have the honor to be.
Sir, with the greatest respect,
your Excellency's most obedient humble servant,

H. KNOX.* ^
Directed
His Excellency, the President of the State of Pennsylvania.
War Office H. Knox.

• See CoL Bee, XIY., p. 46<».

4e0 PBNNSTLYANIA ABCHIVES 1785.

Pbes. Dickihson to the C. J. and othke Judgks,
1T85.

In Oonneil, May 2l8^ 1786.

Gr6Dtl6ID61l|

Having on the ieeond Instaat* eomnnnioated to too Infomatkm
of Diainrbanoes of the pnblicF^aeein the County ofNorthnmberland,
we think it proper to transmit to yoo ahx) a Copy of the Report made
to na on the 18th, by the Committee of The General Aaeembly on
the Wyoming BnaineBB whieh yon will now receive with several
Indoenrea.

I am with great Bsteem,

Gentlemen, yonr moat obedt ft hble. Servt,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Dir&ited^

The Honorable The Chief Jnstice; ft the other Judges of the
Supreme Court

Magistbatbs and Sheriff of Northumberland County.

1785.

In Council, May Slst^ 1785.
Gentlemen,

We are informed, that many very outragous Disturbances of the
public peace have lately been committed in yonr County by persona
not claiming Lands under this Commonwealth.

'We expect, that you will properly exercise the authority vested
in you by Law for preserving the Feace, and apprehending, com-
mitting and punishing those who break the same.

We have written to the Judges of the Supreme Conrtf who are
expected to be soon at Sunbury, desiring them when they shall be
there, to make the due Enquiries, ft direct legal Measures to be
immediately prosecuted.

I am, &c., &c.
JHreeted,

The Magistrates & Sheriff of Northumberland County.

Frbs. Dickinson to War Office, 1785.

In Council, May 21st, 1785.
Sir,

This day we have had the Honor of receiving your Letter of the
nineteenth.^

The act of Congress of the 12th of April has been transmitted by
ns to Col. Harmar; and as the general assembly is adjourned to

• Bee page 448. f Bee page 448.

t See page 459,

PENNSYLVANIA ABGHITES 1786. 46JL

the 23d of Aagost, we have given him oar opinion, that if no order
for the Discharge of the Troops reaches him before the Inlistment
expires, he will render an important service to the State, in keeping
the Men together, nntill the Sense of the Legislature can be taken
upon the M^e of raising the proportion of Pennsylvania.

If snch an order for the Discharge of the Troops should be given,
we apprehend, many very considerable Inconveniences will neces-
sarily result from the Measure.
I am Sir,

your most obed't serv't,

JOHN DICKINSON.*

Oenl. Enoz.
Directed^

The Honorable John Dickinson, Esq're, President of the Supreme
Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania.

Thob. Smith, L. 0^ to Pres. Dickissok, 1785.

PhUad'a, May 21st, 1785.
Sir,

The money received on your Excellency's order is nearly paid
away-^please to Issue an order for a further sum.

I have the honor to be with the greatest respeet,

y Excellency's most obed. h'ble Senr.,

THOS. SMITH, CI. L. Office
for the State Pennsylvania.t

Skc'y of Congress to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

Office of Secretary of Congress,

May 31st, 1785.
Sir,

I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency two acts of the
United States in Congress assembled, one passed the 3d November,
1783, directing the paymaster General to deposit in the hands of
regimental agents the Certificiites for the arrears of pay due to the
officers and soldiers of the respective lines of the late army to be by
them delivered to the Individuals or deposited for their benefit as
the supreme Executive of their respective States shall direct. The
other passed the 27th of the present month requiting the Legis-

♦ See Col. Rec, Vol. XIV., p. 4(^6.
t Ibid p. 466.

20»

462 i^ENNSTLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785*.

lature of the respective States to cause the services of the said aeeotsi
to be examined, and make them such allowance as thej may tbiiilt
them entitled to. Your Excellency will be pleased to lay tbesA
before the Legislature of your state and communicate to mo theii
determination, that I may report the same to Congress.
With ffreat Respect

1 have the honor to be

your Excellency's most obedient

and most humble qerv't,
CHA. THOMSON.*
Directed

His Excellency; The President of Pcnsylvania.

Michael Hufpnagle to J. Armstrong, Jr., 1785.

Dear Sir,

Since I wrote you Mr. ThoBpson has furnished me with copy's of
two depositions & a copy of the Bill of Sale for the Ruins of the
Garrison at Pittsburgh, and an Inventory df the purchase, a great
[part] of which, has since that time been made use of for the Garrison
Council will please to direct us how to proceed ; if Council should
be of opinion to have them sold ; I could wish Mr. Trimble to have
the Necessary advertisement inserted in the pitpers & furnish me
with one of the papers. I would just mention, that I think it
would be neeessary for Council to apply to Congress, to order the
Secretary of War, to order the Commanding officer at the time of
his removal to give the possession to such person or persons as
Council shall direct to receive the same ; it may perhaps be a means
of preventing a great deal of trouble.

your very humble Servant,

MJCH. HUFFNAGLE.t

Mr« Thompson is perfectly agreed with any proceedings of
Council.

Hanna's Town, May 6th, 1785.
Directed, — (On Public Service.)

Gen'l John Armstrong, jr. Secretary, Philadelphia.

No. 1.

Deposition of Dorset Penticost,

Fred'k County, ss.

This day came Dorsey Penticost of lawful age before the Com-
missioners appointed by the Honble Assembly and Convention for
'settling the aocts. of the late Expedition tinder Lord Dunmore, &
being sworn upon the holy Evangelists deposeth & sayoth that he

♦ See Col. Rec, Vol. XIV., p. 471, 472.
t See Ibid., 472, 498.

^ -J

mCm

PBNNSTLVAinA ABGHIYES 178S. 46S

taw a Letler from Ge&'l Oage^ dated id the winter 1772, which
■eemed to be an answer to a Bemonstranoe from the Inhabitants of
Fort Pitty desiring to Pnrebaae the Ruins of Fort Pitt ; wherein he
informs them fa^ had reod. a retnm from Major Edmonstone inform-
ing him he had sold the Premises to Alex'r Ross & William
T]M)mpaon, whioh sale was good and by his orders.

DORSET PENTICOST.
Sworn before me^ this 2Sd of Oct, 1775.

ISAAC KITE.
(Copy.)

. No. 2.

DBPOSmoH OF George Roots.

Pred'k Codnty, ss.

This day came George Roots of Lawful age before the Commis-
sioners appointed by the Honble the Assembly & Convention for
settling the Militia accts. of the late Expedition nnder Lord Dun-
more, ft being sworn upon the holy evangelists, deposeth and sayetk
that Alex'r Ross of Fort Pitt shew'd him a Bill of sale from Major
Edmonstone, (who this dcponant understood, Commanded at Fort
Pitt at the time the sale was made) to Alex'r Ross ft William
Thompson for all the Ruins of Fort Pitt, ft its appendages for a
valuable Consideration after the said Fort was dismantled ft
evacuated by the Kings Troops ; and the said Alex'r Ross shew'd
this deponant a Letter from Col. Robinson, who this deponant was
informed was the Barrack Master Gcn'l in America, which Letter
seemed to be in answer to one written by the said Ross to the said
Col. Robinson, where lie Informs bim, 'twas always enstomarv to
sell the Ruins of Forts whenever they were evacuated by the Kings
^ Troops. That the King was never adjudged a vicious intruder but
had a right to sell the Ruins of Forts, whenever left by his Troops,
ft therefore his Purchase was good.

GEO. ROOTS.
Sworn before me, this 23d day of Oct., 1775.

ISAAC KITE.
(Copy.)
No. 8.
Bill of Sale, &o.

Know all Men by these presents Aat I Charles Edmonstono,
Esq., Gapt. in his Majesty's 18tb or Royal Resiment of Foot of
Ireknd, and Commanding at Fort Pitt, for and in oonsidenition of
tbe.mm of Fif(y.Poimc^JH« Xork Cuiieiiqrto.m^iE hand paii

464 PBNNSTLYANIA ABOHITES 1785.

by William Thompson, Gent* in the County of Cumberland, and
IVovince of Pennsylvania, and Alexander Ross, Agent, Vioiaallar
at Fort Pitt ; the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, Have
Bargained and sold on behalf of the Orown & by these presents do
Bargain, sell and deliver nnto the said William Thompson A
Alexander Ross; All the Pickitts, Bricks, Stone, Timber, and IroO|
which now is in the Building or Walls of the Fort, and in the
Redoubts to be demolished by order of his Excellency the Honble
Lieut General Thomas Gage, Commander in Chief of his Majisty's
Forces in North America. To have and to hold the said Bargained
Pickitts, Bricks, Stones, Timber and Iron, unto the said William
Thompson & Alex'r Ross, their Exeoutors, admrs. & assigns forever.
And I the said Charles Edmonstonei in behalf of the crown, shall
and will Warrant & forever defend against all Persons, by these
presents the said Bargained Premises unto the said William Thomp-
son & Alex'r Ross, their Executors and Assiffus. In Witness
wl)ereof, I have hereunto, set. my hand & seal the tenth day of
Octoberi one thouaand seven hundred & seventy-two.

(Signed.) CHA'S EDAIONSTONE, [skal.]

Signed| Sealed & delivered ^ Commanding.

In Presence of, (
JBdm'd Prideaux, f
Edw'dHandJ
1,244,160 Bricks,

Sundry Bricksi &c., remg. in the Gov* House,
Sundry Square & cut Stones in the Walls of the Fort,
2,026 Pickitts,

4;250 Feet of Walnut S9antling,
499 Feet of Plank,
16 Double Frames of Barrack Rooms,
2^880 Feet of Square Timber,

A Square Log House, 50 Feet long,
2 Redoubts, 8 Stacks of Chimneys.

M. HUFFNAGLB TO GbN. J. ARMSTRONG, 1785.

D'S',

I take the first opportunity of informing you to mention to Council
that on the eleventh instant about eight o'clock of the Evening a
Delaware Indian Named Mamaughtaquie on the other side of Alle-
ghany River opposite Pittsburgh, Kill'd one John Smith, & wounded
three Men at the same time — we had him taken, & he is now secured
in the Garrison at this place — we have also had an Inquisition held
it it is found by them Wilfhll Mnrder. Tou'll please to mention
this to Council for them to appoint some Mode for his trial— -as the
Inhabitants request that it might be done as soon as possible for
fear of an escape or forooi as there are but six Men now to guard the

PBNNBTLYANIA ABGHIYBS 1780. 406

Fortt, and if Council should think it Neoessary to Bend for some of
the Ghiefii of his Nation to bo present at the time of trjal.
I have the honor to be

your most oVt H'ble SerVt,

MICH. HUFFNAGLE *
•. Pittsburgh, May 13th, 1785.
Directed,

(On Public Service,)

To Gen'l John Armstrong, Jr., Secretary, to the Supream
Szecutiye Council, Philadelphia.

Col. J. Habmar to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

Fort Mcintosh, May 24th, 1786.
Sir,

I was honoured last evening with your Letter of the 26th ult%
inclosing me the late resolution of Congress respecting a new
arrangement of the Corps.

Inclosed be pleased to receive a list of the Officers who are wil-
ling to continue upon the present establishment If two Captains
only are to be appointed, I would beg leave to recommend seniority.

Lieut Herbert has been suspended in his command the chief part
of the time since the Corps was raised, and in my opinion is unworthy
of command.

The reduction of the Pay of the Officers appears to be rather par-
simonious. What tho views of Congress may be, in abridging the
pay, the Officers know not If hi^ Excellency the President & the
Honorable the Council should think proper to continue me, I am
willing to remain upon the present arrangement.

Pay & Subsistence (any further than to support the rank & Dignity
of an Officer,) I despise.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

your most obedient & very h'ble Serv't,

JOS. HARMAR, Lt Col. Com.f
Directed,

To the Honorable John Armstrong, Esqr., Secretary to Council,
Philadelphia.

Hon'd ^ Lt Doyle.

* See Col. Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 471. f I^^^- ^'^i 4^-

J^SKNatLYAKtA AftCBiVSB 178&

Names and Rank of the Officers of tlie PennsyiTaiiia Line, Who are
at present in the serviee of the Ubited States and are wiUiBg fe
remain npon the Estahlishment agreeable to the Act of Congress,
of the 7th of April, 1785.

Names. |

Rank. [Dates of appointmcBta.

Josiah Harmar,

Lieutenant Colonel,

12th August, 1784.

Walter Finney,

Captain,

12th August, 1784.

David Zeigler,

CapUin,

12th August, 1784.

William McCnrdy,

Captain^

12th August, 1784.

Thomas Douglass,

Captain,

12tb August, 1784.

Joseph Ash ton.

Lieutenant.

12th August, 1784.

Stewart Herbert,

Lieutenants-

12th August, 1784.

Erkuries Beatty;

Lien tenant,

12th August, 1784.

Thomas Dovle,
John Armstrong,

Lteutenaot|

12th August, 1784.

Ensign,

12th August, 1784.

Ebeneier Denny,

Ensign,

12th August, 1784.

Nathan McDowell,

Ensign,

21st October, 1784.

John McDoweU,

Surgeon,

12th August, 1784.

Riohard Allison,

Mate.

12th August, 1784.

JOS. HARMAR,

L< Col. Com't

Fort Molntoeb, May 24th, 1785.

Bob. OaiiBEAIth to Pass. Dickinson, 1785.

Pittsburg May 25th, 1785.
His Excellency John Dickinson Esquire.,

May it please your Excellency the Indian, who is now confined in
the Garris<fti at this plaoe is anxious to be tried as speedily as may
be, and receive the doom he so justly deserves. The Militia of
Washington County, have made two attempts to break the Dungeon
where ho is confined, and Tommihawk him. Captn. Luoket who
Commands the Garrison at this plaoe, has but four Men, who are
not sufficient to keep Gentry over him, even supposing no attempts
were made to rescue him. The Inhabitants therefore have b^n
obliged to mount Guard for some nights past until! a few Men were
sent by Colonel Harmar from Mcintosh to our relief.

Last Saturday night the first attempt was made by near fifty men
armed with Rifles and axes, who had about eleven o'clock at night
forced their way into the Garrison, but through the vigilance of
Capt, Lucket and his few men, the Justices and other Citizens, they
were dispersed without any Damage being done. Next Monday mor-
ning between Daybreak and sunrise^ another party, consisting of

PENNSYLVANIA ARCfllVEB 1786. 467

tbirty or thereabouts, were discovered by Captn, Lucket and CoIoDel
Butler within a few yards of the Oarrisoo Gato, they had got be-
tween them and the Gate before they were disoovered, and upon
Captn. Luckets ordering the Gate to be shut a number of them pre-
sented their Rifles cock'd to his Breast, when one of the Justices of
the peace began to Read the Riot act, they presented their Guns at
him in the like manner, in this situation the Inhabitants exerted
themselves and disarmed them without any lives being lost.

A number of them ran off immediately, others were taken and
disarmed, but refusing to give Bail, the Justices wrote their Com-
tnitnfient, but some how they made their escape from the under
sheriff leaving behind them a number of Gun?.

In this situation I earnestly request your Excellency to Gom-
missonate two more Gentlemen of this place, to try the Indian with-
out delay, and if your Excellency and the Honourable Council
would think proper, to send his Death warrant at the same time by
way of Dispatch, it would sooner ease the minds of the people.
There can be no doubt of his conviction. I was one of the Inquest
held upon the Body of John Smith, and heard all the evidence. Since
Smith Died, another of the Men wounded, named Benjamin Jones
has also Died the eight or ninth Day after he was stabbed, the other
two it is thought will recover.

The Indian's name is Mamaehtagwin, m English the Hurrican,
the most violent and Bloody Catiff of the Delaware Tribe.
I have the honor to be,
with due respect and edteem,

your Excellency's most obed. humb. servt.

ROBERT GALBRAITH.

Michael Huffkaqle to James Irvine, 1785 •

Dr. Sir,

Since I wrote yon last concerning the Murder committed by the
Indians, we have had several disturbances here by the Militia of
Washington County. Last Saturday about eleven o'clock at Night
a party of thirty Nine entered the Garrison & took possession of the
Ordinance & demanded the Commanding officer Captain Luckett to
deliver up the Prisoner to them. After some dispute & reasoning
about the matter they went off in this party, whom that we Knew,
Philp Ross, John Bill, Linett, Sellers, George Red-

man. A second party appeared again on Monday morning a little after
sun rise & took the Commanding officer prisoner & were marching
him off, when through the exertion of the Inhabitants & five or six
Soldiers he was relieved & Seven of the party taken prisoners & dis-
armed three of whom to wit, Joseph McDermett| William Yanghan,
ft Isaac Justiee entered into Recognisance for their appearance to

468 PENNSTLYANIA ABCHIYBS 1785.

answer wben called on-— one Kennedy, Williams, & two Longs,
were committed to Costodj of the Deputy Sheriff Mr. Sample, while
he was preparing to take them off they made their escapes. OoL
Harmar on my application has sent to this place Captain McCurdy
irith a party of Men as a Guard nntill we shall hear from GonncU
(if it can be) I would wish a special Commission to be sent for the
trial of the prisoner at this plaee & a Blank Death Warrant The
above named Williams is an officer of Militia, in Washington County
and it appears by Testimony that he in a regular manner warned
ont the last party on a tower of duty.

I also wish to mention for you to inform Council that since I
wrote you last, Craig & Bayard have brought an Ejectment by Mr.
Brackenridge against Captain Luckett for the mirrison at this place
he requested me to mention this that the Honble Council may take
order thereon & if necessary to ffive instructions to the agents con-
cerning the same, he says that he has no orders from Congress for
leaving the post & untiU he receives such order, he is determined
to remain in possession, the Indians lately have committed several
Murders & Robberies down the Ohio Biver, one of the Men that the
Indian wounded on the Beserv'd tract opposite this place is since
dead.

I have the Honor to be,

your very Hble. Servt.

MICH. HUFFNAGLE.

Pittsburg, May 27th, 1785, Genl. Armstrong, jr.

Managers op State Lottery to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

State Lottery Office, May 81st, 1785.
May it please the Council,

We beg leave to inform your Honorable Board that on the 12th
Instant we compleated the drawing of the Lottery. That 6869
Tickets being unsold were drawn at the risque of the Lottery.

That 12 TickeU were given as gratuities, k that the remaining
8619 were disposed of at 4 Dollars each making the
Sum of 14476

That the Prizes drawn by those
8619 Tickets amounted to 12170

The deduction from which being 1845 45
there remain to be paid in Prises 10344 45

The Produce of the first Class is therefore Dolls. 4131 |§

The strictest compliance with the Orders of Council as to the

time of drawing this Class & the punctuality with which the Prises

PBNNSTIVAinA ABCHIVSS 1786. m

have been paid seem to have given general eatisfaotion and we are
of opinion that a abort day being fixed for tbe drawing of tbe
aeoond Glaaa will very mnch eontribute to ito snoeeaa. We ahall
be ready to proceed by the 2d Day of Angnat next if Council
approve thereof

We have thr Honor to be

with the greatest respeet

your moat obed. hnmb. ServantSy
M. HILLEOAS;
B. FULLER,
MATTH. CLABKSON.
JOtreeted,
The Honorable Sapreme Execotive CooneiL

Ck)L. Job. Haema& to Pbes. DiokutsoNi 1786.

Fort Melntoah, June lit, 1786.
Sir,

I have the honw to inclose to your Exoelleney & the honorable
Council a monthly return of this date of the Pennsylvania troops in
the service of the United States.

. In consequence of tbe resolution of Congress of the 7th April
last, I am daily expecting instructions from vour Excellency ft the
honorable Council to discharge the men, ana to reenlist for three
Tears, such as are willing to serve — ^The reduction of the officers pay,
in our humble opinion, ia very parsimonious— The pay of the
aoldiers (provided regular monthly or weekly payments take place)
is quite aufficient.

I have the honor to be

with the highest esteem ft respect

your Excellency's ft the Honorable Council's
most h'ble ft obed't serv't,
JOS. HABMAB, Lt. Col. Com'd Ist A. Begt.*
Direeied,

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq', president ft The Honorable
The Supreme Executive Council^ Pennsylvania.
Honored %^ )
Oen'l St. Clair. J

* See CoL Ree., Vol. XIY., p. 478.

47Qv

EBNNSTPfYANU ARCJWTB8 1781.

O
H

i
I

.OQ

;§

OQ m *f

SB ^JS

-« ^§
n

55 g "

§s

- I'S -"is ^

-.-i .; ! -.la.*^ •d* dii<r 7^ ''S-S g
cot ^«iir4i>*4iv>^.«lim( |g IK^ ^

fl 1 -^M^^^H

\' S*- 15

1 f| 111

H III

'^^J]A-^^JAQ

■if|Ul!E>|j3>3

■ *

■4ag -41^3 no 1

^^4

^pirBttimoo no [

711^11 HOIS 1 ^ ^

■ 1

'^aaawd ^(3|8

« f-i (?1 T ii3

■Xinp
aojig jnM34(I

00 O CO

Mif

'^-'Jij'^^'i.Jrt

" i-ioic^

■filuuapog

M ■* ?M Oi

■illi>r)<n-)iiaM 1 '^

pnB [sjaa'so]

" —

Tj^Sr J.K J.f)

l-<

»-(

'jijHttj^ J«a 1 I

'flSBgyjltilVT

'J.^sTif^'j^nh

' '

P.^J!J^8Ma ^ I

«1

*niar<I*^.^

^Bjaanno " |

^RtiSieti^ 1 -^'^^ «

ai^jpjvqiuosi ^ "^ 1

■n

'siuwuajnjji j

'iq:»iodjoo ** 1

^BUIH^dll^ - iTHf ^ 1 c^

-flIiraBtUaf;

«Q

ip.uiaiw)

i-t

novjaainaiT

«-<

£1

^BWidvo

i-»

rri

£.3:3

i
II

il 1

1
3

PENNSYLVANIA AECHIYES 1785. 471

Sec'y Armstkonq to Jamiss Wilson, 1785.

Philad'a, Secretary's Office^ 2 June, 1785.
Sir,

I havQ the boDor to inclose a copy of the Report of a Committee
of the GcD. Assembly appointed by a resolution of the 8th of April
last '' to enquire into the state of the Inhabitants of Wyoming re-
'* spectiDg the disputes & disorders subsisting there, with a number
of papers to which it refers.

I am, with the greatest respect

your most obedient servant,

JOHN ARMSTHONG, Jr., Seo'y.
Directed,

Hon. James Wilson, Esq.

MoKB. De Marbois to Prbs. D1CEIN8OK, 1786.

A New York, le 4 Juin, 1785.
Monsieur,

J'ai rhonneur d'iuformer Votre Ekcellence qu'en cons^uenoe de
la n^cessit^ oik j'ai ^t^ de suivre le Congr^ k New York, j'ai nomm6
mon fr^re pour remplir h, Philadelphie los fonctions de Vioe-Oonsul
aupr^s de I'Etat de Pensylvauie: les resolutions du Congr^ da
14. 1^^ 1781 prescrivent la forme dans laquoUo oette nomination
doit ctre rcndue publique, et en conformity h ces resolutions j'ai
rhonneur de vous prier d'accorder au S. Pierre Frangois Barhi de
MarhoU son Exequatur en qualiti de Vice- Consul auprh$ de I'Etat
de Fennyhanie, et de vouhir bien en f aire f aire la publication dans
les gazettes suivant la forme usitde,

Je suis avec respect et une consideration distinguee.
Monsieur,

De Yotre Excellence

Le tr6s humble et tr^ obeissant serviteur
DE MARBOIS.

Proposals for BuiLDma Piers at Marcus Hook, 1785.

Proposals for Building & compleating Peers at Marcus hook of the

following Dimentions, viz.,

The first Pear to be sunk opposite to Robert Moulder's wharf
sixty feet by 26 feet at top, the space between it & Moulder's wharf
40 ft. sleepers to be laid over the space & plancked with 2^ In. X)ak'
plank. ^

472 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786.

The Second peer to be sunk 30 feet distant & opposite the finft^
70 by 30 feet at top^ sleepers to be laid over the space & plancked
with 2i Oak planck.

Thiid & fourth pears of the above dimentions spaces^ ft diatanoM
the same, also the sleepers & platforms alike.

Fifth, Moulders wharf to be made 10 ft. wider on the sOuth side.

The whole of the work to be compleated In a workman like
manner, with the three upper rounds of heart pine or white Oak
Logs ; Including, timber. Iron work, filling & everj other ezpenee
attending the s' work ; for the sum of Five thousand seven hundred
pounds to be paid in specia, & in the following manner, That is to
say, the sum of One thousand pounds, down, fifteen hundred pound,
when the two Inside pears are aunk, fifteen hundred pounds when
the two outside pears are sunk, five hundred pounds when Ike
inside pears are raised to high water mark & filed aocordinclj, five
hundred pounds when the outside peaTB are raised to high water
mark and filed accordingly, & the Sum of Seven hundred poonda
when the whole of the work phall be compleatly finished.

The two inside pears, platforms & Moulder's wharf widened to be
compleated on or before 25 day of December next ensuing.

The two outside pears & platforms to be compleated on or before
the 25 day of December^ 1786.

JOSHUA HUMPHREY, Jan.*

June 8| 1785.
Directedj

The Board of Wardens for the port of Philadelphia.

Sec'y of Congress to Prbs. Dickinson, 1785.

1;^ 0£&ce of Secretary of Congress,

^' June 9th. 1785.

Sir,
\^ I have the honor of transmitdng to your Excellency sn act of the

, United States in Congress assembled for the relief of the offieer8|

Soldiers and Seamen who have been disabled in the service of the
■V- United States during the late war.

As the condition of many of these unfortunate men who haTo

a claim not merely on the humanity, but on the gratitude and justioe
'Jj of their Country, demands immediate attention, I have the firmeal

confidence that the state of Pennsylvania will take the earlieel
•^ opportunity of making the provision recommended in the inoloeed

^ • act.

Having received no answer to my letter of the 12th April Isiek
*> covering the acts of Congress of the Ist, 7th & 12th of that montli

* flee Col. Beo., XIV. p. 474.

PENNSTLVANIA ABGHIYES 1785. 478

relative to the raising a bodj of Troops for the parpoeea therein
nentioned, I most eoDtinae mj request that joor Ezoellencj would
be pleased to communicate to me the steps taken by the state of
Pennsylvania for raising the quota assjgnedi that I may be enabled
to make report to Congress.

With the greatest respect

I have the honor to be

your Excellency's

most obedient and

most humble servant,
CHA. THOMSON *
JDirecledf

His Excellenoy; the President of the Commonwealth of Penn-
sylvania.

Journal of Congress missing, via. :
From January Ist, 1779, to Janury Ist, 1780.

November 3d, 1782, to November 8d, 1783.

June 1784| from page 814 to the Adjournment of Congress;
Trenton.

From the meeting of Ooogrses at Trentotti oa to the 2d day
el February, 1785.

Opinion ov Hon. Gko. Bryan, 1785.

Philadelphia, 10^ June, 1785.
Sir,

You were pleased to ask pn^ opinion concerning the tryal of the
Indian named Mamachtagwin, who is prisoner at Pittsburgh,
charged with the murder of ouq, if not two, white men, whose names
are not fully given : that is to say, how, where, & by what authority
the Homicide should be inquired of and adjudged.

The letter you put in my hands from Robert Galbraith, Esquire,f
is so very bare of oircumstance.^, that it will be difficult to consider
the case with the precision it ought.

Even the County where the fiust was perpetrated, is not given : But
if it be supposed that it happened within Westmoreland, another
question arises, was it remote from inkabitanU J For if it were, then
the tryal should be in the County of Philadelphia ; otherwise it must
be in the proper County.

By what you dropt about this matter, I surmise that it passed on
the north «r northwest of the Ohio, not far from Pittsburgh ; conse-
quently noi tvnaU from inhahitanUf as the Act of 1744, (see page

* Set CoL, Ree., Vol. XIT., p. 478.
t See page 406,

474 PENNSYLVANIA AROfllVES 1786:

200 of RoBB df Galloway's oompilemeni of the Acts of Assetnblj of
th« late Province,) looaely has it. Aud 1 am clear, that if there be
anj doobt on this head, the doubt shoold be decided in favour of
iryal by the Vicinage, which is according to common law. I am of
opinion, that the Indian, if he demands it, has a right to a party
Jury, half foreigners. W" Penn, the fonnder, in 1688, established
something of this nature, in respect to damages done by Indians ;
and I have in my memory some traces of a tryal formerly at Chcsteri
of an Indian for rape, where six Indians were called in. The law,
however, concerning mediatatem lingusd, does not require that the
aliens be of the nation to which the accused belongs.

Your difficulty does not, however, arise upon the point stated &
discussed alrejtdy. It is rather upon the authority of the I^sideni
& Council t6«>i8sne a special Commission to persons who are not
judges of the Supreme Court to hear & determine concerning this or
other similar cases. The Justipes.of the Supreme Court, above two
years ago, were questioned by the President & Council on this head^
& I then gave my'opinioD^in the affirmative, with reasons for it* To
this I beg leave to refer. There need little be added now, unlesri
* that it appears by the Act of 1744, above recited, that the judges of
the Supreme Court were not, at: the passing of ity supposed to be the
only justices of Oyer^ Terminer & goal delivery, competent to try'
eapital oflfences. The practice was not 'unknown before the Revo-
lution, & a capital punishment was inflicted at 6edford| since the
revolution, by virtue of a Commissioa of this nature.

M' Galbraith's Idea of sending up the death warrant before trial,
is extravagant. But by the common law, the Court which tries
should pronounce judgment & award Execution thereof also ; & the
Act for the advancement of justice, section G***; enables the judges to
av^ard & order Execution to be done.

The Reference to Council, & the Warrant from the honourable
board for the actual execution, is but an usage introduced by a spirit
of Clemency, & more suitable to the State of Pennsylvania formerly,
wh^n the Province consisted of three small Counties, than it is at
pre£ent. It may be easily dispensed with by Council; nay the
judges ought, upon proper cause, to disregard it. In England, a
similar usage is confined to Middlesex, for in the other Counties,
the judges direct the Executions, but on special occasions, respite
tin the' Supreme Executive shall interpose, if it see proper.

The Act for setting bff the County of Westmoreland, directs that
the courts for said County be holden in the House of Rob^ Uanna,
which I suppose is at Hanna's Town.

This should be the place of judgment, if it be not altered by some
later law.

It would be prudent to make the Commission (if Council see fit to
issue one,) special to the very case, & to limit the power to the
the tryal of the Indian now in custody, by name, & the homicides
♦ Soo pages 17-20.

raNNSTXTAKlA AltCBXVfiS im. 47«

already oonmitied. The nameSi indeed, of the pereon ot peraons
•lain, should also he speeifyed } hat perhaps those are not transmitted i
The above is my present view of this Sabjeot What I have said
is rather hanriedi as yon wished for an early answer. Perhaps the
County Courts of pleas & sessions^ are more expressly fixed to Han-
lia's house^ than the Supreme & Oyer & Terminer; for capital matters.
I am^ Sir,

Your most obed. serr^i

GEO. BRYAN.
To the honorable John Whitehill; Esquire.

Managers of State Lottebt to Council, 1785.

May it please the Council :

We have sold two hundred Tickets in the second Class of the
State Lottery ; the fortunate in the Jirsty have generally received
their Prise l^loocy, ft wani to know the Day when the drawing' of
the second Class will oommeneei before they will renew their Tickets.
We beg leave to offer it as our opinion, that if Council should
Hiink proper to fix upon the seventh Day of September next; that a
very large proportion of the Tickets would by that Time be dis-
posed of.

We have the Honor to bOy '
with the greatest reftpect,

May it please, the Council,
, their most obedient, humb. Serv^,

M> HILLEGAS, ^

B. FULLER, y Managers.

MATTH. CLARKSON. )

State Lottery Office, June 10, 1785'.
Directed^

The Honorable The Supreme Executive CounoiL

BntTH op Dutt of Normandy, 1786. *

(Cirsolar.)
Office for foreign affairs, 14th June, 1785^

I have the Honor of informing your Excellency that Oonmss
have received a Letter fWHn his most Christian Majesty, dated the
27th March last, announoing the Birth on that Day of a Prince
whom ho had named Dokeof Iformandy.

m nSNNSlTLYANIA ABOHITBS .1780.

A0 M$ Bveol adds to the HappioMS ef • King ft • FtopI* wfct
bave given many importaDfc Proofa of Friendahip for our nalioB, tt
miut natimdlj excite thai Pleat are, whiek generoua minds alvajfl
deriTe firom the Pvoaperitj of their FrieadB and BenelMton.
I have the Honor to be,

with great Reapeot, your
Excellency's Host obdt.
k very hiimble Seryant,

JOHN JAY ♦
Directed f
His Exoellencyi the President of j^e State of Pennsylvania.

Pbbs. Digeinsok to Fbakcis Morales, 1785.

In Oonnoil, June 24tb, 1785.
Sir,

On receiving yonr Letter of the 22nd Instant, we ImmediaMy
made inquiry concerning the Case of the Sailor, whose Diaehaiga;
yon have been pleased to reqoest.

We find that he has been convicted of an heinons oifonoe, and
sentenced to pay a heavy fine, bat npon yonv sollicitation, wa haw
nnanimonsly agreed to pardon him^ on Condition that he instantly;
depart from this State to some place beyond the sea, and that he
shall not return into this State or any of the United States of
America.f

I am, Sir, your

most obdt. hblo Servt.
Directed^
The Honorable Francis Morales, Esquire.

Prbs. Dickinson to Francis Morales, 1785.

Philadelphia, June 26, 1786.
Sir,

Mr. Thomas Shields a respectable Gitiaen of this State complains
to me, that his Servant Alexander Wilson has lately sone from his
House without his consent, atd irnow on board the Frigate under
your command.

I'his Lad has near three years to serve by virtue of a solemn
Contract before a Magistrate, for which aervice Mr. Shield has paid
a considerable sum of Money, as the Instrument of writing testifies

♦ See Col. Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 488^
t Col. Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 484.

PENNSYLVANIA ABOfilVBS 1786, 477

and having been seen on board the Frigate |by M' Wield's, as appears
from his Oath regularly administered. I trust that upon this
Representation of Facts, jou will give effectual Orders for the im-
mediate Delivery of the servant to this Master.
I have the Honor to be,
with great Bespect, Sir,
your most obdt. Servt.,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed^

The Honorable Francis Morales, Esquire.

Prbs. Dickinson to Delegates in Congress, 1785.

In Council, June 27th, 1785.
Ckntlemen,

Mr. Shields a Citisen of this State complains that the Spanish
Frigate that sailed yesterday from this Port for New York has-
carried away hia servant. Inclosed are a Letter to the Captain on
the subject, his answer, Mr. Shields' Deposition, a Copy of the In-
denture, & a Description of the servant

We are the more surprised at this Conduct, as at the sollicitation of
Hr. Morales a few days ago, wo released and gave up to him one of his
sailors, who had been convicted of a heinous offence & sentenced to
pay a large fine.

We request that you will be pleased to make instant & earnest
application to the Minister of Spain, for redress of this injury;
and we confide in his Character, that be will take Care that Justice
be rendered.

I am with great Regard,

Gentlemen, your most
obedient Hble. Servt.,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed,
. The Honorable The Delegates of Pennsylvania.

Pres. Dickinson to Delegates, 1785.

In Council; June 28th, 1785.
Gentlemen,

We desire you will procure Directions to be given by Congress to the
Commanding Officer at Pittsburg, that on his Removal from that
Place he deliver up the Possession thereof to John Ormsby, Michael
Vol. X.— 21

m PSNNSTLYANIA ABOHIVES 1785.

Haffnagle, John Proctor, Thomas Galbraith & Robert Galbnuth, Oir
■ome of the Citizens of this State.

I am, ivith great Respect, Gentlemen,

yonr most obedt. hble. Serrt.

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed^

The Honorable, The Dele^tes of Pennsylvania.

CONFIBMATION OF FRENCH V. CONSUL, 1786.

Pcnnsylyania, ss. The Sapreme Executive Council of the Comndon-

wealth of Pennsylvania.

To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting..

Whereas, The United States in Congress assembled, on the 14th
of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
and eighty one, did

<< Resolye, That untill the ratification of some GoTention between
'< His most Christian majesty and The United States, oonoeming
'< vice Consular Power, every Vice Consul of His most Christian
'< majesty, shall upon the application of the Consul appointing him,
'^ to the Supreme Executive Power of the State to which he may be
<< sent, receive the Exequatur, in like form with the Exequatur do-
<< livered to a Consul, mutatis mutandis, and thereupon the same
« proceedings shall be had with respect to publication.^' And the
Honble. Monsieur Francis de Marbois, Consul of France for the
State of Pennsylvania and Consul General for the United States of
America having appointed the Sieur Pierre Francis Barbe de Mar-
bois to be Vice Consul for the State of Pennsylvania and -in Con-
formity to the foregoing act of Congres, requested that the said
Pierre Francis Barbe de Marbois may receive an Exequatur
accordingly. It b hereby declared that the priviledges, preeiQincnce
and authority belonging to the Character and quality of Vice Con-
sul are due to him the said Pierre Francis Barbe de Marbois.

Given in Council under the hand of His Excellency John Diddn-
Bon Esquire, President, and the seal of the State at Philadelphia this
thirtieth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and eighty five.

Attest.
Indor$edj

June 80th, 1786.

Sbo't ARMSTRONa TO Skc'y of War, 1786.

Seo'js Office, Phila. June 30, 1785.
Sir,

In answer to yonr Letter of the 23d Instant, I have the orders of
Council to inform you that it is with sreat Gonoem, they ander>-
stand, that the Troops of this State under the Command of CoL
Harmar are to he discharged by order of Congress, after the
Communications made to the Secretary at War by their Letter of
the 2lBt, of last Month, and that the Circumstances will not permit
:The General Assembly to be conTened before the Time to which
they stand adjouraed.

I am with great regard,

Sir, your obdt. senrt

JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jr.,
Directed,
Joseph Carleton Esq., Dep. Secy., at War.

Col. Jos. Harmab to Pbbs. Bicktsoos^ 1785.

Fort Mcintosh, July 1st, 1786.
Sir,

I have the honor to enclose to your Ezoelleiicy k the Honorable
Council a monthly return of this date of the Pennsylvania Troops
in the Service of the United States.
I have the honor io be,

with the highest esteem & respect,

your Sxoellency's k The Honorable Council's
most hble. & obed. Servt

JOS. HARMAR,
Lt. Col. Comd. Ist A. Beg.
Directed f

His Excellency John Dickinson Esc^r, president, k The Honor-
able The Supreme Executive Council, Pennsylvania.
Honr'd 1^ Capt. Douglass.

480

PBNNSTL7ANIA ABOBIYViS 1381.

joiMjM^fH 12^^

/'JJTd ^b^lJO

B^nv^Cia^ [

'Dtsnm
■pifipni j^X_

pn^mmo^QQ |

tjDftBqv ^lOTg I

'^TI0B3jd i[aig I

a 1 *M Jt J ^ BJ^J(T I ^ <=

a; -]Qftft 'fg j^fi I ^

'9]a¥9Ciag j

-a^nH I ^

'noaSifig I "■

3 ua^Bp;^ /pj

^^aisui^ iX}

-«[iiv|il«T^)

^aagsatta

'g^uwa3;nat';[

'Bat«)d-03

'IPaipincauraQ

^ i

f^'S s

a;a^dgiQOQ^ jtiBj^ J

dad

56S

-atstim £4 (

'BJBBOJ^«ij I

fljjjj^^fij^jgjj

■Bj^atmQ 1 °^

^ajojfiipqtnog I

-B]<Jf>djOQ^|^

'B)uvaCt»^

*s;mra*^na!7

'STJlW^dlPQ

f~i J r^

0 &

PBNNSTLVANIA ABCHIVBB ITSS.^ 481

John Nicholson to Prbs Diokihbok; 1785.

Comptroller Oenerals Office,

Juljr 7th, 1785.
Sir,

AccordiDg to the directioiie of the Hon'ble The Counoil, I here-
with inoloee the Copies of all The Aoooants of Robert HorriS|
Esquire, which are in controverqr, and that the supreme Court may
have the fullest Information, I have also inclosed copies of this
several papers herewith connected. ;

I have the Honor to be

with the greatest rei^Mot,

Sir, joar most Obed't

'ft very Humble Servant

JOHN NICHOLSON .♦
Dirteted,

To His Excellency the President in Council.

Tbustbks of Loan Omcs to Pbss. Dickinson, 1785.

Sir,

' The Trustees of the Loan OSoe appointed by an aet of Assembly,
April 4th, 1845, are almost certain that unless further Measures
are taken, no Money will be in the Treasury for Loaning the
Fifty Thousand Pounds directed by the said act for that purpose,
owing entirely to the ncffleot of many oi the Signers of tho said
Bills of Credit. The Trustees therefore wish that the Hon'ble
Supreme Executive Council would be pleased to order the persons
appointed to sign the said BiUs, to proceed therein as directed by
Law.

We have the Honor to be

with great Kespect your

Bxceilency most Humb* Serv*,

GEORGE SCHLOSSEBy
BOBBRT SMITH,

8 JOS. DBAN.f

Directed^

To Hu Excellency The Presid't in Council.

Indanedf

July 8th, 1786.

• See Coh Bee., ToL XIY., p. 495^ 406.
t Ibid. p. 496.

482 PSNNSTLYANIA ABOHIVBS 178&

(Pbes. Dickinson to Hbnbt Antbs, Shbriff, 1785.

In Oonncil; July 12th, 1785.
Sir,

At a Confereoee yesterday with the Honorable the Judges of the
Supreme Court, they produced several Depositions representing your
Conduct as very eztracfrdinary & detrimental to the Peace of jour
County. We therefore thins it our duty immediately^ & in the
strongest manner to enjoin your instant & effectual Execution of
any process against offenders at ornear Wyoming that' has or shall
come to your hands ; & that for this purpose, and also to enforce
due Obedience to the Laws of the State, you forthwith repair to that
Place, where We understand, many persona are collected in a riotoua
manner, having injured seyend peaceable Citizens & threaten fvirther
to injure them.

Tour own prudence will dictate to you, how interesting your
Behaviour on this occasion must necessarily be to yourself aa well
as to the State.

I am Sir,

y'r very H'ble Serv't,

JOHN DICKINSON.*
Directed,
To Henry Antes, Esc^r., Sheriff of the Co. Northumberland.

Pres. Dickinson to David Mead, 1785.

In Council, July 12tb, 1785.
Sir,

We have received your Letters of the fifth & seventh Instant, &
have examined William Wilson the person by whom you sent the
last. ^ .

Yesterday a Conference was neld with the Judges of the Supreme
Court ; and thereupon every Measure has been adopted, that waa
thought most proper for enforcing a due Obedience to the Laws.
I am Sir,

your most obed't Serv't,

JOHN DICKINSON.f
DireeUdf
To David Meade, Esquire.

* Ses Col. Rae., Yal. XIV., p. 499.
t Ibid. p. 499. .

PSNNSTLYANIA ABOHIVBS 1786. 488

Hon. Arthur St. Clair to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

Philad% July 16% 1785.
Sir,

Having beard tbat tho Agents for forfeited Estates for the County
of Westmoreland are about to sell the Buildings in Fort Pitt as the
property of Alexander Ross, an attainted Traitor, permit me to in-
form you that no part of tho Buildings which were leffe standing in
that Fort at itl^ evacuation by the British ever were Mr. Ross's Pro-
perty. A Part of them belongs to me by Grant from General Gage
and part to other People, and some buildings have been erected
therein since it has been occupied by the United States. The Ruins^
which consisted of the Materials of a very good House that was
pulled down ; the Revetment of Rampart and Parapet — a squared
log Redoubt and a number of Piquets or Pallisades were purchased
by Mr. Ross and the late Oenl. Thomson, for I think the Sum of
fifteen or eighteen Pounds, but during the Residence of the One and
the Life of the Other, no Claim was set up to the Buildings that
were on foot. Tho dispossing of the Houses by the Agents may
embarrass the Owners as well as the purchasers, and for my Part I
am not inclined to sell mine at all. Should Council desire it I will
wait upon them to give fuller Information, and in the mean time
have to request that the Sale may be ordered to be postponed.

I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect, Sir,
your most ob^ient humble servant,

A' S* CLAIR.*

Indorsed. "^Co^ J to the Agents — acknowledge the receipt of their
letter — they to postpone the sale of the ruins at Fort Pitt
Directed^

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esquire, President of the State
of Pennsylvania.

COL. JOSIAH HaRMAR TO Sbc'T ARMSTRONG, 1785.

Fortfflclntosh, July 17th, 1785.
Sir,

I have been honor'd with your favor of the 10th May, enclosing
me a duplicate copy of the Resolutions of Congress for raising a new
Regiment — Likewise with another letter of the 10th June, inform-
ing me of the Requisition from the War Office respecting the num-
ber of Officers to be furnished from our State. I have also received
a Letter from Mr. Trimble, enclosing me, by direction of Council, a
copy of a Letter from the Assistont Secretary nt War, of the 23d
ult., & copy of the Answer of Council theret*^ for my information.

By a Letter of the 23d June, from Migor North, Inspector, ho

♦ CoL Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 498.

484 FBNNSTLYANIA ABGHIVES 1785/

requests me to order the troops nnder my command to bo maateied
by such officer as I shall see fit to appoint^ as the time has so
elaps'd that it has been thought necessary by the present head of
the War Department for him to postpone his Journey here. In
consequence of which I have ordered the troops to prepare for muster
on the 19th inst
Council may rest assured that I shall use every exertion in my

rrer to keep the men together until the sense of the legislatare can
taken upon the mode of raising their proportion of the new
corps. The mens times begin to expire on the 19th next month —
nevertheless I hope to be able to retain them in service until the
pleasure of the legislature is known, and until I receive inatruotions
from Council for re-enlisting them.

Major North also writes me,

'' That the pay-master upon appearing at New York with the ab-
'' stracts for pay will receive in notes the amount due to each man
<' to the time they are mustered, and upon a Certificate signM by
" me of the time in which each man's enlistment will expire, he
" supposes that a Sum on account sufficient to pay them to the time
^' of their dischar^ would be granted.''

The name of Notes, conveys to the Officers an Idea of ducountt —
Twenty or five & twenty ^ C' perhaps. If Council can consistently
interfere, they flatter themselves that they will take their own Offi-
cers and troops under their immediate protection, and either secure
to them the promised pay, or order these Notes to be negociated in
such manner as they m their wisdom shall see fit, to guard against
depreciation.

We learn with pleasure that Council are endeavoring to bring
about a re-consideration of that part of the Ordinance of Congress
respecting the reduction of the pay of the Officers. The dispropor-
tion is so great that the Stroke seems to be particularly Levelled at
me. Fifty dollars *^ month will not support the Station. We
would fain hope that an Alteration may yet take place.
I have the honor to be,

with much respect, Sir,

•Your most obcdt Servt,

JOS. HARMAR*,
Lt. Col. Com* l-» Am» Reg*-

Directed, — (Public Service.)

The Hon^^ John Armstrong, Jun', Esq', Secretary to Council,
Philadelphia.

Honor'd "§ W" Duncan.

♦ So* Col. Rec, Vol. XIV., p. 516.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785. 486

Claims of Messrs. Penn, and Opinion of Judges, 1785.

In compliance with the request of the President and Council of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, John Penn, (eldest son of
Thomas Penn,) and John Penn, (eldest son of Riohai*d Penn,) late
Proprietors of Pennsylvania, have made, and now submit to their
consideration, the following state of their respective claims and title
to the Province of Pennsylvania, of which they were seis'd on the
27th day of November, 1779, when the Act of Assembly was passed,
entitnled an Act for vesting the Estate of the late proprietaries in the
Gommonwealth.

First. John Penn (son of Thomas Penn,) states, that he, at the
time of passing the above Act, had a right to, and was seised of,
Three fourth parte of the Territory of Pennsylvania, as bounded and
described in the Royal Grant, or Letters Patent, from King Charles
the second to his grandfather, William Penn, the Founder and first
Proprietor of Pennsylvania, to which he deduces his Title in the
following manner :

William Penn, by his Will, devised one moiety thereof to his Son
John Penn, in fee ; one other quarter, or fourth part, to his Son
Thomas Penn, in fee ; and the retnaining fourth part to his Son
Richard Penn, in Fee.

John Penn, by his Will, devised his Moiety to his Brother Thomas
Penn for life. Remainder to Trustees to preserve contingent remain-
ders, &c. ; remainder to the first, second, third, fourth, and every
other Son and Sons of the said Thomas Penn successively, according
to their seniority & priority of Birth, and the Heirs male of the
Body of each and every such Son and Sons, with divers remainders
over particularly specified in his will, remainder^ ultimately, to his
own right Heirs.

Note. — John Penn, by his Will, makes his moiety chargeable
with the raising and paying the sum of £6,000 sterling to the per-
sons, and for the uses therein mentioned, which sum of £6,000
sterling has accordingly been lon^ since raised and paid, and his
moiety, of consequence, exonerated therefrom.

After the Death of Thomas Penn, his eldest Son John Penn,
under the Will of Lis uncle, John Penn, had a Title to and was
seised of one moiety of the Territory of Pennsylvania, as Tenant in
Tail Male.

Thomas Penn being seised as aforesaid^ under the Will of his
Father, William Penn, of one quarter part of Pennsylvania, in Fee,
in the the year 1751, married The right Hon'ble Lady Juliana Far-
mer; but, before his marriage, he, by Deed dated the 15th of August,
1751, made between him^ the said Thomas Penn, of the first part.
The right hon'ble Thomas Earl, of Pomfret, of the second part, the
ndd L^dy Juliana Farmer, of the third part, and David Barclay &
Thomas Hyam. of the fourth part, setUes and conveys his said quarter

21*

486 FBNNSTLYANIA ABCHIYES 1785.

part in maDner following, to wit : To the said David Barclay and
Thomas Hyam, with all qait rents and other rents thereof, In Trosl
to the use of the said Thomas Penn, his heirs and assigns, till the
said intended marriage should be solemniaed, and imme£ately after-
wards to the use of the said Thomas Penn daring hia natural lib,
Remainder to the said Trustees to the use, intent and puipoae, thai
the said Lady Juliana should, after the death of the said Thomas
Penn, take, receive and enjoy out of the annual Bents of the aaid
Province, the yearly sum of £300-400— or 500 sterling, (bat not
less than £300 sterling, at all events,) upon the Events and oontin-
ffencies therein mentioned, according as they might happen,
during her natural life, in Lieu of her Dower, by four even and
quarterly pay-ments ; remainder to the use of the first Son of the
Body of the said Thomas Penn on the Body of the sud Lady Juliana,
to be begotten in Tall male ; remainder to the use of the seoond,
third, fourth, fifth, and every other Son & Sons of that marria|Ee
successively, according to seniority and priority of Birth in Tail mate,
with divers other remainders over in Tail, remainder, ultima^ly,
to the right Heirs of the said Thomas Penn.

By a proviso in this Deed, a power is given to the Issue male, and
male Descendants of the said Thomas Penn (the entail notwithstand-
ing) to make and charge any provision, or encreaaed proviaion, for
his and their respective widows, after his or their respective deoeaaesi
out of his fourth part in manner as there mentioned. And by
another proviso in the said Deed, Thomas Penn reserves to bimseUT
a power to charge his said quarter part by will, with the sum of
£3,000 sterling as a provision for his younger children.

Thomas Penn accordingly by his will charges his fourth part with
the sum of £3,000 sterling, payable to his two younger Children, aa
a provision for them, and charges it with the payment of the further
annual sum of £200 sterling to his wife Lady Juliana, who thereby
became entitled to receive ;^500 sterling a year during her life.
Since the death of Thomas Penn, his son John baa discharged all
the above incumbrances, out of an Estate and Legacies given him in
England by his Father.

Thus John Penn, under the will of his uncle John Penn, became
seiaed in Fee Tail male of one moiety of Pennsylvania, and, under
the marriage Deed of settlement of his Father, Thomas Penn, to one
other quarter part in Fee Tail male.

It may not be improper to remark and state here, once for all.
That by Provisions for that express purpose made by John Ponn,
Thomas Penn & Richard Penn respectively in their wills, the person
who shall be in possession of their several shares, under the said
wills, though such person may be only Tenant for Life, or in Tail,
shall have during such his possession a right to call in, collect,
receive, and apply to his own use and Benefit, all arrears of quit
rentS; purchase money, &c., whatsoever, though they actually might

PBNNSTLYANIA ABCmVES 1785. 487

nave become due Id the time of any of his ancestorS| or other former
Mfisesflor.

JOHN PENN, Jr.

John PeoD, son of Kicbard Pcdd, states and deduces his Title to
one fourth of Pennsylvania, as follows, to wit.

Richard Penn being seised in Fee of the said quarter part, under
the will of his Father William Penn, by his will, dated the 21st of
March 1750, charges the same with the sum of £300 sterling a year
to be paid to his widow during her Life, by four equal quarterly
payments, if she so long shall remain his widow, but if she marries,
then, only with £100 a year to be paid her in lieu of Dower. He
also charges his quarter part with £3,000 sterling, by way of pro-
vision for his younger ehildren. His quarter part he by his will
devised to his son John Penn for Life, remainder to Trustees to
preserve contingent remainders, and after the Death of his son John,
remainder to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and every other
Son & sons of the said John Penn^ according to their seniority &
priority of Birth^ and the Heii-s male of th% Body of each and every
such son and sons ; remainder to Richard Penn for Life, remainder
to the first and every other son & sons of his Body (as in the case of
his Brother John) and the Heirs male of the Body of each and every
such son & sons, with divers other remainders over, remainder to
the right heirs of him the Testator in Fee.

The said Richard Penn the Fathery by a codicil to his said will|
dated the 13th of July 1768, gives the whole £3,000 sterling,
charged by the will on his fourth part, and intended as a provision
for all his younger Children, to his son Richard Penn.

John Penn the son, after the Death of his Father, accordingly

Said to his Brother the said sum of £8,000 sterling with the Interest
ue upon it.

The said John Penn paid likewise to his mother the ;^00 sterling
a year, out of the Rents and profits of the fourth part of the Province,
until the Time of passing the Act for vesting the Estate of the Pro-
prietaries in the Commonwealth, and since that period, and the loss
of his Estate, he has continued to pay his said mother the same
yearly sum, out of the shattered remains of his private Fortune, it
being the principal part of her subsistence.

JOHN PENN.

In compliance with an act of his Ezcellenov the President and
Supreme Executive Council, dated the 10th day of July last, the
subscribers have read & considered the respective claims of JohD
Penn, jun'r, and John Penn, Esquires, late Proprietaries of the
former province of Pennsylvania, also the last Wills and Testaments,
k codicils thereto, of the Honorable John, Thomas, and Richard
Penn, Esquires, late deceased, together with an Indenture of four
parte executed by the aforesaid Thomas Penn, on his marriage with
the Right Uono^^* liady Juliana Farmor, authenticated duplicates

488 PJENNBTLYANIA ABCHIVES 1785.

whereof were delivered to us on Friday luit; and thereupon we beg
leave to report, (Judges Alice & Rush being out of town) that th«
vouohera support the said Claims as stated. But we have made no
Inquiry respecting the payments of the several sums charged upon
the late province, to the Widows and younger children of the afore-
said Thomas & Richard Penn^ and can therefore certify nothing on
that head. THO ^« KEAN,

GEO. BRYAN.*
Phikdelphia, August 3d, 1785.

Resolution of Oonqress, 1786.
By the United States in Congress assembled.

July 27, 1785.
Resolved, that the Secretary of Congress apply to the executives
of the several states, for thirteen copies of the legislative acts thereof
since the first of September, 1774, inclusive : that one sett of the
said acts be retained for the use of Congress, and that he deliver to
the delegates of each state one sett (exclusive of its own acts) for the
nse of the legislature thereof. And the secretary is further directed
to adopt a similar mode for procuring the acts which mav hereafter
be passed as aforesaid, to the end that every state being thus
informed, may have the fullest confidence in the other states, and
derive the advantages which may result from the joint wisdom of the
whole. •

CHA. THOMSON, Sec'y.

Sbo'Y of CoNQHESS to P&B8. DiOKINBONy 1785.

Cironlar.

Office of the Secretary of Congress,

July 28«^ 1785.
Sir,

I have it in charge, as your Excellency will see by the enclosed
resolve, to apply to the Executives of tlie several States for thirteen
copies of the legislative Acts thereof, since the first of September,
1774, inclusive.

The purpose for which these eopies are desired, and the end to be
answered, are fully explained in the resolution : And as the object
IS, not merely to procure information to the federal Council, but to
establish a mutual confidence and good nnderstanding among the
States, and that each may derive assistance in the great work of
legislation, from the joint wisdom of the whole, I rely with oonfi«
dencc, that your Excellency will be pleased to order the thirteen

* See Col. Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 602.
t Se« Ihld. 607.

PENNBTLVANIA AROHITES 1785. 489

copies of the Acts of joar legislatare from the time above mentioned,
to be forwarded as speedily as possible : And that you will make
the necessary arrangements, that I may be famished from time to
time with the Acts which shall hereafter be passed.
I have the honor to be,

With great respect,

Your £zceIli9noy'e most Obedient
& most humble Serv*,

CHA. THOMSON *
His Excellency the President of Pennsylvania.

Pees. Dickinson to Commissioners on Boundary, 1785.

In Conndl, July 20«, 1785.
Oentlomen :

Several Considerations of great Moment, induce TTs very earnestly
to wish for the Accomplishment of the important Business entrusted
to your Attention. Wo therefare embrace this Opportunity, by
Captain HutebinB, of urging the prosecution of it with the utmost
Diligence, & with all the Dispatoh that is compatible with Accuracy
in your Proceedings. We desire to be fully informed, & as fre-
quently as possible, of your progress.

I am, with great Regard, Gentlemen,
your hble. serv*,

JOHN DICKINSON.*
David Ilittenhouse & Andrew Porter, Esquires.

Commissioners for treating with Indians, 1785.

8ir,

I take the liberty of informing your Excellenoy and the Honb^*
Counoil, that agreeable to the Treaty held at Fort Stanwiz between
the Six Nation Indians and your Commidoners, on the 28rd Oct.
hist It was agreed that in addition to the Goods then delivered to
the said Nations, an Obligation should be given to them for the
Amount of One thousand Dollars, in such Goods as would b.st suit
them, to be delivered at or near l^oga, on the Susquehannah, on the
first Day of October next.

A strict and punctual observance of every promise made to the
Savage Nations being of great moment, and the Season approaching
very fast when your Commiasionem' Obligation will be aae, induce

* See GoL Rec., VoL XIY., p. 607.
t Ibid.

480 PWrNSTLVANIA ABCHI7S8 1786.

me to give thui early hint to Comidl, that snob steps maj be take
in the premises as you shall deem expedient.
I am your EzcelleDcy's most

Ob* & very W* Serv*,
July 29th, 1785. ERA* JOHNSTON.*

Direcfedf

His Ezcellenoy John Dickinson/ Esquire, in Council

Lt. Col. Jos. Haemar to Pbbs. Dioeinson 17^5.

Fort Mcintosh, August 1st, 1785.
Sir,

I have the honor to enclose to'^your Exoellenc^ k the honorable
Council a monthly return of this date of the Pennsylvania Troops in
the Service of the United Sutes.

The troops have been mustered up to the 19th alt. and the
rolls transmitted to MMor North, Inspector. Endosed, be pleased
to receive an abstract or the muster.

Altho' I can receive no instructions for recruidnff untill the
honorable Legislature convenes, vour Excellency & the honorable
jCouncil may rest assured that I shall use every exertion in my power
to retain the troops in Serviee. Their time begins to expire on the
19th instant. I shall take upon me to form an Enlistment for
securing such as are willing to serve for three years, until your
Exoelleno/s further pleasure is known.

The Ohio river at this Season is remarkably low, and usually
continues so during this & the next month. It is now fordeable opposite
the garrison — The Treaty to the Wabash therefore cannot possibly
be carried on before the month of October or November next.

I would not wbh to be in too great a hurry in recruiting. — There
are at least fifty men in the present Corps, who are not fit to be re-
enlisted, — a little time would procure a Corps that will reflect honor
to the State.

If about five & twenty rifles could be obtained, to occasionally
arm that number of Infantry, I should think it adviseable.

I have ordered Ensign Armstrong to receive your Excellency's
instructions, and when he has recruited thirty stout, able-bodied
men to rejoin the Corps.

I have the honor to be, with the highest esteem & respect,
your Excellency's & the honorable Council's

most hble. & obed. Servt.
JOS. HARMAR,t
Directed^ Lt. Col. Comd. let Amr. Regt

His Excellency, John Dickinson Esqr., President, k The Honor-
able The Supreme Executive Coundli Pennsylvania.

Honored ^ Doctor Allison.

» See Col. Bee., Vol XIV., p. 507.
tSee Ibid. p. 610.

PENNSTLTANU ABCHIVBS 1786.

401

Abstract of Mustbr Roll, 1785.

Abstract of the Muster of a Detachment of the first American
Regiment Commanded by Jos. Harmar £sq.^ Lt. Col. Comd. Fort
Mcintosh, July 19th, 1785.

2
1

1
1

EzpiratJaD of the meu'a time.

Infantry Corap'yB.

Aog. iSept.
1785. :1785

Oct

1785.

Dec".
1785.

C-»- Walt. Finney'fl

41
4

46
5

3
8

ToUL

I
3

1
3

4
45

C- David Zeigler'a

Total

—

4
2

2
2

C■'^ W-. McCurd/s

Total.

•

Total Infantry.

' 9

152

175

Artillery,

a
a
O

Aug.
1785.

Sept.
1785

Oot.

1785.

Dec".
1786.

C**. T. Douglafls.

1
2

22
12

ifO

;

Total.

•i

The above moster was made by me in the prewnoe of Col Hannar.

E J^NF, Ensign, & Adj.
JOS. HABMAB, Lt Gol. Comd.*
• See CoL Bea, VoL ZIV., p. 612.

49S

PBKNSTLYANIA ABGHiySS 1785.

00 "^

S -a
II

H -8

^ i

s -a

o «

^ ll

O «^S

fe Sir

B.Si

Mil

^ ^ SJ . fto

g|^^ ^s

riji «^

U ^>. ai-

g^-c g O^

;

i^lil i

wS^w^ "

jj °"C 1 B -^

[| 2S«

I -*

1 |s§l.l

-B^tiwCr^g [ <^

'attnm

IQOO)

5 waagO

uacDO

*-*

'iaoQ-«q^ 2uj

-pupat i«^ox

7ice«o

'lujs^u H»ig i \

^tI^saJd 3i3ig

1 «*i 1 ^

M " u S^

'jTlTip

1 Sg5S

Uoj ig Tnat ^ J

(

1-^

1
1

"J! J t ".^a

[ r^eict 1 IS

■BiaveQag

1 «-*« 1 oa

1 ^ 1-^

stK k

■Pias 'rW -J.h

^ji

^aiutM

1^ 1"

'taWoii^H

■uoaJSjug

1 -" -^

'■>*^«'FI '-".Tit)

1 IPN 1P4

■imox

g«s

■jajaaj^ £v^

1 ^^ (^

' 'fi0sefii)Ytjf

?;— ~

'^iimnrpv

■ OT

'm«ld«rto

•-(*^ 04

i-< «

'BaHiflnjj[

*tJOip»qmo(i j " •- -^ «

*8iD««6jnan

f-^rti-. og

■■ITModjO^ **

^tjttnd«o

-" «

*flHni5^fj§^ *

100 inan

•-4

ia«tiainiai7

'uvvidv^

n .

5 ^

ill

£:2 . £

^^Oi^

<3«3<3

PXNNSTLTANIA A&OHIYES 1786.

ESTTMATB OP THB STEPS IN TfaE StATB HoUSE TaRD, 1786.

Estimate of the Steps in the State House Yard.

To 3 Stone Steps, 33 Feet Long, One foot in the clear
broad & 7 inches high,
To plug holes & Lead,
To Lron plugs^
To portage,

£31 1& Ud

2 15 00

2 4 00

2 5 00

To &dn£ ' • 4 12 3

43 12 4i

12 13 1}

56 5 6

N. B. — ^If the Foundation be sunk 3 feet deep & 33 feet long.
Workmanship and all materials will amount to £16 17 6 ; If it m
sunk 2 feet, the amount will be £12 13 1} ; If only sunk 1 F.
6 In. ; the amount will be £8 8 9.
Indorsedf

1785, August 2d.

Secretary op Congress to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

Sir,

Office of the Secretary of Congress,

August 4th, 1785i

I have received the letter you did me the honor to write on
the 1st.

In compliance with your desire, I now send you the Journals of
Congress, for the years 1779, and from the 3d Norember, 1782, to
Nov'r 1783. The Journal of the Committee of the States, which
fills up the vacancy from the adjournment of Congress, June the 8*,
1784, to its meeting in NoVr following; and the Journal of Congress
from that period up to the 29th of hut month inclusive.
With great respect,
I have the honor to be,
Your Excellency's and
the Honble Counoirs
most obedient and
must humble Servt.,

CHA. THOMSON.
Directed^ ^

His Ezcellenoy, The President d Pennsylvania.

^ PSNNSTLYANU ABCmVBS 1785/.

Pees. Dickinson to Wm. Bradford, Jr., Attornsy
General, 1785.

In Council, Angasi 8th, 1785.
Sir,

Upon the Reeeipt of yoar Letter of the 20th of Last Month,
directed to the Secretary to make out as acenrate a list as he could
form of the Commissioners in the several counties, ascertaining the
Times at which they severally came into office. The list is now
inclosed.* . . ^ . .

- You will perceive hy the proceedings of General Assembly on
the 16th of last December, that Negligence in collecting of Taxes
has been general.

The particular charges against Commissioners for Breaches of duty,
that most probably can be supported, are, for not proceeding against
Collectors according to the several Laws ; among other acts on this
subject, we refer to those for supplies, passed on the 21st of
June, 1781, the 27th of March, 1782, & the 2l8t March, 1783.

Sufficient testimony it is presumed will arise from public Docu-
ments & from the examination of those who have been or now are
Treasurers of the respective counties.

You will be pleased to issue process from either Court, as you
may judge most proper, and to give such Directions for Bail aa
will not be distressing.

1 am, with great Respect, Sir,
your meet obedient Servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed,

The Attorney Qeneral.

Secretary op CoNanEss to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

Office of Secretary of Congress,

August 9th, 1785.
Sir,

The design of the letter, I have now the honor to write to your
Excellency, is to re-call your attention to an Act of the 2^ of
March, 1784, which you will find enclosed, together with two other
Acts on the subject of keeping up a representation in Congress.
By those Acts your Excellency will perceive it is the earnest desire
of the United States, in Congress assembled, that the several States,
should not only keep up a constant representation by three members
at least, but that there should be a uniformity throughout the union,
in the commencement of the year, for which the Delegates are ^
appointed. Both the letter and spirit of the confederation, point

* Not fimad.

PSNNSTLYANIA ABCmVES 178& 405

out the first Monday in November, as the oommenoement of the
foederal year ; Nine of the States in the union view it in the same
point Of light, and have made their appointments conformable
thereto. I tmst therefore that yonr £scellenoy will recommend
this matter to the consideration of yoor Legislatnre and that they
will adopt measures to comply with the wishes of Congress in thui
respect.

I have the honor to be,
Your Excellency's

most obedient and .
noBt hble. Servt.,

CHA. THOMSON.*
Directed^
His Excellency, The President of the State of Pennsylvania.

War Offiob to Prbs. Dickinson, 1785.

War Office^ August 9th; 1785.
Sir,

I have the honour to transmit to your Excellency a resolution of
Congress respecting the Corps under Lieutenant Colonel Qormar.
The Legislatures of Connecticut and New York only have assembled
since the requisition of Congress for Troops in April, and therefore
there is a total deficiency of those to be furnished by Pennsylvania
and Jerpey. The whole number voted by Congress will be necea-.
sary to prevent incroachments on the public Lands and for the pro-
tection of the Commissioners of Indian AfiBurs. 1 am persuaded your
Excellency and the Legislature of Pennsylvania will be impressed
with the importance of taking the earliest measures to retain as
many of the best Soldiers under Cobnel Harmar as possible.
I have the honor to be,

with great respect

yonr Excellency's

most obed't servant,

H. KNOX-t
Directed,
On Public Service,

To His Excellency The President of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
War Office.

* See Col. Ree., Vol. XIY., pp. 618, 616.
t See Ibid. p. 617. *

40^ PBNNSTLTANIA ABCBIVBS 1785.

By the United States in Congress Assembled.

July 20th, 1786.
On the Report of a Oommittee to whom was referred a Letter of
the 1 8 thy from the Secretary at war.
BeaoUedi

ThatjLientenant Colonel Harmar, Commander of the Militia in the
■ervioe of the United States, use his best endeavors to retain in
Serfioe the Militia of Pennsylvania under his command whose
times of service are nearly expiring, until the Legislature of that
State shall be in session and determine on furnishiug its quota of
Troops under the resolutions of the 1st, 7th and 12th of April last
(Signed,) CHARLES THOMSON, Secy.
War Officci a true Copy, Joe. Carleton, Secy.

CoMMissiONBBS ON Inbian Treatt, 1785.
Sir,

' In pursuance' of the Order of Council of 30th July kst, I have
made out a List of the Goods necessary to be furnish the Indians in
October next w^ I do my myself the honor to indose.
I am your Excellency's

most Obedient Serv't,
Direded, F. JOHNSTON *

To His Excellency John Diokinsoni Esqr.

A list of the goods to be furnished the six nations of Indians on the
First day of October next.

8 pieces Blue Stroud.
20 pair 3 point Match Coats.
60 pair 2} point ditto.
25 yards Scarlet Flannel.

1 Piece Scarlet Broad Cloth.
100 White Ruffled Shirto.

50 Caliico ditto.
18 French Castord.
6 Doz6n coarse Combs. ; ,

2 Dozen Ivory ditto.
25 ft Vermillion.

50 Gallons Barbadoes rum.

56 ft Oun powder.
400 ft Barr Lead.
800 ft Tobaoo.
1 Kegg pipes.

3 Pfeces Gartering.
Aug't 10th, 1785.

* See CoL Reo., Vol XIV., p. 616.

Sir,

PJiNNSYLYANIA AKCHIYBS 178& 497

Charles Petttt to Pass. Dickinson, 1786

New York, 12«* August, 1785.

Moat" TbrDboll, Mannie & Co., having, by Memorial stated to
CoDgreaa their Claims to the Land on which the Fortifioations at
Pittsburgh were ereoted, and prayed that the Possession thereof may
be; deliyered to them, the Delegates from Pennsylvania took an early
OoeasioQ to mention the Desire of Council, communicated to them
by your Ezoellenoy, that the Possession should be delivered to cer-
tain Commissioners of the State whenever Congress should think
proper to remove the Garrison & Continental Stores from thenoe.
Such Bemoval will raobably take Plaee shortly, tho' no formal
Resolution for that Purpose has yet been passed; — and as it is
understood that Possession of that Post was taken on Behalf of the
United States without any Treaty or Contr<u)t, it seems to be the
intention of Congress to relinquish it in the same Manner, in order
to avoid meddling with the Claims of the State or of Individual^ as to
the Right of Possession; more especially as some have supposed
that as it was formerly the Seat of a british Garrison, it became the
Property of the U. S. by Conquest. To avoid Embarrassment on
any of these Accounts, it will probably be abandoned, rather than
delivered up as a Possession to any Claimant : I have therefore ad-
vised Mess" Tumbull, Marmie, & Co.^ to make their^ Application to
your Excellency & the Council on the Subject, presuming that the
State Commissioners will be directed to take the Possession, on its
being relinquished by the United States.

I have the Honor to be, very respectfully.
Your Excellency's most obedient
& most humble Servant,

CHAS. PBTTIT.*
. His Excellency The President of Pennsylvania.

Pbbs. Dickinson to Sbo't at War, 1785.

In Coundl, August 13% 1785.
Sir,

We have this Day received your Letter of the ninth| instant, with
the Resolution of Congress of the 20^ of hist Month.

That Resolution, transmitted to us by the Secretary of Congress,
We forwarded as vend. Days ago to ColL Harmer. By a Letter from
him this moment come to our Hands, We are '* assured that every

• see pages 462, 464L
t See page 496. .

498 FENNSTLTANIA ABOHIVBS 178& .

Exertion shall be used to keep the Men together^ nntill the sense of
the Legislatare can be taken.

By jour Letter of the 25** of April, We perceive that one Cap-
tain & two JJentenants of Artillery, & two Captains, two Lieutenants,
& two Ensigns of Lifantry, are assigned to this State.

This is the same arrangement that was for it meditated last year ;
but upon our Representations was amended, & three Captains, three
lieutenants, & three Ensigns of Infantry were appointed by this
Commonwealth, besides a Captain & two Lieutenants of Artilleir.

The whole Regiment, consisting of ten Companies & 700 Men,
ft therefore each Company of 70 Men, three Companies and fifty
men are reanired ^m Pennsylvania, & only Officers for three Cora*
panics are allotted to her. As the Officers now Commissioned would
ohnse to continue in the service. We cannot think of dismissing thiem,
& therefore hope, that on farther Consideration, as the ResolnUons
of Congress this year are similar to those of the last, the same
Arrangements will now be made, that finally took Place last Year.
I have the Honor to be,

with the greatest Esteem, Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

JJOHN DICKINSON.*
The Secretary at War.

Prbs. Dickinsou to Commissioners, 1785.

In Couneil, August 15% 1785.
Gentlemen :

From some Information We have received this Day, it appears
probable, that the United States will barely relinquish the Posses-
sion of Pittsburg.

We therefore think proper to dir^, that on such Relinquishment,
vou immediately take Possession of the Place in the Name and be-
half of this Commonwealth, & that you be prepared for that purpose.
It is our Meaning, that the Possassion to be then taken by yon,
shall be without prejudice to the private Rights of property.
I am, with great Regard,

Gentlemen, your most obedt. servt,

JOHN DICKINSON.t

John Ormsby, Michael Huffnagle^ John Proctor, & Thomas
Galbraith, Esquires, Commissioners for ^e Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.

« See Col. Rec., VoL XIV., p. 517.
t Ibid.

PBNNSTLYANIA ABOHIVBS 1786. 499

Sec'y of Foreign Afpaibs to Prbs. Dickinson, 1785.

(Copy.)

Office for Foieign Ailairs,
15** August, 1785.
The Secretary of the United States for the department of Foreign
Affiiirs, to whom was referred the Application of the Delegates of
Pennsylvania relative to the conduct of Captain Morales in receiving
on Board and carrying away in his Frigate, a Servant of a Citizen
of Philadelphia, Reports*

That he immediately laid the said Application, and the papers
which accompanied it, before the Encargado de Negocias of his
Catholic Majesty ; and that he gave your Secretary fuU and. express
assurances that he would, without delay, take every proper measure
in his power for obtaining justice and redress.

(Signed)

JOHN JAY. '

Sko't of Congress to Pass. Dickinson, 1785.

(Circular.)

Secretary's Office of Congress,

August 22% 1785.
Sir,

I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency an Act of Con-
^nress touching the disrespectful and indecent conduct of Captain
Stanhope, as stated in a Letter of the 8*^ from His Excellency the
Governor of Massachusetts, and manifested in a correspondence be-
tween His Excellency and the said Stanhope.

Although Consress have not thought it expedient to make this a
public Act, they have nevertheless ordered a Copy thereof, with the
Letters, to be transmitted to the Executives of the sevend States,
for their particular information.

With great respect,

I have the Honor to be

your Excellency's most Obedient
and most Humble Servant,

CHA. TH0M80N.t
His Excellency The President of Pennsylvania.

* See page 476.

t ^^ ^^ ^^'f ^^ ^^^«» VHP 625.

(OQ PBNNSYIiYANIA ABCHIYBS 178^

No. 1.
Bj the United in Congress assembled,

Augnst 18thy 1785.
The Delegates for the Commoni?eaUh of Massaohasetts haying
]aid before Oong^^ a Letter of the 8th, from His Ezoellencj the
Oovemor of that State together with a Copy of Letters from Capt
^tanhope, Commander of the British Frigate MeronrYi to Hia £x-
^llenoy, James Bowdoin, Esq., Governor of the Commonwealth
of Massaohnsetts, and of His Excelleno/s answer to the two first of
those Letters ; the same were referred to the Secretary for foreign
affiurs, who reported thereon ; The Letters and report are as fiiUows.

No. 2.

Commonwealth of Massaohnsetts.

Boston, August 8th^ 1785.
Gkntlemen,

Whatever eonoems the Honor of one of the United States does
in effect, in certain cases concern the Honor of all them.

This general observation applies to the conduct of Capt Stanhope,
Commander of His Britannic'Majesty's Frigate, Mercury, who ap-
prehending himself insulted applied to me by his Letter tor redress ;
in whiph letter, he '' recommend^' to me to adopt such measures as
may discover the Ringleaders of the party that <' cuaasnnated him."
See Letter, ^o. 1.

On receiving it, the Council being adjourned to a distant Day,
I sent for the only Gentleman of that Board in town, the Hon'ble
Mr. Adams, with whom I consulted on the affair. In consequence
of tho consultation, I sent Capt. Stanhope an answer the same day.
Tlie answer points out to him the only way of redress, which our
Laws and Constitution admit; and which I myself in a like casCj if
I took any, must have taken. See Letter, No. 2.

This answer, however, did not comport with Capt Stanhope's
high idea of himself, who seems to have thought that some special
mode of process was due to a person of his importance.

In consequence of that idea, and after two days consideration of
the matter he sent me a Letter, which you may proUbly think, may
be justly called a very insolent one : in whicn, (but in his own'
mode of expression,) he declares I gave him a positive assurance of
affording him and bis officers protection, that my conduct contra-
dicted that assurance and his expectations ; that it does not satisfy
him, nor does credit to myself; and that he never received a Letter
so insulting to his senses ; and that it was an evasion of his requui-
don ; with a great- deal more abuse both expressed and implied.
See Letter, No. 3.

The only part of this declaration it concerns me to notice, is ihat^
in which my conduct is said to have contradicted the assurance I had
given him of protection. This occasions a recurrence to two con-

^^P^B^^B^^^^^^BB|^^BM^BM^^^^^^^3^^S555MiiBMB^5

PENNSYLVANIA AECHIYES 1785. 601

Tenations I had with him within a few days after his arrival here^
from which time uDtil the first instant, I had been, as I presumed,
in the good graces of Mr. Stanhope.

In one of those conversations, which were principally relative to
the recovery of a favorite servant, who he said had deserted from
him about a year before ; he mentioned that he had been informed
be should probably meet with some insult before his departure ; and
said he should rely on my protection. I told him he might depend
on every protection in my power to afford him ; but that in this
Country as in England, the Law is every man's protection, and that
he would be as much entitled to it during his stay here, as any man
in the Commonwealth; and in conformity to this idea, my Letter to
liim was written.

I have mentioned no more of the conversation than was needful
to afford you some idea of the assurance be says I gave him of
my protection. But in the course of it, I told him farther, that he
must know from his own observation, that in large sea port Towns,
where there is a resort of all kinds of people and Characters, qaarrels
and disturbances freqently happened ; and that the sea port Towns
in England were remarkable for them : That be must be sensible the
Bew regulations of Trade in England, which would finally operate
to her own detriment, had disgusted the Americans in general and
had induced them to take measures to counteract those regulations ;
and therefore it was natural to expect he would hear sentiments
thrown out, which miffht not be agreeable to him. But that I had
no apprehension any insult would be offered either to him or bis
officers.

These observations and many more I thought proper to make,
which a man of any discernment, and of the least goodness of dis-
position might have applied to his own benefit; and to the exerting
and promoting of good humour in the people, among whom he hap-
pened to be.

As he says my conduct contradicted his expectations, it is proba-
ble he expected a Proclamation should have been issued. This
measure was thought of; but I did not think the occasion required
it. His conduct for three days after the affront, to the time of his
going with his ship down to Nantasket on the evening of the 3d
instant, manifested that he was under no apprehension of any
attack upon him, for during that time he and his officers went about
the Town, and in the Country as usual, and with as much freedom
as any person whatever.

Knowing that the whole of my conduct both public and private,
had been such as merited at least a decency of Behaviour on his
part, and sentiments very different from those expressed in his said
Letter; I wrote him a short answer to it, which you will see in No.
4, to which he sent the reply contained in No. 5, justifying and
repeating his insolence, and this finished the correspondence. ^

1 have only to obeerve, that it is conceived, the honor and dignity
Vol. X.-22

602 PENNSYLVANIA AR0HITE8 1789.

of this Commonwealth, and through it the honor and dignity of the
United States in general, are essentially wounded bj the insolence
of Capt. Stanhope towards the Chief Majistrate of the former;
that unless it be properly resented every British officer of every
British vessel however insignificant will when ever an opportunity
shall offer, insult the government of every State in the Union, and
that a tameness under insult must, in the estimation of all foreigners
effectually destroy the natural Character, and importance of tho
United States.

If after reading the annexed Copy of Letters which passed be-
tween the said Stanhope and me, you should be of that opinion you
will please to lay the same before the United States in Congress as-
sembled, that they may take such measures concerning it, as their
wisdom and a sense of their own honor shall dictate.
With the most perfect respect,

I have tho Honor to be^ Oentlemen,

your most Obedient servant,

JAMES BOWDOIN.

The Honorable Elbridge Qerry, Samuel Holten, Rufus Bang,
Esqx«, Delegates in Congress for the Commonwealth ot Massa-
chusetts.

Copy of Letters from Capt. Stanh^, commander of the British
Frigate Mercury, to His Excellency, James Bowdoin, Esq', governor
of the Commonweijth of Massachusetts, with a Copy of His Excel-
lency's answer to the two first of those Letters.

N. B. The Letters from Captain Stanhope were on the cover of
each of them superscribed

On His Britannic Majesty's Service.

To His Excellency, Governor Bowdoin, &o. &o., Boston.

No. 1.

Mercury, Boston Hiwrbour, August 1, 1785.
Sir,

I am sorry to be obliged to represent to your Excellency the con-
tinued insults and disgraceful indignities offered by hundreds in this
Town to me and my Officers, which hitherto we have winked at, as
well as the most illiberal and indecent language, with which the
newspapers have been filled, nor should I have troubled you now
had I not have been persued, and my life as well as that of one of
my Officers been endangered by the violent rage of a mob yesteday
evening, without provocation of any sort, I trust it needless to recom-
mend to your Excellency to adopt such measures as may discover

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785. 608

the rincleaders of the party (hat assassinated me, and briDg them to
public justice, as well as protect us from further insult.
I have the Honor to be

your Excellency's

most Obtfd^ Humble serrS

(Signed) HY. STANHOPE.

Directed,
To His Excellency, Governor Bowdoin, &o., &c., &o.,

No. 2:

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Boston, Aug. Ist, 1785.
Sir,

Your Letter of this date is now before me. It is a great misfor-
tune that the subjects or Citizens of different Countries which have
been at enmity, cannot ea«ly recover that degree of good humour
which should induce them to treat each other with proper decorum,
when the governments to which they respectively belong have en-
tered into a treaty of amity and sheathed the Sword. But you
must have observed that disturbances arising from this source too
frequently happen, especially in populous sea port Towns. If yon
have been insulted and your life nas been endangered in manner as
you have represented to me, I must inform you that our Laws afford
you ample Satisfaction. Foreigners are entitled to the protection of
the Law, as well as amenable to it, equally with any Citizen of the
United States, while they continue within the jurisdiction of this
Commonwealth. Any learned practitioner in the Law, if applied
to, will direct you the mode of legal process in the obtaining a re-
dress of injury if you have been injured ; and the Judiciary Courts
will cause due enquiry to be made touching riotous and unlawful
assemblies and their misdemeanors ; and infiict legal punishment on
such as by Verdict of a Jury may be found guilty.
I have the Honor to be, Sir,

your most Obd^ hum^ Servant,

(Signed) JAxMES BOWDOIN.

No. 8.

(N. B. This was sent August 8d, P. M.)

Mercury, Boston Harbour, Ag* 2d| 1785.
Sir,

Whan I had the Honor of applying to your Excellency to dis-
countenance the disgraceful attacks made upon me and the Officers

604 PENNSYLVANIA ABGHIVSS 1785.

of his Britannio Majesty's Ship Meronrj under my Command^ aod
to afford us your protectioD| it was upon your positive assurance to
that effect in their presence, I rested my hope. How much your
Conduct contradicts both that, and my expectation is too obvious
either to satisfy me, or even to do credit to yourself. For your
Excellency must excuse me when I remark that I never received a
letter so insulting to my senses, as your answer to my requisition of
yesterday. I am, however, pleased in finding a much better disposi-
tion in the first Class of inhabitants, whose assistance I am happy to
acknowledge, as the more acceptable after your apparent evasion
from the substance of my Letter ; and however well informed your
Excellency may believe yourself, upon the laws and customs of
Nations in similar cases, allow me to assure you there is not one, no
not even the ally of these States that would not most severely repro-
bate either the want of energy in government or disinclination of the
governor to correct such notorious insults to public CharacterS| in
^hich light onlv we can desire to be received.
1 have the Honor to be. Sir

your most Obed' Humble Serv^,

(Signed) HY. STANHOPE.
His Excellency, Governor Bowdoin, &c.; &o.

No. 4.

Captain Stanhope your Letter bearing date the second instant was
delivered to me by your Lieutenant Mr. Nash at four o'clock this
afternoon.

I hereby let you know, that as the Letter is conceived in terms of
insolence and abuse, altogether unprovoked, I shall take such meas-
ures concerning it, as the dignity of my station, and a just regard to
the honor of the United States in general shall require.

JAMES BOWDOIN.

Boston, August 8d, 1785, 6 o'clock, P.M.

No. 5.
Mercury, Nantasket Road August 8d.
(It should have been August 4,) 1785, i past 12, A. M.
Sir,

I am to acknowledge the honor of your Excellency's Letter this
moment received, and have to assure you I shall most chearfully
submit to the worst consequences that can arise from our correspon-
dence, which I do not conceive on my part to have been'oouched in
terms of either insolence or abuse, which is more than I could
venture to say of yours. And however exalted your Excellency's
station is, I know not of anv more respectable than that I have the
honor to fill. I have the honor to be. Sir,

Your very humble Serv't.

HY STANHOPE.
His Excellency, Goremor Bowdoin, fto. Ao.

PBNNSTLTANIA ARCHIVES 1785. 606

The Secretary to the United States for the department of foreign
affieiirs to whom was referred a Letter of the 8th instant from his
Excellency the Governor of Massachasetts to the Delegates of that
Commonwealth in Congress report.

That in his opinion the answer of the Governor to Capt. Stanhope's
first Letter was perfectly proper, that the Captains reply was highly
disrespectful, and being so, that such measures might have been
adopted as the laws prescribe for asserting the dignity of government
in snch cases.

He is further of opinion that two things are essential to the res-
pectability of government. (1 ) That it should be always in the
right, and (2) That it should never be opposed or ill treated with
impunity. To these ends its own internal power, (in such cases as
the present) is, or ought to be adequate, and therefore a recurrenoe
to a foreign sovereign to resent and punish affronts to such govern-
ment, committed under its eye, and within its jurisdiction, appears
to your Secretary a departure from that self respect, which on such
occasions should invariably be observed ; except indeed where such
indignities are offered by Ambassadors.

If these principles are well founded, then it will follow as a
necessary consequence, that no complaint or application for redress
should be made by Congress to his Britannic Majesty on the subject
in question.

But as America and Britain are at peace, and in that sense friends,
it is to be presumed that disrespect to the one from officers of the
other, must be offensive to the sovereign of such officers ; in as much
as such conduct tends to irritate and alienate the good will of the
other. Under this view of the matter your Secretary thinks it
would be proper to transmit these papers to the minister of the
United States at the Court of London, and to instruct him to commu-
nicate them to the British Minister and to assure him,

ri) That nothing but a desire to avoid encreasing the irritation
which the late war may have produced in the two nations could have
restrained the governor from resenting the indecent conduct of Capt.
Stanhope in a severe and exemplary manner.

(2) To assure him that Congress are persuaded that such Behaviour
must give no less displeasure to his Majesty than it does to them —
and that as all Sovereigns must in a certain degree be affected by
the conduct of their servants^ Congress think that the justice due to
His Majesty calls upon them to lay this information before him.

S3) That Congress flatter themselves that this instance of delicacy
moderation will be ascribed to its proper motives, and considered
as evincive of a desire to prevent animosity and promote mutual good
will.

Your Secretary also thinks it would be proper to transmit a copy
of this report to the Governor of Massachusetts and to assure him
that Congress consider the dignity of each of the States as insepa-
rably oonneoted with that of the Union; and therefore that it shall
on every oooaaion experienee their care and attention.

506 PENNSYLVANIA A9£!HiyES 178&

Besolved, That Congress agree to the said report
Orderedi That a Copy of this report together with the foregoiog
Letters be transmitted to the Execatives of the several states.
Extract from the Secret Journal.

CHA, THOMSON, Sec'y.

Sbport of Commissionbrs on Boundabt, 1785.

We the Sabscribers Commissioners appointed by the States of
Peansyhania and Virginia to ascertain the Boundary between the
said States.

Do Certify that we have carried on a Meridian Line from the
South- West Comer of Pennsylvania Northward to the River Ohio,
and marked it by cntting a wide Vista over all the principal ^ills
intersected by the said Line, and by falling or deadening a Line of
Trees, generally thro' all the lower grounds ; and we have likewise
placed Stones marked on the East side P. and on the West side V.,
on most of the principal Hills, and where the Line strikes the Ohio,
which Stones are accurately placed in the Trne Meridiian, bounding
the States as aforesaid. Witness our Hands and Seals this 28d day
of August, 1785.

DAV. RITTENHOUSE, [L.S.] 1 p^^, ..
ANDREW PORTER, [ls.] ^ "'^^^*-
ANDREW ELLIOOTT, fL.B.]^
JOSEPH NEVILL. [l.s.'

• Virginia.

SuBVBYOB Genbbal TO Pbbs. Dickibson, 1785.

Surv. General's Office,

Philad'a, 29th August, 1785.
To His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq., President, and the
Honble the Supreme Executive Council.

Pursuant to an Act of Assembly passed the 12th day of March »
1788, for the sale of certain lands therein mentioned, for the pur-
pose of Redeeming the Certificates of Depreciation given tfi the
officers and soldiers of the Pennsylvania Line, or their Representa-
tives, &c., and an order of Council of the 10th day of June, 1783.*
I beg leave to report :

That I have received upwards of One hundred and forty Returns
of survey of the land appropriated as above, and daily expect more.
I am, with respect,

Tour Hble. Servt.,

JNO. LUKENS, S. G.f
Directed,
His Excellency, the President of Council.

* Seo page 68. f Col. Eeo., Vol. XIV., p. 627.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIYSS 178& 607

Sjbc'y op Congress to Prbs. Dickinson, 1785.

Office of Secretary of Congress,

August 29th, 1785.
Sir,

On examining the files in this office I find that only five States
namely Newhampshire, Massaohasetts, New York, Maryland and
Virginia have transmitted their Laws passed in pursaanoe of the
recommendation of Congress of the 80th April, 1784. It is sug-
gested that other States have complied with the recommendation,
though their Laws have not been forwarded, I therefore take the
liberty of enclosing the act and request the favour of your Exoel-
lenoy to inform me what your Legislature have done, and if they
have complied, that you will be pleased to transmit me a Copy of
their act that I may report the same to Congress.
With great respect

I have the honor to be

your Ezcellencj's most

obedient & most humble Serv't,

CHA. THOMSON.*
Directed^
To His Exoellenoy The President of Pennsylvania.

Resolution of CoNaRESS,

By tho United States in Congress assembled.

April SOth, 1784.

Tho trust reposed in Congress, renders it their duty to be attentive
to the conduct of foreign nations, and to prevent or restrain as far
may be^ all such proceedings as might prove injurious to the United
States. The situation of commerce at this time claims the attention
of the several states, and few objects of greater importance can pre-
sent themselves to their notice. The fortune of every citizen is
interested in the success thereof; for it is the constant source of
wealth and incentive to industiy ; and the value of our produce and
our land must ever rise or foul in proportion to the prosperous or
adverse state of trade.

Already has Great Britain adopted regulations destmotive of our
eommeroe with her West-India Islands. There was reason to expect
that measures so uneaual and so little calculated to promote mercan-
tile intercourse, would not be peneveiedin by an enlightened nation.

• See CoL Beo., YoL ZIV., p. 629.

608 PBNNSTLYANIA ABOEIVES 1785.

But these measures are growing into system. It would be the duty
of CoDgress^ as it is their wish, to meet the attempts of Great-Britain
with similar restrictions on her commerce } but their powers on this
head ure not explicit, and the propositions made by the legislatures
of the several states, render it necessary to take the general sense of
the Union on this subject.

Unless the United States in Congress assembled shall be vested
with powers competent to the protection of commerce, they can never
command reciprocal advantages in trade ; and without these, our
foreign commerce must decline and eventually be annihilated. Hence
it is necessary that the states should be explicit, and fix on some
effectual mode by which foreign commerce not founded on principles
of equality may be restrained.

That the United States may be enabled to secure such ffftm§
they have

Resolved, That it be and hereby is recommended to the legisla-
latures of the several states, to vest the United States in Congress,
assembled, for the term of fifteen years, with power to prohibit any
goods, wares or merchandize from being imported into or exported
from any of the states, in vessels belonging to or navigated by the
subjects of any power with whom these states shall not have formed
treaties of commerce.

Resolved, That it be and hereby is recommended to the legislatures
of the several states, to vest the United States in Congress assembled,
for the term of fifteen years, with the power of prohibiting the
subjects of any foreign state, kingdom or empire, unless authorized
by treaty, from importing into the United States, any goods, wares
or merchandize, which are not the produce or manufacture of the
dominions of the sovereign whose subjects they are.

Provided, That to all acts of the United Stales in Congress assem-
bled, in pursuance of the above powers^ the assent of nine states
shall be necessary.

CHA. THOMSON, Sec'y.

Col. Josuh Habmar to Pbes. Dickinson, 1785.

Fort McIntosh| September 1st, 1785.
Sir,

I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency & the honorable
Council, a monthly return of this date, of the Pennsylvania Troops
in the service of the United States.

The time of one-half the men has expired, and notwithstanding,
I have used every exertion in my power to retain them in service,
until the honorable Legislature convened, such is their want of
confidence in the public, respecting their pay, and their wish to go
down the country, that I find it impossible to re- engage them hcre^
according to my former expectations.

PSNNSTLYANIA ABGHIYES 1786. 609

As Congress have beon pleasod to revise their resolutioDS^ and to
order that only one full company of Infantry shall attend the treaty,
which is to be held at the mouth of the great Miami — ^I think it
may be reduced to a certainty that I shall be able to re-enlist that
number. Fortj/'Four are already engaged^ and two Officers are
at Fort Pitt on the recruiting service, who, when the men have had
out their frolic, I trust will be successful.

Enclosed is the form of an Enlistment, which Is copied from the
old one, excepting the alteration of the resolve of Congreu^ and the
substituting three yean instead of one. No justice of the peace
being at hand, I judged it would advance the public service by
administering the Oath myself.

The bearer. Captain Zicgler, (a very deserving officer,) has orders
to wait upon your Excellency & the honorable Council for recruiting
instructions. After having re-engaged about Ninety or One hundred
men in this quarter, I propose going to Philadelphia to complete the
business. The men who have ocen discharged and are gone down-
wards, will soon be tired of work ; and I am well convinced, there
will be little difficulty in speedily recruiting the quota of troops re-
quired from our State.

I have the honor to be^

with the highest esteem
& respect, your Excellency's
& The honorable Council's
most hble. & obdt Servt.,

JOS. HABMAB,
Lt. Col. Com. 1st A. B.
Directed^ — (Public Service.)

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq , President, & the Honor-
ble the Supreme Executive Council, PennsyWanla.

Gbn. Wm. Irvine to Pres. Dickinson, 1786.

Carlisle, September 2d, 1786.
Sir,

Mr. Power, one of the deputy Surveyors of the donation
land, called on me yesterday to inform me that he has compleated
the number of Surveys allotted to him within his district, which
lies above the mouth of French Creek, and takes in Oil Creek.

He says that he could not find land fit for cultivation near tho
Alegheny Biver, and adds, notwithstanding that he found a sufficient
quantity of good land within his district ; and that there is still a
considerable overpluss left. His surveys are made on the Kastern
branches of French Creek & west of Sugar Creek, (which you will
be pleased to observe has been notioed in a porticular manner in my

22*

610 PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVBS 1785.

description of that Country.) Mr. Power also adds that Mr. Hender-
son and Mr. Watt, are jet employed in snrvejing their districts, and
that he helieves they have proceeded in the same manner he didj
respecting the distance of beginning from the River.

I presnme this information may be useful particularly if any
alteration should be thought necessary in the present plan, which
has induced me to trouble your Excellency with it.
I have the Honor to be,
with great respect, Sir,

your Excellency's most

obedient humble Servt.,

WM. ffiVINE.*
Dtrectedj
His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq.

Prbs. Dickinson to Wm. Maolat, 1785.

In Council, September 3d, 1785.
Sir,

Relying upon your Integrity & Prudence we request you to take
the charge of delivering the goods to the Indian Chiefs appointed at
the late Treaty for receiving them at Tioga on the first Day of next
month. Colonel Johnson now sends them to you with an invoice,
and we are exceedingly desirous that they may be at Tioga in time.

As you were a Commissioner on the part of this State, we
wish you to avail yourself of the opportunity that will be afforded on
this occasioD, of reading the Treaty to the Indians as it is entered on
the public Journals of the General Assembly, of explaining the Ex-
pressions relating to the Priviled^e of hunting on the Lands nntill
they are improved, of demonstrating the absurdity of construeing
those Expressions so as to overthrow the strong words of Conveyance
in their Deeds, and all Ideas of Faith & Justice in respect to a pur-
chase for which they have received a valu&ble Consideration declared
by them in the most solemn manner to be fully satisfactory and even

fenerous — and of removing the Impressions made upon their Minds
y false suggestions concerning the Intentions of this Commonwealth
& the United States, or respecting the late Treaty with Oreat Britain,
by which the whole Country, up to the Lakes is ceded to these
Sutes.

I am Sir,

your moat obed't Serv't

JOHN DICKINSONf
Directedj

To Wm. Maclay, Esquire.

* See CoL Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 628.
t See CoL Bee, Vol. XIV., p. 681.

FENNBTLYANIA ARCHIVES 1785. ^Hl

Pres. Dickinson to Delegates in CoNaBESS, 1785.

In Council^ September 7th^ 1785. '
GeDtlemeOy

We inclose Ck)pie8 of two Letiers from the War Offioe k of one
from OS, respecting the proportTon of officers k privates in the federal
regiment to be furnished by this State and of the late act of assembly
on that subject.

To the Confederation & to that Law we shall hold oursehes bound
to adhere ; & therefore we desire that you will immediately apply to
Congress, & obtain their assent to the arrangement adoptea^ & ezecu-
ted last year, upon which Pennsylvania supplied 1 Lieutenant
Colonel Commandant, 3 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, and 3 Bnsigns of
Infantry, and 1 Captain and 1 Lieutenant of Artillery.
I am with great Consideration

Gentlemen, your most obed' ServS

JOHN DICKINSON.
Directed, To The Honorable The Delegates.

John Baynton, C. T., to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

Warden's Office, Sep' 8th, 1785.
Sir,

The Collector of Tonnage, with the approbation of the Wardens
of the Port, is impelled by a Sense of Duty to represent to your
Excellency & the Honble Council that for the more effectual k
speedy Collection of the Duties of Tonnage to be levied on all Ships
k Vessels coming into or going out of this Port, he conceives it
absolutely necessary that such Instructions should be given to the
Naval Officer as will prevent all Clearances of Vessels untill the
Demands for additional Tonnage are secured. He begs leave to ob-
serve, that the Demand for additional Tonnoge arises from the fol-
lowing Cause.

That few Registers of Ships or other Vessels. exactly specify their
Tonnage; indeed, so great has been the Deficiency in some Instances,
that on Experiment it has been found that fne true Tonnage exceeds
by One Half or Two Thirds what is declared in the Register ; thus,
unless properly attended to, greatly lessening the public Revenue.

On Application to the Naval Officer for his Support k Assistance
in the Premises, he pleads Want of Authority from the Laws of the
State, at the same Time expressing his earnest Desire that such
Directions mav issue from your Honble Body as will be a sufficient
Sanction for his Conduct in promoting the Collection of Revenue
that may be justly due to the State. JN* BAYNTON.

Directed, Collector of Tonnage*

His Exoelleneyi the Prerident, k the Honble the Supreme Execu
tive Council.

. * See Col. Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 684.

:Q^ FWmJhYAHJjL ABOmVSS 1786.

Census of Bedfobd County, 1785.

A Return of the Male white Inhabitants between the Agea of
eighteen and fifty threo^ in the several dittricia of the Ooonty of
Bodford, aa the aan^e is now Divided.

Men.
Bedford Township 230

Coleraiq Township, 85

OumberlaQd Valley Township, 66

London I>erry Township, 101

Providenoe Township. 108

585

Brothers Valley Township, 280

Milford Township, ^ 109

Qaemahoning Township, ^ 93

Turkey Foot TowniOiip, 90

532

Bethel Township, 180

Air Township, 130

Dublin Township, 90

Sherley Township, 145

545

Barree Township, 75

Frankstown Township, 219

Hopewell Towif^bip, 113

Huntingdon Township. 96

♦504

GEORGE WOODS, L. B. C.
ZHvtctwf

His Excellency, John Dickinson, President of the Supreme Kx-
eoudve Council of Pennsyjvania.

* Should be 508, aeoording to the figures heM, whleh correspond with
dooument

paNNSYIiYANU A80BXV1BS 1785. 518

Managbbs of Statb Lottery to P&es. Dickinson, 178$.

Hay it please the Coancil,
\ The Managers of the State Lottery beg leave to inform your

) Honorable Board that they have made the necessury preparations,
and are readv to proceed to the drawing of the second Class on
Monday next, the 19th Instant, agreeably to the appointment of
Council.

That having found from Experience while drawing the first Ctass
that a considerable number of Tickets were sold in the intervals of
the drawing, altho' manifestly to the prejudice of the purohaaers, &
considering that by mixing Blanks among the Prizes, to be drawn
with them a greater equality of Chance would be kept up & more
encouragement given to adventurers, the Managers have made a rep-
resentation thereof to the Honorable the House of Assembly which
is now before a Committee but not reported upon.

That but Seven hundred & ninety Tickets of the Second class
have been sold in the city & the returns of a great number sent
abroad are not yet made.

The Managers therefore think it their duty to lay those Circum-
stances of the Lottery before your Bxcellency k Honors & beg leave
to submit to your Considoration the proprie^ of delaying the
drawing for a few days untill the determination of the Assembly
shall be known.

A sufficient number of Blanks are rolled up & ready to be put
into the wheels, the drawing will not therefore be delayed for them.

M. HILLEGAS,
B. FULLER,
MATTH. CLARKSON,*

State Lottery Office, Sept. 17th, 1785.
Directed^

The Honorable The Supreme Executive Council.

Gov* CuNTON, OF N. Y., 70 Pbb8. Dicsinbon, 1785.

New York, 10th Sept, 1785.
Sir,

A certain Francis Read lately charged with having oommitted a
Boberry in this City escaped from the Officer who hiul him in Cus-
tody and fled to the City of Philadelphia whither he was pursued,
retfJ[en and committed on the above Charge to the Goal of that
City. I have therefore to request that yonr Excellency will
(agreeable to the Articles of Confederation) be pleased to direct

* Col. Bee, Vol. XIV., p. 589. The drawing was postponed

614 PBNNSTLYANA ABGHIYBS 1785.

that the offender may be delivered to the Officer who will have the
Honor of presenting this Letter, and who is possessed with the
original warrant against Read, in order that he may be brought to
Justice in the State where the offence was Committed.
I have the Honor to be,
with the highest Bespect and Esteem,
your Excellency^a most obedt. Servant,

GEO. CLINTON.*
Directed
Public Service.
His Excellency, Qovemor Dickinson, Philadelphia.

Tbustbbs ov thb Obnbbal Loan Offiob to Prbb.
Dickinson, 1785.

The Trustees of the General Loan office of the Cemmonwealth
of Pennsylvania applies to his Excellency the President and the
Supreme Executive Council for such a Sum of the new Paper
Money to emit on Loan agreeable to Law as you shall see proper to
grant them at this time,
Philada. Septr. 26th, 1785.

GEORGE SCHOLSSER,
ROWD. EVANS,
ROBERT SMITH.f

Report to Congress — National Debt, 1785,

By the United States in Congress assembled,

September 27, 1785.
The report of the grand committee being amended^ to read as
follows :

Resolved, That for the services of the present year, one thousand
seven hundred and eighty-five, for the payment of one year's interest
on the foreign and domestic debt, and as a provision to discharge
the balance of the estimate of April twenty-seventh, one thousand
seven hundred and eighty-four, above the sum called for by the
resolve of Congress of that Date, it will be necessary that Three
Millions of Dollars, in addition to 649,880 dollars, hereafter pro-

♦ See Col. Reo. Vol., XIV. p. 640.
t See Ibid. 648.

PENNSTLYANIA ABOHIYES 1786. 615

Tided for, be paid into the common treasary, on or before the first
daj of May next, to be appropriated to the following purposes :

Dollars.

Civil department, • - - 122,381 00

Military department, - - 187^224 82

Purchases of Indian rights of
soil, and the incidental ex-
pences, 5,000 00

Contingencies, the expences un-
der which head shall, on the
1st of Jan., annually, be
transmitted by the boaid of
treasury, to the legislature of
each state, - - - 90,000 00

404,555 82

FoBEiaN Debt.

10,000,000 livres loaned in Hol-
land and guaranteed by France,

one year's interest thereon, - 74,074 00

24,000,000 ditto public French

loan, one year's interest thereon, 222,222.20
174,000 doll's Snanish loan, one

year's iuterest thereon, • - 8,700 00
5,000,000 florins first Dutch loan,

one year's interest thereon, - 96,527.5

2,000,000 ditto second Dutch loan,

one year's interest thereon at 4

per cent. .... 80,888 88

846,710 livres to the farmers

general of France one year's in«

terest thereon, - , . . 7,840 00

440,252 58

DoMiSTio Debt.

Liquidated.
10,517,88.6 dollars—one year's
interest thereon, -.---- 681,042.6
Loan office debt.
8,778,900 00 dollars issned to
the 1st Sept., 1777, equal to
specie — one yearns interest
thereon, 226,784

^16 ^ PENNSYLVANIA 4BCHIVES 1785.

8,459,200 dollars issued be-
tween 1st Sept, 1777y lusd
1st March, 1778, which sum
is sabject to liquidatioD, by
the scale, bat the interest is
payable on the nominal sum|
— one year's interest thereon, 207,540

5,146,330.8 dollars specie yalae
of uncancelled loan office cer-
tificates issued after the first of
March, 1778, one year*? inter-
est thereon, - - - 308,780.6

748,054.6

4,828,724 dollars estimated am't
of certificatefi(^ued and to be
issued to the linos of Mary-
land, Virginia, North Carolina,
South Carolina and Georgia,

— one year's interest thereon, ... 289,428.4
1,141,551.5 dollars, balance of
the estimate of the 27th of
April, 1784, above the sum
called for by the resolution of

Congress of that date, .... 1,141,551.5

' »■ ■ f . ■ ■
Total estimate, - • 8,649,880.

Deduction, - - 649,880.

Balance to be called for, 8,000,000.

Deduct for part of the Dutch loan applied towardii a discharge of
the last year's estimate, and which the sums required from the states
last year will replace; and for loans now in the bands of the
Dutch Commissioners, and hereby Appropriated for the purposes of
this estimate, 649,880 dollars, and there remains the balance of
three millions of dollars, to be paid into the common treasury.

The committee find that, for reasons stated in the resolve of Con-
gress, of the 27th of April, 1784, there yet remains a moiety of the
requisition for eight millions of dollars, and the whole of the requi-
sition for two millions of dollars, to be applied to the use of the
United States, before «ny new requisition ought to be made — ^They
are therefore of opinion, that the states be called upon to make actual

Eayment of three quarters of the remaining moiety aforesaid, on or
efore the first day of May aforesaid.
The committee have not been able to obtain information how many
States have complied with the resQlution of February 17 tb, or that
of April 18th, 1788, relative to a rule, for adjusting the quotas of

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVKS 1786. 617

the peveral states in federal requisitions. — They are therefore of
opinion^ that the several states which have not decided on that sub-
ject, be again solicited to come to a decision thereon, and to send
forward the same, as a measure necessary to enable Congress to
effect a settlement of accounts with the several states, and to appor-
tion to each a just quota of the public expences ; but in the mean
time, as the public faith renders it the duty of Congress to continue
their annual demand for money, the committee are of opinion, that
in the apportionment thereof, the quotas of the several states should
be adjusted agreeably to the best information which Congress may
from time to time have obtained on the subject Upon this principle
they recommend to Congress, that in the present requisition for three
millions of dol-ars, the quotas of the several states be as follows, vis. :

Dollars.

New-Hampshire, --•-.- 105,416

Massachusetts, ...... 448,854

Rhode- Island and Providence Plantations, - - 64,636

Connecticut, 264,182

New- York, - 256,486

New-Jersey, 166,716

Pennsylvania, 410,378

Delaware, 44,886

Maryland, 283,034

Virginia, 512,974

North-Carolina, 218,012

South-Carolina, 192,366

Georgia, 82,060

3,000,000.

Which sums, when paid, shall be passed to the credit of the states
respectively, on the terms prescribed by the resolution of Congress
of the sixth day of October, 1779, and together with the monies
relied on to dischage the aforesaid deduction of 649,880 dollars, be
applied in conformity with the several appropriations in the pre-
ceding part of this report, giving preference according to the order
in which they are stated in the estimate.

As more than two-thirds of the sum called for is to be applied to
the payment of interest on the domestic debt, the committee are of
opinion, that the several legislatures may so model the collection of
the sums called for, that one third of any sum being paid in actual *
money, the other two-thirds may be discharged by the interest due
upon loan-office certificates and upon other certificates of the liquidated
debts of the United i8tates. And to ascertain the evidences of interest
due upon loan office certificates, the holder^ thereof respectively,
shall be at liberty to carry them to the office from which they issued,
and the holders of other certificates of Kqaidated debto of the United

618 PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVES 1785.

States^ to oarrj tbo same to the loan-office of that state wherein they
are inhabitants, or if foreigners, to any loan-office within the United
States, and to have the interest dae thereon, settled and certified to
the last day of the year 1784.

Provided that the commissioner of the continental loan-offioe in
any state, shall not on any pretence whatever, settle, or issue any
certificate or certificates, for the interest due on any continental loan-
office-certificate or other certificate of liquidated debts aforesaid,
unless as hereafter provided, until the state for which he is conti*
nental loan-officer shall have passed a legislative act, complying with
this requisition ; nor shall be issue any certificate, or take any other
measure whereby the interest may be paid by the state in any mode
not pointed out by this requisition ; nor shall the commissioner of
the continental loan-office in any state that shall have complied with
this requisition, issue any certificate or take any other measure
whereby a discrimination may be made by such state between the
holders of loan-office certificates issued from his office, who are citi-
zens of that state, and foreigners, or the citisens of any other state
that shall have complied with this requisition : Excepting from this
proviso, such state or states, as, by the books of the treasury shall
appear to have paid their full quota of the requisition of the 30th
October, 1781, for eight millions of dollars upon the former and
present apportionment of the same, so far as to admit the oommis-
sioncr of the continental loan-office in such state or states, to issue
certificates for interest in the same manner as the commissioners in
the states passing legislative acts, as aforesaid: Provided always,
that any continental loan-officer shall issue certificates for interest as
aforesaid, due on continental loan-office certificates issued from his
office and belonging to forcigncrp, and also, to the citizens of such
state as shall have passed a legislative act, complying with this
requisition as aforesaid.

Provided nevertheles8,^that where any state hath made provision
by law, for paying any part of the interest of the domestic debt of
the United States contained in the estimate on which this requisition
is founded, the continental loan-officer in such state, shall, without
delay, ascertain the sum which shall have been so paid pursuant to
such law, on or before the first day of January next, and shall make
report thereof to the board of treasury, and also to the legislature of
such state, who may deduct from their quota of this requisition, and
be credited in part payment thereof, the sum so paid not exceeding
two-thirds of such quota, every state being held to pay in specie
one-third part of the said quota, previously to the admission of such
credit. And if any state shall have so paid in discharge of interest
a« aforesaid, a sum exceeding two-thirds of its quota of this requisi-
tion such surplus shall be admitted as a charge against the United
States in the settlement of the general account of such state ; but if
any interest after the first day of January, shall be paid by any state
contrary to the true intent of this requisition! such payment shall

PBNNSTLYANIA ASCHIVEB 1785. 619

not be admitted as a charge against the United States. And if
^LDy commissioner of a continental loan-office shall disobey, or neglect
to carry into execution any resolution or order of Congress, or other-
wise neglect his duty in the said office, the board of treasury shall
suspend him from his office, and the emoluments thereof, and imme-
diately report the reasons thereof to Congress ; and the board of
treasury are hereby empowered to appoint in the room of the
oommiseioner of the continental loan-office so suspended, a citizen of
the state in which the office is kept, who shall have all the powers
and emoluments of a commissioner of the continental loan -office^
until Congress shall finally determine respecting the suspension.

And every commissioner of the continental loan-office, previously
to settling and issuing certificates as aforesaid, for the interest due on
certificates of liquidated debts, other than loan-office certificates, shall
administer an oath or affirmation, or require a certificate signed by
one of the persons whom the state in which the commissioner resides
shall, in the legislative act complying with this requisition appoint,
that he has administered to the owner or possessor of every such
oertificate, an oath or affirmation, that the same is bona fide the
property of the particular state in which the said commissioner resides,
or of a citizen or citizens of the said state, or of some corporate body
or charitable institution within the same, or of some person who is
not a citizen of any of the United States ; describing the certificate
or certificates alluded to in every such oath or affirmation, in such
manner as shall be necessary to identify the same, or as may be pre-
scribed by the legislature of the said state.

And for preventing the depreciation of certificates to be issued as
aforesaid, the legislature of each state is required to provide in the
aet oomplying^wth this requisition that if on the first day of Jan-
uary, 1787, the said state's quota of the said certificates so to be
issued shall not be in the hands of the state treasurer or other proper
officer, the deficiency shall be collected and paid into the continental
treasury in specie, which, when so paid, is hereby appropriated to the
redemption of such surplus certificates.

Provided nevertheless, that any State which shall have obtained
a credit in the books of the treasury for the full compliance with the
requisition of the 4th September, 1782, for one million two hundred
thousand dollars, with the requisition of 27th April, 1784, for com-
pleting the payment of one-half of the requisition of 30th October,
1781, for eight million dollars, and also with this requisition, shall
^t any time after such compliances, be admitted to pay into the trea-
sury of the United Staees any sum, or sums in the said certificates to
be issued for interest as aforesaid, and have credit for the same, to
be deducted out of the quota of such state in the next succeeding
requisition ; provided that such sum or sums do not exceed one-half
the said quota.

That the board of treasury cause to be made a bank-paper, and
. thereon to be struck the form of certificates, to evidence the interest

620 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786.

due as aforesaid, and transmit to the several loan-officers, a snfficient
number of the same. That the said board furnish the several locn-'
officers, with such checks and instructions, as they, from time to
time, shall jud^ necessary, to prevent counterfeited oertifioatea of
debts from obtaining a settlement of interest, and to deteot ooanter-
feit evidences of interest, and thereby to avoid receiving them in
discharge of taxes ; which certiBcates of interest being {Murted with
by the holders of the principal, shall be deemed evidence that he
has received satisfaction for the same, and therefore shall be re-
ceivable from the bearer in lieu of money in the proportion aforesaid,
'in any other State in the Union, as well as in the State in which they
were issued. That the State receiving such certificates and paying
the same into the public treasury, with a proportion of specie as
aforesaid, shall have credit therefor ; which payment shall be con-
sidered as a discharge of the interest due on the domestic debt, in
the proportion that each State avails itself of the said certificates of
interest. And where loan-office certificates issued after the first day
of March, 1778, shall be presented to the loan-officer, they shall be
reduced to their specie value, conformable to the resolutions of Con-
gress of June 28th, 1780, and that specie value expressed on some
part of the certificate, and the interest thereon settled, and certified
as in other cases.

As a motive for the chearful payment of the sum now called for,
as well as of the arrearages on that of April 27, 1784, the com-
mittee are of opinion that the States bd reminded, that Congress
have passed an ordinance for the survey and sale of the western
territory of the United States, and that the proceeds thereof will be
applied as a sinking fund to extinguish the domestic debt. Future
requisitions for interst on the domestic debt, wiff therefore be re-
duced in proportion as this fund may be rendered productive.

KssOLYED; That Congress agree to the said report.

Resolutions op Congress — Loan Office, 1785.

By the United States in Congress assembled, September 30, 1785.

Resolved, that it shall be the duty of the commissioners of the
continental loan-offices in the respective states, to reoeive and keep
the monies arising from continental taxes in the different states, and
to pay the interest due from the United States in the said sUtea
respectively; and that they hold all monies collected within the
several states on account of the requisitions of Congress, subject only
to the orders of Congress, or of the board of treasury.

That they shall, agreeable to such mode as may be prescribed by
the comptroller, make weekly returns to the board of treasurv of the
money they may receive on aeoount of the United States, and ahM> of

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785. 521

the certificates which Uicy may issue for the payment of the ioterest
on the puhlio deht, in pursuance of the acts of Congress.

That they form accurate estimates as often as called upon hy the
Voard of treasury, of the interest falling due monthly within their
lespective states on loan office certificates and other liquidated secu-
ritiefl of the United States ; and that they keep accurate and distinct

X' tors of the principal sums due as well on the liquidated as loan-
I deht.

That in all their official transactions, they govern themselves hy
the acts and resolves of Congress, or the orders of the board of
treasury, not repugnant thereto.

That they make no appropriation of monies hy them received on
•eoount of the United States, except for the purpose of the payment
of interest agreeably to the resolves of Congress, without the express
order of the board of treasury, and that they submit to the comp-
troller, a state of their accounts quarterly, for examination and
allowance.

That the said officers shall not directly or indirectly be concerned
in trade ; and that previously to entering on the duties of their
office, they shall severally enter into bonds to the United States of
America, with two or more sureties ; the principals in a sum not
exceeding fifty thousand dollars, nor less than ten thousand dollars,
.and one or more sureties in a like sum, as may from time to time be
directed by the board of treasury, having regard to the magnitude
of the trust reposed in the several offices. — Further, they shall
severally take and subscribe the oath of fidelity to the United States,
and also an oath for the due execution of their offices respectively ;
certificates of which, together with their. several bonds, shall be trans-
mitted to the board of treasury, who shall cause the same to be
recorded in the comptroller's office.

That they shall henceforth be respectively allowed for all services
and duties which are or may be annexed to their offices, by any acts
or resolutions of Congress, or direction of the board of treasury, a
sum not exceeding fiteen hundred, nor less than six hundred dollars
per annum, exclusive of office rent, stationery, and other necessary
charges, and the wages of such clerks as may be previously authorized
by the board of treasury, who shall judge of the services aforesaid.

That in the payment of all monies, they shall take printed duplicate
receipts, agreeable to such form as shall be transmitted to them by
the comptroller; one of which shall be forwarded to the board of
treasury, with their accounts, in support of the payments made by
them respectively. That they 'shall also give duplicate receipts for
all monies received by them, in order that the several states may
direct one of them to be forwarded to the board of treasury, who,
upon the receipt thereof, shall credit the state for the amount specified
therein, and charge the same to the officer receiving it.

That it be recommended to the legislatures of the respective states,
to direct their treasurers to transmit to the board of treasury, a

622 PENNSYLVANIA AROHlYES 1785.

moDtfalj abstract of all monies paid on account of the several states
to the commissioners of the continental loan-offices, dlstiognishiDr
the dates and amounts of the respectiye payments, and the sums paid
hi actual money, from those in interest certificates.

That all the acts and resolves of Congress respecting the duties of
the commissioners of the loan-office in the respeotive states, made
previously to this date, be, and they are hereby repealed and declared
to be void from and after the first day of January next, excepting the
requisition of the 27th and 28th of April, 1784, the ordinance of
the 20th of May, and the requisition of the 27th September, 1785.

That all appointments of commissioners of the ooAtinental loan-
offices in future, shall be made by the United States in Coocrress
assembled, any act or resolution to the contrary notwithstanding ;
provided that such commissioners as are now in office, where tSe
number does not exceed one in each state, be and hereby are con-
tinued in office, subject to the acts and resolutions of Congress.

Kesolved, that the resolution of the 3d day of October, 1776, so
far as it relates to the responsibility of the states for the fiuthful
discharge of the duty of the commissioners of the continental loan-
office, be repealed and made void from and after the first day of
January, 1786.

CHA. THOMSON, Seo'y.

HoK. Davu) Jackson to Prbs. Dickinsok, 1785.

New York, Oct. 8d, 1785.
Sir,

I do myself the honor to enclose to your Excellency & the Honble
Council three copies of the requisition for the present year which
passed in Congress a few days ago. I dare say it will soon come
officially thro^^he Board of Treasury, but as it contains matters of
much importance. I though b you would wish as early an inspection
as possible.

I have the honor to be,

your Excellency's obed. Servt.

DAVID JACKSON.*

5th October, 1785. From the Hon. D. Jackson, enclosing
copies of the Requisition ordinance of Congress.
Directed^

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esqr., President of the Supreme
Executive Council, Philadelphia.

♦ See Col. Rec, Vol. XIV., p. 549.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1785. 628

Plunket Fleeson to Council, 1785.

Uay it please jonr Honors.

Being unable to wait on your Honors by reason of an Inflamation
in my Leg. I hope to be excused, in thus addressing you.

Understanding that Mr. Edward Shippcn* a Gentleman of superior
Qoalifioations is Elected a Justice of the peace, conceiving the
presidency of Court will be most proper in him, & that I may not
stand in the way of anything conducive to the more Essential
Service of the public, beg leave to resign that Commission which
honours me with the Presidency of the Courts of Quarter Sessions of
City & county of Philada. & Orphans court.

I cannot just now lay my hands on the Commission but when I
do shall chearfully return it.

I am with the utmost Respect,

your Honors most humble Servt.

PLUNK. FLEESON.

October 4th, 1785.
Directed^

His Excellency the President, & Supreme Executive Council.

Pres. Dickinson to Chief Justice and other Judges,

1785.

In Council, October 8th, 1785.
Gentlemen,

Regarding the offices we hold, as bestowed merely for the purpose
of enabling us to contribute to the Happiness of the People and
persuaded that you view those held by you in the - same Light, we
do not doubt, but you will cheerefnlly afford your Aid, in carrying
into Execution any Measures that have a tendency to promote so
desireable an End.

In going the Circuits you will frequently visit different parts of
the State. While the Judicial Authority is employed in this solemn
Progress for the Punishment of Evil doers. We should be glad^
that besides the Terror of legal Penalties, all the Influence to be
derived from your Characters, and the Dignity of your Stations,
might be applied in disseminating the best Principles & setting for-
ward the most effectual Eegulations for the prevention of offences.

You Gentlemen, well know how vain are Laws without Manners.
These cannot be expected, unless the strictest attention be paid to
the Education of youth, and the Inculcation of a true Love and
Fear of the Supreme Being.

Under other Forms of §overnment| the administration may be

* He was appointed. Col. Reo., VoL XIY,, pp, 648, 549.

524 PENNSYLVANIA AEOHIVES 1786.

well conducted, if the Chief Magistrates only are good. Bat, in
RepublicB where the People themselves are to govern their Virtue
b essential to their Prosperity.

When the Individaals of a society are impressed with a just Ba-
gard for Industry, Frugality, Temperance, Morality and Piety, and
of course with a proper Contempt for Habits & Dispositions opposed
to these Qualities, they will rise to that simple, manly, dignified
Character that amidst the Changes in human affairs most directly
tends to ensure their own Felicity and the Honor of their Coantry.
May infinite Mercy grant this to be the Choice and Condition of
Pennsylvanians.

It is our next Wish that you would be pleased strongly to recom-
mend in the several Counties, the Establishment of Schools,
Attendance at places of public worship. Provisions for Ministers of
the Gospel, and Observance of the Sabbath.

There are other Considerations of much Moment, which, as your
sentiments will undoubtedly be received with great Respect, We desire
also to have enforced. These are the Improvements of agriculture
Roads and Streams, and proper Motives for exciting Attention to
every Thing, that by producing local Benefits at first, may at Length
operate in advancing the general Wellfare.
I have the Honor to be.

Gentlemen, your most obedient Servant,

JOHN DICKINSON.

Directcdf

The Honorable, The Chief Justice, and the other Judges of the
Supreme Court.

Resolutions of Congress, 1786.

Tuesday, October 11, 1785.
Congress assembled — Present as yesterday.

On a report from the board of treasury to whom was referred a
petition of Lewis Nicola and Richard Loyd, agents to the invalid
corps and Hazens Regiment in behalf of themselves and the agents
of Armands corps, the Regiment of artificers and the corps of Sap-
pers and Miners.

Resolved, That when the agents appointed to issue Certificates
for the ballance due to the corps of the late Continental army (not
appertaining to any State) shall have finally adjusted the accounts
of their respective corps, with the Commissioner of army accounts,
the board of treasury be, and it is hereby authorised to ascertain and
report to Congress, such compensation as from the report of the
said Commissioner, they shall judge proportionate to the Service of
the respective agents.

PBNNSTLVANIA ABGHIVEB 1788.

Kesolyedy That tbe oertifioaies which remaiii nndeliyered by the
respeoiivt agents above mentioned, to the indiTidvabto whom they
belong, be returned to the Commissioner of army aocountSi with
whom the said agents are to settle the accounts of their agency,
relative to the delivenes made to the individuals aforesaid, and the
Commissioner for army accounts shall transmit such remaining oer-!
tifioates to the Supreme exeootive authority of the State in which
the parties having a right to claim the same were enlisted, in the
same manner as is provided for by the resolves of Congress of Uie
3d, of November 1783, and May 27 1785, in the oaae of Regiments
appertaining to the several States.

y Captains.

y Lieutenants of InCintry.

Secretary Armstrong to Secretary op War, 1785.

Sir,

I have the honor to inform you that from the Resolutions of Coun-
cil of the 8th of September & 20th of October, 1785, it appears that
the following gentlemen were appointed to command the quota of
Troops. required from this State in forming the Regiment of federal
Militia, agreeably to an Ordinance of Congress & a Law of thia,
Commonwealth.
Viz., Josiah Harmar, Esq-i Li Col. Commd^
Walter Fenny,
David Zeigler,
Wm. MoCurdy.

Ereurius Beatty,
Thomas Doyle,
John Armstrong.

Nathaniel McDowell|
Ebenezer Denny,
Edward Spear.

Ferguson, Captain,
Joseph Ashton, Lieutenant.

John McDowell, Surgeon.
Richard Allison, Surgeon's Mate.

I am, Sir, with much respect,

your most Obedient Humble servt.,

JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jr., See'y.*

Philadelphia, Secretary's Office, 20ih October, 1785.
The Honorable Major Qeneral Knoz, Secretary at War.

I of Artillery.

Ensigns.

Vol. X.— 28

• See Ck^ Bee., Yvl ZIT., p. MO.

ISA FBNNaTLYANIA ABGHIVBS 17«6.

Sro*t Armstroko to Hoist. Jossra Oardher, 1785.

Seoretarj's Offioe,

Pbaa., Oct. 21, 1786.
Sir,

Yoar late letter to Ootmdl, Moompuiied by a Report of the bond
of Treasury, was reoei^ed on the 5th Instant, and referred to the
Oomptroller Oen. of Aooonnts. He has this momini^ rendered a
statement of oharges against the U. States, agreeably [to] your
wishes, which I have the honor to enclose.
I am. Sir,

with much respect, &c.,

JOHN ARMSTfiONG, Jr., Seo'y *
Directed J
Hon. Joseph Gardner, Esq., Member of Congress.

Georqe' Morgan to Council, 1785.

Prospect, October 23«, 1785.
Gentlemen,

Tiie Bearers, John & Thomas Eillback,f having resided in New
Jersey & Pennsylvania during all the late Indian War, as Hostages
for the Conduct of their Friends, Congress have been pleased to
direct me to return -them to their Parents on the Waters of Ohio.
They will have the Honour to present this to you on their Rout
through Philadelphia, & to request the favour of your Pass to Pitts-
burg^ for themselves & Mr. Jonathen Brooks, a prudent ft capable
Person, I have hired as their Conductor.
I have the Honour to be,

with great Respect, Gentlemen

jour most Ob* Serv',

GEO. MORGAN.
Directed^

To His Excellency, The President of the State of Pennsylvania.
By John ft Thomas Killbuck.

V. P. Charles Biddle to Gov. op Maryland, 1785.

Philad., Oct. 24, 1785.
Sir,

I have the honor to inclose aoopy of a memorial presented to this
board by Seek Keiser,| in behalf of himself and thirty four others,.

* .See CoL Rec., Vol XIV., p. MO.

I See Col. Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 662— a pass was granted.
See CoU Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 661, 669.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^M _T ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^* .^^Z^

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786. 627

natiyes of China & Bengal, & part of tho crew of the Pallas, ladia-
man, commaDded by Captain John O'Donnell. As the snbject will
require an enquiry into facts which from the seperation of the par-
ties & other circumstances it is imposaoble for this board to make,
we have thought proper to recommend it to the notice of your Bx-
oellency, and to request these people may not be permitted to carry
back to India with them^any well grounded objection against either
the justice or humanity of these U. S.
I am; with great respeot| Sir

your obedient aad most humble seryt.,

CHAELES BIDDLB,*
Directed, Vice President.

Ooyemor of Maryland.

PoARD OF Treasury to Pres. B. Franklin, 1785.

(Circular.)

Board of Treasury, Oct. 29th, 1785.
Sir,

Congress haying by their Besolyo of the 30th Sept.f last directed
that tho Commissioners of the Continental Loan Offices in the res-
pectiye States should enter into Bonds with two or more sureties for
the faithful Execution of the trust reposed in them, We haye taken
the Liberty of transmitting to your Excellency the Bonds and oath
of office which are required from the Loan officers' in your State, in
order that they may be Executed in your presence by Mr. Thomas
Smith (who is appointed Commissioner) and his Sureties. We are
induced to request the favor of your Excellency to judge of the
sufficiency of the security from a Consideration of the deep interest
which the State as woll as the Union haye in the faithful Execution

of this office. Should Mr. Smith decline accepting you wiU

oblige us in keeping the enclosed papers in your custody till you
hear from this board.

We are, Sirs, your obed. Humble Sery'ta,
SAMUEL OSGOOD,
Directed, WALTER LIVINGSTON.

His Excellency, Benjamin Franklin, Esq.,]; President of the State
of Pensilyania.

* Charles Biddle was elected Vice President on the resignation of James
Irvine, Oct. lOth, 1786, see Col. Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 652-3. This appears
to have been the last meeting at which President Dickinson was present or
presided. Benjamin Franklin was elected a ** Councillor'' on the 17th, and
on the I8th elected President of it, and on the 29th formally elected Presi-
dent and Charles Biddle, Vice President, and both proclaimed as such. Col.
Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 556, 557, 665.

f See page 620.

I Beigamin Franklin was elected Presidsnt nnanimonsly, Oct 18, 1785.
Col. Rec, Vol. XIV., p. 5G7.

«*• TENNSYLYAIHA ABGHIVE8 178&

State of thb Quota of Fbknstlvania, 17B5.

State of the Quota of PenneylTania in the several Exiating Beqm-
aitions of CoDgreas, the Payments that have been made on aoooonl
thereof, and the balanoe due Nov. Sth, 1785.

DoIIara Dollars

payable in in Specie.

' FacilitieB, &o.

Quota of the 1,200,000 Dollars,)
4»Ued for bv Act of September; V180;000
1782. 3

called/or by Act of April, 1784. J «v,vi.« <^v,mo

Ditto of the 3,000:000 Ditto called ) o7« nftft i oa nno

for by Act of September, 1785. J ^78,585 136,793

Amount required, 593,684 557,091

CONTRA C.

By the following Payments made on account
of the foregoing Bequiaitions, Tiz.

To John Swanwick, Keceiver of "j
Contin^ taxes from the 4th June, (^qi^tqh
1782, to the 20th Septem., 1784, f^^^''^4*
£161,914, 18. 5., equal to J

Paid for taking up and securing^

British Deserters agreeable to di- I o 071 a

roction of Congress of March 1782, f ^'^ ' ^
£889 3 2, equal to J

Paid Pensions to wounded Sol-^
diers, agreeable to Act of Congress y 4i285lg
of April 1782, £1606 18 4, equal to )
Ditto, do*, £8,866 1 6, equal to 10,309 ^^

• Paid to Michael Hillogas, Contin'*)
Treasurer, March 1785, 30,000, & )- 81,400
May 1,400, )

Paid to Thomas Smith, Esq', Re-)
oeiver of Contin» Taxes, Oct. 22d, V 712"
1785. )

480,851*0

PBNNan-YANIA ABGHIVX8 178& fiU

Bioo^hfcoTor, « 480,851^0

Pftid PentioDs to wounded OSi-^
oers and Soldiers between Ist Jan^ I ^ ^^^4*
ft 22d Sept, 1785, agreeable to Act f ^'^^^
of GongzeM of April, 1782, J

Ditto, do. 276^a

Ditto paid agreeable to Aot of ^
J^Be, 1786| to the 5th Novem., [ 2,834
1785. )

490,647**

Jnterest paid upon debts of the^j
United BtateB by Thomas Smith, li^AfiTiso

Sreeable to Aot of Assmeblj, 2l8t p^^i^'^
arch, 1783 (in Interest Notes.) J

Ditto paid to the 5th Novem.,')
1785,agreeable to Aot of 16 Maroh, V 248,446^*

1785, (in paper Money.) )

Balance to be paid by the 1st May,

1786, 178,665** 66,443**

Amount reqniied, 593,684 557,091

Note. — The arrears of Pensions now dne and to be paid before
the 1st May next, agreeable to Resolation of Congrtes tf 7th Jane,
and Act of Assembly of 22d Sept. last, will reduce the above balance
of our quota due in Money, very considerably. And we have already
the means of discharging the greater part if not the whole of the
balanoe due in fiioilities.

JN NIOHOLSONj

Compt' General's Office, Nov 5th, 1785.

Resolution of Gknsbal Assembly, 1785«

State of Pennsylvania,

In General Assembly,

Monday, November 7, VlBb, A. M.
A letter from his Excellency the President of the Supreme Execu-
tive Council respecting certain natives of India, now here,"^ which
was read November 5U&, was read the second time, whereupon

On motion of Mr. Fitzsimmons, seconded by Mr. Atlee, the
House adopted the following, viz —

Whereas it appears bv a letter from the President and the Su-
preme Executive Council, that there is now in thie city a number of
distressed persons, natives of China and India, who from their habits

■ i

* See Col. Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 609, 674.

m IVNNBTLVAIIUL ABOHITXB ntl

and want of knowledge of onr language are incapable of aoquiring a
livelihood or the means of retamiB| to tMr natire eonntvy, therefore
Beeolyed, that tl^e President or Viee Prerident and 8iip|ie»e Sz-
eontive Council be authorised and requeited to administer sneb nliof
and support to the distressed parsons afoiesaid aa their preeeai aitoa-
UoB may require. :

Extract from the MinoteSy

J. SHALLUS, Aa^ Cletk.

Tbustbbs of General Loan Office to Gouhcil, 178&

The Trustees of the General Loan Offioe of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, applies to his Exoellencj the President and l!he Su-
preme Executive Council, for aueh a Sum of the New Paper Money
to emit on Loan agreeable to Lawj a» yew Honors shall aea proper
to grant them at this Time.
Philada., November 7th; 1785.

GEORGE SCHLOSSEB.
G. ROW- EVANS.
BOBEBT SMITH.

Sbo'T of Ck)irQRBS8 TO OoUKCILi 1786»

(Circular.)

Offioe of Secretary of CongreeSi Nor. 7, 1786.
Silk

I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency herewith en-
oloeed two copies of the Continuation of the Journal of Congress
from the 29th September to the close of the session. One copy for
the legislative and the other for the Eieoutive branch of Govern-
ment In conformity to the act of the 17th August, I enclose also
a stateof the representation in Congress from the beginning of Oct' to
theJfirst Monday in Nov',"*" and have to request the favour of your
Excellency to lay it before your Legislature.
With the greatest respecty
I have the honor to be your Excellency's

most obedient & most humhle serv*,

OHA. THOMSON.

His Excellency, The President of the Ex. Council of Pennsyl-
aylvania.

* Not found,

FBNNSYLVANIA ABGHIYES 1786; 688-

PfifiS. OF OOUHCIL TO BOAD COMMISSIOlfBBd, 1785.

Oenaemeny

Philadelphia, Nor. 9th, 1785.

Under the enclosed law ft appointment of coaneil yon or any tmv*
of you will meet on the Ist day of December next at Miller's spring
in the oonnty of Cumberland, ft thence proceed, '< to surrey ft
** lay out (^or mark) a State highway in as direct ft straight a manner
*' as the circumstances of the country and situation of the ground
<< will admit, to Pittsburg in the county of Westmoreland which
" Highway shall throughout the whole length of the same ^except in
" the town of Bedford; be of the breadth of 60 feet,'' ft from time
to time transmit a report of your proceedings with a draft of your
road as far as you have carried it, to this Board, particularly noting
« the more rugged ft least habitable parts of the Oonntry" thro'
which you proceed, by announcing the name of the Township or
such other distinction, as will best enable Council to eomply with
the wishes of the House in directing the future labor ft expenee of
Government upon it.

In executing this trust, it will be necessary to employ a Surveyor
Chain carrier & other assistants. Council rely upon your getting
these on the best possible terms for the State, ft that more will not
be engaged than will be necessary to the accuracy & dispatch with
which it is expected you will perform this business.
Directed^

James Smith, John Boggs, ft Francis Solvers, Esquires. Com-
missioners for laying out a road from Millersburg to Pittsburg.

Levi HoLLiNGSwoRTn to Sec'y ARMSTRONa, 1785.

Philadelphia, Nov. 9th, 1785.
Sir,

In obedience to the request of Council communicated to me in
your note of yesterday, I have examined the state of the East India
seamen now with me. There are thirty-one of them in Philadelphia
greatest part of them lodged in a house of mine where I placed them
from motives of humanity, and have advanced to their necessities .to
the amount of forty shillings in cash and provisions. One of them
being sick is removed to the Pennsylvania Hospital.
. They report themselves destitute of money and not clothed for the
present and approaching season wanting shoes, stockings, Jackets
and Trowsers ; some of them have outside coats or Frocks of woolen-
cloth, but their under cloths are only of Cotton and many without
any other covering but a Calico kind of frock, they have no hading
or covering of that kind, nor wood to dress thoir victuals with, the
rooms they are in at present are inoonvenient ta'them haveing but

23*

6U FBNNSYLVANIA ABOHIVES 1785.

one fire-place and no ontlet or yard, and of too much value to me to
be long ocoupled by ao large a family and without the proapeot of a
compensation equal to the rent they were set for at the time I took
these unhappy people in. Since I was with Council on thair behalf
I waited on Gapt. Truzton to satisfy myself as to the terma he would
carry them to India fori he says Forty Guineas ^ man m bia lowest
price. As Gapt Green in Bobert Morris's employ is soon to lail for
that Country, I think it probable he might be prevailed upon to
take them for a lower freight. Hoping the Honourable Council will
take their unhappy situation into immediate oonsideralion.
I am with great regard,

Your most obedient servant,

LEVI HOLLINGSWOBTH.*
Direeted,
John Armstrong, Bsquire, Present

ELScncm OF Delegates to Congress by Oansbal
Assembly, 1786.

State of Pennsylvania. In General Assembly, Friday, November 11.
1785, A. M.

Agreeably to the order of the day the House proceeded to the
election of Delegates to represent this Stote in the Congress of the
United Sutes, and the ballots being taken it appeared that the
Honorable Charles Pettit, John Bayard, Arthur St Chtir, William
Henry of Lancaster, and James Wilson, Esquires, were duly elected.
Extract from the Minutes.

J. SHALLUS,t Ass't Clerk.

Slbction 07 Treasubeb bt General Assembly, 1785.

State of Pennsylvania, In General Assembly, 1785
Saturday, November 12, 17S5, A. M.
Ajpreeably to the order of the day the House proceeded to the
election of a Treasurer of this State for the present year, and the
ballots being taken it appeared that Savid Bittenhouse,^ Esquire,
was unanimously Elected,

Extract from the minutes,

J. SHALLUS, AsBt. Clerk.

« See Col. Heo. Vol. XIY. p. 574.
t See CeL Reo., VoL XIV., p. 577.

PBNNSTLVANIA AfiCHXYES 1785. SK

Jamb0 Psabson to ConxoiL|— Btatb Houbb, 1785.

To the Honorable the Supreme Exeoati?e GoodcU of the Com-
moDwealth of Pennsjlyania.
Gentlemen,

Those repairs of the State house, that are already done with the

5 reparations for finishing other parts of the work amount to near
'welve hundred pounds. In these accounts are included the Coot of the
sereen, Venetian Blinds^ and sundry other work done in the Council
Ohamber, also the alterations and improvements in the Office of the
Comptroller Oeneral and Master of the Rolls, which are not included
in the Estimates (amounting to £1250) reported to tho Houbl«.
House of Assembly.

The money I have received bv order of your Honble. Board on
acct. for repairing the State house is nme hundred and ninety
pounds. Therefore request of the Honble Council, that they will
order me the additional sum of Two hundred pounds to pay the*
debts already contracted and make such repairs as remain unfinished,
and oblige,

your hble. Servant,

JAMES PEARSON.*
Indonedj

PLUada. November 12th, 1785.

Sbo'y op Cokgrbsb to Pres. Franklin, 1785.

Office of Sec'y of Congress, Nov. 14th, 1785.
Sir,

It appearing necessary that a period should be fixed to the final
adjustment of all claims against the United States for service per-
formed by the Army and that from the nature of such claims they
cannot be so properly investigated by any other office as by the
pesent Commissioner, who has nearly closed the lineal settlement,
The United States in Congress assembled on the 2d Instant have
been pleased to pass the inclosed resolntion limiting the time for
exhibiting such claims, to the first of August next, and have directed
the Commissioner of Army accounts to give public notice thereof
in all the States for the space of six months.
With great respect,
I have the honor to be,
your Excellency's most obedient,

& most Humbl. Servt.

CHA. THOMSON.
DtrsdeJ,

His Exoellency,.Tho President of Pe&nsylvuiia.

* Col Reo., Vol. XIV, p. 580.

at FBSNaZLYANIA. ASCHIVB8 1785i

JoHK PisROB TO Pbss. Feankldt, 1785.

New Tork^ November 16Ui, 1785
Sir,

I do myself tbe bonor to enclose you a resolution of OoDgreei
direoting me to deliver to tbe order of tbe Supreme exeoudve of
eeeh State suob Gertifioatee as sball remain unissned belonging ;Co
the Corps not appertaining to any Line and as several of the agents
of these Corps have made a settlement with me and deposited Cer-
tifleates belonging to Inhabitants of the State of Pennsylvania, I
am to request that some person may be empowered to reoeive the
same from my hands.

I am, with great respect,

your Excellenc/s most obedient Servt

JNO. PIERCE, P. M. Q.*
DirecUdj
His EzoeUenoy, Benjamin Franklin, Esquire.

Land Office to Prbs, Fbanklin, 1785.

His Excellency Benjamin Franklin, Esq'r, President in Council.
Sir,

The instructions which we have heretofore received from Council
respecting the Sale of the Depreciation Lands, are silent with regard
to the most eligible mode to be adopted — we therefore beg leave to
submit to Council whether we should sell these Lands by the acre
or by the Tract ; in ail probability the Commonwealth wou'd derive
advantages from selling them by the acre, thb however we submit to
your direction.

The City Auctioneer has suggested to us, that it appears to him
his province to sell these Lands, agreeably to the laws under which
he acts, whether this shall be the case or we must employ Cryers
and other necessary persons to negociate this business we also beg
leave to submit to your Hon'ble Body — ^In case we shou'd be
authorised to employ proper persons, 'tis likely the expences incurred
will not be less than if conducted thro' the channel of the auctioneer. .

With regard to tbe mode of com pleating the purchasers Titles,
tbe Law is likewise silent, we therefore submit to the consideration
of Council whether it wou'd be proper to issue a warrant directing
a return of Survey to be made of each particular Tract previous to
the granting; of a Patent.

Wo shallbe extremely happy either to receive the instructions of

* See OoL Beo., YoL XIV., p. 682.

PBNNSTLVANU AKOHIYSS 17851 Sit

3ncj and Council^ or (
on'ble Bodj upon these pdnts.

your Excellencj and Council^ or confer with a few members of jour
Hon'ble Body upon these pdnts.

We have the honor &o ,

DAVID KENNEDY,
FRA8. JOHNSTON.

Philad'a, 15th Noy', 1785.
Directed,

His Ezoellenoy Benjamin Franklin, Esq', in CounciL Present.

Seo't A&MSTRONa TO Land Ovficb, 1785.

Seeretary's Offio0| 18th Nov., 1785.
Oentlemen,

In reply to yonr letter of the 15th Instant I am directed to in-
form you 1st, that it is the demre of Coanoii that the depreciation
land should be sold by the acre. 2d, that the City Auctioneer be
employed to sell them. & Sd, that no warrant directing a Betum of
Survey should issue.

I am with much regard, G^nt,

your ob. & very h'ble Serv't,

JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Sec'y op Congress to Pbbs. of Council, 1785.

Office of Secretary of Congress,

November 18th, 1785.
Sir,

I am sorry to inform your Excellency that, nothwithstanding it
seems to be the intention of the Confederation that all the States
should punctually assemble in Congress on the first Monday in
November, there are yet but five states represented namely, Massa-
chusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and South Carolina,
and one member attending from Georgia.

The late packets from Europe have, I understand, brought dig-
patches which demand the immediate and attentive consideration of
Congress, I beg leave to transmit to your Excellency a Copy of a
letter which I have just received from the Secretary for foreign
affairs and hope you will be pleased to urge the delegates for your
state to come forward as speedily as possible.
With the greatest respect

I have the Honor to be

your Excellency's most obed't

and most humble serv't,
Directed, CHA. THOMSON.

His Excellency tbe President of Pensylvania.

Q8S raNKSTLYANLi ASGHIVXS 1786.

Sbc't of Foreign Affaibs to Pass, of CounciLi 1785.

Copy.

Office for foreign affairs,

18ih Nov^r, 1786:
Dear Sir,

The season when the Legislatores nsnally meet to do bnJuneaB is
at hand. It is highly probable that Congress will find it expedient
to call their attention to certain objects of general oonoem, and
particnlarly to some which the present state of onr foreign aJSairs
present. The lata adTioes I have leeeived from Europe dttiand the
attentive consideration of Congress, and in my opinion will give
occasion to recommendations to the States, and other measures
which should not be dehived. Considering the time uoayoidably
consamed by deliberative bodies in matuiing their acts, it is to be
regretted that a sufficient number of States to proceed to every kind
of business within the powers of Congress are not now represented.
Communications to the States for the purpose of aooelerating their
representation in Congress fall more proper Iv within your dspart-
ment than mine. I therefore think it my duty to give you these
hints, that your letters to the States on that subject may impress
them more strongly with the necessity of their providing for their
being speedily, fully, and constantly represented in Congress.

I am &c.,

(signed,) JOHN JAY.

Resolution of Gbnehal Assembly, 1785.

State of Pennsylvania in General Assembly, Friday, November 18|

1786, A. M.

The report of the committoo read yesterday, respecting the Inland
Navigation of this State, was read the second time and adopted as
follows, viz :
The committee upon the Inland Navigation report :

That in their opinion a revision of any of the Acts for Improving
the navigation of the river Susquehanna as a measure to influence
the concurrence of the State of Maryland with the States of Bela-.
ware and Pennsvlvania, in opening a navigable oommunication
between the two bays of Chesapeak and Delaware will be premature
until that State shall discover itself indisposed thereto, which as far
as they stand informed will not probably oe the case, the committee
rather propose that a negociation be entered into with the States of
Maryland and Delaware upon the ground of reciprocal advantages
to be derived, to all the States concerned, from a communication
between the said two Bays as well as from an effectual improvement
of the navigation of the river Susquehanna and its streams.

PHNNSTLYAIHA ABOHITEB 178S. 689

The CommHtee, in eomieqvenoG rabmit ihe Mlownig reMlution :

BetolTod, That the Sapreme Ezeentiye Council be authorised and
requested, and they are hereby authorised and requested to enter
into a neffociation with the States of Maryland and Delaware upon
the ground and for the purposes above mentioned.

£xtract from the minutes,

J. SHALLUS,
Asst. Clerk.

Sec'T ARJ|[STB01iG 10 JOHST Pis&cx/1785.

Secretai^'fl ofllce,

FhOadelphia, Not. 23, 1785.
Sir,

Your letter of the 16th instant* enclosing two resolutions of Con-
cress of the 11th of October last, has been received. Mr. John
Nicholson, the Comptroller General of the accounts of this Com-
monwealth is appointed to receive the certificates belonging to In*
habitants of this State; you will therefore be pleased to deliver
them to him, or such person as he may appoint to receive them.

I am, Sir. yours, &o.,
Directed, g J, ARMSTEONQ, jr.

John Pierce, Esq.

Sec*t ov Gongrsss to Prbs. or Cottkoil, 1785.

(Ciroulaiv)
Office of Seoretaiy of Congress,

Nov. 23d, 1785.
Sir,

I have the honor to inform yonr Excellency that seven States
this day assembled in Congress, and have unanimously elected his
Excellency, John Hancock, President.
With the greatest respect,

I have the honor to be,

Your Excellency's
most obedient &
most hble. Servi.,

CHA. TnOMSON.f
Directed,
His Excellency, the President of Pennsylvania.

• See page 5S6. •

t Bee CoL Rto., VoL XXY., p. 687.

Uft PJEtarSTLYANLl ABOHIVES 1785^

. Fj&BS. F&ANKLiH 10 Gov. ov MabylahDi 1785*

In Oonncil; 26th Noremberi 1786.

■ t have the honor to infbnn yonr Exoellenoy that the Legislature
of this Commonwealth has in its present session disoorered every
disposition to adhere to the samo generous policy, which in Maroh
last, dietated the Law entitled " An Act to ezecate the Act of
** Assemblji declaring the river Susquehanna and other streams
*^ therein, named public highways, and for improving the navigation
** of the same, within the limits of this State/'

Commissioners under this law have been appointed and though
the work be not actually entered upon^ yet no other causes of delay
now present themselves excepting suoh as arise from a disposition
in Pennsylvania to promote the purposes by extending the utility of
every practicable scheme of inland navigation. It is under this in-
fluence that the Oeneral Assembly has authorised us to enter into a
negooiation with the State, over which your Excellency presides,
for the purpose of opening " a navigable communication between the
'' Bays of Chesepeak and Delaware, and for an eflfectual improve-
<< ment of the river Susquehanna, and its streams.''

Your Exoellenoy will observe that this proposition as far as it
applies to Maryland & Pennsylvania is made to rest in all its
parts upon the fair and equal ground of reciprocal advantage. Of
the three States concerned that of Delaware will -perhaps derive the
most immediate advantage from the first part of the plan ; but we
cannot but flatter ourselves y' your Legislature like ours, will
see that in promoting the immediate interest of an intervening
State, she does not ultimately forego her own.

Your Excellency will be pleased to bring this subject before your
Gen. Assembly as early as possible, and in such manner, as will be
most likely to recommend it to their serious attention.
I am, Sir, with the utmost
respect, your Excellency's

most obedient hble. Servt,

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.*
Directed,

His Excellency, the Governor of Maryland.

Pres. Franklin to the Governor of Delaware, 1785.

To the Governor of Delaware.
Sir,

I have the honor to inform your Excellency that under a late act
of the Legislature of this Commonwealth, we are authorized to enter

• See Col. Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 686.

PKirNSTLVAllIA ASOHiyiS 17SS. Ml

into a negooiation with the States of Delaware and Maryland, for the
purpose at *' opening a navigable eommunioation between the. Bays
'< of Chesepeak & Delaware/' and for '< effeotuallj improving the
" navigation of the river Susquehanna and its streams/^

The State over whieh your Excellency presides is so immediately
interested in this measure, that we cannot but hope that this proposi-
tion will meet vour most ready and warm approbation. & support, &
from the wise k liberal policy which y* State of Maryland has lately
discovered on a similar occasion^ we have every reason to believe
that she will not be backward in adopting a measure so directly cal-
culated to promote the interest of all the States concerned in it.

The grottnd upon which it is proposed to conduct this negodation
is that of equal and Reciprocal advantages. Assured as we are that it
is the only permanent basis of political Contract. Tour Ez'y
will be pleased to lay this propontion before your Lcgislirture as
early as possible, and in suoh manner aa may be most likely to
procure a favouraUe reception.

I have the honor to be,

with the highest regard,
your Excellency's most

obedient humble Serrt.,
Jndoned, GHABLES BIDDLE.*

Nov. 26, 1785.

Commissioners of Lands to Pbss. F&anelin, 1785.

Pniadelphia, November 26th, 1785.
Sir,

In obedienoe to the loBtnieiUons of Oo«incil of the 12th September
last, and the 11th instant we have proceeded to the sale of the
Hundred Lots oontained in Daniel LMti District, and also the 48
Lots remaining to be sold in said District. The quantity of Land
Bold amounts to 88,202 Acres, and the am* of Cash to be reeeived
£18,985 14 — which makes the average prioe a little better than
8 6^ Aore.

We have the Honor to be,

your Excellency's Humble Serv'ts,
JNO. LUKENS. 8. O.
DAVID KENEDY, S'y I/d Oft
FKA'S JOHNSTON, B. O.
Directed,

To his Ezcelleney Benjamin Franklin, Esqfr^ President in
Council, Present.

• See OoL Ree., Vol XIV., V. 686.

6M PBNNSTLYAMIA ABOHIYBS 1789.

Gov. Smallwood ov Maryland, to Preb. Fravklut,

1786.

AnnapoliBi 27tli Novem'^ 1785.
Sir,

I do myself the Honor to transmit to your Excellency certain
Besolations of the Legislatoro of this State,'*' the thirdly fourth, fifth
and sixth of which seem to point out the Object to which they wish
to call the attention of the Legislature of your state, that Commis-
sioners may be nommated for the purpose expressed in the sixth
Besolution.
I have the Honor to be,

with the highest Comuderation

and respect, yonr Excellenc/a

mo. Obed't humble Serv't,

W. SMALLWOOD.f
To His Excellency The President of the'State of Pennsylvania.

Resolution of Assembly — State House, 1785.

State of Pennsylvania In General Assembly.

Monday, JTovember 29th, 1785. A. M.
The committee to whom was lecommitted November 25, the re-
port of the committee appointed to inspect the State House and
report the necessary repairs, made report which was read, and oq
motion, and by special order the same was read the second timci
whereupon,

Resolved, that the Supreme Executive Council be requested to
order the following repairs, (vis.)

Ist. That part of the State house roof between the Steeple and
the turret of the clock bell to be covered with Copper.

2d. To new shiugle three courses on both sides of the ridge of
the roof, and repair several places that are decayed, and if they
think proper to order the painting the uper pitches with clarified
turpentine and Spanish browif, and to draw upon the Treasurer of the
State for the payment of such repairs.

Extract from the minutes,

J. SHALLUS, Asat Clerk.

* Not found.

t Gd. Roe., XIV. p. 689.

PBNNSYLYANU ABGHITEB 178S. M8

Seo*7 of Cokgbess to P&es. ov Council, 1785.

Office of Seo'y of CongroBs.
Sir;

' Althoiigh I have regularly forwarded two copies of the Journal
as printed, one for the legislative and another for the Executive
branch of Government, yet least some of the sheets may have been
mislaid, and thereby the Yolamea rendered incomplete, I now
forward to your Excellency two complete copies of the Journal of
last year bound, one of which yoa will be pleased to transmit to the
Legislature, reserving the other for the use of the Executive.

On the 28th, July last* I had the honor of transmitting a copy
of the enclosed resolution of the 27th, by which I am directed to
apply to the Executives of the several States for 18 copies of the
Legislative acts thereof since the Ist of Sept, 1784, and to adopt a
similar mode for procuring the acts which may thereafter be
passed as aforesaid. The purposes for which these copies are de-
sired and the end to be answered are fully explained in the reso-
lution.

In consequence of this resolution, I have received 13 copies of
sundry acts from the States of Massachusetts and South Carolina,
one of which I delivered to the Delegates of your State for the use of
the Legislature thereof, and I am informed by his Excellency the
Governor of Connecticut that previous to the passing of this act, that
State had sent a copy of its acts to the Legislatures of the several
States.

I beg leave to request your attention to this matter,
with great respect,

1 have the honor to be,

your Excellency's, most obedent,

and most Humble. Servt.

CHA. THOMSON.

Dxrtcted^
His Excellency, The Preaident of Pennsylvania.

P&ES. Franklin to Gov. Smallwood of Maktland, 1785.

In Council, Philadelphia, 1st December, 1785.
Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excelleney's
letter of the 27th of Novembeif with its enclosures, & to assure yoo

* See page, 448.

t See page 641, also CoL Keo., ZIY. p., 680.

6U PBNNSTLYANIA ABGHIVB8 ITUi

that the subject of them shall be immediately laid before theLegisla-
ture for their consideration.
I have the honor to boj

with the highest respect yonr Excellency's

most obedient humble Servti
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Pm.
JHreeied,
His Excellency, Gorennor Smallwood.

Secbstabt ov C0NORB8B TO F&ES. FnAHKLnr, 1785.

(Circular.)
Office of Secretary of Congress/ December, 8d, 1785.
Sir,

I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency herewith en-
closed an act of Congress passed yesterday, recognising John Temple
Esquire, as Consul General of His Brittannio Migesty throughout the
United States.

with great respect,
I have the honor to be,

your Excellency's most obedient,
& most hum. servt.

CHA. THOMSON.
D irectcdf

His Excellency The President, of Pennsylvania.

Resolutions of Oohorbss. — Consul Gen'l op G. B., 1785.

The United States in Congress Assembled.

December 2d, 1785,

The Secretary of the United States for the Department of Foroien
Affiiirs, to whom was referred the Letter of 24th November, to nxB
Excellency the President, with Mr. J. Temple's Commission having
reported

** That John Temple, Esquire, has presented to the United States
In Congress assembled, a Commission in due form, bearing date the
fifth day of February, last, from His Britannic Majesty, constituting
and appointing him the Cosnul General of his said Majesty in these
States. That there is aa yet no Commeroial Treaty or convention sub-
sbting between his Britannic Majesty and the United States, whereby

PKHNBXLYJLKIA AB0HIVE8 178& 545

aklMr have a perfeok right to eatabliali Conanli in tlie domiiiions of
Ibo other, bat that amioable negoeiationa for that and other Teci]>-
roeal prrvilegei are now depending. That although the iasne of
those negociatioDS is, as yet, nncertain, it will nevertheless be proper
for the United States on this and every other occasion to observe as
great a degree of liberality as may consist with a due regard to their
National Honor and Welfare/' therefore

Resolved that the said John Temple, Esquire, be and he hereby^
is received and recognised, as Consul General of His Britanio
Majesty throughout the United States, and that his Commission be
registered in the Secretar/s Office;,

Resolved, That all the privileges preeminences & authority which
the Laws of Nations and of the Land give to a Consul General received
by the United States from any nation with whom they have no
Commercial Treaty or Convention are due to the said John Temple
and shall be enjoyed by him.

Ordered That certified copies of the above resolutions be trans-
mitted to the Executives of the different States for their infor-
mation.

CHA. THOMSON.

Tbustbes of General Loan Office to Pees. Counoil.

1785.

The Trustees of the General Loan Office of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania applies to his Excellency the President and the Su-
preme Executive Council for such a sum of the new Paper Money to
emit on Loan agreeable to Law as your Honors shall see proper to
grant them at this time.

Philadelphia, December 6th, 1785.

GEORGE SCHLOSSER,
ROW* EVANS,
ROBERT SMITH.
N.B. £35,000 is already emitted on Loan.

Commissioners of Land office to Pres. Franklin, 1785.

Sir,

Pursuant to the Instructions of your Honble Board we have pro«
ceeded to the sale of Nathaniel Braden's District which contained
81,888 acres, the amount of Sales whereof is £4042 17 3, the
average price of which is about 2« 6|J ^ acre, so that, when the
amount of Sales of this District is added to that of Leet's the whole
will average only 5s 6<^. ^ acre, being a less sum than is now
received in the Land office for Lands in the new purchase.

Perhaps, your Honors will esteem it eligible to postpone the

StS PBNNSYLYANIA ABGHIVBS 1785.

fturther gale of these Lands till towards the beginning of the next
Session of the Assembly, and then to begin with a District above
Fort Pitt either Cnnningham's or Elders, being both very good
Districts*
Dec' 6% 1785.

We have the honor to be.

Your Exoell^ Humble Ser?**.
JNO. LUKENS, S. G.
DAVID KENNEDY, 8^ L* Off.
FRAS. JOHNSTON.

Directed,

His Excellency, Benjamin Franklin, Esq'.

Levi Hollingsworth to Prbb. and Council, 1785.

To His Excellency, Benjamin Franklio; Esquire, and the Supreme
Executive Council of Pennsylvania.

Qentlemen,

From the continued application of the East India seamen for
everv necessary of life, which I have so far administered to them
much to the inconvenience of my private business, I am obliged to
pray the Honourable Council to appoint some person to the Guardian-
ship or care of them, as well to provide Houses or rooms, as to
supply them with their further wants, the house they now occupy of
mine being too small for the accommodation of so many persons
having but one fire-place, and also too valuable to me to be occupied
without a gratuity, and from the situation by no means suited for
the purpose of barracks to persons, unacquainted with wood-fires and
the risk resulting from inattention to them, which is the case of these
people. I am therefore to hope and beg the Honourable Council
either to have tbem Lodged in the Publick alms-house or Elsewhere,
or to Clothe me with authority to remove them back to New Castle
cbunty, where they unfortunately came on board a vessell of mine
which brought them to Philadelphia thro' motives of Chanty.
They, poor creatures, are now in great want of other rooms to shelter
them, which is not in my power to provide, and I humbly conceive
the overseers of the Poor might provide for them at less expeoce and
they be better accomodated under their patrouage, than that of mine.
In conformity to the directions of your board I have cloathed them
with new westcoats, outside ooats, trowsers, shoes and stockings &
provided them with Boef, Flour & Firewood. And tho' my own
fceliogs are much affected by their situation, yet my private business

FENKSniTANLl ABCHIVB8 VJW* 647

b too eztenaivB to devote that time to Uiem that their nrieessities
require.

I am with great regard,

Yoar most obedient ft

Very Humble Seryant,

LEVI HOLLINGSWORTH.
Philad-; December lOtb, 1785.
Directedf
His Excellepojy Benjamin Franklin^ Esquire^ Present.

Bbgeiyeb Oen'l of Land Office to Pbes. FrakkliiTi

1786.

Sir,

The time being now elapsed which was specified in the Instruct-
ipns of Council for payment of the purchase money and fees which
have accrued on the lands sold in Daniel Leets District, and sundry
purchasers not having complied with the terms therein mentioned, I
Deg leave therefore to submit to Council the steps necessary to be
pursued on this occasion.

Indeed I have reason to believe that some of the purchasers do
not mean to comply at all, with the terms of sale, if so, perhaps it
would not be amiss for your Hon'ble Body to use compulsory mea-
sures; as any future Sale (if purchasers should be indulged in
relinquishing their purchases) wou'd be productive of Ezpence alone
without any emolument to the State.

I have the honor to be, '
your Excellency's '

most Obed't Serv't,

FRAN'S JOHNSTON; B. O.
Dec.l2lh,1785.

Directed^
To His Excellency Benjamin Franklin, Eisq'r.

James Pearson — State House, 1785.

To the honorable the Supream Executive Council of the C6mmon-
wealth of Pennsylvania.

Oentlemen,

Having considered your advertisement in the Pennsylvania packet
and revised the estimate laid before the Committee of the Bwi'ble

548 PENNSTLVANIA ABGHIVES 1786.

Assembly^ do now offer to perform all die zeptirfl mantionad in Ihflf

said advertismcDts for Eighty three pounds, and am assured no
person can afford to do said work for a less price or more expediti-
ously, especially as I have the shingles ready for the very purpose,
(having procured and drest them a considerable time since by the
advice of some gentlemen of the Committee of the late Assembly,
and a part of the old roof cleared off (by mistake) ready to go to
work.

I am with respect,

Gentlemen; y h'ble 8erv»,

JAMES PEARSON.
Philad'a, Decern' 12th, 1785.
Dirtctedf
To The Ilonorable Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania.

Levi Hollinqsworth to Pkbsident and Council, 1785.

To the President and Supremo Executive Council of the State of

Pennsylvania.
QcntlemcUi

In conformity to your directions, I have supplied the Lascars and
Chinese with the Sundry articles necessary to their subsistance.
amounting in the whole to <£ as ^ Bill and shop notes inclosed
which I must beg the Counoil to grant an order for the payment of.
I lefl the House-rent to the discretion of Council, the sum I had let
it for at the time they were put in, was Thirty pounds ^ annum.
I am also to observe that their great consumption of provisions
must arise from want of oeconomy, they having consumed near two
pounds 1^ day. The Lascars being removed to the Alliance Frigate,
a distance from my business, it will no longer be convenient to me
to provide for them, at the same time, must beg to suggest to Coun«
cil the necessity of some person having a care to their future maa-
agcment.

Mr. Handle (a gentleman going to India from New York) giving
mo assurance that he would in a few days take the three Chinees with
him, I have permitted them to remain with me, they having latterly
differed with the Lascars, and their quarrels ariseing to considerable
heights, I thought it best to sepcrate them.
I am with great regard

the Councils most Obedient
Humble Servant,

LEVI HOLLINGSWORTH.

Philadelphia, December 26th, 1785.

PENNSTLVANIA ABOHIYES 1784. 540

[The following papers have been discovered since those in the
same year were printed — their appropriate place was between pp.
184 & 893. In the Index thej will be found referred to Chronologi- .
cally.]

Deleoatxs in Congress to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Annapolis, 18th Jany., 1784.
Sir,

Wo have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of instructions
from the honorable the Supreme Executive Council dated Deer. 29th,
which shall be attended to.

The Inclosed papers we beg your Excellency will be pleased to
lay before the Honorable the Council & Gcnl. Assembly for their
information. With great respect,

we have tlie honor to be,

your Excellency's most obed.
& most Hble. Servants,

THO. MIFFLIN,
EDW. HAND,
Directed CAD. MORRIS.

His Excell'cy John Dickinson, Esq.

Gens. Mifflin ft Hand to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Annapolis, 20th Jany., 1784.
Sir,

We have received your Exo'ys letter of the 7th Instant,* it gives
us the greatest Satisfkotion to be able to inform the Honorable
Council that the difficulties which had arisen respecting the ratifi-
cation of the definitive treaty have been happilly rcmov^.

We hope that Congress will in a short time appoint Commissioners
ft determine on the place ft time of holding a Treaty with the
hostile tribes of Indiana of which we will give your LxcelFy the
earliest advice — we now transmit copies of the proceedings prepara-
tory to that important business,
with great respect,

we have the honor to be,

your Excell'ys most obed. hble. Servants,

THOMAS MIFFLIN,
Indorud, EDW. HAND.t

[Read 1 time Jany. 29, 1784.]
Directed, •

His Exc'y ^ohn Dickinson Esqr.

« Am page, 166,166,184.
t See CoL Rm., Vol JUV., p. 28.
Vol. X.— 24

650 J^nNNSTLVANIA ABOEOTKS IfM.

Bksolutions of Gonqbxss, — ^Wtobono, 1784.

By the United States ita Congress, assembled,
Friday, Jany. 23d, 1784.

On the report of a committee consisting of Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Lee
ft Mr. Williamson to whom was referred a petition of Zebnlon
Butler ft others claiming under the State of Connecticut priyate
right of soil within the territory westward of the Delaware formerly
.in controversy between the said state & that of Pennsylvania and
lately determined by a Court constituted and appointed agreeably to
the Ninth of the articles of confederation and perpetual union to be
within the jurisdiction of the said state of Pennsylvania complaining
that they are disturbed in their right by others claiming under the
said state of Pennsylvania and praying that a Court may be insti-
tuted under the ninth article d the confederation for determining
the said right.

Besolved, That a court be instituted according to the said ninth
article of the oonfederation for determining the private right of soil
within the said territory so fiur as the same is by the said article
submitted to the determination of such a court.

That the fourth Monday in June next be assigned for the ap>
pearance of the parties by their lawful agents before Congress or
the committee of the States whereier they shall be then sitting.

That notioe of the assignment of the said day be given to the
parties in the following form.*

Resolved, that the said notice be transmitted by the Secreterr
to the executives of the States of Connecticut and Pennsylvania with
a reouest that they take proper measures for having the aame
aerved on the parties interested under their State reqMotively,

CHA. THOMSON, Secy.

Pbes. Dickinson to Vicb-President, 1784.

Sir,

Inclosed are some Memorandums respecting articles, on which
Duties may be proper, ft also some Notes concerning the admiralty
Jurisdiotion.

I shall be very glad if Council will be pleased to make ^ch addi-
tions or alterations as they judge expedient, ft then, that you will
be so good as to ti^nsroit Uie Paper to Mr. Delany.

I bog leave to submit to Council the inclosed answer to Mr. de
Crevaceur's letter.f

* Set fom of notice^ on page 194.
t 8m page, 19&

^ffimSTtiTlNU hSamiVEB 178«. «5t

A Letter i« now Mtt, inolositig Mr. Scott's account, which pie
to have deliyercd to the Speaker.

I should have prepared the Message on John Campbeirs Memorial,
Wt find it necessary to have the Entries he refbrrs to. If you could
without too much Trouble convey him notice to call upon Me this
Day or to-morrow between 11 & 2 o'clock, I should like to converse
with him on his Business, & should be glad that yon ft some of the
Council might be jM-esentw

I am, with the greatest Esteem, Sir,

Your most obed. h'ble Serv't.

JOHN DICKINSON.

Tuesday morning, January 27.
Directeiif

The Honorable, The Vice-president.
Indor$edy

January 27, 1784. From His Excellency, The President to
Council.

Report, &c., of Committbe of Gen'l Assembly, — Wyoming.*

Friday, January 80th, 1784, A.M.

The Seport of the Committee read yesterday, on the petition of
divers Inhabitants of Wyoming, was read .the second time as follows,
viz.

The Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Samuel
Shepherd and others, Inhabitants of Wyoming beg leave to ofier the
following Report.

That they find upon careful examination that the following of the
said petitioners viz., Simon Spalding, Sam'l Shepherd, Joseph
Hagcman, Nathaniel Davenport, Conrad Lyons, Daniel Whitney,
Joseph Elliott, Solomon Perkins, the Heirs of Christopher Cartwright
jointly, Stephen Fuller, Asell Bumham, Preserved Cooley, William
Stark, Isaac Baldwin & Lawrence Myers are within the Description
of persons entitled to a reasonable Compensation in Lands within
' the Boundaries of this State agreeable to a Resolve of the Honorable
Assembly of this State of the second of September last, your Com-
mittee therefore offer the following Resolution.

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Land Office be hereby au Aot-
iicd & required, to deliver to each of the above named persons, vii.
Simon Spalding, Samuel Shepherd, Joseph Haeeman, Nathaniel
Davenport, Conrad Lyons, Daniel Whitney, Joseph Elliott, Solomon
Perkins, the Heirs of Christopher Cartwright, jointlv, Stephen
Fuller, Asell Bumham, Preserved Cooley, William Stark, Isaac -
Baldwin and Lawrence Myers. Certificates under the Seal of his
office importing that each of them are entitled to tiiree hundred
Acres of Land to be Located anywhere within the purchased &

:■ • Bm paces 667-661, and 674-6| and the coUeetMB of Wyoming doei-
mento near the dote of this Volame.

558 FENNSTLYANIA ABGHIYEB 1784.

unappropriated parts of the Ooantiefl of Northampton & Nortfanm-
berland and that the Surveyor General be authorised & required to
direct Copies of the said Certificates to any of the Deputy Surveyors
of the said Counties at the request of the party, in onler to the final
confirmation of the said lands which are to be free of purchase
Money on payment of the Fees of Office only, And on the question
'< Will the House adopt the foregoing Report/' it was carried in the
affirmative by a considerable Majority and the Report adopted.
Extract from the Minutes.

J. SHALLUS, Ass't Crk.
of the Grencral Assembly.
Indorsed, — '' Not complied with on the part of the Conn' petitioners."

Report of Committee to General Assembly.

Tuesday, Sept 2d, 1788.

The Committee to whom were referr'd Captain Shrawder's Letter
and the report of the Commissioners sent to Wioming to effect a
compromise with the settlers at that place, and the Owners of the
Wioming Lands, beg leave to report,

That they have examined the several papers committed to them
with care & attention, and are fully satisfied of the laudable Zeal
and industry used b^ your Commissioners to effect the purposes of
their Mission, and likewise with the generous offers made by the
Pcnnsylvafiia Land holders to the settlers at Wioming. Your Com-
mittee are, however, sorry to find that the endeavours of your Com-
missioners and the offers of the proprietors of Lands at Wyomine
have been rendered abortive by the interference of the 'State or
Connecticut and the Susquehanna Company, so that our hopes of a
friendlv compromise seem now vanished. Your committee submit
the following resolutions to the Honorable House.

Resolved, that*a Committee be appointed to prepare and bring in
a BiU for repealing the Law of this State entitled <' An Act to
prevent and sta^ suits from being brought against the inhabitants
of Wioming during the time therein mentioned, pa&«ed March 13th,
last, and for confirming the Township of Wyoming into three Dis-
tinct Townships, as laid out and divided by your Commissioners on
the 22d dav of April last past.

Resolved, That as well to discover the moderation and Equitable
disposition of this House, as in consideration of the sufferings of the
Settlers at Wioming from the Common Enemy, a reasonable com-

Ssnsation in Lands within the Boundaries of this State upon easy
erms be made to the fiunilies of those who have fallen fighting
against the Sava^, and to such others as did actually reside on the
I^ds at Wyoming when the late Decree was given at Trenton.

Resolved, That no such settler be intitled to the benefits of this
Resolution unless upon demand made he gives up possession to the
Clumant or Chumants under Pennsylvania or upon any Suit of

PENNSTLVANXA ABOHIVES 1784. 668

Trespass and Ejectment being commenced by such Claimant or
Claimants He shall become Defendant in snch Suit and Confess
Judgment to the Plaintiff or Plaintiffs in Ejectment.

Ordered, That Mr. Whitehall, Mr. Latimer, and Mr. Maclaj, be
a Committee to bring in a Bill agreeable to the first of the foregoing
resolutions.

Ephbaim Douglass to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Union Town^ 2nd February, 1784.
Sir,

The recollection of the personal obligations for which I feel my-
self indebted to your Excellency's beneficence, would alone be suffi-
cient to inspire me with the desire of giving every testimony of
grateful recognition ; and when to that is added the obligation of
public duty, I will confidently hope your pardon for this trouble,
even if my communication should appear unimportant.

The Courts were opened for this County on the 2dd of December
last ; the gathering of people was pretty numerous, and I was not
alone in fearing that we should have had frequent proofs of that
turbulence of spirit with which they have been so generalljr> and
perhaps too justly stigmatised, but I now take great satisfaction in
doing them the justice to say that they behaved to a man with good
order and decency ; our grand jury was really respectable, equal at
least to many I have seen in Courts of long standing. Little busi-
ness wa^ done, other than dividing the County ill to Townships, a
Return of which is under cover :* And here I must beg the indul-

gence of your Excellency and Council, if, from the novelty of the
usiness and the want of a precedent, I have been deficient in form.
The instructions of Council respecting the opposition to asses-
ment in Manallin Township, I laid before the Justices as directed,
but they have not yet come to any resolution thereon; some of them
I find, are of opinion that the reviving it at this distant time might
be attended with more vexatious consequences than the suffering it
to be forgotten wiU probably produce. For this reason, and in con-
sideration of their since peaoable demeanor, I should incliifs to agree
with them that for the present, until the authority of the Court
becomes by degrees and habitude of obedience, more firmly esta-
blished in the general acquiescence of all descriptions of people
within the County, and a Goal and other objects of popular terror
be erected to impress on their minds an idea of the punishment
annexed to a breach of the laws, lenient measures might produce as
good effects as the most rigorous ones that justice could adopt, were
not the wisdom and directions of Council opposed to this opinion.
To these reasons for declining the proseoutbn of the offenders, if

• Not fbuid.

their identity oould be made appear, which I think very doubtful,
might be added others that I am distressed to be obliged to take
notice of; the Tax not having been assessed tiU after the division (tf
the County, the authoritjjr of the Commissioners of Westmoreland
then became justly questionable^ and the total want of Commission-
ers in this County to levy a Tax of any kind, either for the State,
or to answer the exigencies of the County, and the consequent inn-
bility of the Trustees to perform the duties assigned them by the
Legislature,^ may all be subjecta of consideration in this case. For,
^m an unhappy misconception of the law for dividing Westmore-
land, this County has not an Officer of any kind, except such as
were created or continued by the Act, or appointed by CounciL
Denied a seperate election of a member in Council and representative
m Assembly till the general election of the present year, they un-
fortunately concluded that this inability extended to all the other
elective officers of the County, and in consequence of this belief,
voted for them in conjunction with Westmoreland. The remedy of
this evil I fear is not easily pmnted out ; but if there be a posnU^
one it is to be found in the wisdom of Council, to which I b^ leave,
as I shall in all other difficulties, to make my humble appeal

The Trustees have appointed next Monday to meet on, and beciD
the partition line between this County and Westmoreland, on &\b
condition, which Colonel Maclean, who is to be executive person,
has generously agreed to— 'to pay the expenoe at some future time
when it shall be m their power to call upon the County Commission-
ers for the money. And necessity has suggested to us the expedi-
ent of building a temporary Goal by subscription, which ia bow on
foot. ^ .

Not knowing the necessity of an application to Counoil for Tavern
Licences before I left the City, I am now obliged to trouble them
with a request that they will fiivor me with some by the first con-
venient opportunity.

Suffer me now, worthy Sir, to step for a moment ftom the line of
my duty. The honor which Counoil have heretofore done me by
questioning me on the subject of Indian Affiiirs, will, I hope, acqnit
me of the charge of presumption, if, from an opinion of their confi-
dence in jnj information, I venture to intermeddle without their
commands, and give them such information as have oome to my
knowledge from the accounts of ethers sinoe I left the Canadian
Country.

Early in the fall. Sir John Johnson assembled the different west-
ern tribes at Sandusky, and having prepared them with presents,
distributed with lavish profusion, addressed them in a Speech to this
puroort :

That the King, his and their common father, had made peace with
the Americans, and had given them the country they possessed on
this continent ; but that the report of his having given them anv
part of the Indians' lands was false, and fabricated by the Amen-

OiQB for iho purpose of proyoking the Indians a^dnst their Betthcri — -
that they should therefore shut their ears against it So fiur the
contrary was tmoi that the great river Ohio was to be the line be«
tween we Indians in this quarter and the Americans ; over which
the latter ought not to pass and return in safety. That^ howeveri
1^ the war between Britain and America was now at an end, and aa.
the Indians had engaged in it from their attachment to the crownj
find not from any quarrel of their own, he would, as was usual at
the end of a war, take the Tomahawk out of their hand : though he
would not remove it out of sisht or far from them, but lay it down
carefully by their side, that they mi^ht have it convenient to uise in
defence of their rights and property if they were invaded or molested
by the Americans.

I shall not presume to trouble your Excellency with any remarks
on the probable tendency of an intimation so manifestly correspon-
dent with the sentiments, wishes and interest of these savage tribes,
already alarmed with the frequent attempts which have beien mado
to enQrooch upon them ; but beg leave to have the honor of declar-
ing, that I am, with all imaginable respect, your Excellency's

vary humble and

most obedient Servant,
EPHBAIM DOOOIASS.

Hb Excellency, John Dickinson, Esquire.

February 6th, in continuance.

Want of an earlier conveyance, gives me the opportunity of .en-
closing to Council the return of an election held here this day for
Justices of the peace for this town and township ; and I trust the
importance of the choice of officers to the county will excuse me to
that honorable body for offering mv remarks on this occasion.

Colonel ^laclean, thoush not the first on the return, needs no
character from me, — he has the honor to be known to CounciL
James Finley is a man of a good understanding, good charaeter, and
well situate to accommodute that part of the township most remote
from the town. Henry BoBson is the proprietor of the town ; a man
of much modesty, good sense and great benevolence ef heart, and
one whose liberality of property for public uses justly entitles him
to particular attention from the oounty, however fiur it mav be a
consideration with Council. Jonathan Rowland is also a good man,
with a good share of understanding, and a better English education
than either of the two last mentioned ; but unfortunately of a pro-
fbsaion rather too much opposed to the suppression of vice and im-
morality ; he keeps a tavern in the town. John Oaddis is a man
whom 1 do not personally know ; one who has at a former election
in the then township of Manallin, been Tetnmed to Council, but
never commissioned, from what reason I know not ; his popularitv

666 PfiNNSTrLVANIA ABCHIVE8 1784

IB with those who have been most congpicaous for their opposiiioii
to the laws of this Commonwealth. Moses Sutton is remarkable for
nothing but aspiring obscurity^ and great faeilitj at chanting a
psalm or stammering a prayer.

Duty thus far directs me to give Council an impartial description
of the men who are to be the future officers of this County, but both
duty and respect forbid my saying more, or presuming to express a
wish of my own ] for I have no predilection for one, or personal
prejudice against either of them.

I have the honor to be, most respectfully,
your Ezoellenoy'Si

very humble and

most obedient servant,

EPHRAIM DOUGLASS.

DiLXGATBs IN GoNORESs TO Pbes. DlOKIirSON, 1784.

Annapolis, 7th March, 1784.
Sir,

For the information of your Ezcelly. and the Honorable the
Council, we have the honor to transmit the enclosed extracts taken
from a letter rcc'd this day from Doctor Franklin.
With perfect respect we have

the honor to be your Excell'ys

most obedt. and most H'ble Serv'ts,
THO. MIFFLIN,
JOHN MONTOOMERT,
EDWD HAND.

Jno. Jay, Esqr., was this day Elected Secretary for Foreign
Affairs.*

Dtrectedf
His Exc'y John Dickinson, Esqr.

Extract of a Letter from Doctor Franklin, 1784.

Extract of a letter from Doctor Franklin, dated Passy,
March 9th, 1784. [?]

^* I rec'd a few days since a letter from Annapolis, dated Jan'y
'' 6th, acquainting the Commissioners with the Causes of delay in
*' sending the Ratification of the Definitive Treaty. The term was
^' expired before that letter came to hand, but I hope no difficulty
<< will arise from a fiuluro in a point not essential, & which was
* See page 401-2.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIYBS 1784. ^7.

'' oeoasioned by aocidenti. I have just raoeived from Mr. Hartlej
** a letter on the subject, of which I enclose a copy.

<^ I have exchanged ratifications with the Ambassador of Sweden^.
^' & enclose a copy of that I rco'd from him."

Extract of a letter from David Hartley, Esqr., dated London,
March 2d, 1784.

'' Will you be so good as to transmit the enclosed to Mr. Jay.
'' I am sorry that we arc going to lose him from this side of the
*^ Atlantic. If your American Hatification should arrive speedily,
'^ I might hope to have the pleasure of seeing him again before hiti
'^departure. As soon as I hear from you of the arrival of your
<^ Ratification I will immediately apply for the dispatch of the
" British Batifioation."

Progekdinos of Okneral Absemblt — ^WTOMiNai 1784.*

8 Dec., 1788.
A petition and remonstranee from divers inhabitants of Wyoming
was read, compUining of certain illegid proceedings had against
them by Alexander Patterson, Esquire, and others.
Ordered to lie on the table.

.9th Dec., '88.

The petition of divers inhabitants of Wyoming, read yesterday,
was read the second time; whereupon

This Com. report on the 19th March.

Resolved, That the members of the county of Northampton, or a
majority of them, be a committee to enquire into the charges con-
tained in a petition from a number of the inhabitants of Wyoming,
in the county of Northumberland, and report to this House at their
next meeting, and that the said petition, and other papers accompany-
ing it, be put into their hands.

March Slgt, 1784.

The report of the committee, read March 19, on the petition of
divers inhabitants of Wyoming, was read the second time as follows,
vi2.

The committee to whom was referred the report of the committee
on the charges contained in the petition from divers inhabitants of
Wyoming, the letter from Alexander Patterson, Esquire, and two
petitions from the inhabitants of Wyoming, beg leave to report —

That after examining the different depositions accompanying the
report of the committee on the chargoiB oontiMned in the peStion
from the inhahitanta of Wyoming, tlMy do not find that the same
contain any matter of complaint, but such as, if true, tha laws of

* See pages 561-8; 674, «.
24*

658 PBNNSTLYANIA ABGHIYES 1784.

this State are fblly snfficient to redress, and that therefore an appli-
cation to this House was unnecessary and improper, a greater put
of the irregularities alledged against Alexander Patterson, Esquire,
appear to have been done by people in his name, but no order or
warrant appears to have been given by him for any such acts.

31st March, 1784.

Your committee therefore offer the following resolution to the
House :

Rtaolved^ That the petition from divers inhabitants of Wyoming,
presented to this House on the 8th day of December last, be dis-
missed, and that the parties be referred to common law for redresa
of any injuries they may have sustained.

It was about this point of time y* Council were infonned of the
overflowing of the Susquehannah, by w^ the Connecticut Claimants
suffered much — what their (Council's) disposition was will appear
by the following message.

A Message from the President and the Supreme Executive Council
to the General Assembly.

Gentlemen,

The late inundation having reduced many of the inhabitants at
Wyoming to ffreat distress, wo should be glad if your honorable
House would be pleased to make some immediate provision for their
relict

JOHN DICKINSON.

Council Chamber, Philadelphia, March 31, 1784.

Ordered to lie on the table.

21 Jan'y, p. 84.
A petition from Samuel Shepherd, and others, inhabitants of
Wyoming, was read, stating their distressed situation, and praying
that a tract of land may be allotted them on reasonable terms in
any of the unappropriated territory of this State, in lieu of that
which hath been adjudged to belong to the State of Pennsylvania
by the decree of the Court lately holden at Trenton.

23 Jan'y, page 94.

The petition of divers inhabitants of Wyoming, read January 21,
was read the second time.

Ordered^ That it be referred to Mr. Rush, Mr. M'Clean, Mr.
Watts, Mr. B. Brown and Mr. Maolay, to report thereon.

29 Jan'y, p. 103.

The committee appointed January 28/ on the petition of divers
inhabitants of Wyoming, made report, which was read for the first
time, and **

Ordered to lie on the table.*

* See the action in reftrence to this, on page 561.

P1BNN8TL7ANIA ABGHIYES 1784. 65»

29th. Jan'j, 1784.

The oommittee, to whom the messages of the 19th and 21 st
instant were referred, made report in part, which was read, and on
motion, and hy special order, the same was read the second time,
debated by paragraphs, and in part adopted, as follows, viz.

1st. That it appears the government of our sister State of Gon-
necticnt have not dnly informed themselves of the resolutions and
acts of this commonwealth respecting the settlers at Wyoming ;
whereupon

Resoived, That it be recommended to the President or Vice Presi-
dent in Council, to furnish the Governor and Assembly of the "State
of Connecticut with the proceedings of the Council and Assembly
of this commonwealth respecting the settlers at Wyoming^ since the
judgment at Trenton.

2d. On the petition, remonstrance and address of Zcbulon Butler,
and others, to the Honorable the Congress of the United States,
assembled and sitting at Princeton, in the State of New Jersey,
dated November 11, 1788, your committee would observe, that it
contains representations different from what appears on the files of
this House from some of the subscribers, and other matters, neither
founded in fact, supported bv justice, or by the spirit of the confede-
ration, on which your committee offer the following resolution :

Rtioived^ That the absolute right of pre-emption of the soil and
lands at Wyoming, claimed b^ ^bulon Butler, and others, as well
as the right of jurisdiction, is vested in this commonwealth, and
that a committee be appointed to draft instructions to our Delegates
in Congress on those heads, setting forth also, in the said instruc-
tions, the humane proceedings and conduct of the State in protecting,
and resolving to grant lands to the actual settlers on the lands afore-
said, at the time judgment was given respecting the claims of Con-
necticut.

Ordtredy That Mr. Parr, Mr. Woods and Mr. Maclay, be a com-
mittee, for the purposes contained in the foregoing resolution.

Resolutions of Genkbal Assembly, 1784.

The further report of the committee appointed on the messages
of January 19 and 22 last, was in part read the second time ;
whereupon,

Resdvedy 1st, That the Delegates of this State be instructed to apply
immediately to Congress for an explanation of their act of the 23d
of last month, it appearing to be uncertain, whether the fourth
Monday in June next is fixed for the purpose of appointing Com-
missioners, or Judges, to constitute a court for hearing and deter-
mining thtf matter in question, or for the purpose of oeciding how

560 P8NN3YLVANU AAGHIVJSS 1784.

far the same is, by tho ninth article of the confederation^ submitted
to tho determination of such court.

2d. That if Congress, by the said act, meant the appointmeDt of
Commissioners, or tfudges, next June, then the said Delegates movtf
for a reconsideration of the said act, and represent to Congress, tbaA
the Agents for the State of Connecticut did, upon the 1^ tnal at
Trenton, suggest to the court there, that <' the tenants in posseasion
<' of the lands in controversy, and particularly the oompaoieB of
*^ Delaware and Susquehanna, were improvinff and holding large
'' tracts of land, under title from the State of Connecticut ;" and
that by the said articlo of confederation, a court is to be establiahcd
for the trial of the private right of soil only, where it is claimed
under different grants of two or more States, or so that Zebulon
Butler and the other claimants cannot be entitled to snoh a ooart^
unless they come within the description aforesaid, which it is appre«
bended they do not j that if Congress should consent to establish
courts at the instance of persons not first proving themselves to be
included in the description aforesaid, the oitixens of this State may
be harrassed by a multitude of pretended claims, at the suit of
adventurers or invaders of the State, and in the present instanoe at
the suit of persons, who have settled in defianoe (^ the resolution of
Congress of the 23d December, 1775.

8d. That if Congress shall resolve that the matter in question is
by the said article of the confederation submitted to the determina-
tion of such a court, then the said Delegates insist that Zebulon
Butler, and tho other claimants, be requir^ immediately to exhibit
to Congress, schedules, particularising their chiims.

And in debating tho following paragraph, viz.

4th. That two Agents be appoint^ by the Supreme Executive
Council, for managing, under their direction, the controversy con-
cerning claims of private right of soil in the territory heretofore in
dispute between this State and Connecticut, the jurisdiction and
pre-emption of which the Court of Commissioners at Trenton, on
the 80th day of Decembor, 1782, did judge of right to belong to
thb state, —

Tho Yeas and Nays were called by Mr. Carothers and Mr, Cole-
man, and are as follows, viz.

YEAS.

1 John Steinmctz, 10 John Clark.

2 Thomas Shields, 11 Richard Rue,

8 Sharp Delany, 12 David Thomas,

! 1 i^^ «ff 13 Evan Evans,

5 j torn off, 14 John Hannum,

6 Ilenry Hill, 15 Joseph Parke,

7 Samuel Ashmead^ 16 Richard Willing,
^ Jacob Rush, 17 Edward Jones,

8 Thomas Long, 18 Abraham Scott,

PENNSYLVANIA ABGHIYES 1784.

961

19 Matthias Slough,

20 Joseph Work,

21 Adam Hablej,

22 WiUiam Parr,

23 Robert Coleman,

24 Moses M'Clean,

25 John Hay,

26 Bobert MTherson,

27 Joseph Magoffin,

28 Henry Miller,

29 Philip Gardner,

30 David M'Conaughy,

31 James Johnston,

32 Jacob Stroad,

83 Robert Bn)wn,

84 George Woods,

85 Robert Cluggage,

87 William Maolay,

88 Matthew Ritohie,

NATS.

1 William Brown,

2 James Mercer,
8 John Craig,

4 Adam Orth,

5 William Brown (Carlisle)

6 Frederick Watts,

7 John Carothers,

8 Abraham Smith,

9 Robert Whitehill,

10 Nioholss Luti,

11 Christian Lower,

12 Abraham Linoolo,

13 John Rice,

14 Thomas Morton,

15 Richard Wallace,

16 John Stephenson.

So it was carried in the affirmative, and the paragraph agreed to.

5th. That the said Agents be instmoted to prepare ihcmselves
for maintaining the right of soil within the territory aforesaid to be
vested in Pennsylvania, and persons claiming under Pennsylvania ;
for lustifjring the conduct of this State from the charges contained
in the act of the General Assembly of the Grovemor and Company
of the State of Connecticut, of the second Thursday of October last ;
and for opposing the attempt of the said State to obtain a revision
of the cause lately determined at Trenton.

Indorsed. — Resolutions and proceedings of General Assembly r»«
specting the Wyoming lands, Deo., Jan'y and Feb'y, 1783 & 1784.*

Resolution or ths 19th Gongbxss, 1784.

By the United States in Congress Assembled,

March 19th, 1784.

On the report of a Committee to whom were referred the fourth
and fifth of the instructions of the 15th of October, 1788. to the
Commissioners for negociatinff with the Indians, Resolved, That
the said fourth and fifth articles of the instructions of the 16th of
October, 1788, to the Commissioners for ncgociating with the
Indians be and they are hereby repealed, and m lieu thereof the
following be substituted.

4thly, That a Meridian line passing through the lowest ppint of

* They are dataehsd partions e( the printed Journals brought together In
one viei^

60S PBNNSTLVANIA ABGHIYSS 1784.

the rapids of Ohio to the northern boundary of these United States
shall be proposed as the line of Division between the several Indian
tribes, and these States; so that all the lands comprehended
between the said Boundary on the north, the Ohio on the South,
the said Meridian on the west, and Pcnsylvania on the East, or so
much thereof as the tribes having title thereto may be induced to
part with shall be ceded to the United States, and possession thereof
or of any parts thereof be eiven to the Unit^ States, at such times
as may be agreed upon in the treaty.

5th]y, The said Commissioners are instructed as far ss they shall
find it convenient to treat with the several nations at different times
and places ; and where necessity shall oblige them to bring two or
more nations together That they still keep their treaties and
conferences as distinct as may. be; that they countenance every
disposition in any one of the Six nations, to treat and act separately
and independantly; and that in general they discourage every coali-
tion k consultation which might tend to involve any one nation in
the wars of the others.

Bjbsolution or Gong&ess, 1784.

By the United States in Congress assembled.

March 28, 1784.
On the 'report of the committee of qualifications, consistine of
Mr. Sherman, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Beatty, Mr. Chase and Mr. Wil-
liamson,—

Whereas by the fifth of the articles of confederation and per-
petual union of the United States, it is agreed, " That for the more
convenient management of the general interest of the United States,
delegates shall be annually appointed in such manner as the legis-
lature of each state shall direct, to meet in Congress on the first
Monday in November, in every year, with a power reserved to each
state, to recal its delegates, or any of them, at any time within the
year, and to send others in their stead, for the remainder of the
year."

Resolved, That the several states be requested annually to ap-
point their delegates to serve in Congress for one year, to oom-
mence on the first Monday in November next ensuing the time of
their appointment; and when vacancies shall happen, by the re-
moval or resignation of any of the said delegates within the year,
such states be requested to appoint others in their stead, to serve
only for the remamdcr of the year; and to furnish their delegates
so appointed with commissions, or other credentials, under the seal
of the state, particularly specifying the time for which they are
appointed.

CHA. THOMSON, Sec>

PRNNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 568

OaimTH OwBN TO Council— State House Clock, 1784.

Genilemeiii

Mr. Trimble infonxi'd me that you had concluded that my employ-
ment should cease in taking care of the Clock, the reasons were that
she had stopt sundry times & had not kept the true time — the reasons
why she stopt I shall point out — the first time she was stopt two
days while I was cleaning of her, the second time the frost broke
the arbour that swings the hammer, the third time was ooca-
sion'd by the breaking of the old lines & the new ones being con-
siderably thidcer took me some time in freeing them. The severity
of the weather I believe stopt her once & it was the occasion of her
going irregular the sudden changes of the weather is all the way
that it can be accounted for, those accidents happening in the most
severe part, & I being obliged to work in the Clock room delay'd
me longer than I should have been had it been otherwise ; the
Clock is now in good order & keeps good time, & is I think effectually
guarded against the like accidents for the future. If you will be
pleased to continue me to take care of her & she should not perform
to yours and the publicks satisfaction I will give up my charge at
any time without demanding any thing for my future trouble.
With the most perfect respect

I remain Gentlemen your

most humble Servent,

GKIFFITH OWEN*.
Directed,

To His Excellency the President & Council.
Indarsedf

March 25, 1784.

Delegates in Conoress to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Annapolis^ 2d April, 1784.
Sir,

There being no doubt that Congress by their resolution of the
2dd of January last mean} that Commissioners or Judges should be
appointed in June next, to hear and determine the claim of the
Connecticut Settlers at Wyoming to the private right of Soil ; it
only remains for us to move for a re-consideration of that act ; in
compliance with the resolutions of the Honorable the General
Assembly of the 14th of February lastt In order that at the same
time we do this wo may bo able to shew in the clearest light, the
humane and generous intentions of that Honorable Body towards
those People. We request your Ezcellenqy may be pleased to trans-

• See Col. Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 66.
' t See pages 104, 204.

set PBNNSfi4VANIA I^OUiym 17«^

mit to as by the next Post a copy of the resolution of the Honora-
ble the Oeneral Assembly of the 2d of September last, relatife to
this Subject & inform us of the cause or causes which gave rise to
it, we also wish for an exact copy of the petition or applioatiaB of
the persons to whom grants of Luid were made by the fesolution of
Ihe 80th of January bust.

Inolowd we have the honor to tranamii a copy of alteraiionB made
in the instmotiona of Gongrees to ^e Commidsoners for negotiating
with the Indians.

We think it necessary to make yonr ExceH'y acquainted thai Mr.
Montgomery has this day left ns, so that should sickness or accident
prevent either of oa ftom attending in Oongresa the State would be
unrepresented.

With due respect

we have the honor to be

your ExoeU'ys most dbed't

k very humble Serv'tSi

THO. MIFPLTN,

edw;d hand.

Directed^

To His Excellency John DickinsoUi Esqr.

P. S. Congress is now composed of Eleven States, we have been
obliged to postpone to this time the motion to reconsider the act of
23d Jan'y, as those States upon whose assistance we principallj
relied wore not represented.

EpHRAIM DoUQLAiSS TO PrES. DiCKINSOlV, 1784.

Hannastown, 10th April, 1784.
Sir,

By Mr. Wood one of the Gentlemen attomies who attend our
back courts and who is going immediately to Carlisle, I do myself
the honor to enclose to Council the £etnm of an eleotion held for
Jnttioes of the Peace in the Township of LuMrne, and have obtained
his promise to forward it to your Excellency by the first aafe eon-
veyanoe.

' From the Betum of the Townships and Justices of the Pevoe I
bad the honor to make to Council in February last they, will perw
eeive that several of the Townships are destitute at present of auoh
oficer, and from the knowledge Council have of tlM dutiee of the
Commissions of the few we have, I think it unnecessary to auggett
■the reaaons for Gommiasioning the new elected ones before June
Court to enable' us to hold our Sessions and Orphans court
As I have nothing' of material conae<|uenc^ to communicate, I

PBNNSXLTANIA ASCHIVBS 1784J 566

shall only beg the further indulgence of your Excellency and
Council for adding that I have the honor to rest most respeotfullyi
your very humble,

and devoted Servant,

BPHRAIM DOUGLASS.
Directed
His Excellency, John Dickinson Esquire.

John Donvaldsov to Pees. DiCKnrsoN, 1784.

Wardens Office, April 20, 1784.
Gentlemen,

In pursuance of your recjuest dated the 16th Inst, we have adver-
tiied for persons to briuff tneir proposals for removing the Chevauz
de frii'*' to this Board. The inclosed being the only proposals offered
for our consideration, we beg leave to recommend them to the notioa
of the HonbL Supreme Executive Council.
By order of the Board,

JOHN DONNALDSON.
DirecUd^

His Excellency the president k The Honble. Supreme Executive
Council State Pennsylvania^

Petition of CApTOBa or Joseph Doans, 1784.

To the Honorable his Excellency the president and other Mem*
hers of the Supreme Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania.

The petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of Bucks County
Humbly Showeth.

That your Honorable Board was pleased to Issue your Procla-
mation Bearing Date 80th June 1783,'*' offering a Reward of one
Hundred pounds for Each & Every of the persons Convicted of
Robbing the Collectors of public Taxes in this State — af&r the Date
of which proclamation your petitioners did apprehend & Seoure
Joseph Doan Junr., who now stands Convicted of the fore mentioned
Crime.

We therefore petition that it might please your Honors to mnt
us an order to the State Treasurer for obtaining the promised Re-

♦ See page, 849, 860. Col. Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 76, 78, 79, 104, 119, 241,
242, 501.
Col. Bee., Vol. Xm., p. 61A.

ward or to notify to us in what other way wa may obtaia it and jroaT
petitiotton as in Duty Bound shall ever pray.

We do order and appoint Col. ^
Robert Robinson, Amos Thomas
& Josias Ferguson to ReGeive &
Devide to each person their
Equal Share of Sd. Reward.

April 20th, 1784, Bucks County.

ROBERT ROBINSON, Col.
of 3d Batallion of Bucka County^
AMOS THOMAS,
JOSIAS FERGUSON.

RxaoLUTiONS ov CowoaxfiSi 1784.

By the United States in Congress assembled,

AprU 26, 1784.

A Motion was made by Mr. Howell, seoonded by Mr. Gerry,

That the President be and he hereby is authorised and direotad
to adjourn Congress on the third day of June next, to meet on the
thirtieth of October next at Trenton, for the dispatdh of public busi*
ness, and that a Committee of the States shall he appelated ta ail
in the recess of Coogress.

A Motion was m^e by Mr. McHenry, seconded by Mr. Spaight,
to ^postpone the consideration of the foregoing motion in prder to
take into consideration the report of a Committee consisting of Mr.
Jefferson, Mr. Osgood, and Mr. Sherman, to wKom was rwerred a
report on the powers with which a Comviittee gf the States should
be vested daring the recess of Congress, and a motion on the same
subject, which report is as follows :

That the Committee of the States which shall be appointed pur-
suant to the 9th Article of Confederation and perpetual union, to
sit in the recess of Congress for transacting the business of the
United States, -shall possess all the powers which may be exercised
by seven States in Congress assembled, except those of sending
ambassadors, ministers, envoys, residents or consuls— establishinff
rules for deciding what captures by laud or water shall be legal,
and in what manner prises taken by land or naval forces in the
service of the United States shall be divided or appropriated—
establishin^courts for the receiving and determining finally appeek
in all cases of capture; constituting Courts for deciding disputes
and differences arising between two or more States; fivng the
standard of weights and measures for the United States } ehanging
the rate of postage on the papers passioe through the post offices
established by Congress, and rf repealing or oontravening any
Ordinance passed by Congress.

That nine members shall be requisite to proceed to business.

That no question except for adjourning from day to day shall be
determined without the concurrence of peven votes.

That the President of Congress, if a member of the said Com

FRNNSTLYIMA ABOHmB 17M1 fM

mitlee, ai^d if not a member, or if absent at any time, then a chair-
man to be chosen by themsolyes shall pieside^ the President or
Chairman retaining a right to vote.

That the Secretary and other officers of Congress shall attend on
the said Committee.

That they shall keep an aoonrate journal of their proceedings to
be laid before Congress, and that in those Journals shall be entered
the yeas and nays of the members when any one of them shall have
desired it before the question be put

On the question to postpone for the purpose above-menUoned^ the
yeas and nays being required by Mr. McHenry —

New Hampshire, Mr. Foster, no.

Mr. Blanchard^ no. — ^no.
MassachussettS; Mr. Gerry, no.

Mr. Partridge, no. — no.

Rhode Island^ Mr. Ellery, no.

Mr. Howell, no. — no.
Connecticut^ Mr. Sherman, no.

Mr. Wadsworth, no. — no.
New York,., Mr. De Witt, no.

Mr. Paine, no. — no.
New Jersey, .'Mr. Beatty, no.

Mr. Dick, no. — no.

Pennsylrania, Mr Mifflin, no.

Mr. Montgomei^i. no.
Mr. Hand, no. — ^no.

Maryland, Mr. MoHenry, ay.

Mr. Stone, ay.
Mr. Chase, ay.— «y.

Virginia, Mr. Jefferson, ay.

Mr. Hardy, ay.

Mr. Mercer, ay.

Mr. Monroe, ay.— ay.
North Carolina, Mr. Williamson, ay.

Mr. Spaight, ay.— «y.

South Carolina, Mr. Read,

Mr. Bereaford, ay. — ay.

So it passed in the negatiTO.

A Motion wae then made by Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr.
McHenry, to amend the motion of Mr. Howell, by adding thereto,
'' provided a Committee of the States shall first have been appointed
io sit in the recess of Congress, and the powers defined with which
the said Committee shall be veeCed aeeording to the 10th of the
Articles of Confbclontion.

MB VINN8TLYAKIA ABOHIVEB ITMw

And on the question to agree to this amendment^ the jeas and
nays being required by Mr. Williamson,-—

New Hampshire, Mr. Foster, no.

Mr. Blanchard, no.— nou

Massachusetts^ Mr. Gerry, no.

Mr. Partridge, no. — ^no,

Bhode Island^ Mr. Ellery, no.

Mr. Howellj no. — ^no.

Connecticut^ Mr. Sherman, no.

Mr. Wadsworth, no. — ^no.
New York, Mr. De Witt, no.

Mr. Paine, no. — no.
New Jersey, Mr. Beatty, no.

Mr. Dick, no. — no.
Pennsylvania^ Mr. Mifflin, no.

Mr. Montgomery, no.

Mr. Hand, no. — do.

Maryland| ..'..;..... Mr. McHenry, ay.

Mr. Stone, ay.

Mr. • Chase, ay.^-*-By.

Yirginia, Mr. Jefferson, ay.

Mr. Hurdy, ay.

Mr. Mercer, ay.

... Mr. Monroe, ay.— ay.

North Carolina, Mr. Williamson, ay.

Mr. Spaight, ay. — ^ay.

South Carolina^ Mr. lUAd^ ay.

Mr. Bcresford, ay.^-ay.
So it passed in the negative.

A Motion was then made by Mr. McHenry, seconded by Mr. Mer-
cer, to postpone the further consideration of the motion under
debate, in order to take up the following : —

That as soon as a proper place shall be reported by the Committee
appointed to review & report a proper place for a fodderal town at or
near George-town on the Patowmack, and the soil and jurisdiction
obtained as weH for the town on Patowmack as that on Delaware,
Congress will forthwith proceed to erect such public buildings as
may be necessary for their sessions at the expence of the United
States out of the common treasury thereof. That the foundations
of the said buildings shall be laid at the same time, and no sum of
money appropriate for the one unless an equal sum be appro-
priated for the other.

And on the question to postpone for the purpose above-men-
tioned, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. McHenry,*^

New Hampshire, Mr. Foster, no.

Mr. Bhincnard, no. — ^no

PKNNSTLVANIA AROHIVES Vm. fOi

Massaohusetts, Mr. Oerry, no.

Mr. Partridge, no.-— no.

"Rhode Island, Mr. Ellcry, no.

Mr. Howell, no. — ^no.

Connecticut, Mr. Sherman, no.

Mr. Wadsworth, no. — ^no.

New York, Mr. De Witt, no.

Mr. Paine, no. — ^no.

New Jersey, Mr. Beattj, no.

' Mr. Dick, no. — no.

Pennsylvania, Mr. Mifflin, no.

Mr. Montgomery, no.
Mr. Hand, no. — ^no.

Maryland, ' Mr McHehry, ay.

Mr. Stone, ay.
Mr. Chase, ay. — ay.

Virginia, Mr. Jefferson, no.

Mr. Hardy, ay.
Mr. Mercer, ay.
Mr. Monroe, no.— d*d.

North Carolina, Mr. Williamson, no.

• Mr. Spaight, no. — ^np.

South Carolina, Mr. Read, ay.

Mr. Beresford, no.^L'd.
So it passed in the negative.

A Motion was then made by Mr. Hardy, seconded by Mr. Read,
to pospone the consideration of the motion under debate in order to
take up the following : .

Whereas the resolution of the 20th of October last, provides that
Congress shall reside at Trenton and Annapolis alternately at equal
periods of not less than six months or more than twelve, until the
buildings on the banks of Patowmack and Delaware be ready for
their reception. And whereas the Delegates from Rhode Island
pursuant to instructions f^om that State, have moved a resolution
that Congress adjourn to Newport in the .State, of Rhode Isfauid,
from which it is evidently the sense of that State that the resolution
for twofoederal towns should not be carried into effect And. where-
as it appears to be the sense of a Majority of the States in Con-
gress assembled by a motion ^m the State of Connecticut forbid-
ding the Committee appointed to view the sround at or near George-
town to proceed in that business until the rarther order of Congress,
and by a motion for allowing the States of Maryland and Virginia
to advance pounds for the purpose of erecting public

buildings at or near Gkorgetown^ & for giving them credit for, the
same in the requisition for year, which last being negatived

amounti to a vmul repeid of the i^oresaid Act, and as it will be

•tVD

mBNKSXLTAHU ABCffiOLTSS YOL

expedient to fix on a sitvatitub the most 'central to til piurfcB of the
Uniott for holding the sessions of Congress. Resolved, That Con-
gress hold their' sessions in Annapolis in the State tk Maiyknd
until they decide on some place for their permanent residence^ and
the necessary buildings be erected for their accomodation.

On this motion, the previous question was moved by the State of
Pennsylvania, seconded by the State of Khode Island ; and on the
question to agfee to the previous tjuestiou; the yeas vaA nays being
required by Mr. Hardy —

New Hampshire,
Massachusetts^
Bhode Island, .
Connectiouti
New York,
New. Jersey, .
Pennaylvaniiy

Maryland,
Virginia,

North Carolina,
Soath Carolina,

' Mr. Foster,
Mr. Blanchard.
Mr. Gerry,
Mr. Partridge.
Mr. EUery,
Mr. Howell.
Mr. Sherman,
Mr. Wadsworth,
Mr. De Witt,
Mr. Paine.
Mr. Beatty,
Mr. Dick.
Mr. Mifflin,
Mr. Montgomery,
ttr. Hand
Mr. MoHenry,
Mr. Stone,
Mr. Chase,

Mr. Jefferson,
Mr. Hardy,
Mr. Meroer,
Mr. Monroe.

Mr. Williamson,
Mr. Spaight,

Mr. Read,
Mr. Berresford,

ay-)
ajj-ay

bo'

no ^no
no

}

60 it was Besolved, in the afirmative, and the motion was set
.aside.

On the question to ame to the original motion, the yeas sad
nays being required by Mr. Stone-

New Hampshire,
Massachusetts,

Mr. Foster,
M^. Blanchard,

Mr. Gerry,
Mr. P#r4iflga,

PENNBTLYAMIA ABCHI¥18 ITM

£71

Rhode Idaiid,
Conneclaout,
New York,
New Jeraej,
PenDBylvania;

Maryland^

Virginia,

North CaroliDai
South Oarolinai

3f r. Ellery,
Mr. Howell,
Mr. Sherman,
Mr. Wadsworth,
Mr. De Witt,
Mr. Paine,
Mr. Bcatty,
Mr. Dick,
Mr. Mifflin,
Mr. Montgomery,
Mr. Hand,
Mr. MoHenry,
Mr. Stone,
Mr. Chase,
Mr. Jefferson,
Mr. Hardy,
Mr. Meroer,
Mr. Monroe,
Mr. Williamson
Mr. Spaight,
Mr. Head,
Mr. Beresford,

•J

-no

>-no

So it was

Resolvedj^That the President be and he hereby is, authorised and
directed to adjourn Coneress on the third day of June next, to meet
on the thirtieth day of October next, at Trenton, for the dispatch of
public business, and Uiat a Committee of the States shall be appointed
to sit in the recess of Congress.

CHA. THOMSON, Sec'y.

Wabbbns (MP PhOiAdilphta to Pus. Dioktnuon, 1784.

Wlundens office, 26th April, 1784.
Sir,

The Board of Wardena beg leave to commahicate to your Excel-
lency for the Information of yourself and the honorable supreme
Exeoutive Council that upon enquiry they ISnd there is ne money
in the Sute Treasni;y subject to their diaposal, and that the whole
amount of the Tonnage duty, sincci the appointment of the present
officer does not exoeed one hundred and fifty pounds a sum very
inadequate to the objects eommitted to their oare.

The principal objects that require immediate attention are as
follows, visS

1st, Finishing the repwa of the light House.

2nd, providing an additional nunuwr of Buoys together with

cm PBNN8TLYANIA ABGHIYE8 1784.

their moorings and haying them placed in proper pkcea bolih in the
Bay and Kiver.

8rd, providing Beaoons and having them placed on the most
dangerooB Shoab in the Bay and on Cape May.

4thy Repairing the Piers at B«edy and Mud Islands.
6th9 Purchasing a vessel for the purpose of carrying oyl and
Materials to the Lisht House, Ballast for filling, & hogi^f &c., for
the repairs of the Piers, taking down Buoys, &o., and for other uses
of the wardens in surveying and examining into the State & Condi-
tion of the navigation.

These services being of great importance to the Trade, the
wardens trust that your EzceTlncy and the Honorable Council will
readily see the necessity of strengthening their hands by granting
them a supply of money from the sum reserved for these pnrposet
by the Legislature oat of the monies raised by the late Impost Laws
and subject to your disposal in order that they may be enabled to
execute them in the most expeditious, effectual & frugal manner
Possible. We have the honor to be

with the greatest Respect

yonr Kxccllency's most obedient

and very humble servants,

FRANS. GURNET,
JOHN DONNALDBON.
SAM. CALDWELL,
THOS. PRYOR,
NATH. FALCONER.
JOHN HAZELWOOD.
Directed, GEORGE ORD.»

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq., President of the GommoB-
wealth of Pennsylvania.

An Estimate of sundry Services requisite to be performed by the
Wardens of the Port for Improving the navigation of the Bay &
River Delaware as soon as Possible.
For finishing the Repairs of the Light House, ab*, . . 250
a beacon to be placed on Cape May^ . . . 800
a Ditto on the Gross Ledge, . • . . 350

Additional Buoys with their Mooring to be placed in

the Bay, 160

Repairing the Kera at Reedy Island, • • .50

Do. at Mud Island, 50

the PuTohase of a Vessel for th* Yarioiis purposes of
the Wardens in executing the Datys of their office, 760

Council Chamber, 29th Apl., 1784.t X1900

♦ Ste Col. Reo., YoL XIV., p. 78, 79.
t See Col. Beo., Vol. XIV., p. 79.

PENNSTLVANIA ABGHIYES 1784. 67l|

Estimate of Expenses fob the Commissioners for Running
Boundary Lins^ 1784.*

Estimate of Expences for sundry necessaries for the Commiss'rs
for running tnc boundary Line between this State and that of
Virginia.

120 Gallons Spirite,

40 do. Brandy,

80 do. Madeira Wine,

200 Weight of Loaf Sugar,

6 lb. of Tea,

100 do. Coffee,

pepper, &c., 2 0 0

6 Bushels of Salt,

4 Tin Mugs,

1 Coffee Mill,

1 pewter Tea pot, 1 tin Coffee Pot,

60 lb. of Chocolate,

1 frying pan, 1 Orid Iron, 6 boiling kettles,

1 Dutch oven, 1 Teakettle,

2 pair of Snuffers, 4 Candlesticks, 2 funnels,

100 lb. Candles, 2 hand saws, 1 Cross Cut saw k G files,...

2 hammers, 12 Gimblets & 50 lb. of Nails,

1 sett of knives and forks,

Tea cups, saucers, glasses, Tumblers, bowls, dishes,

plates, tins, spoons and basons, 6 0 0

6 large Camp stools k 6 small do.j

2 Marques, or 4 Horse Mens Tents,

60 felling axes,

100 lb. of Steel,

6 shovels,

6 pickaxes,

6 Spades,

40 lb. of Scotch Barley,.

12 pair of HL. Hinges,

3 four Horse Waggon k I Light do. with 4 Horses,

20 fathom of } inch Rope,

2 Crow Bars, 2 planes, 2 augre's,

4 Matrasses, 4 Blankets, 4 Pillows,

1 frower^ 2 Maul Bings, 2 wedges, 1 Bnmd ax,

2 drawing knives, } a Box Window Glass, I Beam of ,

paper, 100 quills, 6 sticks of Wax, 2 dosen pencilsy

1 Box of Wafers, 2 Ink stands, 2 large Camp Tables^ 1

dosen Memorandum Books,

Cheese,

2 dozen Hams,

1 dosen E^s white Biscuit,

* Sea CoL Km., Vol XIV., p. 184.

Vol. X.— 25

674 ^ENNSTLTANIA ABOHIYBS 1784.

Alkxandib Pattibsom to Pbis. Digkinbon — ^Wtomino, 1784.

Sir,

When any Part of the atate in which yonr Excellenoj preeide
becomes Imbarrassed and Involved in Dimcultji I conceive it the
datj of a good Citizen to give the earliest Information to Goyem-
ment from what source such troubles floW| from this principle I
beg leave to state a few facts relative to the situation and Police
of this Country as it now stands.

The settlements upon the River have suffered much by an Innun-
dation of Ice, which has swept away Greatest Jpaft of the grain and
■took of all kinds, so that the Inhabitants are Genendly very poor.

Upon my arrival at this Place the fifteenth Inst. I found the
People for the most part Disposed to give up their Pretentions to
the Lands Claimed under Cobnccticut Having a Pretty General
Agency from the Land holders of Pennsylvanuii I have availed
myself of this Period, and have Possessed in behalf of my Constitu-
ents the Chief part of all the Lands occupied bv the above Claimants,
Numbers of them are going up the River to settle, in this I give every
Incouragement in my power, and Take care to nil up their Yacancy
with well Disposed rennsylvanians, I think it is right to Dispose of
the others in such a manner as will be most Conducive to the Peace
of the state, by granting them Leases and settling them remote from
each other, yet notwithstanding this situation of affidrs, I am not
out of apprehension of Trouble and Danger arising from the ring-
leaders of the old offenders who still stand out abd are countenanced
and Incouraged by their friends, down the River. They are Waiting
untill the troops are discharged when they expect to have recourse
to their former factious practices, in the mean time there Is no doubt
but that they will Endeavour to spread every Yileanots report that
Malice can Suggest, to Endeavour to pirepossesd the minds of the
Publick against our Proceedings, experience ha^ tauffht us that they
are but too apt to succeed in those cases, biit I hope their Base
designs will appear so Conspicuous to all public Body's and the
People in General, that they will no longer become Dup^ to their
Artifice.

My Coadjutors with myself have no new Claim to a Citizenship
in this state, I therefore Humbly hope (that if any Diingerous or
Sedioious Commotion should arise in this Country so Remote from
the scat of Government) that it mav not be Construed a Want of
Zeal or Love for the Commonwealth, if we should through dire
Necessity be obliged to do some things not strictly consonant with
the Letter of the Law, I call Heaven to wittness that nothing shall
Induce me to do one single Act but what I conceive will tend to the
good of the state, and the Happiness of it6 fisiithful Citizens, and it
shall be my study to have all my actions to harmonize with its
Peace and safety, as to Merit the aprobation of Government, if the
Troops were to bo settled with and Discharged here it would answer

PRKNSTLVANIA AKCmVES 1784. 676

a Valuable ParpoaOi as a good manj of (horn would incline to stay
at this place.

I have the Honour to SubsoriJbe myself,

Your Excellency's most Obedient &
Verry Humble Servant.

ALEX'H PATTERSON-
Wyoming, April 29th, 1784.
Directedf
His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq'r, Philadelphia.

Delegates in CoNaaESd to Pres. Diokinson, 1784.

Annapolis, 30th April; 1784.
Sir,

We have received your Excell>* letter of the 14th Inst., covering
sundry resolutions of the Honorable the Gen'l Assembly relative to
the Wyoming Settlers, which have been laid before Congress, at the
same time we, in compliance with the Instructions of the Honble the
Oen'l Assembly, moved for, & obtained a reconsideration of the
resolution of Congress of the 23d Jan'y last,"*" directing the institution
of a court to determine the private right of soil within the Territory
formerly in dispute between the states of Pennsylv* & Connecticut,
the Committee to whom our motions were referred have not yet
reported.

The Inclosed proceedings will make your Excell^ & Council
acquainted with the determinations of Congress, on an adjoumment,t
a temporary form of Government, for the Western Territory, and
requisitions on the States, we think it propper to inform Council
that Capt" Carbury,^ who was Supposed, & confesses himself to be a
principal instigator of the late tumultuous behaviour of a part of the
Pennsylvania line, has been within these few days apprehended by
the desire of Congress, he is now in thehands of the Civil Authorities
of this State, subject to be delivered to that of Pennsylvania if
demanded.

With much respect, we have the honor to be.

Your Exccll^ most obed. and most H'ble Serv't
THO. MIFFLIN,
JOHN MONTGOMBBY,
EDW'D HAND.

In eonsequenee of onr Insfcractions from your Honorable Board
ire brouffht forward in Congress the Sabject of an indemnification to
G^'l Washington for his extra table expenoes the report of a oom-
mittee to whom the business was referred is not yet acted en.§
Directed^

His Exc^, John IMckinson; Esq'.

•8eep«ge6d0. tPage571.

t See page 74. 248, 292, 822, 824, 576, and CoL B«). Vol. XIT., p. lOS.

3 Pages 161, 166, 185.

(79 PSNNSTLYANIA ABGHIYSS ^8^.

Deleqates in GoiiaBBss to Pau. Diokinsoit^ 1784.

AnnapoliB, Maj 18lh, 1784.
Sir,

We have reoeived and oommanicated to Congress jour Ezoel-
leno/s letter of the 5th Instant, signifying the desire of the
Honorahle the Supreme Ezeoative Coanoil, that the proofs eolleeted
in the State of Pennsylvania of the crime charged against Henry
Carberry, & transmitted to Congress should be returned.

Congress have by the enclosed resolution directed the Secretary
to transmit to your Ezcell'y^ these proo&^ which will be done by
him immediately.

With every sentiment of respect
we have the honor to be,
your Excellency's most
obedient Hble. Servants,

THOMAS MIFFLIN,
JOHN MONTOOMKRr,
EDW'D HAND.
Directtdj
His Excellency; John Dickinson; Esq., In Council Philad'a.

No. 1.

By the United States, in Congress Assembledi

April 28th, 1784.
The Committee to whom it was referred to take order opon the
report of a Committee of the 28d day of April, instant, on the
motion of Mr. Read of the 16th day of March last.

Report, That in virtue of this sa d order of the United States in
Congress assembled, your Committee took measures, and have
caused Henry Carbery, late a Captain in the Pennsylvania line of
Continental Troops in the said report mentioned, to be arrested and
brought before the honorable Robert Goldsborough, one of the
Judges of the Oeneral Court of the State of Maryland, for examina-
tion and to be proceeded against aoeording to law and juafcioe. Tour
Committee have oaused to be laid before the said Judge, all sneh
proofs and evidences of the nature and circumstances of the crime
charged against the said Henry Carbery as were on the fllee or in
the possession of Congress, and your committee informed the said
Judge, that it was the sense of the United States in Congress
Assembled, that the said Henry Carbery, who is a fugitive from
^ justice ought to be tried according to the La^s of Pennsylvania, in
* which State the offence charged against him was oommittod| and to

PtafNSYLVANIA ABCHIVE8 1784. 57T

the Laws of which State he is amenaUe. Tour Gommittee reoom-
mend that the ExeontWe of the State of Maryland be requested to
take proper measures for the delivery of the body of the said Henry
Carbery to the Exeentive of the State of Pennsylfania, or their
order that he may be dealt with according to Law.

Beaolredy That Congress agree to the said Report

CHA. THOMSON,
Seo^y.

No. 2.
Berks Conntyi ss.

The 28th day of Jane, 1783, before me Daniel Levan, EsqV,
Prothonotary of the Connty of Berks', in the State of Pennsylva-
nia, came Benjamin Spyker, junior, and being sworn, saith, that
about ten o'clock in the forenoon this day, Mr. Nicholas Brosius
called upon him, this deponent to walk across the street to the house
of the said Brosius, and he would hear some thing; that the
deponent went accordingly, and found a certain Serjeant Nagle at
the porch of the said Brosius, who amongst many other reproaches
against the States, for intending to defraud the soldiery, also made
the following expressions, that he had received four letters when at
Lancaster, which were not signed by any, but requesting the soldiers
to come to Philad'a if they wanted a settlement, which letters he
believed, or was sure, were wrote by officers, that one hundred and
twenty odd Men marched accordingly from Lancaster for the City ;
that they were deserted by some, and that one hundred privates,
himself, and a Corporal came to the City; that a Lieutenant who
also was crossed Schuylkill, the said Lieutenant came and met them,
and begged they would unfix their Bayonets, and march into the
City without beat of drum ; that they obeyed untill they came to
the City, that, then the said Nagle ordered the Lieutenant to quit
the command, and that they knew for what they came, and that the
said Nagle gave the command to fix Bayonets, and brace the Drums,
and marched into the City, with fixed Bayonets and Mnsicki and
that the soldiers from the Barracks came to meet them in the same
manner, and that they were applauded by the Citizens, for looking
after their just demands. That when they came to the Barracks
they formed a Garrison having field pieces and ammunition of every
kind, in plenty Orape and other shot; that, then the said Nagle
with anotner Serjeant, were deputed to his Excellency the Oovernor,
^meaning the President,) with an Instrument of wridng by the
Garrison agreed upon, and had orders, strict orders, not to return
without having the same signed by His Excellency; that accord-
ingly, the said Nagle and the other SeijeaAt waited on the President
in Uie morning, who knew their names already^ and ordaied %

57» PBNNSTLTANIA ABOHIYBS 1784.

bottle of wine to be brought for them, that they drank the Wine,
and that His Ezoellencj the President ordered another bottle of
Wine to be brought for them, that then they, (meaning himaalf
ml the other eerjeant,) told the Governor that thej did not ooma
to get groggy, bat were oome to obtain their just rights and desired
him to sign the paper which they bronght, and gave him an half an
hoars time, that after that time was expired, they gave him fire
minutes more, and that he said Nagle ordered the other Serjeant to
go and fetch the Oarrison, and that Nagle would guard the Gover-
nor ; that His Excellency the President then desired that he might
go up-stairs to sign the same, which, then the Serjeant refused, but
'would have it signed in their presence, and that His Excellency the
President sent up-stairs for his ink and pen, and in a most trembling
manner signed the same, (shewing with his hands how tho PieaidenI
should have shook.) Upon being asked by the deponent the pur-
port of the paper they made His Excellency sign, said Nagle an*
swered it was an engagement that in three days he should give them
a final answer how uey meant to settle with the soldiery, and that
the same made Congress fly that night to Princetown. And further
that said Nagle said after they had formed a Circle in the Barraok

Stl, a certain wooden legged Morris, a Brother to the Honble
bert Morrisi Esquire, came amongst them to make a speech, whom
they soon turned off, (telling very opprohions language that he mada
use of,) and that in the presence of His Exoellenoy the President^
the Honble the Major General SinClair, was going to speak to him,
the said Nagle, that he soon turned him off, tolling him he had no
bunness there with them, and said had he spoke any more, I should
have told him something, and on being asked by this deponent,
what would you have said to him, said Nagle answered, I would
have told him, I never was fourteen months under arrest, for cowar-
dice and misbehaviour, and that he said Nagle ordered off Colonel
Humpton; also, that the Militia Light Horse were afraid to come
nigh them, and that they went and tore down all advertisements or
Proclamations against them from every Tavern and Comer having
taken down an whole arm full.

BENJAMIN SPFKEB; jiin'r.
Sworn before me the day '
first above written,

Daniel Liyan.

Berks, ss.

June 28th, 1788, came Nicholas Brosius and on his oath saith,
that he heard Serjeant Nagle tell or speak all the words which are
mentioned in Benjamin Spykcr^ jun'r deposition.

NICHOLAS BROSIUS.
Sworn before me, the'
day above writteui

Daniel Leyan.

PBIfNSVLYANU ARCHiVBS iT64 679

Berks CoantyjW.

June 28thy 1788^ Game Join Snell and beinff sworn saith, that
be oame to Mr. Brosias's poroh when Seijeant rfagle was speaking
with Benjamin Spjker, jiioior, and heard all from havinff made His
Ezcellcncj the President ugn the paper eoming after, having tol i
of his March and drinking wine at the Presidents houssi but living
heaid all the subsequent story of said Nagle.

JOHN SNELL.
Sworn before me, the
day above written,

Daniel Leyan ^

Copy.

■1

No. 8.

In pnnniance of ap order of 17th of May, 1784, sent to the
Sojireme £zeouti?6 of Pennsylyania the following papers Indorsed
as follows :

1788, June 80.— Deposition of Seijeant Bichard Hurthwaite of
Invalids.

1783, July 2. — Depositio9 of Soloman Townsheodi Serjeant i9
Col. Humptons B^gt

1783, July 1.— Deposition James Bennet^ Serjeant Msjor
Artillery.

1783, July 1. — Denoeition Joseph Morgan, Seijeant of Artillery.

Copy Bead June 12, 1783, Deposition of Benjamin Spykcr taken
before Mr. Levan of Beading, subject of a Conversation with Ser-
jeant Nagle.

No. 4.

In pursuance of an order of 17th of May, 1784, sent to the
Supreme Executive of Pennsylvanisi the following papers, Indorsed
as follows :

1. A letter ngned Henry Oarbery, dated Capo Henlopen, 29th
June, 1788, directed Migo( William Nichols, Mero% Philadelphia.

2. A letter signed H. Carbery, dated Chester, June 26th, 1788,
4ireeted to Mrs. Mary Garbeiy, St Mary's, Maryland.

8. A letter signed John SulUvao, dated The Cape, 80th June,
1788, directed Stephen Moylan, Bsq., GoL Command. L. D.
Philadelphia.

. 4. A paper ngned H. C, J. 8., directed Mr. Wm. Huston, and
containing these words — Oonsnli your own safisty, we cannot possibly
get to you.

5. Bepcrt of the Mutiny by GoL HumpUmi 24 JniMy 1788| lead
in Congress July 8d^ 1788.

«8e PENNSTLYANU AB0HIVS8 1784.

6. A letter from James CbriBtie to the Supreme EzeoatiTe of
PeoDBjlyaDiai & a Copy of Gommbsioii or appointment of Offieers
as a Committee bv the non-Goms'd .officers k pri?ates in the Bar-
zaoks at Philadelphia, read 80th Jnne^ 1783.

7. Demand made by the Mutineers, June 2lBt, 1788.

8. Papers signed James Bennet, delivered to Supreme EIzeeailTe
Council of Pennsylvania — Bead in Congress, June 30th, 1788.

9. Address of Mutineers to Supreme Executive Council of Penn-
sylvania, delivered 25th June, 1783, Read in Congress June 80thy
1783.

There are copies of some Depositions which will be sent by next
post

No. 5.
By the United States in Congress Assembled,

May 17th, 1784.

On motion of the Delegates of Pennsylvania.

Ordered, That the Secretary transmit to the Supreme Exeoutiyo
Council of the State of Pennsylvania, all the papers relative to the
ease of Henry Carbery, whicn are on the files of ConmsB ; and
that the Secretary in the War office deliver to the said JSxecntivey
sneh papers relative to the said Henry Carbery, as are in his poasea-
sion.

CHA. THOMSON,
Seo'y.

Port Wardens to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Wardens' Office, Philada., May 2601, 1784.
Gentlemen,

The Board of Wardens of the Port of Philada. beg leave to repre-
iemt^ that injuries frequently happen to jthe navigation of the Bay
ft Biver Delaware, by evil disposed people removing the Buojs
placed for the direction and safety of Yessells, and by taking out for
^Uast the Fillings of the Piers, whereby considerable expenoe is
incurr'd, and the good intentions of the Legislature frustrated,
which is not in the power of the Wardens to detect or prevent,
otherwise, than by offering a reward for apprehending and oouTict-
ing such offenders ; and as the board apprehend they are not auth(^
rizcd to promise such public Reward, they take the liberty to recom^
mend the premises to the consideration of your Excellency & the

PB{fNSYLTANU ^JHOJOVm 17M» . Ml

honorable Coanoili being weU porsaaded that such a meaaore would
have a aalatarj effect.'*'
We have the honor to be ^iik the greaieat reapect,
OendemeOy

Yofir moat obedie9t

and very humble Berraniay

JOHN DONNALDSON,
8AML. GALDWSLL
THOS, PRIOR,
jf ATHL. FAIjCX)NER,
JOHN HAZBLWOOD,
OEOROE ORD,
Directed, FRANS. OUKNEY.

His Excellency the President and the Honorable Supreme Ezeo-
ntive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennajl?ania.

Belbgateb in CoNOuas to Pais. DiOKivaoiry 1784.

Annapolifl; 28th May, 1784.
Sif,

tVe have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellen-
cy'a letter of the 4th InBta,nt^ deainng our Exertions in favour of
Mr. Robert Shewell: hia papers are now in the hands of a Commit-
tee ; when they shall have reported| we will use our best endeavors
to procure for him all the aid Gcwgresa can give in his case.

The Inclosed is a Copy of a petition ttom ^ebulon Butlor and
others, lately laid before Congresa.f
With the greatest respeot,

We have the honor to be,

Your I^xoell'ys most obedt. &
most H'ble Servants,

THOMAS MIFFLIN,
JOHN MONTGOMERY,
fiireciedj EDW'D HAND.

His Exceiry John Diokinaon, E«|pr.| in Council^ Philadelphia.
Free— Edw'd Hand^

EpHBAIM DouaLASB TO SjBO. ABHSTROMa, 1784.

Union TowUi 29th May, 1784.
Sir,

In obedience to the instructions of the 80th of April, from your
office, I now transmit you a list of the several townships or districts
for ohusing Justices of the Peace for this County.

« 8m Col. lUe. YcL ZIV., ^ 1S2.
t See page ^9.
86*

682 ' PENNSYLVANIA ABGHIVES 1784.

By the aeeession of Jacob's-oreek to this Coanty, dim an two
townships added to the return I had the honor to transmit to Cobb*
cil on the 2d February last,* and as I therein discriminated those
townships which had, from those which had not, Justices of the
Peace, I will only now further remark that both of these additional
townships are destitute of such officer.

I should sooner have announced to Council the names of these
townships, but that before they were annexed to this county thej
made but one district, which was divided at our last sessions ; and
this division beinff disagreeable to some of the principal inhabitants,
(though the distnct was said to be near fifty miles in length) 1 ex-
pected that at our next sessions the Justices might probably reoon-
sidcr the matter, wherefore I thought it might be best to postpone
the return so long ; but as all the townships which existed previous
to the late law for electing Justices of the Peace are established di»-
tricts for that purpose, I conceive it will not now be in the power
of the Justices to gratify those who complained of this division.

There is so seldom a direct conveyance of a letter from this plaoe
to Philadelphia, that I expect every communication I can make will
be anticipated by some other person having more frequent opportu-
nities ; but lest my silence might be attributed to inattention, I wiH
give you a sketch of the affairs of this Country, and leave yon to
judge of the propriety of laying it before the Honorable the CJounoiL
The County Commissioners are so much counteracted bjv the rab-
ble of this country, that it appears hardly probable the Taxes wiU
ever be collected on the present mode. In the township of Msnallin
in particular, which includes this place agreeable to its limits in the
Duplicate, the terror of undertaking the duty of Collector, has deteN
mined several to refuse it under nie high penalty annexed. Two
only have accepted it, and these have both been robbed by some
ruffians unknown, and in the night, of their Duplicates. The inha-
bitants of the other townships have not gone such lengths, but com-
plain so much of the hardship and the want of money that I fear
very little is to bo hoped from them.

On the other hand, the banditti from Bucks-county, or some
others equally bad, or, more probably both, have established them-
selves in some part of this countrv not certainly known, but thonght
to be in the deserted part of Washington county, whence they make
frequent incursions into the settlements under cover of the nighty
terrify the inhabitants, sometimes beat them unmerdfully, and
always rob them of such of their property as they think proper, and
then retire to their lurking places. What seems to confirm the
belief of its being the Doanes or their companions, is drawn from
the circumstances attending the detection and confinement of one of
the eang in Washington county some time ago. After this wretch
had been rescued from the SherifiTs guard there, he, with other of
his companions came to the honse of the person who was the prinoi-
* Ste page 568.

PEXNSTLYANIA ABOHIYES 1784. 588

pal in taking hinii robbed him of hia horse and other prc'perty, and
cautioned him against meddling with any of them thereafter ; and
this also, added to the frequency of their robberies in that coonty,
favours the belief of their residence there. This county, howcveri
and even this town has safibred by them, though they oame in the
character of thieves, and not of robbers here. And yet nothing has
been attempted hitherto to punish or bring them to justice ; partly,
perhaps because there are not yet a sufficient number provoked by
their losses, but principally from the improbability of succeeding in
the attempt. For, though they cannot be pointed out with certainty
or prosecuted with success, there must be too many in this country
who give them support and assistance, and who would readily notify
them of any preparation making against them ; and from the repre-
sentation of their number, which is said to have been twenty-eight
at the forcing of the gaol in Washington, nothing can be undertaken
against them without such preparation as must make it very gene-
rally known. To these reasons, perhaps a third may be safely
added which will have its weight with many, especially those who
consider themselves most exposed — the fear of drawing upon them-
selves and their fEUBiilieB the resentment of these justly dreaded
ruffians.

With great respect^ I am, Sir,

Your very humble and

Obedient servant,

EPHRAIM DOUGLASS.
John Armstrong, junior, Esquire, Secretary.

John Donnaldson to Pbes. Dickinson, 1784.

Philadelphia, June 17th, 1784.
Sir,

As I shall embark in a few days for Europe where my private
affiiirs urgently call me — ^I beg your Excellency and the honorable
supreme executive couneil will be pleased to appoint a warden of the
Port of Philadelphia in my stead.

I have the honor to be with great respect.

Sir, Your most obedient and very humble servant.

JOHN DONNALDSON.*
Directed^

His Exoelleney, John l^okinson, Esq., President of the Supreme
Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania.

* Col. Beo., YoL ZIV., p. 160p he was suooeeded by Joseph BnUook,
June 26.

8H FRFNBTLTANIA ASOHIVBB I7B4.

WAKDINB of PhILABCIPHIA to PeBB. DlCKIHBOlTy 1784.

Wardens Office^ Pkiladelphiai 18ih June, 1764.
Sir,

Thb bsard of Wudens of tlie port of Philad*, beg leave to inftnm
yoar Bzoelleney and the HoooraMe Cbnnoil that Mr. John Donsrid-
«on* one of the Board being on the ere of his departore fbr Enrope
hath resigned his ofice, by whiefa his plaee is beeome yaeant, and aa
the daties of their appointment frequently require a full Board, tbej
reqnest yonr Bxeelleney ft honors to appoint a warden in his 'Steao.
We have the honor to be with the greatest respect,
Tour EKcellency's most obedient

and yer J hnmbk serranti^

fiAM. CALDWBUi,*
THOS. PRYOR,
GEORGE ORD,
NATE. FALCONER,
JOHN HAZELWOOD.
Direeiedj

His Excellency, John Dickensen EaqVi, Preaident of the Bvpremo
Executive Goanoil of Pennsy Wania.

GOMMIBSIONXBS OT WAgHINQTON Co. TO PESS. DiOKINSON.

1784.

Washington County, June 28th, 1784.
Sir,

This County as well as that of Fayette has for some time past
been greatly Infested by a troop of Robbers from the lower parts of
the state, namely Doanes and others who by frequent Burglaries and
Robberies under the Countenance and protection of IHvers Evil
disposed persons amoogst ourselves, have reduced us to the necessity
of calling out parties of Militia and making general search for the
said Burglars and their accomplices; whereupon the sud Burglars,
with numbers of Horses, Negroes and other Valuable property of
wbich they had Robbed the Inhabitants (in the most Sbmng and
Insolent manner) set off for Detroit, our party pursued above one
hundred miles from this place before they overtook them. However
we have now got of the said party lodged in the Goal of this County,
the ft)1Ibwing persons, vis. Abraham Doane, one who calls himself
Thomas Richason and two women who profess themselves wives to
some of the party, the remainder having csoaped onr most vigilant
pursuit, altho' we have Beoovered tlie greatest part of ttie property.
We have also Divers others in Confinement and under Recognizance
as accomplices, and Expect yet to make further Discoveriesj but our

* See page 688.

PBNN8TITANIA ABCHI7E8 1784 68S

Goal being Yeir Insufficient, and this same Abraham Doane having
1>een Hescued irom it once before by an armed party (of which you
have had Information) we are obliged to keep a strong guard con-
stantly over them, and not having seen a supplement to the act^for
apprehending those Yiilians (which we are Informed Exists) are at
a loss what to Do with them, therefore prays the Direction of Council
in the premises.

We have the honor to be, your Bzcellenoy'a

Host obedient and very humble servants.

VAN SWBARINGBN,
JAMES MAKSHEL,
Directed, THO. SCOTT.

Public Scrviccu
His Excellency, Presudent Dickenson, Philadelphia.

Wardens or Philadxlphia to P&xs. Dickinson^ 1784.

Port of Philadelphia,

Wardens' Office, Juno 24th, 1784.
Sir,

For the satisfaction ofyonr Excellency & the Honorable Supreme
Executive Council, th'e lioard of Wardens beg leave to refer to the
inclosed State of their Expenditures, so far as they have disbursed
on public service since their appointment, by which you will see that
nearly the whole of the sum vou were pleased to grant them the 5th
May last is already expended.

The Wardens flatter themselves that their disbursements will be
found to be made with proper Oeconomy, and to answer the design
of the Legislature in improving the navigation of the Bay k Biver
Delaware ; but they would beg leave farther to observe, that the
service is not yet Performed, the above sum being expended Chiefly
in preparation for the services meant to be done, which were specified
in a rough estimate thev had the Honor to lav before you, and that
there are Bills not vet brought in, to a considerable amount, which
must be paid immediately. To complete the business, they estimate
the further sum of at least Fifteen hundred pounds will be imme-
diately requisite which thoy Respectfully pray may be granted them
as soon as may be.

We have the honor to be, with great respect,
Sir, your most obedient and

very humble servants,

FRAN'S GURNET,
THCS PRYOR,
GEORGE ORD,
NATH'L FALCONER,
SAM'L CALDWEU..*

His Esoellency John DickinsoDi Esq., President of the Supreme
Executive Council of Pennsylvania.

* See Col. Ree., Vol. XIV., page 160.

686 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVKS 1784

Account of monies expended by the "Wardens of the Port of Phila-
delphia out of the sum of One Thousand five hundred ponnds
received by them by order of the Hon'ble Supreme EzecutiTS
Council, dated 5th May, 1784, for the purpose of improyiDg the
navigation of the Bay and River Delaware.

1784. .
May 14 Paid Davis Bevan for Sloop Two Friends,

now called the Delaware ;f650

'' 19 Paid Luke Shields his own & men's ad-
vance wages — belonging to Sloop
Delaware 24

" « Paid M. Keely for 1,332 Gallons oil for

Light House 210 18

« «« Paid J. & 11. Morton for Beef & Pork

for the Sloop Delaware * 8 10

" 25 Paid Christian Enieck porterage of Oil 16 6

" " Paid James Pearson for an order drawn
by M. Gurney on David Ritten house,
Esq., being the balance due him for
work at Light House last winter 86 1

'< 27 Paid Wingate Newman for a Hulk to
fix a Beacon on Cross Lodge Shoal|
in the Bay 43

" " Paid Connyingham & Nesbitt for Stone

Ballast for Piers & Hulk 60

June 2 Paid Joseph Marsh, towards improving
the Hulk to fix a Beacon on the Cross
Lodge 105

'^ 9 Paid drawing two plotts of Chevaux de

Prize 10

" " Paid Greenfield & Humphreys for a

Comboose for Sloop Delaware 8 15 9

" " Paid James Pearson on Account of ad-
vance wages to workmen, k materials
for repairing the Light House 127 10

" " Paid C. Beakley for a Cart for Light

House 22

'• 12 Paid for Painting the Cabin of Sloop

Delaware 4 10

" "j Paid Samuel Williams for nails for Light

House 3 6 8

" 17 Paid Sam'l Church for Boards, planks,
&o.y for Light House & Sloop Dela-
ware 14 17

" 18 Paid A. St. Clair for a Cable, bo't at

vendue, for the Hulk 6 4

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 587

June 19 Paid J. Harrison for a Telescope for

Sloop Delaware 3 6

<< 22 Paid Ord & Blewcr^ for Ship Chandlery
& Cabin furniture for Sloop Delaware
&for L't House T 49 2 2

" " Paid Gumey & Smith for a Barrel Rum

for workmen at L't House^ &o. 5 5

£1434 1 1

CxBTinoATi or Wabdxnb — Cheyaux de Fbisb, 1784.

Warden's Office, Philada., 30th June, 1784.
We, the Subscribers, do certify, that Levy HoUingsworth and
Arthur Donaldson have made such progress in removing the Chevaux
de Frise, as in our Opinion justly to entitle them to receive the second
payment of One thousand five hundred Pounds.

FRAN'S GURNEY, 1

JOHN HAZELWOOD, I

GEOftGE ORD, V Wardens of the Port

JOS. BULLOCK,

SAM*L CALDWELL.* J

His Excellency the Pteaident, & the Hon'ble The Supreme Ex-
ecutive Council.

C0MBnBBI0NIR& OF WASHINGTON COUNTT TO SS0*T ARMSTRONG,

1784.

Washington County, July 9th, 1784.
Sir,

Your Circular Letter of the 14th April lastf we have received,
we assure you that we are Disposed to Discharge the trust reposed
in UB with the Greatest punctuality; but the Distressed situation of
our frontier County together with a Dissposition in a number of
people for some time past to oppose taxation makes our Business
very Difficult, we have not yet been able to Collect the small sum of
state tax kid in this County but expect to have it done very soon,
and will transmit it by the Earliest opportunity.
We are sir,

your most obedient humble servants,

GEORGE Mccormick,

DIMAS LINDSLET.
Dxrectedf Commissioners of W. C*

Public service.
John Armatrong, Jnn'r, Esq^i Philadelphia.

* See CoL B«o., YoL XIV., p. 168,
f See pag>286.

Wi PENNSYLYANU ABGHXTIiS 1784

Ephraim Douglass to Prks. Dickinson, 1784.

Union Town, llUi July, 1784.
Sir,

In obedience to tbe eommandfl of yonr bonorable Board o^ the
6th of June last I take this first opportunity of informing Council
that there basyet been no sheriff for the County of Fayette separate
from that of Westmoreland, the Sheriff of that County continuing to
do the duty of that office in this as before tbe division and no bond
lia^ been taken for bis performance of it in this county distinct from
the other.

Taking it for certain Council have been informed of the capture
of some of the robbers who have lately persued the same practices
here for which they fled )iither, I wiU not trouble tbem with the
particulars of that transaction, ^yery thing in our power baa been
done to discover their connections in this quarter, without any
certainty of having succeeded ; several have been apprehended on
suspicion and three from a greater concurrence of ciroumstancesy
have by the advice of the Attorney for the state, been recognised
to the next court of oyer and terminer for the eounty. The othecs
have been released without security.

I can make no other communications of importance enough to
merit the attention of Council, unless what relates to the Taxes of
this county, some small sums have been collected in some of the
.townships, — one of the collectors has been robbed of what he had
gathered by the same banditti, it is thought, who committed th^
other robberies in this county, — some attempts have been made to
raise the money by the sale of goods taken by the collectors for the
taxes, but no one would bid for them. Thus the laws are eluded
without being openly opposed.

With the utmost respect for every member of your honorable
body, I have the honor to be

your Excellency's

most humble and
devoted servant,
Directed, EPHRAIM DOUGLASS.

His Exoellenoyi John Dickinson, Esquire, President

Wardens of Philadklphia to Fbxs. Diokinbon, 1784.

Wardens' Office, Philadelphia, July 13th, 1784.
Sir,

The Wardens of the Port of Philadelphia beg leave to inform your
Excellency and the Honorable Supreme Executive Council, that
they have succeeded in placing a Beacon on the shoal called the
Cross Ledge in the Bay of Delaware, and are happy in a firm belief
that it will be found to be a very material improvement to the
navigation.

PINNSTLYANIA ABCHiyBd 1784. 689

Tbe Wardens hope to be excused for the Liberty they find them-
selves nnder of again requesting the attention of Council to their
application of the 22d June last,* for a supply of cash to enable them
to continue their plan of improvement.

They also beg leave to inform Council that the Sloop Delaware is
now in port and shall be ready to attend whenever Council may be
pleased to signify their pleasure. If, howevcri Council should not
have occasion for her before Ten or Twelve dftys, it will afford the
Wardens an opportunity of employing her in carrying down a load
of Ballast to the Beacon, and some ou for the Light House, which '
will soon be wanted.

The Wardens' accounts for the three past months being nearly
prepared, will be laid before the Gomptroler Ckn'l immediately, bv
which their expenditures will be seen, and they have no doubt will
be found to be made with proper oDconomy, and agreeable to the
design of their appointment.

I have the honor to be, with great respect.
Your Excellency's

Most Obedient &

very humble servant,

By order of the Board,

FRANS. GURNET, Ft.
His Excellency John ^Dickinson, Esq', President of the Supreme
Executive Couneil of the State of Penna.

Wardens or Philadelphia to Pbes. Diokinson, 1784.

Wardens' Office, Philadelphia, July 23rd, 1784.
Sir,

The Wardens of the Port beg leave to inform your Excellency ft
the Honorable the Supreme Executive Council, that two of their
Board are just returned from viewing the proeeedings of the Con-
tractors for removing the Chevaux de Friie, and it is with pleasure
they communicate that the Contractors have already effectually re-
moved fifteen Frames (a list whereof is Inclosed) and are in a fur
way of removing in a short time all those that most Obstruct the
Navigation of the River.

I have the honor to be, very respectfullyi
Your Excellency's

Most Obedient

and very humble servants.
By order of the Board,

JACOB 8. HOWELL, Sec'y.

His Excellency John Dickenson, Esqr., President of the Supreme
Exacntive Couneil of the State of Pennsylvania.

* flee page 685.

590 PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVES 1784^

Situation of the Chxyaux de Frize that hayb bssn

WEIGHED.

Three at Billingsport.
One at Fort Island.
One at Red Bank.

One Buoyed off Timber Creek mouth. ^

One on the point of League Island.
Two at Eagle point.
Three at Gloucester.
One below Thompson's Wharf.
One on Windmill Island.

One by the information of Messrs. HollingsworUi & DoDaUflOO^
delivered to & out up by Mr. Courow.

Resolution of CoNaaEss^ 1784.

By the Committee of the States.

July 27, 1784.

The Committee to whom was referred the report of a committee of
Congress upon their order of the 17th of June 1783, ''That a Com-
mittee be appointed to consider what further measures may be neoet-
sary to compel persons who have received public monies to account*'
Report ; That upon inspecting the Journals of Congress they find,
' that Congress did on the 27th February 1782 resolve, <<That it be
recommended to the several legislatures of these United States, to
make provision by law for the speedy and effectual recovery from
individuals, of debts due and effects belonging to the United Stat^p.^
That on searching the files in the office of the Secretary of CoDgrass,
your Committee do not find that any of the legislatures of the rcip
pcctive states have made the provision recommended to them to be
made by the said resolution of Congress ; and as it is the opinion of
your Committee, that the interest of the United States hath already
suffered greatly for want of such provision & doth require that it
should be made by the several legislatures without loss of time;
Therefore,

Resolved, That it be most earnestly recommended to Bach of the
legislatures of these United States, as may not have vet complied
with the said recommendation of Congress, to enact laws in com-
pliance therewith, as soon as may be, and for empowering such person
or persons as already are or hereafter shall be appointed by the
United States in Congress Assembled for that purpose, in their name
and in their behalf, to commence and to prosecute to final decree,
judgement & execution any action or actions, bill, suit or plaint
either in law or equity which may be proper and necessary not only
fur the recovery from individuals of debts due and effects belonging

FBNNSTLVANLk ABOHIYES 1784. 801

to the United Statea ; bat to reooTer, seoare or muntain anj rights^
properties or interests to the said United States appertaining or for
any injnrj or damages whatsoever whioh they have snstained or may
anstain therein. And that it be further recommended to the legia*
hitares of the several states to frame any act or acts whioh they may
pass in pursnanee of the foregoing recommendation in soch manner
as may prodnoe a speedy & effeotnid decision of all soch bills, actionsy
suits or plaints as may be oommenced| sued or proeecuted for the
purposes aforesaid.

CHA. THOMSON, Secy

July 27th, 1784. Pennsylvania. Besolve of Congress fbr
recovering from Individuals debts due and effects belonging to the
United States.

2. If any Law has'been passed on this act let the Secretary send
to the Secretary of Congress a Copy of the act entituled '' an act for
the settlement of the public accounts of the United States of
America, passed March 20, 1783.

Lt. Wm. Soott to Oounoil, 1784.

York, July 28th, 1784.
Sir,

On the 24th instant, I rec'd your Circular Letter, and in compli-
ance with the Order of Council, send the following Report of Arms,
&G., in our County, vis. :

Seventy-five Musquets, Twenty Bayonets, Eight Cartonch Boxes,
and Eight Canteens.

am with due respect.

Your most Obedient

Humble Servant,

W/f . SCOTT,
Lieut, of Y. 0.
DirecUdy

The Honourable John Armstrong, Esqr., Secretary in Coanoil,
Philadelphia.
Favr'd pr. Col. Miller.

Pbx8. Diokinson to Mjbbsbb. Botd Aim Arm BTBONQ, 1784.

In Council, July 29th, 1784.
€^entlemen,

You are so well acquainted with the intentions of Council in
anpoiai^ng jon CoBuniaaioDers, that it is nnneoessax^ to say much
to you upon the julijeeti Ton wiU vaa tb^ iitiaoat dil^senoe t^ for*

fins PBNNSTLYANIA ABOmVlB 1784.

Irmrd the embodying and equipping of the Militia, eo thmt thej maj
inarch with all poesible expedition. We doubt not, bat joa will
oAbctaallj guard, that in their movementa the Troopa are not ex-
posed to any snrpriial; and that the Militia of the Coontiea of
Northampton and Northamberland may sapport each other. Yon
wUl act in aooh manner as to convince the Inanrgente that while we
are determined to have Justice rendered to all persons withont dis-
tinction; we are also resolTed to preaenre peace and good order within
the Commonwealth.

If this end cannot be attained without employing force, you will

S've such orders as shall appear to you most advisable, for ezeonting
iC laws of the State, and impressing a juat Bespect for them.*

Hon. Edw'd Hand to Pbis. Digkinbon, 1784.

Annapolis, 80th July, 1784.
Bur,

I this morning in a hurry informed ^our Excellency that an ax-
change of The Ratification of the definitive treaty between the U.
8. & G. Britain had taken place the 12th of May kst at i^iria— I
should have said Pasgy, 1 beg pardon for the mistakci
& am with much respect

your Excell'y most obcd't

& very humble serVt,

EDW'D HAND.
JHreeted,

His Excell'y, John Dickinson, Esq'r, in Council, Philadel|dua.
, Free Edw'd Hand.

Officxbb or Pennstlyania Linx to Pees. Dickinson, 1784.

Sir,

m Philadelphia, July 80th, 1784.

The officers of the lino of this State have so repeatedlv addresaed
the Council & Legislature, and have experienced so much attention
to their remonstrances, and their distresses have been so often re-
lieved, that it is with diffidence we again resume a subject which
cannot but be troublesome to you, and we assure you it ia painful
to us.

We have reason to think it has been a prevailing opinion that the
Troops of this State have received greater advances from the State
than those of any other. The contrary will appear from the inclosed
papers, to which we beg leave to refer you.

To the Virtue of the men in this State, in labouring to support
the Confederation by their attention to Continental measures idonei

* See their appointment as Commissioners, Vol. XIT.. p. 168. Tlie fyr^
gotaf appear lo be their iastraotio&s, bat are not veooroed.

PBNN8TLYANIA ABOHIYES 1781. 608

do we attribute their quota of Troops being left so much in arrears.
We are as deeply impressed as perhaps any set of men, with the
propriety and necessity of still supporting the Federal Union, but
wo hope, now that the dansor is at last removed to a greater distance
than when the War exis&d, particular attention m>m the several
States to the distresses of their own Citizens will not be attended
with bad consequences. Sound policy as well as Justice points out
the propriety of all public servants being treated impartially. We
apprehend this cannot be done in the present situation of the affairs
of the United States, in any other mode than by the several States
adopting ways & means to bring their own Citizens on a level with
their sister States, in money matters — on this head we shall only
add that we consider the officers and soldiers of this State fgn behind
the public Creditors of this or any other State.

The Act of Assembly for appropriating a Tract of land for the
Troops, we conceive requires sundry amendments, which will doubt-
less occur to you if you will be pleased to turn to it.

We have every reason to believe your Excellency & Council are
disposed to give your influence to reasonable & iust measures, and
shall not therefore trouble you with any further detail, nor presume
to point out a mode, but request you will be pleased to take such
steps as you shall judge most expedient.
We have the honor to be

your Excellency's most obedient servants,

A' S* CLAIR,
ANTjt WAYNE,
W- IRVINE,
DirecteiJ, RICH* BUTLER.

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esquire.

Commissioners or Wistmobeland Co. to Pbes. Dickinson.

1784.

Westmoreland County, Aug't 5ih, 1784.
Honorable Gentlemen,

Inclosed we send you the Depositions of the Collector of Spring-
hill Township & hopes you will proceed in it as you in vour
Wisdoms shall think meet, Mr. Wm. Jack the bearer one of the
Commissioners can inform your Honors more particularly the cir-
cumstances of the County.

We are with the greatest respect

your Honors most obedient

and very Humble Servants,

JOSEPH McGARRAUGH,
ALEX. BARR,
Dtrecfedf Commiss'rs.

His Excellency, the President of the State of Pennsylvania.
Favorod by Mr. Wm. Jack.

* So« Col. Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 161.

694 PBNNSTLYAMIA ABCHIYE8 1784.

No. 1. BsposiTiON Of James Bj&ll, 1784.

Fayette Gountj 8b.

The examination of James Bell of George Township and Coonij
aforesaid taken on oath before me the subscriber a Justice of the
pace in & for s* County the 5th Day of June, 1784, who aaith that
in the night between the 2d and 8d days of this Inst, he being in
the Dwelling House of Philip Jenkins Collector of the Townahip of
Springhill in s' County and about nine o'Clock of the same niriit
Came in three men with pistoles Cocked in their hands who Did
violently assault & Beat him the s' Jenkins and Demanded his
Dublicate and money with their Cocked pistols at his Breast and he
got up & went to the Room where his Dublicate was while one
stayed and kept said Deponent on his seat but he understood they
.Bobb'd 8* Jenkins of his Dubb'cate warrant & money & threatening
if Ever he had any Concern with the Business they would bum
him & all he had^ or if any other persons had any Concern with it
they would do so to them, one of them was a Tall man with a
Hunting shirt on, another was of a middle size, had on a Hunting
shirt and trowsers, the other was a less sized man with a Hunting
shirt & Trowsers on and all their faces were streaked with Black.

JAMES BELL.

Taken^ made & signed the Day & year aboye written before me.

ROBERT RICHEY.

No. 2. Deposition or Philip Jenkins^ 1786.

Fayette County Ss.

The Examination of Philip Jenkins, Collector of Springhill
Township^ County afores'd, Taken upon Oath before me a justice of
the peace in and for s* County the seventh Day of June, A. D.
1784. who saiih that in the Night Between the 2d and 8d Day of
this Instant Between 9 & 10 o'clock of the same, there suddenly
Rush'd in at the Door of my Dwelling house three men each one
having in one hand a Pistol in the other a Club, and as quick as the
step'd on the floor Each one Cock'd his pistol (and all the family
together was sitting before them and also some others that had ooue
to accompany us sitting up with a sick Child then in the Gradloi)
then they said^ Every one sit still the first that moves is a Dead
person^ then turning their fiices right to me said where is the man
of the House with that they step'd towards me and said here is the
Rascal and Deliver up your Duplicate and papers, with that gave me
a stroke on the head and I said pray give me time and got up to go
into the Room to get the papers and two of them followed me and I
gave them the Duplicate and warranty now said thev Deliver your
Cash, then said I my Cash or what I have Collected is so trifling
it is not worth your while to Robb me^ you Damn Rascal said they

FBNNSTLYANIA ARCHIYIS 178i. 606

Donts tand to prate, and with that did most violentlj^ Beat me with
their Clubs on my head, thisn I pull'd oat what I had in my Pocket
and said Dont abuse me in such a manner there is the money, then
they said give us more, I said I had none, with that the held their
Cock'd Pistoles to my Breast and swore saying they would Blow me
thro', while the Pistoles was at my Breast, I said. Gentlemen Do not
I beg of you take all my money for if you want to stop the tax
lifting your bayeing the papers is sufficient and Do not be so Cruel,
then they grew furious and again Beat me and said give us your
pistol I daid I own'd none upon which one of them said to the other,
I seen iiim have one, then I said, it was none of mine and that it
was Col. Gaddis's, upon which they said Gaddis was a Cleyer fellow
he Deliyer'd up Uke a man but 1 was a Damn'd Rascal, I Deny'd
what I had and then made me show them the pistol, then they swore
they would search all the House but they wou'd haye all the money
and accordingly one of them set about it with a Candle in one hand
and his pistol and Club under his arm while the other two men
kept guard and when this Searcher for the tax found the money it
made him merry, see here, said he taking up a handful of Crowns
what a heap and the Damn'd Rascal Deny'd it, thus he went on
and searched Eyery place in the House till he found all the money
both publick and Priyate that was in the house and then all three
stood before me and Demanded of me if Eyer I would ha^e any
more to Do with tax gathering, I said I Did not think I should,
you Damn son of a bitch, says they, if you do go Collecting any
more and Distressing for the tax you will be a Dead man and we
will bum all you haye, G^ Damn you, says they, we haye great
mind now to smash you to the Earth and lift up their Clubs, but
only one beat me and he not on my head but on my side, saying,
the first man that is concerned with tax Catherine is or shall Be a
Dead man, they also Eobb'd me of a pocket BotUe, my Razor and
some soap, one of them was a man about six foot or more Large
Eyes inclining to clear, large nose and mouth and Remarkable long
neck, haying on a hunting shirt, yellowish under jacket haying his
middle tied with a spoted handkerchief Red and white woolen oyer-
alls, and the other was a middle siz'd man with Trowsers and hunting
riiirt on, the othet wto something less, had on a trowserd and hunting
shirt, they all had their faces streak'd with Black two of them
Could speak Dutch, one had they Dutch Dialect on his tongue. But
I knew them not, nor had no suspicion who they were by their yoice
or features, the sum of money that was public property that I was
RobVd of was twenty one pounds, fifteen shilling and seyen pence^
my money waa about forty shillings.

PHILIP JENKINS.
The aboye Wrote by the Deponent t swore to before me.

JOSEPH McGARRAUOH.

«B6 rSNNSYLYANIA ABGHIVS8 1784.

CouNori. OF CiNso&s TO Pbe& DiCKiNsoir; 1784.

Sir,

I am directed by Council to write to you for the minutes of the
Council of safety acting under a Law passed the 13th day of
October, 1777 as may be seen by the following Resolution, (vis.)

'< Resolved, That the Prest. do write to the Honble. ExecutiTB
Council to furnish this Council with the minutes of the Coondl of
Safety acting under a Law passed the 13th October, 1777.
1 am Sir,
your very Humble Servant,

JOSEPH HART, Presi'dt IVo. Tern.
Directed,

John Dickinson Esquire, President, and the Supreme Executive
Council of the State of Pennsylvania.

Augt. 6th, 1784.

Council of Censors to Pass. Dxckinson, 1784.

Chamber of the Council of Censors, August 7th, 1784.
Sir,

Pursuant to a Resolution of the Council of Censors, I reqaest
your Excellency and the Honorable the Council to transmit to this
Council the Book or Books in which the Minutes respecting Con-
fiscated Property are kept,
with great respect,

I am your Excellency's & the Honble.

the Council most obed. & humb. Servt.

JOSEPH HART, Prest. Pro. Tern.
Indaned,

[Read and the book requested deld. to the Secy.]

Directed,

His Excellency the President and the Honble. the Supi
Executive Council.

Messrs Bowen and Beattt to Pbes. Diokihson, 1784.

Philada., Augt 13th, 1784.
Sir,

We are sorry to inform your Excellency in Council that we have
been mistaken in calculating; the necessary time for issuing the
final settlement Certificates m the City. The number of original
proprietors applying here greatly exceed our expectations the many

P1NN8TLYANIA ABOHITliS 1784. 607

imorporaiion) that hare taken plaoe in the Line render the searob
for individnal aeeoants in the diftrent Regit, and at different periodt
tedious k pniiling, but much more eo when powers of attornej and
transfSers are produced whichae kk>m recite et^Aer, of these we have
registered more than eight hundred and more are daily ccmiing in.
We have endeayoured to put off Issuing to the purchasers 'till the
original proprietors who continue to crowd on us deci^iBase in num-
ber and we are ineessantlj importuned & sometimes threatened bj
Peculators, some of whose demands on us would take seyeral days
to settle.

For these reasons we beg Council to give sanction to the follow-
ing times & places of issue instead of those we haye adyertiaed, and
we will spare no pains to giye timely & general notice of the
alteration.

In Philada. to Sept. 9ih.

at Eastern from Sept. 13th to the 19th.

at Beading from Sept. 22d to Octo. 3d.

at Lebanon from Octo. 6th to the 18ih.

at Lancaster from Octo. 16th to the 24th.

at Tork town frop Octo. 26th to Noy. 7th.

at Carlisle from Noy. 10th to the 26th.

We haye oonsulted some Gentlemen who are U opinion that it is
not necessary for us to attend at Fort Pitt and as thd season will be
fitf adyanoed we best Council to ^spenoe with our attendance there.
We nays the honor to be,
your Excellency's most obt Hbble. Seryts.
T. B. BOWEN,) . .
E. BEATTY. | ^^'
Directed,

His Excellency John Diokinsoni Esq., President in CounciL

DsposrnoK BsapBomio Aakoh Doane, 1784.

The following persons whose names are heitunto annexed, preying
the identity of a Certain Aaron Doan formerly of Bucks County in
theproyince of PennsylTania taken in Baltimore County, Marylandy
by Capt'n Joseph M'Clennan A Aamos Ogden* as the proscribed
Aaron Doan by the proclamation of the Honourable the Council of
this Gommonwealdi bearing date the 18^ day of September, 1783,
are as follows— taken Ausust 14^, 1784.

M'. Mark Walpeny saf eth that he cannot say Certainly, that he
is the Aaron Doan proscribed, but is Certain that the prisoner is the
reputed son of Joseph Doan o^ the Township of Plumstead in Bucks
County k hath Knowledge of said Doan about thirteen years since
and further sayeth not.

MARK HAPBNY.

« See Col. Ree., Vol XIV;, p. 179, awl page 848 of this YoL
Vol. X.— 26

698 ^PENNSTLYANIA ASOHITIB 1784.

Capt" Robert GibsoD, sajeih, I hare known thejprisoner Ainm
Doan as proscribed in the Proclamation of the Honoorable the
Council of the Oommonwealth of Pennsylyania bearing date this
Thirteenth day September, 1788, and knoir^d him from bis childhood
having laboured for me some time ft that he the said Aaron is the
reputed son of Joseph Doan the Elder, of Bucks County in the State
of Pennsylvania.

ROBT GIBSON.

Done in the goal of the City and County of Philad'a, August 14^
1784.
Prtsent,

Tiios. Proctor, Sup't.

I do hereby certify, that Messrs. Mark Halfpenny ft Robert
Oibson, being severally sworn on the holy Evangelists of Almighty
God, did depose ft say, that the contents of what they bare berore,
on the other side of this leaf, respectively subscribed, are just ft true
to the best of their knowledge and belief. Given under my band at
Phikdelphia, this 14th day of August, 1784.

THO. M'KEAN.
In darted f

August 16th, 1784. Certificate and depositions relating to Aaron
Doun, an attainted Traytor.

Head in Council, August 16th, 1784, ft order drawn in favor of
Captain Joseph McClellan and Amos Ogden for £800 0 0.

To all whom these May concern :

This is to certify that I^havc Received by the Hands of Captain
Jo^'eph M^Clelaud and Amos Ogden, The Body of a certain Aaron
Dounc committed To my Keeping by The Honorable Thomas
M'^Kean, Esquire, Doctor of Laws and Chief Justice of the common-
wealth of Pennsylvania, who confesseth this Day that he is the Son
nf Joseph Doane, the Elder late of Bucks county and brother To
Joseph Doane the Younger, Now under Sentence of Death in the
county of Bucks and that he is the same Aaron Doane Named in the
Proclamation Issued by his Excellency The President and the
Supreame Executive Council of the commonwealth of Pennsyl^ronia
aforesaid, and he the said Aaron sayeth There is no other Aaron
Doane but himself and that he saw his Name in with his Brothers
and others in the same Proclamation, and I have his Body Now in
the Goal of the City and County of Philadelphia, August tho 14Ui

JOHN REYNOLDS, Gaoler.*

Countersigned by
Thos. M«KxA!f.

* See page 848.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIYBS 17M^

BsTURN OF Officers of Mhjtia, Cumberland County.

A Return of the names and Bank of the officers of the Militia of
Cumherland County.

No. First Battal". Lt' Col^ Sam> Irwin. Maj' John M^'Donald.

Captains.

1st. James Sajers^

2d.

3d. William DunnoUi

4th. Thomas Laird,

5th.

6th. John M'Cormiok,

7th. William Wiley,

8th. James Bell.

Lieutenants.
James Brooks,

James Giffon,
Bobert M^Mcan,

Sam* Ckndening,
Thorn* Warton,
David Walker.

Ensigns.

John Bell,
Thomas Starr,

David Bell,
John Noble,
Mathias Sailor.

Second Battallion. Lt« GoP Pat^ Jack. Major John Holliday.

William Bannells,
William Smith,
Thomas M«Dowell,
Joseph Culbertson,

1st.

2d.

3d.

4th.

5th.

6th. Philip Daviss,

7th. John M^Connell,

8th. Samuel Patton.

Bobert Thompson,
Jeremiah Bankin,
Sam> M«Ilhatton,
Beuben Gillespey,

James Moore,
Joseph Kyle,
Edward Welsh,
William Sharp,

W* Duffield, Jun', Samuel Dougharty,
James Caldwell| John Caldwell.
David Sheilds. John Dougharty.

Third Battalion. Lt« Col> Tho* Gibson.

1st.

2d.

3d.

4th.

5th.

6th.

7th.

8th.

Ist.

2d.

3d.

4th.

6t.h.

6th.

7th.

8lh.

William Swancey,
William Lindsay,
John Carothers,
Thomas Kennedy,*
Will- Denney,
James Douglass,
Thomas Bnsline,
James Irwin.

Fourth Batt-.
Mathew Thompson,

Alexander Peebles,
Noah Araham,
William Strain,
Sam* Walker,
WUliam Elder,
Will* Moorhead.

Sam" Woods,
Bobert Campble,
John Love,
William Wallace,
Abraham Line,
David Williamson,
Samuel Stuart,
John Patterson,

L*C«»B»* Culbertson.
Alex" Thompson,

Tho^ Cummins,

Archibald Elliott,

Theophilus Cesnay

James Johnston,

John AnderaoUi

Robert Qoigley,

* Election dUpoted.

Major John Jordan.

Robert M«Bride,
William Harvey,
Henry Hayes,
Philip Miller,
William Piper,
Martin Bower,
Bobert Barkley,
George Leffever.

Major Isaao Miller,
James Johnston,

Jacob Millfron,
Bobert M'Connell,
William Scott,
Thomas Barr,
John Gamble;
Dtavid SiinenJ.

PfiNRSYLVANU ABCIHIVE8 1784.

OaptaiiMk
Fifth Battalioii.
lit. Bobert Soott,
2d. John Buchanan,
8d. Edw' GrahamSi
4ih. James Miller,
6th. Michael Marshal^
6th. John Beattej,
7th. William Trusdale,
8th. John Gill,

Sixth Battalion.

Ist Marshal Standlj,

2d. Hugh MeOlellon,

3d. James Martain^

4th. James M«Clare|

6th. Richard Coulter,

6th. James Boms,

7th. William Holt,

8th. AlezT Bobison,

Seyenth Battalion.

Oaptains.
James Hurrall.
Epenetus Hart^
James Moore,

1st

2d.

3d.

4th.

6th.

6th. John Stuart,

7th. John Riddle,

8th. Will- Wilson,

Eighth BatUlion.

1st Tho* Johnston,
2d. Hugh Wiley.
8d. John M'Conkey,
4th. Jacob Stotlar,
6th. Daniel Clapsadler,
6th. WiU- Berryhill,
7th. John Andrews,
8th. John Stitt.

Lieut**.
L« €•» Dav« Mitchell.
James M«Imre,
James M«Cabe,
John Richardson,
Daniel M«Clintock,
Franob Cowan,
Will- Galbreath,
James Blaine,
Sam> Logan,

L*C«»A>«M«Ilhatton
George Mitchel,
Joseph Coulter,
Joseph Adams,
Moses Thompson,
James Dickson, .
Robert Lodimore,
John Lyons,
George Bratton,

Lt* Col» W- MK)oy.

Lieutenants.
Will- Stuart,
Peter Lininer,
John Keams,

Snstgiui.
Major James f^her.
James Officer,
Will- Rodgers,
James Allen,
Robert M^Kee,
Will- Graham,
James Beattey,
Archib* Lowdon,
John Gardner.

. Major Rob* Means. ]
Henry Huble,
John Reed,
Andrew Small,
John Beatty,
William Bratton, J'.
John Kelly,
James Narey,
Jacob Surabur.

M^Hi'MKMUster.

Ensigns. .
John Robison,
Jdmes Neilson,
Samuel Other,

Francis Inness,
Will- Riddle,
Will- Hardy,

John M^Connell,
Stephen Tenniss,
Dayid Gkyton.

Lt« Col" Ja* Toung. M^* Ter^ Campble.

Richard M'Lene, John Irwin,
Archibald ThompsonJohn Wilkms,
Peter Snjder, Jun'. Moses Blakbum,

Samuel Stotlar,
Tho* Wallace,
Will- Downey,
Peter Bonebnok.

James Robison,
John Young,
James M*Intire,
Joseph Thorn.

Offieers of the Troop of light Dragoons.
Captain. Lieut^ Comet,

John Johnston. John M*Cnrdy. Thomas Alexander.
I do hereby Certify that the above is a true Return of the officers
of Cumberland County Militia as far as I got returns, or was able to

* R«moTsd ilooe the election.

^«^0T|iyjafU A1IGBITIE8 17H. «01

make appoioittents at diia time gWen under m j hand ihii 18*^ day
of Augutt, 1782.

AB-* SMITH,
IndoT9ei^ I^ Gam* Goimlgr.

February 28rd, 1784. Cumberknd Comity, Betum of Militia
Ofiioen, Oou^ isBued.

Copy.
Deligates in CoNaBESs. — ^Bemgyal or Papers^ &o.y 1784.

Whereas the honorable the Delegates from the States of New
Hfonpahifep Masaaehusetta & New Jersey, did on Wednesday, Uie
Eleventh day of the present month of August, leave the City of
AAnapolks, and set out for tbeSr respective homes, whereW the
Committee of the States hath been redurad to a number InsiimoieBt
to do any manner of business. «

And whereas the eontinuanee to meet from day to day of ihe
remaining members, without the power to do any publio aot, will
be unnecessary, and as they do not conceive there is the smallast
hope that a sufficient number of Delegates can again be assembled
at Annapolis to enable the Committee of (he States to proceed to
business before the time ^pointed for ihe meeting of Congress, pur-
suant to their a<youmment, and it is proper that the public papers
& records should be removed as speedily as may be to Fhiladelpbia,
till offices can be prepared for their reception at Trenton. The
undersigned Delegates have recommended to the Secretary of Con-
gress to take order for the immediate removal and safe arrangement
and disposition of the Papers k records of Congress.

Annapolis, State of Maryland, Thursday, 19th August, 1784.
(Signed,) S. HARDY, Delegate from Virginia^

and Chairman of the Comm**.
EDWD. HAND,

Delegate from Pennsylva*.
JBRBM'H T. 0HA8B,

Delegate from Maryland.
RICffD DOBBS SPAIGHT,

Delegate from N. Carolina.
JACOB READ,

Delegate from S. CaroIiiMU
WM. HOUSTOUN,
Delegate from Georgia.

The Undersigned Delegates have also advised the Chairman
forthwith to write to the Supreme Bzeentive of 'the several States
unrepresented in the Committee of the States, informing them of
theaotnal situation of Ihd Oommitieo, * of tbe pvaseM disposiiion
of tha papers A weorii of Cq)ngieiS|th»t they may lespeotivdy send

en PSNNBTLVANIA ABOHITtt 1^.

fonrard a delegate to the City of Philada., or to TrentoD^ if the
papers k records of GoDgress shall have heen previoasly lodged in
that place, in order that a Committee of the States may be aasem^
bled and be enabled as early as possible to proceed to buskuMi.
(Signed,) £DWI>. HAND,

BICH'D DOBBB SPAiaHIV
JACOB BEAD,
WM. HOUSTON.
19th Ang't, 1784.

Gov. HabbisoN; of Ya., to Pbxs. Diokinson, 1784.

Virginia in Conneily Angast 21, 1784.
Sir,

I could neyer procure a copy of the Entries made with the Sor-
Teyor of Yohogania County for the Lands which have fidlen into
your btate, tiO late last nieht, which puts it out of my power lo
forward them to your Ezcelbncy by this post, as it is nooessary to
xeserre a Copy of them for fear of accidents in the oonyeyanoe. I
will certainly do myself the honor to transmit them by the next
post if no pnyate opportuni^ should offer sooner.

I haye the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfeot
esteem, your Excellency's most obedient

and most humble Seryant,
Direcied, BENJ. HARBISON.

His Excellency President Diddnson.

Messbs. Bowen and Bxattt to Pbss. Diokinson, 1784.

Philada., Aug. 26th, 1784.
Sir,

We still continue so greatly hurried in business that we must
intreat the indulgence of Council to defer giving in our answer to
the Memorial of Messrs. Bradford ft Power till to-morrow.

This fayor of one day more will add to the many obligations
already bestowed on,

Sir, your Excellencies & the Councils
Most obedient seryants,

T. B. BOWEN,
Directed^ E. BEATTY.

His Excellency The President in Council.

OoY. Habbison or Va. to Pbes. Dickinson, 1784.

• Virginia, Council Chamber, August 28, 1784.
Sir,

I haye the honor to enclose yon a Copy of the Entries made
with the CommisBioneni appointed hj an Aot of the Assembly of

PENNBrLYAMIA ABCSITIB 178t. 60S

this State in May, 1779, for the purpose of settling the titles of
claimers to unpatented Lands under the present and former govern-
ment, previous to the Establishment of the Commonwealth's Land
Offioey and also the Entries made with the Surveyors of the Coun-
ties of Yohogania, Monongalia & Ohio.

Your Excellency will md by searching into the Entries that in
some instances the olaimants have made their Entries both with
the Commissioners and Surveyors, yet as this was only intended to
make sure of their Lands^ I hope it will be attended with no bad
consequences to them.

I am informed by a Certificate of Mr. Johnston's at the foot of
his return, that he hath but just received the books and papers of
the unhappy Colo. Crawford,* and that they are in such confusion
that he cannot at present make a return of the Entries made with
him. As this Gentleman is a good officer, I make no doubt but
he will forward the List as soon as he can make it out, in which
case it shall be my care to transmit it to your Excellency.

Various complaints haye reached me of injustice done the seve-
ral Claimants by your Commissioners or Surveyors, but I plaoe
f uch implicit confidence in the justice of your Excellency and your
Assembly, that I shall pay no attention to them till they come
better authenticated than they have hitherto done.

I am with sentiments of the most perfect regard and esteem.
Your Excellene/s most obedient and most humble servant,
Directed, BBNJ'N HARBISON.

His Exc'y President Dickenson.

F(MLMATioK or Fbanklin County, 1784.

To the Honorable the Supreme Executive Council of the State
of Pennsylvania.

Hearing that a new County is Struck off called Franklin, and
understanding that Mr. Edward Crawford, junr., has applied to be
Prothonotary thereof, and that he is not Present himself,

We beg leave to recommend him as a Qentleman of merit, and a
fit and proper person to fill the office aforesaid.

Philada., August Slst, 1784.

FEA8. JOHNSTON, HT MILI^IR,

DANL. CLYMEB, JOHN HAY,

ANTT WA7NB, PHIUP OARTN£B,

BOBT. COLEBIAN, AB'M SCOTT,

JOS. WORK, DAVID McCONAUOHY,

EDWD. HAND, TH08. HARTLEY.

* Sse Vol. IX. p. 557, 678. The papers referred to have notyst been
found. Seo Col. Rec. Yol. XIY. p. 008.

8M PBHNBTLYANIA ABGHITSB XTBC

OouNoiL or Cjensobb to ComxciLf 1784.

In the Gouneil of Censor^

September 2d, 1784.

On motion of Hr. McAllister, seconded bj Mr. McLuie,

Ordered, Thai the Supreme ExeoatiTC Council be reqneeted to
fomiflh this Gonnoil with their Minntea 'till the lei Angoat^ 1784.
Extract firom the Minutes,

SAM'L BRYAN,

Seo'y.
Indar9edp
Bead in Council mme daj, and Minutes of Council fomialied.

Messrs. Bowxn and Bxattt's Bssionation, 1784,

Philadelphia, Sept. 8d, 1784.
Sir,

We have just reoeiyod the Beaolutbn and order of Oounoil, dated
Sept. 2d, 1784,'*' and are sorry to be obli^ to declare ounelTes on
this occasion Free Citizens of JPennsjlvania, and not p%Mic officers.

We have shut up our office, and are ready to deposit the remain-
ing certificates in our hands wherever the Supreme EzecutiTo Coun-
cil shall direct, agreeable to the Besolution of Congress.

We therefore pray your Excellency and Council to order some of
your officers to receiye the same, as we shall proceed no fiurther in
this business.

We haye the honor to be, with due respect,

Your Excellency's and Council's

very H'ble Serv'ta,

T. B. BOWEN,
E. BEATTY.
JHreetedf
His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq'r, President, in Council.

Messrs. Bovten aicd Beattt to Pbxs. Biokinsov, 1784.

Philada., Tuesday morning, Sept 7, 1784.
Sir,

As we fear the reflectiona of those whose Interest alone induoed
us to accept their appointment, as we forsee and lament the ruinous
inconvenience which must iii&llibly acme to the ofioers and soldi-
ers of the late Line whose agents (chosen by themselves) we were,
ahould we perabt in depositing the Certificates at thia time, without
* See C6L Ree., YoL XIV. p. 197.

PBNNBTLYANIA ABCHIVE8 1784. 60S

leaving Gounoil any alternatiTe, and as Thnradav next baa been
appointed to bemi our tear tbro' tbe State, we beg leave respectfully
to offer to your Excellency & Council the following proposal :

Be pleased to remove the idea of our being unconditional servants
of Peculators, by expuneing from your Ee$olve of tbe 2d Inst.,* tbe
words, " by tbe Agents/' and either rescind tbe Ordtr^ or suspend
its operations till we have done the business of those who elected
us, and until the remaining Certificates come into the hands of a
Public Officer; which we humbly conceive may be effected, (if
Council ehuse not to rescind) by substituting the word hereafter in
place of the word " forthwith/'

Should 'Council in their Wisdom think proper to adopt this mode,
the peculators will have their pretended doubts of losing their pur-
chases removed, and we shall be happy in serving those whose busi-
ness we undertook to transact, which we shall immediately resume.
But if we are so unfortunate as not to have our proposal approved
by Council, we must persist in our Resignation, tho' it will take us
as long to deposit, as it did to bring, the business thus flcur forward.
We have the honor to be,

Your Exoellenc/s & Council's
very fiumble servants,

T. B. BOWEN,

B. BBATTY.
Directed^
His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq., P^ident, in Council.

HSSSRS. BoWEN AND BCATTT TO PEE8. DiOKINSON, 1784.

Philadelphia, Septr. 9th, 1784.-
Sir,

In the great struggle of contending sentiments with which our
minds have been oppress'd, ever since we received the un<ixpected
resolution & order of Council of the second Instant, the interest of
our Brcthem predominates.

We therefore beg leave to consider the silence of Council on the
subject of our Address of the third, as a tacit refusal of the deposit
we offer'd \ and we leave to time and the wisdom of your honorable
Board the consideration of the proposal we had the honor of deliver-
ing to Council on Tuesday last.

For these reasons, we shall (unless you forbid us) open our office
again at 8 o'olodc this afternoon, and will set out upon our tour
next Saturday morning — ^provided Council do not think proper to
signify their acceptance of the devout before that time.

Mean while, with all due submissioii to the oonstitntbnal autho-
rity of the supreme executive power, we beg leave to reserve to our

• See Col. Bee. Vol. XIT. p. 197.
26*

e06 PBNNSTLYANU ASCBJYBS 1784.

aelveB all the Righta of Freemen of tbis GommoDweUth, ptrtknkrly
that of trial bj Jur j in all dii4>ate0 between man & man.
We have the honor be

Tonr SzoeUencies A the Goanoil^l
Meet Humble ServantSi

T.B.BOWBM,
E. BEATTY.
JHredeeff

Hifl Exoellenoy John Diokinaon, Esqnire, Prettdenty in Coonoil.

Wardens or Philadklphia to Pbxs. Dickinsoit, 1784.

Wardens' Offioe^ Philadelphia, Sept 4thy 1784.
Sir,

The board beg leave to inform your Excellency and the honoiu
able the Supreme Executive Coun^i That the oontraotors for re-
moving the Chevauz de Frise, having, as they apprehend, neariy
finished the Business, the Wardens have ordered the State Sloop
and her crew, together with a skilfull pilot, a diver, and a sufficient
number of htods to go down immediately in order effectually to
sweep and carefully examine the state of the River, least some ob-
struction may remain as yet undiscovered that will endanger the
safety of vessels in pasdng or repassing. As the examination ia
directed to be made with the utmost care and attention, possibly it
may perhaps not be finished before the end of the week, till which
time the contractors cannot remove their aparatus or discharge their
hands.

The Wardens are of opinion that the navigation cannot be rendered
complete while the five Chevaux de Frize laid down in the draught
between the two Bars in the eastern channel of the River remain,
and as they may be removed now at less expence than at any future
period, they respectfully submit this to the consideration of your
Excellency and the Honorable Council.

We have the honor to be, very respectfully,
Your Excellency's

Most obedient

and very humble servants,

'FRANS. GURNET,
THOS. PRYOR,
GEORGE ORD,
JOHN HAZELWOOD.*
Directed f

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esqr., President of the State of
Pennsylvania.

* See page 849, 860.

PBNNSYJiVANIA ABOHIYES lldt 607

Wabdknb or Philadslphta to Pbks. or Coungh.^ 1784.

Warden's Offioe^ Septem' 21st^ 1784.
Sir,

Since we did onrseWes the honor of addressing yonr Excellency ft
the Honorable Council on the subject of the removal of the Oheyauic
de Frize to the Eastward of the Bar, the Pilots employed in sweep-
ing the Channel have returned, and from their report we find that a
shoal is forming between the lower end of the fiar & Hog Island,
which confirms us the more in our opinion of the necessity of their
being removed, and induces us to request your Excellency will be
pleased to lay this matter before Council, as we conceive it to be an
object well worthy of their immediate attention.
We have the Honor to be with great respect,
your Excellency's most obedient

and very humble servant,

By order of the Board,

FBAN- GUBNET, P.*
Direciedf
His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esqr., Preiident.

Board or Wardens or Philadblpbia to Council, 1784.

To His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esqr., & the Supreme Execu-
tive Council of the State of Pennsylvania.

Gentlemen,

By Information of the Board of Wardens of the Port of Philadel-
delphia, we are informed the honourable Council have thouaht of
removing the Chevaux de Frizes in the Eastern Channel or Swash
back of Red Bank Bar, k have required to know on what Terms
we would engage to execute, that Business. We therefore Propoee
.to Council to execute the work on the Terms of our former Contract,
as well for those yet to be removed as the work already executed
above the Number contracted for. This we judge but reasonable,
as the Expences we have been at in many Instances exceed our first
Calculations, and a continuation on the same Terms for an additional
Number will in some Measure compensate for the Service which
tho' heavy to the undertakers, will oe light to the Public The
Season is now so far advanced as to render the water cold and
unhealthy to work in, & the days so shortened as to bring two of
the low water Slack Tides, (at which Time material paf ts of the
work can only be done) in the Night, whereby near half of the Time
is lost, and many of our Men have lately got nek, with two of our
principal officers. For these Reasons we are of opinion that the

• ase pp. 849, 86a

608 PBNNSTLYANIA ABOHIYBS 1781. .

Btuiinea cannot be done with safety to the undertakers for less than
the proportionate sum of the Contract of April last, which is one
han<ureci and twenty two pounds 8 11^ Chevaux de Frize.

We beg leave to observe to Council that soon after our Contraoi
Hr. Thomas Conarroe & others, in Conversation, talked of the
Facility with which the Chevaux de Frizes could be removed, k
that they would have undertaken the work for less Money, &a On
hearing of these Stories, we called upon several of those Pretenders
to give them an opportunity of showing their Ingenuity, h if possible
engaging them in the work, none of whom would contract bat Mr.
Conarroe, who after much Expence & several weeks Trial, save the
Matter up without raisins a single Frame or the Power of doioff it.
These Things are offered to the honourable Council, as we believe
no other Method but those token by our A. Donaldson would have
succeeded.

The Removing the Frames in the Swash will be attended with s
particular difficulty arising from the Shoalness of the water in which
they lay. The Frames being 80 feet wide, the Water, it is appre-
hended, will not admit of canting them to discharge the Ballast,
and there being no increase of depth within the Swash, they must
be floated with the Ballast in to the Main Channel before thej can
be got to shore or their Ballast discharged.
We are with great Regard

The honourable CounciFs

Most respectful & most obedt Servants,

LEVI HOLLINGSWORTH,
A' DONALDSON.*

Philadelphia, 23d September, 1784.

.Gov. Harrison, of Virginia, to Pris. Diokinson, 1784.

Virginia Council Chamber. Oct' 15. 1784.
Sir,

I had the honor of your favor of y« 15th of last month, and now
enclose you the return of Entries made in the County of Ohio,
together with a Copy of the laws establishing Uie rights of those
people, and appointing a board of Commissioners to settle them.
Most of the Entries you will find in the returns which have been
already forwarded,f tho' there are others in the books of the Survey-
ors who had an equal right, that could not be ascertained by them
from the absence of the Claimants, which I make no doubt your
Excellency will attend to.

I have the honor to be,

with y« greatest respect & esteem,

Sir, your most obedt. humble servt,
i>trectecf, BENJ. HAKRISON.

His Excellency, President Dickinson,

^ See pages 849, 860, and Col. Ree., Vol. XIV. p. 212, 241, 242.
t See page 608.

PENNBTLVANIA AB0HIVB8 1784; 609

Ephkaim Blainx to Pbxs. Dickinson, 1784.

Philada., 20th Oct., 1784.
Sir,

I take the Liberty of addreising your Excellency and Gonneil
npon a sabject in which I think myself agriered, and which Mr.
Rittenhonse informs me is not in his power to remedy without your
approbation. I am indebted to the State a balance for the porohase
of two City Lots, on which I have Interest to pay — ^I have Interest
notes of Mr. Rittenhoase's in my hands this fourteen months, for
which I have not been able to reoeive the money, therefore shall
think it hard to pay the one and not be allowed the other, (if not
inconsistent) beg your Excellency and Council to give orders to Mr.
Rittenhonse to receive those notes in payment agreeable to the time
they were issued by Mr. Smith, Loan Officer.
I have the honour to be,

with perfect respect,

your ExceUency's most obdt.

and most humble servt,

EPH. BLAINE.
Directed,

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esquire, President of the State
of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

Hon. Geo. Brtan to Hon. Jaues Iewin, 1784.

Cheater, 20th October, 1784.
Dear Sir,

Upon conversing with Mr. McKean and Mr. Burd concemins the
case of Doan, under attainder, by outlawry, for Robbery, they nave
reminded me of David Dawson, of West43aln, in Chester County,
hanged upon attainder of Treason in a case of like nature, tho' not
so clear as to the proceedings. For this last case was under a proc-
lamation of Council to come in & stand tryal in 45 days ; Doane's
is at Common Law, the mode of demanding only being under an old
Act of Assembly.

Dawson suffered, if I remember rightly, in the fall of 1780. The
keeper of the new prison says this was the first capital execution
after he entered upon his present duties. He will deliver this.
I am, Dear Sir, Your most obed. Serv't,

GEO- BRYAN.

David Dawson, of Cheater County, was executed on the Commons
of this City, at the usual Place of Execution, on the 25th Day of
November, 1780. I attended his Execution on that Day.

JOHN REYNOLDS, Gaoler.

Philadelphia, 22d October, 1784.
Dinetedj

To The honorable James Irwin, Esquire, Philadelphia.

610 BBNNSYLYANIA ABCHIYW 1784.

ObLIQATION of COMHI8SIONER8 TO PUB0HA8B VBOM IHBIAKS,

1784.

We, the snbscribers, Commissioners duly appointed by the Hoo-
<»nble the Sapreme Executive Council of the State of PennsjlTaaiay
iat the pnrpoee of purchasing of the Indians the Tenitory withla
the acknowledged limits of the same State, which had not heretofew
been purchased-^o hereby promise and engage as part of the eon-
rideration of the same purpose, which is now accomplished, to deliyer
to the six nations, or such person or persons as they may appoint
and who shall, as a voucher, bring with him or them this our
Obligation, Goods, Wares or Merchandize of such assortmenta as
the Indians shall now direct, to the amount of One thousand DollarS|
at the Pennsylvania Line, near Tioga, On the first day of Oetober
next ; witness our hands at Fort Stanwix, this twenty-third day of
October, Anno Domini 1784.

8AM'L J. ATLBE.
WM. MACLAT,
FRA8. JOHNSTON.*
Witness present.
Copy taken from and compared with the original.

G. EVANS, 8ec>

Gen. jABfEs Wilkinson to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.
Sir •

I shall offer no apology for this address ; it must doubtless be
unexpected, but the occasion will, I flatter myself, excuse it. Being
about to take a long leave of the State of Pensylvania, I coneeive
it my duty to aMicate the Offices of Brigadier ft Adjutant
General, which I hold in Her militia ; I am sorry I cannot observe
the ceremony of inclosing the Commissions, as they are not atpresent
within my reach : — And the motive of my Application is the Interest
I take in the welfare of that meritorious, respectable part of Societyi
the late Military of America ; I am prompted by principle ft sym-
pathy to promote their prosperity on every proper occasion, by
every consistent means in my Power. *)*

On the present return of the Election for Fayette County, Major
John Harden stands second for the Sheriff's Office ; permit me briefly
to state to your Excellency this man's merit, without detracting fnm
that of his Competitor. — Mr. Harden served in the alert of the
Army under the Generals (then Colonels) Morgan ft Butler, in the
Northern Campaign, 1777. His Rank was that of a Lieutenant^
and I can, as the Adjutant General of the Army under General
G^tes, assert that he was exposed to more danger, encountered greater
Fatigue, and performed more real service than any other Officer of

♦ See Col. Rec, Vol. XIV., p. 186-7.

t Read in Coancil Not. 8, and resignation aoeepted—- €kiL Beo., YoL
XIV., pa|^ 252.

PSNNBTLYANIA ABQfilVBS 1784 611

hif Station ; with Parties never exceeding 20 MeUi he in the Courne
of the Campaign made upwards of 60 Prisoners, and at a Personal
lUcounter in the rear of the Enemie's position, he killed a Mohawk
express, & brought in the dispatches which he was oonYeying from
Gen'l Burgoyne to the Commanding Officer at Ticonderoga, with
the loss only (indeed) of a Look of Hair which the Indian's Fire
carried away. It is sufficient for me. Sir, to testify his merits, the
Justice which characterizes your administration will do the rest.

I have the honor to be, with the highest reepect. Your Excel-
lency's most Obedient &

most Humble Servant,
JHreeted, JAMES WILKINSON.

His Excellency John Dickinson, Elsqr.^ Phikderg.

*■' BENJABflN JOHNBTON TO PbES. DICKINSON, 1784.

Washington County, Nov. Ist^ 1784.
Hon'ble Sir,

From the strongest assurance of your Honor's Zeal to do Justice
to every Individual, nrompted by a motive of Justice to myself and
to all those People claiming Lands under Grants from the state of
Virginia within the Bounds of the Cession to this State, and wishing
the Agreement to be fulfilled in every Instance, I am induced to
liddress your honor, praying that agreeable to the Articles where it
'is expressed. Private right and Property %haU he taved and am^
firmed to thote People living on the ceded Lande^ under these words,
sir, I claim as my private right the surveying those Lands, which
by a Commission from the state of Virginia, I say is my private right.

In no other manner can the Agreement be fulfilled, which Agree-
ment^ if violated, mast end in runniuj; the meanders of the River
Dekware from the End of 5° Longitude, from the Delaware, in
Latitude 40.°

As my pretensions are founded on the strictest Justice, I am filled
with the strongest assurance attention will be paid thereto.

A Copy of Entries from my Office has been transmitted to your
Board thro' the Hands of the Executive of Virginia.'*'
I am, with respect and great Esteem, Your

Honor's mo. oblig^i mo. Obdt. & very H'ble Ser't,
IHreded, B. JOHNSTON, S. Y. C.

His Exoelleney John Dickerson, Esqr., President Sute of
Pennsylvania. •

Resolutions of Oxnkral Asbsmbly— Nsw JsrbsT; 1784.

State of Pennsylvania, In General Assembly,

Friday, December 10, 1784, A. M.
The motion read December 8, respecting the appointment of Com-
nusrionen on the part of tiiis State, to meet with such Gomrnission-
* See pp. 608, 608.

612 PEKNSrLYANA ABOHIYBS 1784.

en as are or shall be appointed on the part of New Jerse j, to settle,
agree upon, and accurately to desoribci which of the Islands, Islets
and insulated Dry lands within the river Delaware, belong to each
of the said States, respeotivelyi was read the second time, and
adopted as follows, viz. :

Whereas, Commissioners duly appointed on the part of the State
of New Jersey, and Commissioners duly appointed on the part of
the State of Pennsylvania, for the purpose of settling the jorisdio-
tion of the river Delaware and Islands within the same, did make
and execute two instruments of an Agreement for ihe porposes
aforesaid, one for each State, bearing date the twenty-sixth day of
April, 1783 ; which agreement hath since been ratified and con-
firmed by Acts of the Legislatures of the said States respeotivelj.*

And whereas, in the said Agreement it is among other things set
forth and declared, << That all Islands, Islets, and dry lands within
^< the bed and between the shores of the said river, and between
** the Station point or north west comer of New Jersey, northerlvi
^^ and the fidls of Trenton, southerly, shall, as to junsdiotion, be
'' hereafter oonsidered as parts and parcels of the State to which
*^ such insulated dry land did lie nearest at the time of making and
<^ executing the said agreement," —

And whereas, it is requisite that the said Islands, Islets and Diy
lands lying within the boundaries aforesaid, should be more partiea-
larly described, and such as belong to each of the said States respec-
tively more clearly ascertained, therefore.

Resolved, that the Supreme Executive Council of this State be
authorised and empowered, and they are hereby authorised, em-
powered and desired to appoint three or more Commissioners on the
Crt of this State, to meet with such Commissioners as are or shall
appointed on the part of New Jersey, to settle, agree upon, and
accurately to describe which of the said Islands, Islets and insulated
dry lands belong and appertain to each of the said States respec-
tively, according to the purport, true intent and meaning of the
aforesaid agreement.

Resolved, that the Commissioners on the part of this State be in-
structed so to form their report of the description and situation of
such of the said Islands and insulated dry lands as shall be found to
belong to this State, as that they may be properly annexed to the
respective counties and townships to which they lie most contiguous*

Resolved, that each of the said Commissioners be idlowed twenty
shillings for every day they shall respectively be employed as afore-
said, and that this House will make provision for the same, and for
defraying the necessary contingent expenses of the said service.
Extract from the Minutes,

J. SHALLUS, Asst. Clerk

of the Qeneral Assembly.

* See Smith's Lairs, Vol U., p. 77, 888, for the Acts respeoting Juria-
dictioQ.

PBirN8TLyANIA ABGHIYSB 1784. 618

LETTERS, &c., RELATING TO WYOMING*

Petition or Z. Butler, &o.| to Congress, 1784.

Wyoming, lUy let, 1784.

To the Hon'ble the Conii'l Congress no settfaig at Annapolis in
Maryland.

Gentlemen,

When we reflect npon the notice taken of us in granting ns a trial
for the right of soil claimed under the State of Connecticnt on the
one part and under the State of Pensyl'a on the other part, we CanH
but feel our hearts glow with ^titude and high esteem for your
Hon'ble and august body knowing from experience that you have a
high esteem and veneration for Justice and that it is your intention
it should take place between State and Indiridules and also obserre
that the fourth monday in June next is assijnied for the apperance
of the parties by their Lawfel agents before Congress, or a Commit-
tee of the States whereyer they shall be then sittin|; to proceed in the
premises as by the Confederation is Directed which has tnyen us a
matful sense of the duty we ow to that resjpeotable Body Esteeming
wat Board to be the last resort and appeal for Justies and the Ex-
perience of which imboldens us once more to lay our Distressed
situation before your Hon'rs, and we would in the first place beg
leaye to suggest that the Claimants under Pennsyl'a say^there is no
act of Congress for a trail for the right of soil or even to constitue a
Court or to Quiet us who claim under Connecticut in our possessions
and therefore pay no regard to the said Resolve

We would iJso crave leave to say that in the fall of the last year
and soon after the Justies who were apointed and Commissioned
and set over us without our Ohoise or knowledge had come to this
place, we by our peaeeable Demeanor and i^ady submission to

Bivemment duly submitted to every requisition whether Civil or
illitary yet the most tyranical and arbitarv proceedings were intro-
duced by the si^d authority to add to our distress, that numbers of
Families were fbroibly turned out their houses and possesrions with-
out the least regard to age or sex, widdows or Fatherless Children,
in sickness and Distress many of the Inhabatants had their grain and
other Eflects forced from them, others taken in numbers by a Milli-
tary force Drove to the fort by the Soldiers with fixed Bayonets and
accompanyed by the Justices Esq'rs Petterson and Seely, when the

* These being found sinee the piqiert for that year were printed, it ie
deemed best to place them together.

611 PENNSTLYANIA ABGHIYES 1784.

Baid inhabatants by order of the aaid authority were forced into a
Guard house in the fort where they were confin^ in a Dismal prisioa
unfit for Human creatures to lay down in, some confined mx and
others nine days when they were turned out without any crime being
laid to their Charge that while in Confinement they received the
peatest abuse and insults from the Justies officers & soldiers and
m the mean time their famileys turned out of doors & thoir property
forced from them & never returned, others were taken by orders of
the authority under the pretence of some crime though none were
alledged against them and Confined in the said gaura house from
thence sent to Sunbury to be Committed and laid under large bonds
and permited to return home taken a secund time bv said authori-
ty for the same pretended crime and confined in the said Ganrd
house when offers were made them by the Justices if they would
take leasses they Bhou'd be released from their Bonds and Confine-
ment some were actually forced to take a lease to sain their Liberty
and all this barbarous treatment inflicted upon the inhabatanta of
this settlement without Law or e?er the colour of Law or Justioe
and in order to obtain some redress and rispit from their tjranical
proceedings we petitiond the Hon'ble assembly of this State for and
in hopes of some mitigation of our intolerable sufferings and insap-
portablo insults which the inhabitants were eontinuly receiving firom
the authority afs'd as well as from the Pennsy'a La^id Claimera and
the assembly of this State by a Reselve passed the ninth day of Bec'br
last| appointed Mesrs the members of Northanton County a Gonomut-
tee to Enquire into the fietcts as stated in our Petition who met abont
the 29th of the same month at Cap't John P. H. Schott inkecper
in this place and to the immortal Hon'r of that Committee we dan
with justice and their Enquiry was made with the strictest Justice
and impartiality but alas to our sreat surprise and mortification after
keeping an agent at the assembly near three months, the Petition
was shuffled from Committee to Committee, and finally posponcd to
the next session and nothing done for our relief and after the
Besolve of Congress our agent Petitioned the assembly of this State to
be Quited in our possessions until the trail of the right of soil should
be determined but alass all to no purpose our prayers and intreaties
were rejected and Contemed and we are now left to the tender
mercies of the wanton and averioious wills of the land Claimants
whos tender mercies are cruelity in the abstract, and we would
farther observe that the Civil and millitary authority who are set
over us here lay Claim to large interests in thb place in lands under
the Pennsyl'a claim and those of the civil authority were the most
vendictive enimies, and the lands cliumants still say that the whole
was determined by the Decree at Trenton and are at this present
time introducing a Banditti of men together with the Sc^diers
who have no right or claim to any land here under any State to take
our lands and possessions by force and thes'd Banditti and Soldiery

FENNBYLYANIA ABOHITEB 1784. 616

are now wantonly without either law or right, palling down onr
fenoea Laying oar fields and grain open to the wide world, fencing
aoroae oar highways, securing our wells of water from our houses,
inclosing our gardens and home Lotts for their own ase, so that we
are deprived the priviledge of passing in our Pnbliok highways, the
priviledge of taking water from onr wells, improviag our gardens and
home Lotts and other Lands is also Denied us, and that upon our
Perril many of our inhabatants that have attempted to improve in
our gard'gs have been drove out by a Band of Soldiers armed with
Clubs, and we are not only threatened of being beat and abused
with Clubs, but are offen threatened to be shot and put to imeadete
Death, many of our houses, Lotts, Wells and eardens Lying near
the garrison and under cover of their Cannon Dy which means wo
are ContinuaUy receiving the greatest abuses and insults from some
of the Justices as well as from the officers and soldiers ; the said Sol-
diers are ContinuaHv walking the streets, and through £vcry part
of our Settlement t£at is any way near the Garrison, as well by
night as by day, some armed with Guns and Bayonets, and others
with Clubs, insulting and assaulting whomsoever they please ; some
of the inhabatants have been met in the street by this Banditti, and
beat with Clubs untill their lives were Despaired of. Others have
been "taken and carried into the fort, and there beat with Clubbs bv
the officers and Soldiers in a most Cruel manner and then dismissed.
One of the inhabatants of a respectable Character a few days since
made application to one of the justices for a warrant against Alex''
Petterson, Esq., in order to get a redress in law for assault and
Battrey made upon him by the said Petterson. The Justice to
whom application was made. Living near the Garrison, a party of
soldiers, armed with Clubbs and otner weapons, were immediately
sent in pursuit of this Inhabatant. Their pursuit continued for
two days, wavlaying his house, field and the highways, &c., and on
the night of the SOth of Ap'l, a party of armed soldiers waylaying the
house, took him by force, and carried him near the Garrison, when
they beat him severely with clubbs, this man made imediate applica-
tion for redress to one of the Justices, but was refered to the Command-
ing officer to whom he also made the same application, but any redress
could be obtained some of the Justices, together with the officers and
soldiers and others of their Banditti of men are throating to pull down
our houses, and turn our disstreesed feimlv out of Doors. The in-
habatants who have lost their houses and all their EffiBcts by the
late inundation of the waters, are forbid cutting a stick of timber to
make a shelter for their feimelys, or even to repair their houses that
were wracked in pieces by the water and Ice. Some have been
taken before the Justices by a warrant and laid under large Bonds
for Cutting timber on their own possissions for the purpose of Build-
ing, others are laid under bonds for cutting a stick of fire wood.
We are also forbid to Draw our seins in the nver for fish which will

616 PENNSYLVANIA ABOHITES 1784.

add greatly to oar Distreeas, hareing lost moat of oar proviaaioDa hj
the inundatbn of water, and to add to all our distreeaa, the aoldien
are Gontinualy Plundering the inhabitanta, taking from them the
Little proYisaiona they had left them. Killing our Gattk, Sheip and
Swine whioh eacaped the flood. Repeated a^)lioatioii has been mads
by the inhabitai^p to the authority here, in hopes to obtain redvMS
for the abuaaa and insults which we are Daily reeeivingy bat can get
no redreeasi and by their nnonatutionali unjust and unUwfull pr»-
oeedinga had against us whioh to|^ther with the aurpiiang inunda-
tion of water & Ice hath spread Distruction and Derastatioii throng
^ur setlementa, haying a great part of our houses, Cattlai grain and
other Effiacta hurried down the impetious torrant k lost for erer.
Yet notwithstanding all this, these Barbarous men and atill opprea-
aing the afflicted in the gate. Our blood and treaaure has been Ex-
pended in our Gountrays cauae we have atepted forth & foaght far the
ffolden tree of Liberty which as a Oountray we have obtained. We
have Sofiered Every Danger this aide of Death, many of oar nearest
and tendereaed Connections have Bled & &llen : it fiUa our hearta witii
grief when we take a serious view of our unhappy aitoation that we
who have stood forth in our Gountrays cause must now Continue
under the Iron rod of Tyronney and oppression, and by those who
ahould have been first to step forth for our protection and safe gaud
and now while others are Lijoying the inconeeviable Blessinga of
peace and pleanty, and set under their own fig tree and have none
to make them afraid, but are singing a Quietum to all their trouble
we are under the gawling yoke of Dispotism and the eruel nudicions
and Tyraniical proceedings had against us and which we are Goa-
tinuelly receiving from the Givil and MiUitary authority as well as
from the Soldiers and merciless and meroinary Land Glaimants have
Drove us almost to Disperation and unless we can have some speedy
relief we are inevitably ruined, we must fly from thia place with our
Distreessed feimlys, leaving our all behind us, our ohiUran oryinff
for bread, and we shall luve none to ^ve them, and we would
fiurther observe that while this was writtingand but a few minutes
since a number of the inhabitants have been Drove from their labours
by the Soldiers, and beat with clubs from house to house in a moat
cruel manner, therefore with all due regard for that Hon'ble body
of which Gonffress are composed, do with Deference and Humility
lay these our distreessed situation before your Hon'ble Body, pray-
ing your Hon'rs Seriously to take our unhappy Geroomstanee into
your wise and Equitable Consideration and weigh the Juaties of our
Complaints and grant us relief or metigation, and that we may he
Quieted in our possessions untill we can have a feir and impartial
trail for the right of soil as by the Confederation is directed or in
some other way grant relief aa your Hon'r in your great wisdom
shall judge just and Equitable, and we aa in duty Bound ahall ever
pray.

PBITNSTLTANIA ABOHIYBS 1784. 617

Wyoming, Ist May, 1784.
N. B. This day the only Orist mill in the settlement was taken
by force from the inhabitants by the Soldiers, with Large Clubbs*

Signed in behalf of the inhabitants.
ZEB'N BDTLBR,
NATHAN DENISON,
JOHN GINKINS,
OBADIAH GORE,
HUGH FORMAN,
JAMES SUTTON, %

PHINEHA8 PRICE,
BBNJ'N BAILY,
EBENEZER JOHNSON.

Petition of Zebalcn Bntler and others, Connecticnt settlers to
Congress May 7th, 1784, referred to Mr. Jefferson, Mr. EUcry, Mr.
Williamson.

Alexanbee Pattersow to Judoss or Supreme Court —
WTbaiiwo, 1784.

Wyoming, May 80th, 1784.
Gentlemen,

Whereas yont dnty to the itate, and attention io the Rights and
Privileges of its Citicens Demands yoor attention in this (>mnty at
a period when great part thereof is in Inevitable trouble, it will no
Doubt be Necessary for the peace and Safety of the Commonwealth
for your Honours to make every Enquiry fh)m what source such
Troubles flow the origin, rise and Pro^jress thereof have hitherto been
80 Conspicious as to want no Illustration.

It now only remains that your Honours do obtain the proper
Information and . Causes which have produced the Present Com-
motions and that Prudent and wise measures be adopted to stop the
Impending Calamity's that Threaten this Large tract of Country,
Tou will no Doubt hear that great Outrages have been Commited
by the Pennsylvanians against the Connecticut Claimants in Vio-
lation of Law and good (Government, But I trust it will be made
appear that the measures taken Thou^ not strictly Consonant with
the Letter of the Law was the residt of absolute Necessity, and
Dictated solely by the Principles of self Preservation, for Certain it
is that no human Policy could govern or Reconcile both partVs to
Remain peaceably in this Country, the Rancorous Disposition of
the contending party's but too well Evince the Catastrophe that
must have happened had not the measures been adopted that have
been taken by the Pennsylvanians, there was no medium to^save the

« See CoL Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 120.

618 PENNSTLYANIA AB0HIYS8 1784.

Effusion of mach Blood. The Pennsylvanians had come into this
Country in great Numhers, found that the Lands they had so long
since bought and suffered for was Generally Clear of hoiiBes or
fences, they therefore fell to work to Improve and in ft Peaceable
manner Endeavoured to Repossess themselves of their Property,
which was wrested from them many years ago by Lawless Banditti,
the malecontents betook themselves to their ancient Resonroes (that
of arms) and Threatened the Pennsylvanians in a Daring and Ont^
rageous manneri all hopes of peace being vanished, it was adjudged
the most Prudent step to seize a favourable moment and Disarm the
jnost violent of the Intruders; upon which Notice was given them,
to move off their Effects & Familys, the season being so far advanced
that there was no danger of their Cattle suffering bj the way, this
and every other precaution was taken to prevent the Idea of
Cruelty; Though in simelar cases the Pennsylvanians had never
Becd. any thing like simelar Treatment, on the Contrary they have
been Robed & murdered and suffered every species of Cnielty bv
those Troublers of the state and their Quiet, who now would wiu
to have Q^vemment believe that they are Inoffensive Citizens and
strict Confon^ists to the Laws of this state which they have held in
the greatest Contempt for upwards of fifteen yean, but had they an
alternative they would Trample it as usual. Your Honours will
please to view the Difference between the Party's the one having
Troubled the Happiness of the State for such a series of years, and
Commiting every outrage that malice could suggest ag'st. its ftith-
ful Inhabitants. The other supporting the Dignity of the State and
Rights of the People, havinpr at all times Evinced their Zeal for its
Wellfare. The Pennsylvanians who have been active in the late
movements are aware of the situation in which they are Placed,
having a strong Party in Northumberland against them, who have
taken part with those restless people, and had it not beien for their
Interposition, actuated I fear by bad Principles, there would have
been no trouble in settling this Country with the Rightful owners,
and it is more than Probable (that their views of Popularity being
now at an End by Loosing their Darling object the votes of those
Exiles at Elections) that they will use Every Endeavours to stimu-
late your Honours with Government to measures that will Perhaps
Terminate in our ruin, but hope you will be aware of those Incen-
diaries whose wish is to Iritate instead of salving the sore. If the
views of the New settlers of this country have in any wise been mis-
taken they will be very unhappy, for I am well Convinced that
there are no People on Earth who have a greater veneration for the
Weal of this Commonwealth of which they deem it their Greatest
Honour to be Citizens. Business of such a Complicated Nature
oould never have been effected with more caution, there is no Blood
spilt and it will not be the blame of the Present Inhabitants if there
ever is upon the occasion, as few or Perhaps none of the Inhabitants
from hedco may be Down at Sunbury and Numerous Complaints will

PBNNSTLYANIA AB0HIVE8 1784. 619

Exhibited. I am solicited to make this Representation of facts
which I Pledge myself Deviates nothing there trovgf in order that
yonr Honours may be aware of the Gunning of Designins men, the
matter is Rested Intirely with yon, that from a perfect Knowledge
and Dependanoe on your abilities such measures will be taken by
(Government as will tend to the Tranquility of its People, the
Present settlers beg that no harsh step may be taken, and that the
Sheriff and some of the Justices in bis vidnity may not Drive to
Eztreams, and cause mutual Disentions to arise among a People
whose strength and Wellfare Depend on Unanimity. I know that
it will be said that I have given my sanction to the measures adopted
it would be uncandid to say they had it not.

I have done nothing officially, having some time since Resigned
my commission of the Peace,* But having some Consequence among
the People I have frequently siven them permits and Papers that
have Generally answered the Purposes Intended (viz.) the accom-
modations of Persons apparently in Distress. You will Please to
observe that the Pennsylvanians Conceive that the Determination of
the Congressional! Court at Trenton Touching the jurisdiction and
Preemption of this Country was final and Decisive and that further
Pretentions to Tryal upon the Subject was in too great a D^pree
Tampering with their Patience and Property, and are Determined
to Defend it against any Pretensions or People Claiming under the
State of Connecticut should they be so unjust as io Persevere in so
Iniquitous a measure.

Capk Armstrong does me the Honour to Deliver this to whom I
refer for its authenticity and further Particulars.
I have the Honor to be,
with the Highest Esteem,

and Regard Gentlemen your most obedt.
& very humble Servt.

ALEX. PATTERSON.

DirerJerf,

The Hon'ble Thomas MoKean, Esqr., & the other Supremo
judges now at Sunbury.

Hond. by Capt. Armstrong.

Alexander Patterson to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Wyoming, 12th July, 1784.
Sir,

Whereas I have for some fifteen years past been Interested in the
affiurs of Wyoming ; and more particularly so since the late Com-
motions became serious, I therefore humbly hope that it will not be
Deemed Impertinent if I assume the freedom to state some facts
relative to the situation of this Country as it now stands,^

♦ Bee Col. lUc., Vol. XIV., p. 117.

ettO PBNKS7LVANIA ABGHIVES 1784*

What Happened before Col. Moore left this place, he has un-
doubtedly faithfully represented to your Excellency and Counoi],
since which we have been continually surrounded by a Body of
armed men, who say that they are under the Direction of the
sheriff of this County, there has not one day passed that they haTS
not Committed some outrage upon the peaceable and Induatrions
Inhabitants, by Beating, Robing and Plundering them of their
property. They have stolen Thirty one Horses out of the eettle-
ment, besides a Number of Cattle & sheep ', This day they took Mr
Shoemaker one of our Justices who had just returned from Siinbnry
and Enter'd into recognisance, Beat him in a Gruel and Barbaious
manner, we have bom with every Species of Insult. Their Horrid
Threats to murder me and several Gentlemen at this place, has
Induced me to keep a Guard of Near fifty men ever sinoe Col.
Moore left this place for the safety of our lives, we have oarefblly
avoided all acts of Hostilities, and thereby I hope Evinced to the
world our good Intentions, Ood knows that we wish to get Clear of
those Runegadoee without Bloodshed but I fear it is not Possible,
they will commit some Crueltys that will Eventually bring on
Bloodshed, there is nothing more they wish than to act the Pari of
the savage, they have Blamed their faces, and abused our People
with Towmehaoks they have had recourse to the Law, but find its
Operations too slow to answer their purpose they are Determined to
repossess themselves the' at the risk of Life, they have Duped the
state in their Pretence of applying to the Laws, they never Intended
the least good to the state, they ought to be exploded from a
Citizenship, their actions has always shewn it.

Your Excellency will Easily Perceive that this Business has cost
me a large sum of money and if effiscted will doubtless cost some-
thing Considerable, we have Various Reports of a Body of men
coming from Connecticut, it will Doubtless be Necessary for this
State to Interpose, I have besides the support of the Guards,
alluded to supported the fiamilys of our People who hold Possession,
with Bread to a Considerable amount.

Permit me to give it as my opinion that Government ought to

Interpose in our behalf, and give an Immediate support to our

Possessions the malcontents having done Flaunt offences sufficient

to warrant such interposition for the safety of the Commonwealth.

I have the Honour to.be

with the Greatest Esteem

your Excellency's Most obedient &

very Humble Serv't,

ALEX. PATTERSON .♦

A small support now, may save the state a world of Trouble and
expence.
Dire<aedy — ^His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esq'r, Philadelphia.

♦ See Col. Eec., Vol. XIV., p. 162.

PWNSTLYAMIA ABOHIVBS 1784; 621

John Fbankun to OmcEBs of ths Gabrison, 1784.

Wyoming, July 27th; 1784.
Gkntlemen,

In the name and behalf of the Inhabitants of this place, who held
iheir Lands under the Conneotioat Claim, and were lately, without
Law, or eyen the Colour of Law, drove off from their Possessions
and Property in a hostile and unoonstitutional manner — ^we, there-
fore, in the name of those injnr'd and inoens'd Inhabitants, demand
an immediate Surrender of your Ghurrison into our hands, to^ffether
with our Possessions and IVoperty, Which if Complied with, you
shall be treated with Humanity and Commiseration ; otherwise the
Consequenoes will prove &tal and bloody to every person found in
the Oarrison. We give you two Hours for a decisive answer, and
will receive the same at Mr. Bailey's.

JOHN FRANKLIN, in behalf of the injured.
John Franklin acknowledged the above instrument of writing to
be his act and Deed, in the presence of us,

Jno. Boyd,

John Abmstbong, Ju.
No answer sent to this.
The Siege begun the 28rd.
X/irectedf

The Officers at the Garrison in Wyoming. Hon'd Mr. Hallen-
back.

DsFOsinoN John Botd, 1784.

Before me, John Seely, Esqr., one of the Justices of the Peaco in
and for the s'd County of Northumberland, appeared John Boyd,
Esqr., & being duly sworn, doth say that a summons of the same
Tenor of the within written one was Delivered to him, & that John
Franklin acknowledged the same in his presence to be his act and
Deed.

JOHN BOYD.*

Sworn and Subscribed before me^ at Wyoming, Septr. 24th,
1784.

(Coppy.) Jno. Seelt.

Deposition oj William Brink, 1784.

Pennsylvania, ss.

Be it Bemembered, that William Brink, one of the Constables
near Wioming, and particularly for the Shawanese township, in the

* This IS attaohed to a copy-*from the original qf vhkk tke above Is
ttrintsd.

Vol. X.— 27

622 PBNKSTLYAinA .ABCHIVEB 17M.

coantj of Northumberland, & State of PeniiBylvania, appeared per-
sonally before the Honorable Thomas H'Eean, Esquire, Doctor of
Laws Chief Justioe of the Supreme court of the State aforesaid, Ac.,
and made oath on the holy Evangelists of Almighty Ood, that on
Tuesday, the twentieth day of the present month of July, this De-
ponent and diyers other Inhabitants of the afs* Shawanese township,
were informed that divers persons from Connectiont and Vermont
were coming to Wioming armed, and under the command of a certain
Major Joel Abbot, and that a certain John Franklin was also coming
there with another party of armed men : that he, this Deponent, and
between twenty ana thirty of his neighbours, assembled together in
the township afs*, armed with their muskets & bayonets, and staid
in a Body until about three o'clock, when they concluded ihe Con-
necticut & Vermont Pfeirty were not coming, and they thereupon set
out for Fort Dickinson, and having marched about half a ndle
beyond the flat lands, commonlv called the Shawanese Flats, and
were got into a wood, very thick with brush, they were fired upon
by a party of men, who lay in ambush, and thx^ee of them were
wounded, two mortally, and one slightly — that some of the F^y
with this deponent returned the fire, and then they all retreated
back across the river Susquehanna and up to the Fort, where they
all, or at least the greater part, remained until Thursday, when this
deponent's wife sent his son, about twelve years of age, with a horse,
for him to ride home; but he loft his horse at the Fort, and returned
home by water in a canoe, and at the river's side he found his wife
and family, also Ezekiel Scoucnhoven's, Joseph Montanie's, James
Orimcs's, Peter Taylor's, Preserved Coolcy's, John Cartwright's,
Nicholas Brink's families, and some others, standing there, women
and children, under the guard of John Swift, Giles Slocum, Walter-
man Jkkldwyn, Sattcrly, John Inman, and some others,
armed with rifles and guns, who had driven them from their habita-
tions, without suffering them to bring any thing with them, except
the Clothes they wore, and a few bed clothes for two or three of
them — that this deponent then spoke to John Swift, and the others,
and told them they had had recourse to the Law, and did they now
moan to act arbitrarily and by force, he thought they had been con-
tented: but they severally replied, that thev expected no satisfaction
from the Law, and were therefore resolved to take their own satis-
faction I that they meant to kill every man they saw carrying arms;
they then asked the deponent whether he intended to take his wife
and family into the Fort, to which he answered that he did not, but
to take them out into the country down to Delaware— 4hcy then told
him they meant to take the Fort, and to show no quarter to those
whom they should find in it, men, women, or children — that this
deponent thereupon went with his family to Justice Seeley's, about
four or five miles from that place, where thev remained all nisht,
and the next morning proceeded with his family, cattle, and a little
provisions, together with a blanket and coverlid; to the house of Mr.

FENNSTLYANlA ABOHIVBS 1784. 028

Tillbury, near Delaware river, in the ooanty of Northampton, where
he left them, when he set ont for Philadelphia, which was yesterday
morning. This deponent further saith that the before named Walter-
man Baldwyn told him he wondered that he and his Party did not
fight them when they shot at him ft them in the woods on Tuesday,
and wounded the three men, for, said he, there were but seyenteen
of us, and you were the stronger party in numbers. And further
this deponent saith not.

WILLIAM BRINK.*

Sworn k subscribed the 27th day of July, before me.

THO. M'KEAN.

DEPOsmoiv or Coxi. John Armstboito^ 1784.

State of Pcnnsylrania, ss :

Be it remembered, that Captain John Armstrong of the State of
Pennsylvania, appeared personally before the Honorable Thomas
McKcan, Esauire, Doctor of Laws, Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court of the State afs'd, &c., and bein^ sworn on the holy Evanffd-
iits of Almighty God, deposeth and saith, that on the twelfth day
of this present month, tluly, as he was travelling from Tioflft to
Sunbnry, he was obliged b^ indisposition of health to stop at Wio-
ming, where he founathe inhabitants in great commotion, a camp
being formed by a number of people, who, he understood, had
arrived there from the State of Connecticut and other parts, at a
place called Forty-Fort; that he was there told that the said Party
had committed various acts of outrage on the inhabitants of that
neighborhood, such as insulting and beating them, stealing their
horses & cattle, &o. That this deponent having recovered a little,
he went to Forty-Fort by water, and on his landing, he was met by
certain Oiles Slocum, Waltcrman Baldwyn, Wilham Smith, John
Inman, Edward Inman, llichard Inman, Ishmael Bennet, senior.
John Jenkins, Phineas Stevens, Daniel Pierce, and others, in all
about thirty or forty, armed with rifles, muskets, &o., and after his
being among them sometime, he found by their general conversa-
tion, that they were determined to drive off all the people, who had
possessed themselves of lands under titles from the Government of
I'ennsylvania, in that country, and that they only waited for re-in-
forcements to enable them to execute this purpose. That he appre-
hends^ from the conversation he then had with them, that their
partv at that time consisted of about sixty men. This dej^onent
further saith, that he returned afterwards to his quarters contiguous
to the late Garrison, and remained there a few days, when the
party from Connectieut, &c., fired upon the Fort, where some of the

• See Col. Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 167.

e24 PSNNSTLYANIA ABOHIYBB 178i.

setilen ander Penx&flylyania, whoM lives had been threatened, were,
aasemhled for safety. That on Thursday last, the twenty-second
day of this present menth, a number of meui women and childreui
flew into the Fort for protection, who reported that they were ex-
pelled their houses by an armed force, plundered of every species of
property, and that their lives were threateaed by the settlers under
the State of Connecticut and a party lately from Vermont. That
on the twenty third of this month, a large party appeared embodied
near Fort Dickinson, and soon after fired upou the inhabitants, who
had fled there for safety.

This deponent further saith, that reflecting on the unhappy situ-
ation of the women and children, who lived near to the Fort, in
being exposed to the fire of both parties, he begged of a widow that
had two sons with the aforesaid party, to desire that they would
cease firing, until she and some more in a similar situation could be
removed to a place of safety, which she accordingly did, and there-
upon thev sent her word that there should be no firing for two
hours, wnen he went to assbt a certain Mrs. Spaulding, a lone
woman, to remove her &mily and property, but he had scares left
the gate of the Fort, when he was fir^ upon by the afs'd Connecti-
cut party. That they continued to fire upon the inhabitantSi
wounded a boy of about twelve years old, an old man above sixty-
five years of age, and shot at a very young boy riding on a horsOi
and wounded the horse ; and that Hostilities had not ceased on
Sunday morning, the twenty-fiflh instant, when he left the place.
And further this deponent saith not

JOHN ARMSTRONG.*

Sworn at Philadelphia, July 28th day, 1784, before

Tho. M'Kean.

Commissioners to Alex. Patterson, &o., 1784.

Northumberland Co. ss :

At a meeting of the Magistrates, officers, and a number of the
Good Inhabitants of the county aforesaid. Taking into serious con-
sideration the distress'd situation of the Inhabitants of Wyomingi
Both New-England and Pennsylvania have appointed Mr. John
Soott, Mr. Wm. McCord and Thomas Hewitt, jSsqr., To Request
both Parties to Cease Hostilities untill the further mind of Council
and Assembly be Known.

In pursuance of the above, we, the Subscribers are arrived for
that purpose, and do Crave a Conference with you. Either by Com-
mittee, to meet a Committee from the other Party, or otherwise, as
you shall Think most Proper — we would wish you to be as Expedi-

* See Col. Eeq., Vol. XIV., p. 167.

piNNenrLVAMiA AMmYm itu.

«25

tiouB B8 Possible, as we are under an obliflstion to make our Betom
as soon as possible. — ^We are^ with much Esteem, your well wishers,

A&kxd'rPattxr8oh,^ THOBfAs Hkwitt,

B. W. Ball, v Esqrs. John Scott,

f^AML. Read. ) ^^* HoGobd.

July 80th, 1784.

Answer to the above.

Wyoming, July 80th, 1784.
Gentlemen,

We are honored by yours of this date, and conceive ourseltea
much obliged b? the Trouble you and the Magistrates of this county
have taken in the instance. There will be no Hostilitiei oommcnoed
on our parts, and shall be happy to see you at the sarrison when
you think proper to honor us with a viSt. Every thinff that may
tend to the Good of this Gt>vemment, and the sdety of uie Lives of
the Citizens shall be strictly observed on our Part We wish a
conferenoe with you as soon as may be at this Place. Captain
Henderson waits upon you for an answer, or to accompany you to
the Garrison.

We are, Gentlemen, with Esteem,

Your Obedient Scrv'ii,

Thomas Hewitt,
John Scott,
William MoCord.

Alexd'r Patterson,
B. W. Ball,
Saml. Bjssd.

Commissioners to Alex. Patterson, &o., 1784.

Wyoming, July 30th, 1784.
Gentlemen,

We received yours, and are happy to find such compliance on
your part We would wish to meet you at Mr. John Hollenbaok's,
at 8 o'clock this afternoon, as we have the utmost assurance from
Mr. John Franklin, Mr. John Swift, Mr. Phineas Pierce, and
others, that you will be treated with the utmost Civility. We are.
Gentlemen, with much Esteem, your humble Servts.,

Alexander Patterson, \ Thomas Hewitt,

B. W. Ball, > John Scott,

Saml. Reed. ) Wm. MoCord.

An immediate answer would be verry agree — ^from yours as be-
fore.

626 PENNSYLVANIA ABGHIYB8 1T»^

Answer to the foregoing.

Wyoming, July 80th, 1784.
Gentlemen,

We are to acknowledge the receipt of yonrs by Captaia Hendo^
son. Would be happy to meet you at Mr. Hollenbaok, But W6
wish first to know whether you are the only Persons that we are to
meet, and whether you as an Embassy from the Magistrates of this
County, are restricted from having Egress and Regress to any part
of said County. Permit us to observe, that we cannot conceiye it
consistent with our duty to meet at the pkce appointed, being al
too Great a distance from the Garrison.

We are, Gentlemen, your Obedient Servants,
Thomas Hewitt, ^ Alexd. PATTXiuaoir,

John Soott, >• B. W. Ball,

Wm. McCobd. J Saml. Bbxd.

COMMISHIONERS TO AlEX. PATTERSON, &0., 1784.

July 80th, 1784.
Oentlemcn,

We received yours of this date, and you mentioned Mr. HoIIei^
back's to be too far from the Garrison, and as wo are not pennittad
to enter the Oarrison, we request you or any Committee nom joa,
to meet us, the Subscribers, together with the Flag, at Mr. Sla-
man's housOi as soon as possible. We are, with due Beipeoty yoir
real Friends and humble Servants,

Alexd'r Patterson, \ Thoblas Hkwrt,

B. W. Ball, > John Scott,

Saml. Beed. j Wm. MoGord.

An immediate answer will bo verry agreeable from you, aa before.

Answer to the above.

Wyoming, July 30th, 1784.
Gentlemen,

We received your last, pr. Flag. We will meet yon iDstantly «i
the place appointed ; in the Interim we Expect all hoatiiitiea to
cease ; it shall be strictly observed on oar part, Bat we are aorry to
Inform you that this Instant oar people wore fired upon. We an^
Gentlemen, your Obedient Scrv'ts,

To Thob. Hewitt, '\ Alexd'r PATTiBaOHr,

John Scott, v B. W. Ball,

Wm. McCord, ) Saml. Berd,

And. Henderson.

pjiN^aKif?4Ni4 Amjmm urn 9^>

GOHMIBSIONERS TO ALSX. PATIEBSON, fto., 1784.

AugiiBt Isi, 1784.
Gentlemen,

As we are not permitted to enter your Gkirrison; and Ready to
Return and wish to take our Leave of the Gentlemen of the Garri-
son, we request the Favour of you to meet us at Mr. Slocum*s
House, at 3 o'clock this afternoon, under the direction of a Flag
from this side. We are, with due Esteem, your obedient servants,

Alexd'b Patterson, Bsq'r,'^ Thob. Hewitt,

And the Gentlemen of tne v John Scott,

Garrison. 1 William MoCord.

Answer to the above.

i Wyoming, Avgost lat^ 1784.
Gknilemen,

We shall do ourselves the pleasare of wailing on you at the time
and place mentioned in yours of this Date, and are, with much
Esteem, your Obedient Servants,

Thomas Hewitt, ^ Alsxd'r Patterson,

John Scott, V Esqrs. B. W. Ball,

William MoCoed, ) Saml. Reed, ^

Andw. Henderson.

Messrs. Botd and Armstrong to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Easton, 2d August, 1784.
Sir,

In our haste to accomplish some part of the preparatory busines
which we have taken upon ourselves, we have only time to inform

Jour Excellency & Council that we got to this place early on yeeter-
ay, & that we purpose to leave it early on to-morrow.

There has a kte Acot. been received from Wyominfl% which left
Them in almost the same situation as (hose we saw in rhiladt. A
2d summons has been sent to Patterson, offering Money to Him &
his followers, if they surrender, & threatening them all with the
sword if they do not. Some Women & one Child have been
wounded within a few days.

We propose to write you again in a day or two-"whea we shall
be better able to determine the temper as well as preparation of the

628 FENNSTLYANIA ABOHIVIiS 1784.

Troops with whom we are to tot, & of whom^ oar Aooounts (at Ihii

momeDt) are not the most promisiDg.
We have the honor to be, Sir,

Your Excellency's & Councirs
Most Obedient & Most
Humble Servants,
JNO. BOYD,

JOHN ARMSTRONG, Ja.*

Directed^

His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq', President, &o.

Justices op Northumberland to , 1784.-("

Wioming Angt 5Ui, 1784.
Gentlemen,

We are now at this place In order to execute the Laws of tliis
State which we hope to e£fect as the Connect party has submitted h
dispersed in our presents but they express ereat fear from a par^
lately at Locust Ridge & other small scuULing parties unlawfUlj
assembling to disturb the places. — ^Therefore Gentlemen we hope i t
you or any of you know of any such riotous or unlawful pariiee
collecting you will discountenance & forbid the same, we aa Jaatices
of the peace for the Co. of North'd subscribe our selves, your obdiL
Humble Servt.

DAVID MEAD,
ROBT. MARTIN,
THOS. HEWITT.

Justices or Northumberland Countt to A. Pattebsost, Ac.

1784.

Wioming, Aug. 5th, 1784.
Gentlemen,

In Consequenee of our Instructions from the Supreme Execntive
Council of the State of Pennesylvania, we have demanded of tlbe
Connecticut Party their arms, and such a Number of their

we think Proper to be put in Charee of the Hieh Sherriff of the
County, until! the Pleasure of the Chief Justice m this caae ahaU
be known, and those that remain to bo Bound to the peace and
good Behaviour in sufficient Security, — ^which they have Compljed
with.

* For their appointment, see Colon. Beo., Vol. XIY., p. 168, and SOSL

808ofthif.
t Not directed.

PJiNMSYLVANIA ABGHIVX8 1784 6&9

Therefore in the name of the Commonwealth we demand the
same of yon and jonr Party, ako the delivery to na of all State
Property and your Flag to be taken down.
We are yoois Ac.,
Messrs. Alex. Pattib60N| Bobt. MartiNi

B. W. Ball, - Thos. Hxwitt,

Saml. BuDy David Mead.

AmD. HSNDSBSOir,

JOSTIOES OF NOBTHUMBSBLAND TO JOHN F&ANKUN. &0.,

1784.

Wiomingy 5th Angt. 1784
Gentlemen,

In obedienoe to our Instmctions from the Supreme Bxecutiie
Connoil of the State of Pennsylvania we have repaired to this plaoe
& find two parties in actual HoatiUties.

Therefore in the Name of the Commonwealth we command you
& that without delay to deliver us the arms of your party's together
with such a number of yonr men as we shall think proper to put in
charge of the hiffh Sheriff <d the Coanty ontill the pleasure of the
Chief Justice in tnis case shaU be known ft if required those that
remain to be bound to the peace &good behaviour with sufficient
security.

We are Slo.,
Messrs, John Frankun, Thd0. "Hewitt,

Phinehab Pierce, David Mead,

Giles Slooum, Bobt. Martin.

John SwifTi
N. B. The Conn'ct party dispersed in our presents.

John Frankun, &o., to Justices of Northumsrland
Co., 1784.

Wioming, Augt. 5th, 1784.
Qentlemen,

We received your's of the present Date in which you as Majes-
trates and as such we revere you in your exalted sphere, and as you
have in the name of the Commonwealth of Pe9nsylvania made a
Demand of our Arms, declare our promptitude to complv with your
Bequisition and we shall rely Qentlemen upon your Honors than
we shall have the Benefit of the Laws of this State in all respects for
the future, at the same Time lementing the neglect of the Law in

27*

eSO PENNSYLVANIA AR0HIVB8 1784.

tfrnes put which hu been the ooeafflon of aU the Hoetilitlea wliiok

we are charged with.

Gentlemen we are with due respect,

your most obedt. numble Serv ta.
David Mead, 1 John Frankun,

TnoM. HewetT; I Esquires. John Swift
llOBT. Martin, J Oiles Slogum,

Phinehab Pisbob.

Answer to the foregoing.
Justices of Northumberland Gountt to Gouncil^^ 1784.

Wioming, Augt. 6th, 1784.
Gentlemen,

In obedience to the Instructions of Council of 24th JaJTi «•
Repaired to this Place and found the Two Parties in actual Bfostilir
ties, and yesterday made a Demand of the Gonneo't Pkiij a
Surrender of their arms and submission to the Laws of thia Stat^
which they Complyed with, referance being had to the Tnoloaod
papers.

We also made a Demand of the same natnre of the 'Psitj in tka
Garrison, but have Received no direct but evasive answers — at
time expressing fear of their lives, in reply to which they
promised Protection agreeable to Law in every respect but
hold the Garrison and have not Dispersed.

Wc Believe that a Due execution of the Laws will be the moat
effectual measure to Quiet the Country, as to the Pretended Claia
or Title of the Gonnec't Party we have nothing to fear,— and ara
Convinced that had it not been through the cruel and Irregular
Conduct of our Own People the peace might have been estabbshed
long since and as well the Honor and Dignity of Government anp-
portcd.

We arc Gentlemen with the greatest Respect,

and esteem your Hble. Servt

THO. HEWITT,
DAVID MEAD,
ROBT. MARTIN,
P. S. Please to satisfy the express for his Trouble.

Mess. Boyd and Armstrong to Pres. Dickinson — ^Wtomxito.

1784. '

7th Ang't, 1784.

Sir,

Till to day we have had no easy mode of communicating with
your Excellency, nor was our intelJigence such as would haye

* Not directed bat inferred ft-om its contents.

^ENNSTLVAIOA ABOHIYES 1784. 681

authorii'd the trouble and expenoe of employing an Express. We
are this morning however so fortunate as to meet with Captain
Bhotiy by whom we must be^ leave to state, in a very hasty wa^
the proceedings which have already been taken & those we have it
in contemplation yet to take.

Upon onr arrival at Easton, we foond neither the temper nor

? reparation of the militia such, as we had expected to find them,
'ho first (to which no service would be very acceptable,) had been
particularly set against this by the acency of some fellows who with
influence enough to mislead the people, have had wickedness enough
to misrepresent the object & intentions of Government. We every-
where met the following objections, *' that it was the anarrel of a
sett of Land jobbers, that the whole Oountry was not worth the life of
a single man, or the labor of the many who were now called out to
quiet it, & that they were drawn forth not merely to support the laws
but to extirpate the whole race of Connecticut claimants, &c., Ac.
Idle and absurd as these objections were, & much as Col. Craig &
others had exerted themselves to obviate them, yet such was their
effect upon the minds of the people that not more than one third of
the number warned appear'd at the place of Bendezvous ft among
these but very few declared themselves to be perfectly willing to go
farther. Disagreeable as we felt this want of disposition it was not
however more unpromising than their almost totsl want of prepara-
tion. Out of 70 men who came from the 6th Northampton Batt'n,
there were but 40 who had brought their arms-— accoutrements^
kettles, &o., &c., there were none.

This must have necessarily produced a delay had it not arisen
from another source. Col. Craig having in the first instance counted
upon a more exact compliance with his orders than they afterwards
met, had made a very extensive arangcment of three detachments
which were to move by different routes, very widely apart & entirely
out of reach of each other. This supposed that each would be
equel if not superior to the whole force of the insurgents which
your Excell'y will find generally stated at 250 or 300 men. We
need therefore enter into the reasoning which induced us to alter
this plan & instead of committing ourselves by dotail to bring the
whole force to some advanced point from which we might operate as
contingency would direct — ^This plan which entirely commands the
entrance of the swamp was thought the most proper for this purposCi
& we have accordingly drawn tibem hither.

In this situation an account of the half finished necociation of the
Northumld. Mngistrates has found us, we could wish it had been
more com pleat, but from some private evidence which we shall soon
be at liberty to communicate, we are led to apprehend that the
principles upon which it has been conducted were neither vorjr fair
to individuals nor honorable to the State & cannot therefore be either
very lasting or satisfactory. Some part of this opinion we have
formed upon the magistrates own letter to your ExccH'y which we

682 PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIYSS 1784^

took the liberty to open, and which we again enoloae. Wm^
therefore to proceed immediately & Endeavor to execute the fiiilhir
intentions of Council. We shall move the troops at sua Mtt A
hope to get thro' the swamp at day break to-morrow.
We are, Sir,

with the highest respect

yonr Excellency's & Conncil's

most obed't Humble servantsi

JOHN ARMSTBONa.
JNO. BOYD.
Directed,
His Excoiry, Prest. Dickinson.

The late affair at Locust Hill was one of the most impndeiii and
unprovoked attacks that has yet been made, & shall become an
early object of our enquiries. The circumstances were aa folloin^

Col. Moore agreeably to a plan which wo had concerted m
Philad'a, had collected about 20 Volunteers with whom he hwl
taken possession of a little height about midway in the awamv,
merely to command the avenue by which we proposed to maimj
the Coll. had lain there some hours believing himself to be perfeotlj
secure (as they were still in Northampton Co.,) when without enj
provocation on his part or previous notice on theirs, he was fired
upon by the Insurgents, driven into a little hut & there obliged to
sustain a two hours attack of great violence, in which three of hia
men were wounded & one kill'd. The assailants then withdzew
into the swamp and the Col. retired hither.

This little rencounter would have been much more equal had not
Moore himself been ill of a fever & His party so much dispera'd.*

D£P0SITI0N OF EUPUALET EmMONS — WtOMINQ — ^LOGUST EClL^

1784. 7

Before me, the Subscriber, one of the Justices, &g., in & for the
County of Northumberland, persoually appeared filiphalet Emmenfy
aged thirty one years, who being duly sworn on the holy Evangeliat
of Almighty God, doth depose and say ; on Thursday the 20 Julj,
1784, there came to my house early in the morning, one SnUiiran
and Phelps and enquired for two men who had passed the Boad the
night before, to wit, John Oabel & one Lightly. On Friday momiitf
came one Burwell and another person whom I do not knowy £
enquired if there was a party of men at Locust hill, I told them that
I did not know. Immediately after came thirteen men commanded

* See page 807.

PBNNSYLVANIA ABGHIVES 1784. 688

by Waterman Baldwin, & enauired if there was not Macdonnel & a
party of men at Locust Hill — I oould not tell them. They then
went away* On Friday at midnight, came Gideon Church and a
TOUDg man by name of Jenkins, who said they were goinff off to
New England, They then went off, & oame back on Stturday
morning about an hour after sunrise ; and about half an hour after-
wards one Vanorman oame in ; Church and Jenkins in conversation
mentioned that they had found out by Vanorman that twenty five
men were at Locust Hill, They then went away. On Saturday
about midnight eame Gideon Ohnroh and Waterman Baldwin and
several others whom from the Darkness I did not know, who said
tiiey were going to meet McDonnel's party, even if they went to
Locust Hill for him, They said that they had forty men with them.
I asked them if they did not think McDonnel was reinforced with
acme more men. They answered, Otoi Damn him, they did not care,
they would fight him where they oould meet him. They staid but
a few minutes & went off. At Sunday noon Lord Butler, Gideon
Church, Prince Alden, & one Harris came to my house & got
Dinner, & went off. I asked where the rest of the Party were;
some one answered that they were gone back to Wyoming. About
three o'Clook on Monday, oame Lord Butler & another, who got
their Dinner, & ordered something to be got for thirty seven men,
who were coming in & whom they said, were almost starved. About
5 o'clock, the thirty seven men came, & got their Victuals. John
Swift commanded the party, among whom were. Lord Butler, a
man called Major Abbot, Waterman Baldwin, John Fuller, William
McCIure, Gideon Church, Thomas Heath, young Ishmael Bennet,
Doctor Minor who was wounded ihro' the Leg, Prince Alden, one
White, one Sullivan, Abm. Pike, Bill Sloakum, John Platner, one
Burbel. When Butler first came he ^bentioned that they had a
skirmish at Locust Hill and had killed a number of the people
there; he said he believed that they would not again attempt coming
thro' the swamp. After the whole party oame up there was a great
deal of Conversation about their affair at Locust Hill, the general
Tenor of it was of the number of men they had killed & the number
of shot they had put thro' the House at Locust Hill. They staid
about two hours & then went away. I asked Lord Butler, why he
had not taken McDonnel's men prisoners. He said. Damn them
we did not want prisoners, but we wanted to shew them that we
wonld not let them oome thro' the swamp. Lord Butler seemed
to have the next command to Swift. The Deponent on a number
of names being read over to him recollects that the following persons
besides those above named were also at his house with the Party on
the Beturn from Locust Hill, Two men by the name of Jenkins,
one Oore, Danl. Sullivan, Leonard Cole, Reuben Cook, one Halstead,
Edward Inman, one Harris, Stoddart, Spenoer, Wm. Smith, one
Corey, ft Moses Sills. The Deponent is a Tavern keeper & had put

884 PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVKB 1784.

flome names down in his Books. He has a personal knowledge of
them all.

ELIPHALET EMMONS.

Sworn before me at 1

Wjomingy August 9th, 1784. j

Jno. Sxxlt. *

Deposition of Silence Emmons— Wyoming, 1784.

Before me the subscriber one of the Justices, &o , in & for the
County of Northumberland personally appeard Silence £hnnum$f
wife of Elephalet Emmens a^ 27 years who being duly sworn on
the holy Evangelists of Almishty Ood, doth depose & say in addition
to the Deposition of her Husband which was read in her presence,
that she heard Lord Butler say, on his return from Locust's Hill, at
her husbands house, that he believed they had killed some of the
party at Locust HilL She heard D' Minor say he had seen three of
them dead and stifiEl

SILENCE EMMONS.

Sworn before me at Wyoming, August 9th, 1784.

Jn* Seelt.

Deposition of Chables Manbow— Wtomino, 1784.

Northumberland county, ss.

On the eleventh day of August in the year one thousand seven
hundred and eighty-four, Before me Henry Shoemaker, Esquire, one
of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County, Voluntarily
came Charles Manrowj aeed Thirty-five years, and upon his solemn
oath according te Law did say that on the twenty-second day of Jaly
last about one hundred of the New England party among whom were
John Franklin, G-iles Sloakam, John HoUoberg, John Ryon, one
Burnham and Abraham Westbrook came to the house of this depo-
nent living Stoke Township near Nantiooke in said County all with
arms — ^That John Franklin when he came up to this deponents house
spoke to him and ordered him to march, upon which the deponent
replied it was just night and that he could not set his creatures so
that he could got away. Giles Sloakam immediately says, march
away with your family up to the Fort, the deposent still desired to
atay till morning & go down the River, But Giles Sloakam insisted
that if he did not go that night and should remain there till morning
he would make a corpse of him — ^And afterwards went away towards
the Fort. That this deponent not thinking himself safe to stay in
his house left it, and his familv in it, and returned to his family
about a week after — that John Kyon's after the new England Party

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVEB 1784. 685

had been before the Fort some days and a cessation of arms had been
agreed on^ seeing this deponent in the Town, demanded of him what
he meant by staying on the ground & threatened that if he did not

fo away quickly this deponent would wish he had. That John
lollobergand Edward Enman after the attack at Locust Ridge told
this deponent at his own house, viz., Holloberg told him that a
Party of fifty of their men had been in the great Swamp to attack the
Penamites coming in to Wyoming, Enman said that they had been
to Locust Ridge for the same purpose, and had attacked them at the
House there— -Enman further said, that it was his opinion they had
killed seven or eight, and how many they had wounded he could not
tell, and seemed to rejoice greatly at the Success. And further this
deponent suth not.

his
CHARLES X MANROW.
mark.
Taken and Sworn the day and year aforesaid, before
Henry Shoemaker.

Depositioh or James Landon — WYOMiNa, 1784.

Northumberland County, ss.

On the eleventh dav of Aueust in the year of our Lord One
Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-Four, Before mo, Henry
Shoemaker, Esquire, one of the Justices of the Peace, in and for the
said County Yoluotarily came James Landon, ased Thirty-Four

J ears and made oath on the Holy Evangelists as Allows, viz., that
bhn Franklin and John Jenkins several times lately, wit& Joel
Phelps had ordered this deponent to move out of the House he lived
in since last spring in Shawonese Township in the said County, for
that they would suffisr no one to live in that country who would not
join them. That Elijah Phelps and one Budd aoout three weeks
aeo came to this deponents house and took away his Rifle Gun,
threatening that if he did not let them have it they would take ten
times the value of it, also his Powder Horn & about half a pound of
Powder and ten or twelve Bullets — and said they intended to disarm
the Penamites. That about an hour after he this deponent went to
John Franklin's and told him about his Gun being taken from him,
with Franklin there was one Richard Inman who said to this depo-

nent, if you will join us, you shall have your Gun. That Franklin
told him he should not have his Gun, neither did he ever get it
again — and said he must either go and join them in the Fort, or get
out into the Countrv ; for he should not stay there — and added tbat
by the eternal God, if we have to storm the Garrison, we will sacrifice
evQry man we find therein, that had taken up arms against us — ^That
during the time the Fort was besieged, as this deponent was sittinz
at bis own door making a pair of moocosins he heard a Gun fired)

686 PENNSYLVANIA ABGHIVES 1784.

looking up, he saw William Smith & William Sloakam who had jast
ahot down an Ox said to belong to one Hewin, and after the Oz was
killed ftdressed thej left it in the care of M" Windship to salt. That
whilst this deponent was at a certain time at Windships, one Bumham
came there and told, that he, and the man who was then with him
had been placed as centries at Shawonese to laj in ambush for the
Pennsjlvanians, that his orders were to fire npon the Pennsjlvanians
as soon as they came up and stand their Ground— that if these two
Gentries heard their Party fire, thepr were then to leave their Post
and go to their assistance, that if it had not been for a doff who
discovered the New England Party, they would have cut off the
Pennsylvanians to a man — That whilst the Fwt was besieged he this
deponent heard Caleb Forsytbe say that if the Pennsylvanians were
so stubborn & would not deliver up the Fort, they would be put to
the Sword and they did not know whether they would spare women
and children — And that he had heard Waterman Baldwin say, that
if they could not hold the Lands at Wyoming by LaWj thej would
by force of arms.

JAMES LANDON.
Taken and Sworn the day & year above said. Before

HeNBY SHOSBfAKBB.

Deposition of John King — ^Wyomino, 1784.

Northumberland County, ss.

On the eleventh day of August in the year of our Lord, Ono
Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-Four, voluntarily came before
mo Henry Shoemaker, Esquire, one of the Justices of the Peace in
and for the said County, John Kmg, and made oath on the Holy
Evangelists as follows, viz., that on Friday last, the Sixth Instant,
William Jacques came to the House of this deponent with John
Swift, William Sloakam and Elisha Saterley and gave him notice
that he should move out of his House and be gone off the Premises
and leave the Place in two days or that they would bum the House
down about him, or words to that effect, and then gave a great shout
and rode off. That on this eleventh day of August, this deponent
with Abraham Goodwin were ridine along the road from thia depo-
nents house and coming to Wyoming, being on the road, a man,
whose name this deponent has since been informed is Timothy
Underwood was standing by a house where one Woodworth lives, ho
was armed and there were there two others unarmed, whom this
deponent did not know — That Underwood had a Rifle with him
bolonginff to Abraham Cloodwin, upon Goodwin's calling to Under-
wood to bring to him the Kifle ho had, which Goodwin said was his,
Underwood made no answer, but put the Kiflc to his Shoulder &
presented it at Goodwin & this deponent — Upon which the; put

PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVES 1784. 687

themselves on the defence, And Underwood perceifing it, went
behind the house and ran off. And farther this deponent saith not.

JOHN KING.
Taken and Sworn the day and year abovesaid, Before

Henry Shoemaksb.

Deposition of Henry Bibney— Wyoming, 1784.

Northumberland County, ss :

On the Eleventh day of August, in the Year of our Lord, One
Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Four, Before me, Henry
Shoemaker, Bsquirei one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the
said County, Voluntarily oame Heniy Bumeyj aged Forty Four
Years, and made oath on the Holy EvangelistSi as follows, vis. : —
that about the beginning of July last^ he, this deponent living in
Sbawonese Township, in said County, saw John Swift, Elisha
Saterley, William Jaquei, and ai number of other persons, and at
different other times, pass along the Road near where this deponent
lives, with arms in their bands, to and fro, to what thev callea Head
Quarters, about a mile distant from his house; that this Deponent
had frequent conversation with Swift & Saterley & one Joel PhcIpsL
who had ordered him often to go out of his house, and threatened
that if he did not go away and move into the Fort, they would abuse
him, by beating him and so forth, — insomuch that he was afraid of
his life. That on the twentieth of July last, after the amboscade
at Shawonese, he, this deponent, saw one Bumham, who with others
had gone out to lay in wait for some persons that had gone that day
from the fort to Sbawenese; that Bumham was speaking to Wind-
ship & his Family ; that he overheard Bumham say, that he & his
Party would have cut all the Pennsylvaniana off that were on their
Return to the Fort from Shawencse, if it had not been for a dog,
that Bumham said he saw on the Road ; one man, Brink, killed,
& that several others were killed. That this Deponent says, Daniel
Pierce and others frequently told him, that they intended to storm
the fort where the Pennsylvaniana were, if they did not deliver it
up in a few days, and that the Pennsylvanians in the Fort must
abide by the consequences if they were stormed therein— ^nd that
Daniel Pierce. Elisha Saterley, and others, swore that they were de-
termined to clear the Ground at Wyoming and the other Settle-
ments in the vicinity of the Pennsylvanians, for they would not
suffer any of them to remain thereon. That the day after Major
McDaniel k the Party were attacked at Locust Ridge, Elisha Sater-
ley & this Deponent met together^ and Saterley asked him, what do
yon think of the Pennamitea now— That they were not able to

088 PSNNSYVLANIA AfiOHIV^ 1784,

fight them at all ; for, by 0 — d, we have killed forty of them yester-
day. And further this Deponent aaith not.

HENRT BIRNE7.
Taken and Sworn the Day and year
abovesaid, Before

Henry Shoemaker.

Deposition of Leah Vanqardeb — Wyomino, 1784.

Northumberland County^ ss :

On the Eleventh Day of Auffust, in the Tear of oar Lord One
Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Four, Before me, Henry
Shoemaker, Esquire, One of the Justices of the Peaoe in and for the
said CounU, Yoluntarilv came Leah Yav^rder^ and made OiUh on
the Holy Evangelists, that on the Twentieth day of July last, whilst
Wilholmus Vangarder was at the house of Frederick Evehmds^ in
Shawenese Township, in the said County, lying there from a woand
he had received the same da^ at Shawonese firam some one of the
New England Party, and this deponent being then also with him, a
certain Thomas Heath, of the said New England Party, came into
the house, and asked the said Wilhelmus Vangarder if he knew who
it was that was about to kill him after he was wounded ; Vangarder
said, no ; Heath then replied that it was he that was going to kill
him ; and soon after, upon going away, he wished Vansaraer well,
and said, he hoped that if he said Heath should ever fall bto Van-

Srder's hands, he hoped he would not serve him so. And frirther
b Deponent saith not.

her
LEAH M VANGARDER,
mark.
Taken and Sworn the Day and Year
abovesaid, Before
Henry Shoemaker.

Persons who bore Arms — ^Wyoming, 1784.

1 Jn« fi'ranklin, 8 William Jacques, 16 Daniel Peiroe,

2 Ebenezer Johnson, 9 Joel Abbott, v. e. 17 Timothy Under-

3 Jn" Swift, V. e. 10 Jn* Ryon, wood,

4 Giles Slocum, 11 Lord Butler, v. 18 William Ross, y.

6 Pbenias Peirce, 12 Elisha Sattalo, v.e. 19 William Jenkins, y.

6 John Jenkins, 13 Elisha Drake, 20 William Slocum, v.

7 Waterman Baldwinl4 Pbenias Stephens, 21 William Jadcson,v.

V. e. 15 Oidion Church, v. 22 Benjamin Smith,

PBNNSTLYANU ABOHIVBS 1764^

23 Frederick Budd^

24 Walter Spencer^ v.

25 Eliaha UardiDg,v.

26 Thomas Stoddard,?.

27 Daniel Sallivan, v.

28 Joel Phelps,

29 Noah Phelps,

80 Thomas Heath, y.

81 Jd* Minor, v.

82 Bcnj. Blanchard,

83 Lehan Blanchard|

84 Mason Aides,
35 Prince Alden. y.
86 Abraham Nesbitiy.
37 Jn« Qore, v.
88 Ayery Gore,

39 Nathaniel Cook,

40 Elijah Harris, y.

41 Richard Inman,

42 Jn" Inman,

43 William Jones,

44 Edward Inman, y.

45 Josiah Pell,

46 Nathan Wade, 63

47 Ishmael Bennet, 64

48 Joseph Cory, y. 65
,49 Sale Boberts, 66

50 Elbha Bennet, 67

51 Abraham Pike, y. 68

52 John Holbert, y. 69

Spy, 70

53 Leonard Cole, 71

54 Isakd Burnham, 72

55 William Hybbert, 73

Spy,

56 Ishmael Bennet, 74

Ju', y. e. 75

57 William Smith, 76

Ju', y. 77

58 Benjamin Jenkins, 78

y. 79

59 Nathan Cary,

60 Abraham Worl- 80

brook, 81

61 Rosecrance, 82

62 Jn« O'Neill,

Joseph Tyler,
Cornelius Brown,
James Brown,
Thomas Neill,
Jn"" Platner, y.
Rheuben Cook,
Jeremiah White,y.
Samnel Cary,
Justice Gaylord,y.
Pelick Comstock,
Jonathan Burwell,

y.
Joseph Stiles,
William M«Clure,y.
Richard Halsted|y.

John Fuller, y.
Moses Sills, y.
(A Coppy.)
William Hide, y.
Ned Walker, y.
Thomas Read, Spy.

Indorzedy

11th Aug't, 1784. Names of the persons who haye borne Arms
in the late outrages, presented by Jn" Franklin, their leader, on
yesterday. (Copy.)

No 1.
Depositions.

Ahraham Oooden Being duly sworn, doth depose & say, about
the middle of July, Jiles' Slocum, Qidcon Church & eight others
came to the house of the Deponent about Noon and Plundered tho
house of two Rifles and some Ammunition and went off, about a
week afterwards Came one Phelps and seyen others, and Demanded
of the Deponents wife the keys of the Chest, Mr Gooden bcinff
Terrifi'd by their talk and appearance opened the Chest, out of which
they took some Ammunition, the Deponent also heard one Tyler
swear they would storm the Fort and put eyery one to Death, the
Children they would Tawmchack. The Deponent asked Timothy
Underwood this day for his Rifle, said Underwood cocked his Ri^
to shoot tho Deponent.

ABRAHAM GOODWIN.

Sworn before me at
Wyoming, Aog't 11th, 1784.
Jn» Seely.

}

640 FRNNSTLYANIA ABOHIVIS 1T84»

No 2.

Pamelia TayUr Being duly swoni doth depose and ny, iSbcnX
iho sixteenth of July came one Stephens and sereral others to the
house of the Deponents &ther & Threatened to IdU the old maUi
they would cut him in Inch pieces and bum him, any other Death
was too good for him, further said they would driro Erery one to
the fort, and they would put Men Women & Children to death, that
ihey Disregarded the Laws, there was none for them or agaunat them,
they had kept the ground by the point of the sword, aim waa deter-
mined to keep it so still, the Tuesday following the Deponent went
to see Willhelmas Y" Garden a man that was wounded oy the Con-
necticut Party, amoung some discourse the deponent heard the
wounded man say to one Thos. Heath, Jun', that the yankeys fired
first, further said as they were walking along the Road, said Y* Gor-
don spy'd a dog in the Bushes, and was turning towards Henry Brink
who was Next to him, to tell him he belieVd it was a yankey dog,
Just as he was going to speak he the s'd Y" Gordon ft Brink was
both shot, and looking towards Heath who was seting on the Bed*
side said you are the person that was going to Blow out my Brains
as I was Laying there wounded and would have done it had it not
been for one of your party that struck away your gun and Bepre-
manded you for so doing.

her

PAMFJJA TATLER.

mark

Sworn before me at
Wyoming, Aug* 12th, 1784.
Jn" Seely.

No. 8.

Before me the subscriber one of the Justices in ft for the County
of Northumberland personally appeared Jona(ka^ MarOi who being
duly sworn, doth depose ft say. That he has repeatedly seen the
people called Connecticut settlers drive away bis neighbours cattle,
Hogs, & Sheep ft kill them. That some time in June the Deponent
was at the house of Jacob Stroud in Northampton County, where
he saw one Stoddart and one Pearce, with about Eight or ten of the
Connecticut People, The Deponent was then driving up some cattle
Sheep ft Hogs, they asked him where he was going with them, he
answered to Susquebannah some of them said '' God dam you get
'' along with them, We wish you had ten times as many, for we
<< design to have tbem all soon.'' The Deponent then came along,
after his arrival at Susquehanah in oonversation with one Cheater

PSNN8TLYANIA ABOHIVBS 1784. 641

Pearoe, the Deponent asked him, how he thought mattera woald go,
He answered, << By God the woods shall be as fnll of White Indiana
^ thb Summer as eyer they were of Black ones,*-we intond to lay
^ in the woods if nothing else will do & shoot the Heads of the
'< Pennsylvanians.'' The Deponent about two weeks ago heard
Benjamin Hervy say, " God damm the Laws of this State & all
'' those who made them/'

JONATHAN MARSH.
Sworn before me at Wyoming")
Angt. 10th, 1784. [

Jno. Seelt j

No. 4.

Anthony Bnnnoto Being duly sworn doth depose and say
on the 10th Instant he heard Benjamin Harvey say, that there
would be more fighting, if it was not now it would be in the fall and
there would be more kill'd than what hsa been.

his

ANTHONY jKl BUNSIOTO.
msrk.

Sworn before me at Wyoming, *)

Aug. 11th, 1784. [

Jno. Seklt. j

No. 5

Mary Cooley being duly sworn doth depose and say about the
20th or 21st of July as I was dressing the wound of Henry Brink
who had been shot in four places by a party of the Coneotiout
settlers John Swift, William Sloakum, & Wm. Smith, Mason Alden
k a number of other men to the number of fifteen, came to my
house, Swift ordered me to be oqt of the house by the next morn-
ing, I toki him I could not go & leave the wonndsd man & Likewise
ask'd him by what authority he ordered me out, Swift damn'd me
and said it was by his own, farther said with a Severe oath if I was
not out by Nine o'clock to morrow he would bum the houae over
my head, I said I had but one life to loose if it was my fate to be
kill'd by him I could not help it, Swift then ask'd where Mr. Cooley
was, I told him I did not know but that he had kill'd him, Swift said
let him be where he would if he eould find him arm'd or unarm'd
he would kill him, and then went off, the second Day afler, Prince
Alden, WilloL Jones, Walterman Baldwin, Daniel Peiioe, Phineaa

(tIS PENNSTLYANIA ABOHITBS 17M»

StephoDS and one Bennet came to my honse, Watt. Baldwin
told me the half hour was Expired & I must mareh I i^ged
for time to move m j things off; Peirce & Baldwin told me I ahonld
have none & Immediately Threw my things ont of the honae and
marched me off wth a Guard to the River, I beeed of tb^m to let me
have my cows, whieh they utterly Refus'd, I asked Phinau
Stephens & Willm. Jones how they Expected to hold the Lands
they said no other way than by the Point of the Sword, before I
oross'd the River I saw Willm. Smith one Brown & lahmael Bennet
Plunder & carry off my meal &o., I then Crossed the River and i
to the fort for my further Stfety. her

MARY H COOLEY.
Sworn before mo at Wyoming, ^ mark.

Augt. lOtb; 1784,

Jno. Seelt.

No. 6.

Catharine Courtrightf aged 22 years, being dalv awonii doth d^
pose and say : On the 20th of July I was at the house my mother
Lived in. Thos. Heath, Junr., & Phincas Stephens with four others
Game in the house, and a great Body out about the street (this was
Just at dark); the Party afores' Ordered me out of the house
Emediatelv, when one of s' Party took a Chunk of fire and try'd
to kindle it in one comer of the House but could not, when Ste>
phens at the same time ordered him to burn it Down, then went off;
soon after Leonard Cole came and swore he would have satisfaction
if he killed every Pennemite on the ground, and went off. Then
one Thomas Heath came and said he and their Party Laid on their
bellies in the Bushes ; ho, the s' Heath told me he saw Holmes
Van Gordon, and Henry Brink coming along tho Road ; as V"
Oorden was Nearest him he fired at him and Helmea V" Gknrden
fell on his ass, and another of their men which was next to him in
the Bushes, fired on Henry Brink. The said Thomas Heath, Jun%
said he saw Brink's Rifle Drop out of his hand, and hia arm awing
as he went off. Heath said he then Drew his Tawmahook snd ran
vp to Holmes V'Gorden to Tawmehock him, but V"Gorden beg'd
for Quarters. Heath said he then drew back in the Buahes to load
his ffun again. The guns began to fire from all Quarters; John
FranKlin, who was Commander of aaid Party, oame to the door, and
Ordered my Mother and myself to be off by daylight, or eicpcot
trhat would follow. Oae of the Party said Damn their aoalSi Nail
them up in the House and burn them all up alive.

her
CATHARINE M CORTRIQHT.
Sworn before me at Wyoming, ) mark.

Aug« lllh, 1784. V

Jno. Skely. )

PENNSYLVANIA AROHIYBS 1784. 848

No. 7.

Eli»aheth Van Orman being Duly sworn doth depose and say,
that on Satterdaji the 24th of Jaly, as I was helping Mrs. Sims to
move her efibcts to the fort, I heard Biohard Inman & William
Hebbard, in Company with a Number of others, Declare that as
long as there was six of them Living they wonld lay in the woods
and would kill and Destroy all they could ; at the same time Rich-
ard Inman told me to move away, for there was one of their men
gone to John Swift for orders to shoot at Women & Children.
During this time the Connecticut People kept up a constant fire
towards the fort. The Tewsday following as I was fetching a Pail
of Water, there was Eight guns fired at me by the afores' Conneot-
ticut Party.

her

ELIZABETH 6 V- ORMAN.

mark.

Sworn before me at Wyoming, "^

the 11th Aa^, 1784.

Jno. Seslt. 3

No. 8.

Garret Shoemaker^ aged 60 yean, being duly sworn, doth de-
pose and say that some time in June, after the Supreme Court at
Snnbury, the Deponent was going to Shawanee to get two Busholb
of Bye to carry to Mill, when John Inman & one young man by
the name of Corey took him prisoner & carried him down below
Nanticoke falls. Some time after he was taken John Swifb joined
the party. The Deponent heard Swift, Inman, & Corey threaten
that they wonld be the death of every Pennamite on the Ground.
They particularly mentioned Captn. Ball, Henry Shoemaker, Esqr.,
Alexander Patterson, Esqr., whom they threatened no^ only to
mnrder, but to roast into the bargain. Below Nantikoke falls near
forty well armed men who had l^n out on different prties, came
together. John Swift, who is a Deputy of Sheriff Antis, and John
Franklin had the Command of the men. One Myers, another
Deputy of Sheriff Antis, was also there and joined in threatening
with Uie others. Meyers seemed exceedins intimate & friendly
with the Connecticut men, but abused the Deponent k two other
prisoners rery much. Swift, Inman '& Corey beaC the Deponent
with their iron Ramrods, Uien knock'd him down with their Guns,
mashed his foot, broke one of his thumbs and two of his Bibs. The
Deponent demanded their authority for using him in the manner
they did, but they could show none. They carried him to Sunbury
Gaol; but he was soon released. A man who is a stranger to the

644 PENNSTLYANIA ABGHIYE8 1784.

Doponeot waa hb Becarity. After the Deponent returned hooM
one Burnam camo to the Deponent'a houae & threatened if the
Deponent did not instantly remove his family he would kill him ft
burn his house. The Deponent was forced to remoye, A emme n
to the Fort as the only place of Safety, where he hu remained

since. The party of Connecticut People have robbed him of eveqr
thing he had in the world^ and destroyed his garden ft orop in tM
Ground. I

his
6ERRET X SHOEMAKER.

mark. ^

Sworn before me at Wyoming, ") . »

Augt. 10th, 1784. [

Jno. Seelt. 1

No. 9.

Before me the subscriber, one of the Justices in and for the Cooatf
of Northumberland, personally appeared Catharine Stmnu^ *8*'
thirty years, who being duly sworn on the holy Evangeiiats of
Almighty God, doth depose and say that in the forenoon of tlM
twenty-third of July lant, the deponent saw a number of the Con-
necticut settlers coming from the Woods southward of the house in
which the deponent lived in Wyoming; as they directed thdr
course towards the house, the deponent fastened the door. When
they came up they ordered her to open the door ft let them in ; the
refused, and then they attempted to force the door open, but friliw
in that, they burst open ft broke a Window at which one en tend ft
opened the door inside & let the rest in. William Sloeknm bmal
open the Window. When the party came, in they tamed her oni^
& ordered her to go into the Fort, which she said she would not de^
as she had rather stay in her own house. They then went to the
Window and began to fire upon the Fort ; they fired aeTeml gnni
upon the«fort before one shot was returned. William Sloaknm aal
William Ross were the only two of the party that Deponent knev»
After firing pretty briskly for about half an hour they went el^
leaving the Deponent and her children in her house. The neat
morning Giles Sloakum and Phineas Pearce came to the DeponenMl
about fireak^t time, and asked for Deponent's fiasbuid. . 8hi
informed them that ho was not at home. Giles Sloakum looked
about the house, and observe^ to the Deponent that ahe had removed
some of her Effects; she answered no, that she had taken her Bed
ft slept with her children in the Cellar, as she waa afraid to stay mp
stairs. Giles Sloakum and Phineas Pearoe^ who had both fire-«nB%
went into the Garden and crept through the potatoea up to tfan
head of the Garden toward the fort, and laid down under the
f nee. While Sloakum ft Pearce lay in the Garden, Phineae Ste-

PENNSYLVANIA AECHIVK8 1784. 645

pbens and two others came to the door and seeing the Deponent's
two Cows at the door, Stephens ordered the other two that wero
with him to take off the Cows. The Deponent entreated them at
least to leave her one Cow, but they would not. The deponent
took hold of the Rope of one of the Cows, but Stephens struck her
away, & ordered her to remove with her children, for if ho caught
her in the house again it would be worse for her; the deponent was
forced to remove. While she wis trying to get a few of her things
out of the house, Nathan Carey, Richard Inman, one Hebbert, one
Gore, Wm. Ross, Nathan Walker & many others came up to the
house. A short time after she removed into the fort. A smart
firing begun soon after. The Deponent before she went to the fort,
went to John Franklin who commands the Connecticut party to
endeavour to get her Cows. He gave her no satisfactioe. £very
thing the Deponent left in her house was plundered, and her garden
destroyed. Further the Deponent saith not.

CATHARINE SIMS.
Sworn before me at Wyoming, ^
Augt. 10, 1784. [

Jno. Sbelt. 3

No. 10.

Lois King beine duly sworn, doth depose and say, that her hus-
band's house, in which she lived, is just above Forty fort Some-
time in the middle of July, Phineas Stephens, Edward Inman,
Elisha Satterlay k Ishmael Bennet, jr., came to her house & threat-
ened to set fire to it, with many other threats to throw her into the
River. Being afraid of her Life if she staid, the Deponent came
down to the Town of Wyoming to ask advice what she should do.
When she went back to her house, she found the Roof tore off, and
the house plundered ; Beujamin Jenkins, Gideon Church, William
Jacques were in her house when she returned from the fort. The
deponent when she went back collected what few things ^he could
find, & came down about half a mile below her home to the house of
the Widow HarriM. When she oame to the Widow Harris's she
saw Gideon Chorob, who had came on before her, and Waterman
Baldwin. When she had passed a little distance from Harris's
house. Waterman Baldwin shot at her ; the Ball missed her, but
went thro' the thigh of her Dog that was walking close by her side.
She knows Baldwin fired at hor, for she turned round instantly &
saw him with his Gun in his hand & the smoke of the Powder over
his head.

LOIS KING.

Sworn before me at Wyoming, "
Augt. 10th, 1784.

Jno. Sselt,
Vol. X.-28

h 3

616 PENNSYLVANIA ABGHIYBS llSt.

No. 11.

Hannah Schoanhover beiDg daly sworn doth Depose & say, tbat tm
ihe22nd of Jalj aboutsanrise, I saw Waltennan Baldwin, Doetor
Minor and a Number of others belonging to the GoiineetiGat Party
Coming towards my honse, I stept ont of the door& ordered mj Siiler-
inlaw to stay in the house and Barr the Door with an Iron Barr which
was for that purpose, & by no means to open the door for then,
when they came up Waltennan Baldwin then ask'd me if there was any
men in the house or about it I told him there was not, he then ask'd me
to open the door, I told him I would not, he then sud be would s^
find a way to open it, and Broke it open, said Baldwin then asked
me to open the Chests I told I would open none for him nor no other
Person, he then Broke open the Chests and Plunder'd them of all
the most yaluable effeets, Baldwin with this Party then went off and
in about an hour after returned with a number more then ordered rae
to take off my effects and march off to the fort or through the swamp,
1 refused to do either upon which they took and threw all my Goods
out of the house, and went off. Immediately afterwards one Innman
came with three or four others and ordered me to go with them to
Shawene Garrison, I Refused, they told me if I did not I should fare
worse, when I saw there was no help for me, I went with them down
to the Garrison where I saw John Franklin with about forty men
sd. Franklin Commanded the Party and told me to march through
the swamp or to the Fort^ if I did not I would be abus'd.

her
HANNAH (H) SCHOONHOVEB.
mark.

Sworn before me at Wyoming, 1
Aug. 10th, 1784. J

No. 12.

Isaac Taylor being duly sworn doth depose and say, that on the
8th Instant I heard Phineas Stephens say if they the Connecticut
Claimants could not now obtain their Lands they would lay in am«
bush and fight as long as they livM, I likewise beard one Abraham
Pike swear by his maker (On hearing of Esekiel Schoonhever
Coming into Shawana) he would shoot sd. Sehoonhover and took
his Rifle with an Intent to shoot him, I told Mr. SchoonboTer of sd.
Pikes Design & he kept out of his way, this was done by Pike this
day.

ISAAC TAYLOR.

Sworn before me at Wyoming, ")

Aug, 10th, 1784.

Jno. Seelt.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVES 1784. 647

No. 18.

Mary Long being Duly sworn doth depose and say, on the fourth
day of Augt. Benjamin Harvey said I should move out of my house
if I did not the yankeys would set it on fire, I likewise heard a
Number of the Connecticut People say if the Lands at Wyoming was
not given back to them they would fight as long as there was three
of them Living.

her
MARY XI LONG,
mark.
Sworn before me at Wyoming, *
Augt. 10th, 1784.

Jno. Sselt.

No. 14.

WUltam Hartman being duly sworn doth depose & say, about
the 22nd of July Josiah Pell three of the Innmans one Willm.
Jones and a Number of others of the Connecticut Claimants came to
the house of the Deponent With John Franklin their Commander
who order'd him to move off Immediately, the Deponent heard
Numbers of the party say they Intended to drive all the Inhabitants
into the Fort & after they had done that they Intended to Storm the
Fort and kill Man, Woman & Child, the Deponent farther heard
Elijab Harris say that a Number of them Lay in ambush to shoot
the Pennsylvanians who was coming up that way and would have
kiird them all, but was Discovered by a Dog, which caus'd them
to fire sooner than they would have done, & that their party had the
first fire and shot down but two. Holms Vn. Gordon & Henry Brink.

his
WILLIAM X HARTMAN.
mark.
Sworn before me at Wyoming, '
Augt. 11th, 1784.

Jno. S£Klt.

■}

No 15.

Before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in k for
the County of Northumberland personly appeared John Karey who
being duly sworn doth depose and say, that the day after the Skir-
mish at Shawena I heard several of the Conneoticat Party say, that
they did not see they could have any benefit of the Law they had

ti» PBNNSTLVANIA ABCHIYBS ^84.

trj'd it oat, and they would now try if they coald not make Law
oome. I likewise heard Bichard Innman say the 9th Ins't if they
were Defeated at Wyoming this time they would go to Connecti-
cut and bring assistance Enough.

Sworn before me at ") JOHN GARY.

Wyoming, Aug« 11th, 1784. V
Jn* Seelt. 1

No 16.

John Kraun being duly sworn doth depose and say, on Satterday
the 8th Ins't, he heard Lcnard Cole say they had sought for Law
this Nine months but could find none, and was now determined to
find law, that it was likewise against the orders of goyemment to
keep a Fortification, if it was not DemoHsh'd they would Demolish
it and would Likewise take Alex'r Patterson for he deserved to be
torn to pieces with horses. On Monday following heard Nathaniel
Cook & Buben Cook say they had killed but few, but would give
them another Indian Blast. his

JOHN M KRAUN.
mark
Sworn before me at
Wyoming, 11th Aug*, 1784.

Jn** 8££LY.

No 17.

Samud Karr being duly sworn doth depose and say, on the 23**
of July Lord Buttler took him the dcponant prisoner to John
Franklin where he received Considerable of abuse, & was ordered to
turn ofi" his Premises, Likewise Ishmael Bennet threatened to Blow
his Bnuns out if ever he the deponent was seen on the ground, the
Deponent farther says he heard Elijah Harris Twho was one of the
party Commanded by one Major Abbot) say, tnat they heard of a
party of the Penncmites coming from Shawena, they Lay in ambush
for them and was ordered not a man to fire untill their Commander
Abbott fired first, and then they would Perhaps cut ofiP the greatest
part of the first fire, but being affraid they were discovered by a dog
whiSh was in the Bushes two of their men fired, he the s' Harris said
he then step'd in the Boad to see if he could get a shot and seen none
but the wounded man (Helms V" Gorden) and Tho's Heath Jun'r
one of their party (who bad his gun up and was going to shoot the
wounded man^ said Harris cau't Heath by the arm and Call'd him
a Damn'd son of a Bitch for going to shoot a Wounded man.

SAMUEL KARR.
Sworn before me at
Wyoming, Aug* 11th, 1794.

Jn" S££LY.

^^■_^_^^>'«

FBNNSTLVANIA ABCHITE8 1784. 649

No. 18.
Deposition of Thomas Brink, 1784.

NorthnmberlaDd County, 88.

"" On the Twelfth day of Aogasty in the year of oar Lord Ona
Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-Four, Before me, Henry
Shoemaker, Esquire, One of the JustiocB of the Peace in & for the
said County, Voluntarily Came Thomas Brink and made oath on
the Holy Evangelists as follows, vizS that about Two weeks ago
he, this Deponent, was at the house of Lucy Harvey, at the Lower
End of Shawnese Flats, in Company with Jonathan JSiarsh, where
also was one Benjamin Harvey ; and Harvey speaking of the Laws
of Connecticut Oovemmcnt and of the Laws of Pennsylvania, and
comparing them with one another, he got up in a Rage and damn'd
the Laws of Pennsylvania and them that made them -—And* that four
or Five days ago a certain Reuben Cook, in this dopjnent s House,
at Shawnese, told him that the Houses standing near the Hill, on
the Shawnese Flats, must be pulled down, for they should not stand
there, and in particular James Benscotter's House, for neither he
or his Family should stay there. And this deponent further says,
that sometime last Week towards the latter End, the High Sheriff
of the said County, Henry Antes, Esq', passing by tbb deponent's
House stopped there to feed his Horse, having three other Persona
in Company with him ; this deponent, desirous to know how matters
were like to go on, asked Mr. Antes, the Sheriff, a few Questions,
who informed this deponent that he had ordered the New England
People to take their Arms, and go to their Possessions, for that People
were not to stand still and bo killed, and to take care of their Grain
and (>rass ; that there was to be no more turning out of houses by
either Party, but matters were to be decided at Law — That the
Sheriff said the People here, and the deponent apprehended that by
the People he meant those in the Fort, bad a wrong apprehension of
the militia that were coming up to their assistance, for that they, the
Militia, were coming up to put the Law in force ; that Two Justices
had been left at Wyoming, and another would be sent immediately,
and that would make a Quorum — And farther this deponent saith
not.

THOMAS BRINK.
Taken and Sworn the day and year aforesaid, Before Henry
Shoemaker.

No. 19.
Deposition of Jonathan^ Marsh, 1784.

Northumberland County, ss.

On the Twelfth Day of August, one thousand Seven Hundred and
Eighty-foar, Before me, Henrj Shoemaker, Baqr., one of the Justioes

660

PENNSYLVANIA AliCHIVES 1784.

of the Peace for Said County, voluniarj Came Jonathan Marsh, and
made Oath on the Holy Evangelists as follows : that about the
Seventh of Angast, at the House of Thomas Brink, in Shawnies
Township and County aforesaid. Heard Henry Antici Say that He
had Ordered the yankyies to Come Home and take there Respective
Possessions as Heretifour, and ordered them to go to Harvesting the
grain and to Cuting the Hay ; and farther Said He Had ordered the
yankyies to take there armes, for men was not to Stand Still and be
Killed — and farther Saith that a Short time after the Scurmage of
Locust Hill, in Northampton County, Heard Thomas Hath, Juner,
and Bennet Boasting and Laughing, and Said that they ware there
them Selves and Came on the Pensylvanians in three Parties and
approacht very nigh them hefore the Penuemights Saw tbem^ and
fired on them and Left Eight of the Pcnoylvanians on the ground
to Keep Possession ; and farther Saith Not.

JONATHAN MARSH.

Taking and Swornc the Day and year ahove Said,

HENRY SHOEMAKER.

Jonathan Seelt to Henry Antes, Esq., Sherut of Noe-
thumberland countt^ 1784.

Sir,

Wyoming, Aug't 12th, 1784.

I this day, about Eleven O'Clock, Rec'd a Letter (from Tho^tf
HcKean, Esqr., one of the Chief Justices of this State,) bj your
hands, which was delivered to me Open, Directing me to Deliver to
you a List of those who had Entered Bail to answer at the Supreme
Court to their Indictments ; the Under Written Names is a I^t of
all those Enter'd Bail before me.

JNO. SEELY.

Ebenezer Taylor,
Silas Taylor,
Joseph Matania,
Samuel V" Gordon,
Helmes V" Gordon,
James Brink,
John Gortright,
Benjamin Hillman,
Martin Tidd,
Daniel Swartz,
Isaiah Colver,
James Colver,
Isaac Clinkefoos,
Directed,

Joseph Solomon,
Ezekiel Sohoonhover,
Henry Brink,
Tunis Coobert,
William Brink,
John Borlen [kind]
Abr'm V» Cortright,
Elisha Cortright,
Benaijah Monday,
Jacob Tilghbury,
Henry Shoemaker,
And'w Henderson^
John Seely,

Alez'r Patterson,
Sam'l Reed,
B. W. Ball,
Luke Brodhead,
Lawrence Kinney,
Preserv'd Cooley,
Robert Biggars,
Gabriel O^en,
David Ogden,
Jacob Kline,
Rudolph Lits,
WiU'm McDonnald,

To Henry Antis, Sheriff North'd County.

PBNNSTLTANtA ABGHIVES 1784. 651

No. 20.
Deposition of Barnabas Cabt, 1784.

Before me, John Seely, Esqr., one of the Jostioes of the peace in
and for the County of Northumberland, Game Bamahag Karet/^
aged 51 Years, and made oath on the Holy Evangelists ; says that
towards the Latter end of May, he, the said Deponent, saw a Letter
sent from one Moyers, then a Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Antis,
Inviting the People that were Dispossessed by the Pennsylvanians
to Return back to Wyoming, that Sheriff Antis would be on the
ground about the middle of June with two Magistrates, and would
gJTe them all Possession again, which Induced the said Deponent to
Return to Wyoming again ; this Letter was handed about by one
John Jenkins.

BARNABAS GARY.

Sworn before me at Wyoming, Aug. 14th, 1784.

No. 21.
Deposition of Henbt Brink, 1784.

Before me, the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace in and
for the County of Northumberhind appeared Henrt/ Brink aged 22
years, and Being duly sworn doth depose and say, on Tewsday the
20th July as he the said deponent was marching in Company with
one Wilhelmas Vn. Gorden from Shawena towards Kingstown flats,
being about one Hundred yards in front of Squire Shoemaker and
some others, near two miles from Shawana garrison the Deponent
sp/d a Dog in the road before him, he then tum'd to Helmas Vn.
Oorden & asked what was meaning of that dog being in the Road,
Willhelmas Yn. Gorden said he did not know, but believed it
belonged to the house above, the dog then turned in the Bushes, the
Deponent Looking in the Bushes and saw them shake, told Vn.
Oorden he believra there was Yankeys there, Vn. Gorden said it
was nothing but Calves, and Immediately on mentioning it the
second or third time there was Eight or Nine guns fired at the s*
Deponent and Willhelmas Vn Gorden, four shots of which hit and
wounded the Deponent, two through the left arm, one in the Breast,
and one through the Right arm, and one shot Wounded Willhelmas
Vn. Gorden, ue Deponent further saith that after the first Eight or
nine guns were fired, the Yankeys Raised the Indian yell and fired
about fifteen guns before any of the Pennsylvanians fired a gun, the
Deponent farther says, himself k Yn. Gorden never Discharged
their Guns, that Willhelmas Vn. Gorden's Rifle fell off his shoulder
when he Dropt. HENRY BRINK.

Taken & sworn before me at 1
Shawdba, August 15th, 1784. |
Jmo. Skblt.

90a PSNNSYLYANIA ABCmVBS 1784.

No. 22.
DfPOBinoN or WiLLHELMAfl Vn. Qorden, 1784.

Willhelmas Oorden Being dalj swcnrn doih depoae & aaji thai on
Tnetday die 20th of July, on their marah as before aworn by Heniy
Brink, about two miles from Shawana Garrison there was a Number
of the Conneotaeat party lay in ambush & fired on the Beponeat A
Henry Brink, bnt what number of Guns was fired or what Pass'd
he the said Deponent does not remember, farther than that he heard
Henry Brink ery out Lord a merey,and saw hit Bifie Drop, and one
Thomas Heath, junV, came up to the said Deponent anw'd his
Bifie up to bis faoe ft was going to shoot the a* Deponent, bat one
of their men stopt s' Heath from killing a* Deponent, the Deponent
being shot senseless says was the reason of ^ his not renieaibering
any uurther partioulan that happened. his

WILLHELMAS M VAN OOBDEN.
mark.

Sworn before me at
Shawena^ Aug't 15th, 1784.
Jno. Seblt.

}

No. 23.
DaPOSinoN or Jonas Tuknsb, 1784.

JanoM Turner aged 19 years, being duly sworn on the kolj Eraa-
gelist doth depose and say, that the fourteenth Inst, he was at a
place known by the name of the Stone Cabin near Locust Hill in
presence of Captain Sehott and the Prisoners who were on their
way to Easton Goal, that the s' Deponent heard said Sehott Infbm
said prisoners not to be Discouraged for they would only haye a
walk to Easton and baek again that he had in bkok and white
sealed in his pocket, Instructions to take a list of the names of the
Connecticut Clumants with the Quantity of Land they held that
Uie President of the State had Instructed him to make such
Enquery and that they should have one half of all such land for
that the Pennsylvanians were wrong and had no Business on
Locust Hill, and Desired the Prisoners to make a list of their names
and send it to him for he would go to Philadelphia next week^—
and that Sehott, putting his hand to his Poeket said to the Prisoner^
that he there had Instructions in writing more than he told than
about his

JONAS M TURNER,
mark.

Sworn before me 1
this 16 Aug't, 1784. J

Jno. SSELT.

PBNNSrLYANIA AB0HIYB8 1784. «68

" List ojp A?fidavit8 taken at Wyobung, 1784."*

Depredations & Threats at Wioming.

Abm. Goodwin, August 11, 1784.

Johnnathan Marsh, do. 10, do.

Anthony Bunsooto, do. 11, do.

Mary K00I7, do. 10, do.

John EHing, do. 11, do.

Eliz. Van Orman, • do. 11, do.

Oarrit Shoemaker, do. 10, do.

Catherine Sims, do. 10, do.

Lois King, do. 10, do.

Banna Schonhoyer, • do. 10, do.

Isaac Taylor, do. 10, do.

Mary Long, do. 10, do.

John Cary, do. 11, do.

John Craven, do. 11, do.

Concerning the attack at Locust Hill....

Charles Monro, do. 11, do.

Eliphalet Emmons, do. 9, do.

Silence Emmons,. do. 9, do.

John Patnors Examination

Attack of the Gkirrison at Wioming

Brink & Van Gordon do. 15, do.

Henry Bumey, do. 11, do.

Leah Vangardner, do. 11, do.

James Lardner, do. 11, do.

Pamelia Taylor, do. 12, do.

Cathn. Cortright, do. 11, do.

Wm. Hartman, '. do. 11, do.

Saml. Karr, do. 11, do.

Summons to the Garrison

John AftBiSTBONO to Fbes. Diokinson, 1784.

Wyoming, 24tii August, 1784.
Sir,

The enclosed letters from Colonels Willson & Kern, contain 1
intelligence very closely connected with the peace & happiness of
this unfortunate Country ; & which, if I may haiard an Opinion,
will deserve the immediate attention of Government— I have there-
fore dispatched them to your Excellency by Express.

The whole of the Militia has been dismiss'd some days since, &
jour Excellency^B orders concerning the works, arms, &c., executed.

* SolndorBed.

28*

664 PENNSTLYANIA AB0Hiyi»n84.

These events^ yon will readily conceiye, have left the PennsylTanu
olaimants in a very disagreeable sitaation — & joioed to the oonduct
of the Sheriff, will Induce, I'm afraid, to a very general desertioii
of the Coantry, or what is perhaps more to be dreaded — an immedi-
ate appeal to arms. I would only farther observe to jour Exoel-
lency that the hands whioh have been already loosed bj Uie Sheriff
are among the most dangerous of the whole number^ & that I have
every reason to believe they will be joined to those of Swifi &
Abbot before thb letter can reach Philada.

Enclosed is also a list of those persons who have attaek'd them-
selves to the fortunes of those two desperate ViUainsi— ft an now
collected at Bowman's Greek.

I am with the highest respect^

your Ezeellenoy's most obedient

& very humble servant,

JOHN ARMSTRONa, Jr.*
Directedf

His Excellency, John Dickinson^, ^^qt., IVesident of the Slate.
By Express.

Nicholas Ejebn to Col. A&mstronq, 1784.

Sunbury, 22d AugUBt, 1784.
Sir,

I have to inform you of my arrival at this place with the Priso-
ners under my command, yesterday morning Josiah Pill and George
Banister made their escape, the remainder I delivered to Sheriff
Antes, called the roll and saw them put in Prison, the Sheriff said
the Prisoners were now under his care. A few minutes after I saw
many of the Prisoners at Liberty — and this morning went to the
goal, found Eleven of the number I delivered absent — ^Inelosed you
have their Names. You have . much to tear from those men, as I
presume they are gone to Wyoming. I march to morrow for North-
ampton— beg leave to subscribe myself

your obedt servt.,

NICHOLAS KERN, Col.
Directidf

On Public Service.

Colonel John Armstrongs Wyoming.

Mr. Harris.

WiLUAM Wilson to Col. AbbcstbonG; 1784.

Sunbury^ 25th Augusti 1784.
Sir,

The Prisoners arrived here yesterday, and after they were delivered
into the Sheriff's Custody, he gave them Permission to go at large,
* See page 819.

PENNSYLVANIA AB0HITB8 1784. 66S

whioh alarmed the InhabiUntfl ezeeedingly. One of the Magistratea
laat EveDiDg ordered them to be oloaely oonfined^ & ten of them are
missiDg thifl Morning.

There is a Nomber of the Priaonera now at the Sh'fb Honae, & I
hafe the greateat reaaon to imagine that he haa paroled aome of
them.

In Oonaeqnenoe of an applieation from the moat reapectable People
here, I have ordered a Serjeant'a Guard to be mounted at the GoaL
Thia atep I hope will meet with your approbation, aa the nreaent
condition of the Goal ia anch that rendera a Meaanre of that Natnre
indispenaably neeeaaary.

I have been extremely ill ainoe my arrival here, with a fevoK,
whioh prevented me from attending to the Condaot of the Sh'£^ &
haa effectoally rendered me onfit for any Bnaineea.

The Bearer ia a young fellow of the Name of Harris, who haa
agreed to deliver thia Letter to you— I waa under the Neoeaaity of
oontraoting with him for five DoUara. I would eateem it aa a very
particular fitvor if you will hand him that sum.

y'r very Hble. Servt.,

WM. WILSON.
Direcfedy

Public Servioe.

Col. John Armatrong, Wioming.

^Bxpreaa.

Wm. Bradford, Jr., to Counoil oy Censors, 1784.

Sept. 8, 1784.
Sir,

In obedience to the ordera of the Counoil of Censors, dated the
7th instant, I have the honor to transmit to you the five enclosed
papers respecting the controversy about the private right of soil to
Lands within thu state, formerly claimed by the State^ of Connecti-
cut.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

your most obedient Servant,

WM. BRADFORD,
jun'r.
Dtrectedy

The Honble F. A. Muhlenberg, Esq., President of the Council
of Censors.

DxposiTiON or Arhamam Ptk1| 1784.

Northampton, ss.
Personally appeared before me John Boyd, Bsouire,

SoiniBma Szeoutno ConnQil of thia Commoiivealth, Ab

6M PBNNSTLVANIA ABOHIYBB ^1784.

of the Goanty of Northumberland, yeoman and being sworn iipoi
the Evangelists of Almighty God, doth depose & saj that he wai
one of a party of Men, who advanced from Wyoming to Bear
Swamp, nnder the direetion of John Swift on Saturday, the tliirty-
first day of Jnly last, and then remained in wait for MoDonald'a
party untill the afternoon of Sanday the 1st of Angost last, that a
oonsaltation was held, (upon the eoming in of one Van horn, who in-
formed that there was a dispute existing among the men of Loenst
Ridge, whether they would then advance or not,) whether they,
(Swift & his party) should remain where they then were, return to
Wyoming or advance to the Ridge above mentioned, and attaek and
dbperse such men as were there oolleoted, that it was at length
determined to proceed, and that they acoordingly marched the same
evening to a place within a mile and a half or some short distanee
from LK)on8t Ridge, and there remained 'till morning; when they
got again into march finding the party lying & sitting m a dispersed
manner under the trees & bushes ; they find upon and drove some
of them into the house of one Brown and others into the woods;
from whence they began to return the fire ; that this engagement
lasted for some considerable length of time ; that John Swift then
called off his party and returned with them to Wvoming ; the even-
ing of the same day being Monday the second day of August last,
& that the said party consisted 6f the following persons, to wit :
John Swift, Waterman Baldwin, Joel Abbot, Elisha Satterlee,
Lord Butler, Wm. Slocum, Gideon Church, Benjamin Jenkins,
William Jenkins, Elisha Harris, lahmael Benuet, the younger Daniel
Sullivan, John Gore, Richard Hoisted, Edward Inman, Jeremiah
White, Jonathan Barnwell, Elisha Harding, Walter Spencer, Wil-
liam McClure, Prince Alden, William Jackson, John Fuller, John
Minor, Avery Gore, William Smith, Jun'r, Abraham Nesbitt, John
Holbert, Moses Sills, William Hide, Nathaniel Walker, d; John
Plattner, & fieurther this deponent says not.

ABRAHAM PIKE.

Sworn and subscribed before me this 14th day of September.
1784.

JNO. BOYD.

Deposition or J. Moore, 1784.

Northampton, ss.

Personally appeared before me John Boyd, Esquire, member of
the Supreme Executive Council of this Commonwealth, James
Moore, of the county of Northumberland, yeoman, and being sworn
upon the holy evangelists of Almighty God, doth depose and say,
that being at Locust Ridge, in the county of Northampton (with a
email party of men, there stationed in consequence of the directions

FBNNSTLVANIA ABCHIVBS 1784. 667

of the Commisdonere, (The Hon. John Boyd & John Armstrong,
jr's, Esq'rs,) on Mooday, the second day of August last, about ten
o'clock in the morning, He, the deponent was alarmed by the dis-
charge of fire arms, that upon seeking the cause of it, he discovered
the men of McDonald's party mnning towards the house without
arms, and followed by others who were firing upon them as they
fled ; that among the number of thoee who took refuge in the cab-
bin, in which the Deponent was, oame Jacob Everett, who soon
afterwards received a ball in his forehead by which he expired in
aboat half an hour ; that the firing continued after this for some
time, by which two men were wounded ; that after it had ceased,
the body of the above mentioned Everett was interred near the hut
in which be was killed, and farther this deponent saith not.

J. MOORE.

8wom and subscribed before me this 14th day of September,
1784.

JNO.BOYD.

AoT 07 Assembly^ Wtobuno, 1784.

An ACT for the more 9peeJy restoring the poteesnon of certain
meuuagei, landt and tenements, in Northumberland county, to
the per9ons who lateijf held the 9ame»

Sect. I. Whereas several persons at or near Wyoming, in the
county of Northumberland, were in the month of May last, vio-
lently dispossessed of the Messuages, lands and tenements which
they then occupied, and which are still detained from them by force ;
and the peculiar circumstances of these cases require, that the pos-
session of the premises so forcibly entered and detained, should be
without delay restored to the persons who occupied them as afore-
said.

Seot. II. Be it ther^ore enacted, and it is hereby enacted by the
Rfpresentatives of the Freemen of the Commonwealth of Fennel-
vania, in General Assembly met, and by the authority of the sante,
That it shall and may be lawful for the President and the Supreme
Executive Council to direct the Justices of the Peace, in and for
the county of Northumberland to prooeed forthwith in executing
the laws relating to forcible entries and detainers; and that their pro-
ceeding therein, or the writ of restitution thereupon, or the effect
thereof in the cases before mentioned, shall not be in any manner
whatever superceded, impeded or delayed by Writ of Certiorari, or
other Writ issued by the Supreme Court, or any Judge thereof, or
by any other Court whatever.

Seoi. IIL And be ft further enacted by the authority afwtMoii^

«BB PBNNSTLYANIA ASOHIVSS 1784.

That this act ahall oontinne in force nntil the end of the next Set-
aion of the General Afisembly, and no longer.

Signed by order of the Hooae,

OSOBaS GRAT,
JEnaeied into a Law ai PhUaddphia^ Speaker,

on WediMsday the fifteenth daff of
September f in the year of our Lord^
one thousand seven hundred and
: eiffh^'/our. PETER Z. LLOTD,

Clerk of the General AaBOMbly.*

John Armsteonq to Pus. Dickinson^ 1784.

Easton, 14th September, 1784.
Sir,

Before yonr Exoellenoy's last letter reached Wyoming, I had
taken some measures for disposine such part of the Insorgenta as
remained in arms about the mouui of Tunkhannock creek, & tho'
my intentions were far from being fulfilled, yet I have every reason
to believe that a discovery of them has not been without its eSSodj
as they have sinoe removed themselves much higher up the river.
Col. Moore will have the honor to inform your Ezoellenoy of the
steps which were taken to bring about this purpose.

The fears which I expressed in a former letter to Conndl, (and
which had grown entirely out of the Sheriff's conduct at Snnabnry)
have been in some degree justified by the conduct of the people then
released. They have in some iostanoes taken up their arms and re-
tired into the neibouriog hills — ^in' others, they have threatned the
civil officers & refused to submit to the laws. But in no instance
has any real violence been committed, excepting one — ^the offender
in that case was brought to immediate justice. In this situation I
left the settlement on Saturday last, & proposed to have returned
immediately to Philada., but meeting Captain Boyd at this place, 1
have at least suspended my intentions for a day or two, & shall
await the operation of some medicines which I have taken for the
restoration of my health — when I shall be able to determine whether
lean return to Wyoming or whether I am to prosecute my first
iiitenti^ of going on to the City.
I have the honor to be.

With the highest possible respect.

Your Excellency's A; Councils

Most obedient humb. servt.,

JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jr.

'I have forwarded some depositions upon the affair of Loeust ridgef
to the Chief Justice.
Directed,

His Excellency John Dickinson^ Esquire, President.

* Ptiated Laws, folio edition, p. 891,

t Bee pages 628, 636, &c.

PBNNSTLYANIA ABGHIVEB 1784. 669

DsposmoN oj Jamss Beed— Wyoming, 1784.

Before me, John Seely, Esquire, one of the Justices for the peace
in & for the Countjr of Northumberland, appeared James Reed^
Esqr., and being duly sworn, doth depose and saj, that on Monday,
the 20th Instant, when returning from the Fort to Mr. John Hol-
Icnbach's, & at some distance behind Major Boyd & John Oakley,
Esqr., his attentions were call'd immediately to them by a Voice
which commanded some one to pull off his hat, — that he then dis-
covered two men (who appeared to the Deponent to have stopped
the gentlemen above-mentioned) in arms ; — one of whom, holding a
stick over Major Boyd, said — " You were one of the Commissioners
'^ who pulled off your hats to us when we laid down our arms ; now
'' I order you to pull off your hat to me/' Upon which he struck
Major Boyd with his stick ; the stroke seemed to be given with great
violence. This was repeated, the deponent believes, three times,
with much threatning language, among which was this expression —
*^ Come into the wockIs along with me," — to which Major Boyd re-
plied, '^ I shall not go with you ; if you have any business with me,
« come to mv Quarters." The Assailant then ask'd, " how lon^ do
<f you intend to stay here?" Major Boyd's answer was, '' as long
f< as my business calls me." By this time the Deponent had ap-
proach d pretty near to them, when the two men in arms moved off
along the road — & further this deponent salth not.

JAMES BEED.

Sworn & Subscribed before me, at Wyoming,
Sept'r 22nd, 1784.

DjBPOBinoN OF John Okelt — ^WYomNO, 1784.

Before me, John Seely, Esq'r, one of the Justices of the peace in
and for the County of Northumberland, appeared Mr. John Okd^^
and duly affirming accordinff to Law, doth say, that on Monday,* the
20th Inst., in Company with Major Boyd & Col. Reed (the Latter
being some distance behind) Returning from the fort to Mr. John
Hollenback's, they were met by two armed men that came rushing
out of a house on the opposite side of the street; the foremost, as
the Deponent was informed, was Walterman Baldwin, bid Major
Boyd & the Deponent stand ; said, you are Major Boyd, an't you,
one of the Commissioners that Puird off your hat to us when we
laid down our arms. Major Boyd said he was ] says Baldwin, pull
off your hat fortae nowj — ^upon which he struck Major Boyd with a
Btidc three or four times with great Violence, and Much Threatning
Language, telling Major Boyd to come into the woods with kuOj^
vUoh Major Boyd refiu'd, sayings if he had any Bwiefli witb Urn

660 PENNSYLVANIA ABGHITBS 1784.

he should come to his Qaarters, (the Deponent Desired the aasulant
to Desist, & not abuse an unarmed Gentleman, upon which he turnM
to the Deponent, & with a Threat bid liim hold his tongue or) — ^tho
assailant asked Major Boyd how long he Intended to stmj there ;
Major Boyd's answer was, as long as my Business calls me, and
then the two armed men walked off — fiirther the Deponent saith not

J. OKELY.

Affirmed and Subscribed before me, at
Wyoming, Sept'r 22nd^ 1784.

Deposition or Josxph EinG| 1784.

Before me, Henry Shoemaker, Esquire, one of the Jastioes of the
Peace in and for the County of Northumberland, appeared Joiepik
King, of the Township of Shawana, who being duly sworn, doth
depose & say, that on Sunday, the 19th Instant, while he & another
man, with his wife, sat in his own house, he was fired upon from
without by some persons then unseen ; that going to the door to
enquire into the cause of it, he was instantly surrounded by about a
dozen of armed men, who began to beat this deponent with great
violence; that breaking from them, he retired within the door of his
house, and with the assistance of his wife endeavoured to keep the
assailants out — that they shut & latoh'd the door for this purpose^
when the assailants broke it open & began again to beat this depo-
nent with the butts of their guns, & otherwise much abuse him and
his wife — that they then extorted a promise from him under pain of
death, that he would not make any information against them, and
that they then withdrew. This deponent further saith, that some
of the persons thus assailing him he knew, viz. : John Swift, Elisha
Sattalee, Walterman Baldwin, Phede Budd, & Phineas Stevens —
that the others he did not know, — & that he now remains under
the utmost terror of his life.

JOSEPH KINO.
Sworn & subscribed before me, this 22d

day of September, 1784.

H£NEY Shoemaker.

Deposition of William Lantarman, 1784.

Appeared before me, John Seely, Esqr., one of the Justices in &
for the County of Northumberland, William Lanterman, & being
duly sworn doth depose & say, that on Monday, the 20th Instant,
being in his father's corn field in the Township of Stoke, he there
met Waterman Baldwin, who asked him where his father was— A
told him that if he caught him takins any corn out of that field, he
(Waterman Baldwin) would scalp mm. Thb deponent then toU

PENNSTLYANIA ABCmVlS 1784 661

him that he htd oome to get aome com, & added " you will not
shoot me, will joo V upon whioh he replied that he would — ^The
Deponent then told him that auoh oonduct was contrary to law-*
when Baldwin answered that there was no law here— he had tried it
long enough, & that Swift & he & thirty others had come down to
take the corn by force & keep it. That he was armed with a rifle
gun & two pistols. The deponent then left the field, & further saith
not

WILLIAM LANTARMAN.
Sworn & subscribed before me at ^
Wyoming, Sept. 22d, 1784.
Jno. Sjbblt.

Deposition of Harmon Brink, 1784.

Before me, John Seely, Esqr., one of the Justices of the peace in
and for the County of Northumberland, came Harmon Brink, &
Being duly sworn doth depose & say, that on Monday, the 2d day
of August last past, he, the said Deponent was in a house at a plaoe
call'd Locust Hill, in Northampton Uounty, where Col. James Moore
lay siok at that time, there were several others laying under the
trees, and under the shade before the door, the Deponent heard two
or three guns fired, and Immediately heard one Michael MoCartleyi
(who was under the shade before the door) Call to the Deponent to
oome and carry him away, for he was wounded & was not able to

get in the house, the Deponent went to help him in, and ask'd him
ow he came to be wounded, (not suspeotiuff any Evil Minded Per-
sons bebg round) as he spoke to the wounded man there was thirty
or forty guns fired towards the house which the Deponent supposed
to be chiefly at him, he then call'd to the rest that were round to
make the best of their way into the house, after the People were got
in the house one Jacob Everit, standing opposite a Window, was
shot through the head & Died in a few Minutes, two others brides
the first mentioned were wounded, after the Connecticut Claimants
(which I afterwards found them to be^ had Continued their firing
on us about two hours, they Retreated back to Wyoming, farther the
Deponent saith not.

HARMON BRINK.
Sworn & subscribed before me at^
Wyoming, Sept. 22d, 1784.
Jug. Seelt.

Deposition ot Obadiah Walker, 1784.

Appeared before me, John Seely, Es(p., one of the Justices of the
peaoe in ft for the County of Northumberland| Obadiah Walker,

•82 PENNSTLYANIA ABGHIYES 1784.

who being duly sworn doth depose ft say that on Tuesday, the 2] at

Instant, being at the house of Trax, in the Township of

Sfaawaney, John Swift, Elisha Sattalee, Watennan Baldwin, ft
Phineas Stevens came into the aforesaid honse, ft after boaaling of
having beaten Biajor Boyd, one of the CommissionerSy John Swift
drew the wiper from the rifle with whioh he was arm'd, A taking
the smaller part into his hand, stmok this deponent aboat iftj
times with the larger — with all his force, & then departed the honsa.
Farther this deponent saith not.

OBADIAH WALKER.

Sworn ft subscribed before me, at

Wyoming, the 22d Sept., 1784

Jno. Scsly.

■1

Deposition of Nioodemus TaAYis, 1784.

Appeared before me, John Seely, Esqr., one of the JuaUeea of
the peace in ft for the County of Northumberland, Nieodemos
Travis, and being duly sworn doth depose and say that on Hoodayi
the 20th Instant, beini; at his kbor on Jacob's pluns, Daniel Gore
eame up to him with three stones in one hand and a clob in ths
other, declaring that he would sacrifice him if he did not leave the
Oats which he had in his Waggon — proceeded to threaten him
fiirther declared that he should have none of his Crops, ft at length
obliged the Deponent to unload ft leave the Oats on the ground.
The deponent says that he sowed these oats in peace, ft fitfther saith
that he is afraid his life will.be taken should he return again to look
after his property.

his
NICHODEMUS (N) TEA VIS.
mark.

Sworn & subscribed before me, at
Wyoming, Sept 22d, 1784.
Jno. Seely.

Question to the Magistbaot, 1784.

22d September, 1784.
Question to the Magistracy.

Whether from the evidence before them it was their opinion that
we could proceed in the execution of the trust committed to us, with
security to our persons 1 ft what security, if any, they could give us?

PBNNSTLYANIA ABGHIYBS 1784 66S

Answbe 0? JusTiois OP Wyoming, 1784.

Gentlemen,

We have considered the Question which you were pleased to put
to ns yesterday with all the attention of which we are capable, and
now offer it as oar joint opinion that yon cannot proceed to the Ex-
ecution of the Trust committed to yon, with security to your persons
or to the dignity of the State which is so Inseperably connected
with it.

We have also contemplated every means in our power to give yon
the protection you wbh for, and can find it only in the interposition
of an armed force.

We are therefore induced to propose to your own consideration
the Propriety of applying to this alternative, while we cannot in
Justice to what we believe to be the sentiments of a very respecta-
ble part of this Community, but declare that a force Yerry adequate
to your protection can be Immediately obtained.

As Mr. Mead intimated that it would be inconvenient for him to
meet us this Afternoon, we have thought proper to oome to this
separate report, that yon may be early enabled to proceed to some
resolutions upon it.

We are however happy to add that Mr. Meadfl sentiments upon
this subject have exactly corresponded with ours.
We are Gentlemen

with the greatest respect

your most obed't &

very Humble Servants,
JNO SEBLY,
HENRY SHOEMAEJIB,.

Wyoming, September 2dd, 1784.
Directed,

To John Boyd, fisqr., John Armstrong, James Bead, John
Okely.

Ansv^tsb op David Mead, 1784.

Wyoming, Sept. 28d, 1784.
(Gentlemen,

Agreeable to your request, I must inform, that at present from
circumstances, I am induced to believe that you cannot Travil through
the different settlements of this place with bodily saif ty.
In the mean time

am with much Bespect

your Humble Serv't,

DAVID MEAD-
Commissioners of the Supreme \
Executive Council of Pennsyl'a. J

6M PBNNSrLTANIA ABGHIVES 1784.

COMMISSIOMKBS TO PrIS. I>ICKIN80F, 1784.

Wyoming^ 24th September, 17S4.
Sir,

The papers enolosed will explain to your Bxoelleney and Conaeil
the intermptioDS we have met in executing the trust reposed in ui.
The spirit of violence which presented itself upon our arrival at this
place & the daring outrage upon the person of Major Boyd, whieh
immediately followed, were so alarming in themselves and connected
with so many exaggerating circumstances as to produce the inclosed
application to the Magistracy (mark'd No 7) their reply (No 8)*
while it confirmed our apprehensions of farther violence left us how-
ever a good deal embarras'd, k has made this oommunioation im-
mediately necessary. Your Excellency will observe that while they
give us assurances that << a force adequate to our protection may ha
immediately obtained" they leave it to '< our own determinatioii
whether an application to this alternative be necessary or expedient
Upon this point we have some doubts ; which have grown oat of a
belief that- a step of this kind in us would induce to hoBtilitiMft
precipitate this unfortunate country again into blood shed. We
therefore commit ourselves in this instance to the wisdom of oonneil
& hope from that for such a decision as will best promote the inten-
tions of Government & the interest of the public.

As we feel ourselves oblig'd to offer matters of opinion as well as
fact to your Honorable board we cannot suppress our apprehensioiis
that the grain now on the ground will begin some immediate violence.
It has already been the subject of dispute, and we have been press'd
by some of the Connecticut claimants, to an immediate decision
upon it, as the great point upon which the peace of this country de-
pended. Wo have been told that unless this decision was in their
mvor, an appeal to arms would be the consequence. We are here
lead to one observation \^hich cannot but malre Council as unhappy
as the cause of it has made us, viz., that the lenity of government so
explicitly shown by their late laws & resolutions in favor of this
description of people, do not seem to have yet had all the effect upon
their disposition, which was to have been expected from it, while on
the other hand we cannot but declare our happiness in finding the
Pennsylvania claimants, in every instance^which has fieJlen under our
observations, accommodating themselves to the acknowledged princi-
ples of order and sood government.

We are sir^ with the highest respect your Excellency's

most obedient & very humble 8ervantS|t
JNO BOYD,
JOHN ARMSTRONG.
JAMES READ,
J. OKELY.
* Precoding page. f See page 861.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 668

P- S. From motives of a very obvious policy we have yet de-
clined giving any opinion respecting the grain. The bearer is an
intelligent & very confidential person.
Directdj

To Uis Excellency John Dickinson, Esq.
Indorsed,

Read in'Conncil 28th of Sopt'r, 1784.

Dbpositions.
Northampton Coanty, ss :

On the 24th day of September, Anno 1784, before me, Pot^
Rhoads, one of the Justices of the Peace in & for the County of
Northampton, Personally Appeared FreSerick Barthold, of the town
of Easton, and (being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Al-
mighty God) Doth Depose and say, That he was an assistant to
Peter Ealer, Goal Keeper at the town of Easton, in k for the County
of Northampton, and that on the 17th of this Instant, at about 4
o'clock, as he was going up stairs in order to let some of the Prison-
ers that were in Confinement there ft-om Wioming, Down to Get
some water, & to Carrie Down the necessary Pocket, and when they
were out of one Door he Did shut it again and oppened an other
Door for the same Purpose, and as soon as he had oppened the other
Door, one Edward Inman seized him, the Deponent, by the neck
and forced the whole bundle of Keys, consisting of six or seven
Keys, out of his hands, and Knocked him down with it so that he
faint'd, and by the time he recovered, the Prisoners from Wioming,
Twenty-five in number, were all out of the Two Rooms.

FREDERICK BARTHOLD.
Sworn & subscribed Before mc, the

day & year abovcsaid.
Peter Rhoads.

Northampton County, ss :

On the 24th day of September, 1784, before me, Peter Rhoads,
one of the Justices of the Peace in & for said County of Northamp-
ton, Personally Appeared Peter Ealer, the Goal Keeper of Eastoo,
in & for the County of Northampton, and (beiug duly sworn on the
Holy Evangelists of Almighty God) Doth Depose and say, that on
the 17th Instant, at about four o'clock in the afternoon, he ordered
his assistant, Frederick Barthold, up stairs in the Prison where the
Prisoners from Wiomiog were Confined, to Let out of each Room
(they were in two rooms) Two Prisoners, as there were two hand
Cuffed together, in order to fetch water and Carry Down the Noces-

* Bee page 476.

666 PENNSTLYANIA ARCHIVES 1784.

iary Sup as usnal, and Going up throu' an Iron Qate, and after the
same was shut again, be heard him, the said Assistant, aay, that the
Bread which was to be Brought up at the same time onghi or might
be got Red J, to be Carried up when those Prisoners were to be Fat
up again that were to be Let Down, and him & his wife were geting
the Bread to Carry it throu' the Iron Qate, that when tbey (the
Deponent & his wife) oppened the Gate, the Gate waa seised by
some of the Wioming Prisoners, who were hid at the same time in
a Crook Leading to the stairs going up ; and that he Endeavoared
to shut the Gate again, but was over Powered, and Sqniesed &
Kicket very much ; seeing that, he Called to his wife to shut the
front Door, and as the Key was not in the Look, she oonid not shut
it fast anough ; he then Called to her to Allarm the Neighbonra, as
he saw he would be over Powered, and ran to the front Door himself
in order to Lock the same, Snd was over Powered again, and bmiaed
▼ery much, so that he feels very unwell yet, and all the Priaonori
from Wioming, Twenty-five in number, Ran out, and that he Por-
Bued them & Apprehended one. Further he says not.

PETER EALEB.

Sworn & subscribed before me, the
24th Septem'r, 1784.

Peter Rhoads.

Northampton County, ss :

On the 24th day of September, 1784, before me^ Peter Rhoada,
one of the Justices in & for the County of Northampton, Personally
appeared Conrad Ihri, in the Town of Easlon, and (being Duly
sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God) Doth Depose and
Bay, That on fryday, the 17th Day of this Instant, Sept'r, at about
4 o'clock, Mrs. Ealcr, the wife of Peter Ealer, Came Running to his
house — Living oposide the Prison, and Called for Assistants, the
Prisoners were Breaking out of Prison ; that when he Came to hia
Door he saw that the Prisoners from Wioming Pushed Peter Ealer,
the Goal Keeper, out of the front Door, and saw one of the Prison-
ers having a Large Key in his hand, he, the Deponant, ran at him
to seize him, and when he Came near him, the Prisoner stroke at
him, and he avoiding the Blow, the Prisoner Escaped, and they the
Prisoners went all off through an alley. Further he says not.

the Mark of
CONRAD [C I] IHRIB.

Sworn & subscribed before me, the
Day & year above said,

Peter Ruoads.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1784. 667

Northampton County, ss :

On the 24th day of September, 1 784, before me, Peter Rhoads,
<me of the Jostices of the Peace in & for the Coonty of Northamp-
ton, Personally Appeared William Rough, of the Town of Easton,
and (being Duly sworn on the Holy ETangelista of Almighty God)
Doth Depose & say. That, on fry day, the 17th Instant, at about 4
o'clock, as he was at the House of John Spangenberg, opposid the
Prison in Easton, the wife of John Spangenberg being on the street.
Cried out, and saw Conrad Ihrie Run out of his house towards the
Prison } that he, the Deponant, Ran after him, and saw Peter Kaler,
the Goal Keeper, standing in the front deor of the Prison to Resist
the Prisoners from Wiomiog from breaking out of Goal, but before
he, the Deponant, Could Come to the Goal Keeper's Assistance, the
Prisoners forced out, and that he was about Apprehending one of
the Prisoners who had a Large Key in his hand, where with he
offered to strike him, whieh he, in order to save his life, avoided the
stroke. In the Mean time Prisoners from Wioming Got all out, &
went off throuffh an alley, and he, the Deponant, Ran after them,
and allarmed the Inhabitants and Called them to Arms; that it was
a Rainy Day, Did not Come timely to Assistances-further he says
not.

WILUAM ROUQK

Sworn & subscribed before me, the
Day & Year above said.

Peter Rhoads.

Before me, Henry Shoemaker, Esq'r, one of the Justices of the
Peace in and for the County of Northumberland, appeared John
Siicka/oos, and beinff duly sworn according to Law, doth say, that
on the second Day of August Last, he was at a place known by the
name of Locust Hill, in the County of Northampton, in Company .
with several People ; that in the foreno<m of said D&y, the Depo*
nent was asleep under the shade of a Tree, and was alarmed with a
fireing of Musquetry, upon which he fled to a small Log Cabbin,
which was near ; that the Persons who fired killed a Certain Jacob
Everel, by shooting him through the Head, and wounded three
others, (vis.) Michael McCorcle, John Shnboy, & David Moris ; that
the Persons so surrounding, Continued to fire one Hour and a half
or Longer; that he supposed they Consisted of Twenty or thirty
men, some of which he knew, (vvl) Jonathan BtirweU Ik William
Slooum ; that he has good reason to believe that aaid Borwell k
Slokemi with their associates, who perpetrated this nnprovooked

668 PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIYBS 1784.

Mardcr, wore all of the Party Called the Gonneciioat GlaimantB| at
Wjoming — farther the Deponent sayeth not.

hifl
JOHN xSTIGKAFOOS.
mark.
Sworn and Subsoribod before me, at
Wyoming, Sept'r 24th, 1784.
Henry Shosmaksb.

Before me, John Seely, Esqr., one of the Justioes in and for the
County of Northumberland, appeared William SimSf & being doly
sworn, doth depose & say, that being at the Blacknamith shop of
David Fowler of Shawney Township, on the 23d Instant, he there
met Waterman Baldwin & Phenias Stevens, who enquired whether
there was any party after them — he replied, not that he knew off—
they then ask'd whether if a party came after them, they would firs
upon them. The Deponent replied he did not think thej would,—
to which Baldwin answered, that tho' they (the party) should not^
ho would fire upon them, for it was his determination not to be
taken alive, — thiat if it had not rained that morning, ihej would
have pulled Lanterman's corn — had Twenty or Thirty men for that
purpose, & as many others to support them. The Deponent advised
him not, & recommended a submission to the laws — To which he
said, " We will be damn'd if we submit to the laws of this State or
any other, but live indcpcndant — the Com we will have, & the
ground too — then you will see the Vermonters turn out — this
Country has always been in dispute, the strongest party has ever
kept it, & we will now keep it." The Deponent further saith, that
Baldwin & Stevens added — We would not have flogg'd Boyd, had
he not been a damn'd Rascal — that what he had received was but a
beginning — that wherever thcv met him they would !bcat him, &
let him know that before he left this Country — that as for CoL
Armstrong, if ever they oatch'd him, they might leave the life in
him but that would be all. They added, that they had not a far-
thing bf interest here, but that they had been hired at the rate of
three half joes a man by the Connecticut claimants to fight here,—
& that in addition to this, they were to divide the lands among
those that did fight — that if it were not for 10 or 12 persons among
them, the Pcnnsylvanians might live in peace and without any d]»>
iurbance, & have the Country to themselves, and that they now
were here by the advice and persuasion of Franklin, Johnstone,
Peiree and others, and that otherwise they should have left this long
ago — and farther this Deponent saith not.

WM. SIMS.

Sworn and subscribed before mO; this
24th day of Septem., 1784.
Jno. Sjbbly.

PBNNSYLYANIA ABOHIVBS 1784. 600

JoH5 Abmstrong to Pbsb. Diokinson, 1784.

24 Sept, 1784, Wyoming.
Sir,

The packet to your Excellency wu closed before Mr. Sim's depo-
sition was made. The Commissionen hftve, howerer, thought pnK
per to forward it.

As we did not wish to multiply reading of this sort, we have snp-
press'd much testimony to the same effect. Your Excellency and
Council will be pleased to accept my most respectful compliments,
and believe me to be with mucn sincerity,
Your most obedient &

Very humble servant,

JOHN ABMSTRONG, Jb.
Directed^
His Excellency, President Dickinson.
' By Mr. Sims.

ADVZRTiaiuiicT OF CoKMiBsioinEBS OF WromNO, 1784.

Whereas the Hon'ble the Supreme Executive Council have by
their resolution of the 9th Instant, appointed us, the subscribers ta
carry into effect a resolution of the General Assembly taken on the
7th of the same Month for the following purposes, vis.,

<< 1st, To obtain the most exact knowledge they can get of the
names of the Widows k Children of such persons as were lately
settled at or near Wyoming, and have fiedlen fighting against the
Savi«es.''

<<§dly, Of all such others as did actually reside on the Lands tl
or near Wyoming when the late Decree was given at Trenton, BOth
Dec'r, 1782."

'< 8d]y, Of the Widows & Children of such of them as have
since died."

"4thly, Of the quantity of Land possessed by each of the persons
before described at the time of his Death, or of the said Decree
respectively."

« 5thly, Of the Improvements on each of the said parcels of
Land."

<<6thly, Of the nature of the Claim on which the poflseasions of
each parcel as aforesaid was founied."

<'7thly, Of the Evidences in support of such Claim."

^'Sthly, Of what parts of such Lands are claimed under PeuH-
ijlvinia, &c."

<<ethly, Bywhom."

We do theiefbre give ihie puMie notiee to all oomemiA tklrk «
Vol. X.— 29

erO PENNSYLYANIA ABOHIVES 1784.

Monday next we will begin to receive all such Information upon the
preceeding Subjects (excepting the 5th articlei) as may be laid
Defore nsi and for this purpose we have thought it proper to direct
that the Inhabitants of the Township of Stoke will attend on
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday next, and the Inhabitants of
Shawana Township on Thursday, Friday A Saturday following at
the House of John Hdlenback in the Township of Stoke.
Given at Wyoming this 25th day of SeptembcTi 1784.

JNO. BOYD.

JOHN ARMSTRONG, Ja,
JAMES READ,
JOHN OKELY.

Inuabitants of Wtominq to Commiss'rs Read and 0&klT|
' 1784.

Wyoming, Sept. 25th, 1784. ^
Gentlemen,

We can't but observe the good Intention of the General Assembly
of PcDDsylvania in behalf of the Connecticut Claimants, in the late
Resolve of that Honorable House; which refleota much Honor
upon them, and will terminate much in Favor of the Connecticut
Olaimants : And also the Resolve of the General Aesembly, au-
thorising the President, and Council to appoint Commissioners, to
repair to Wyoming, in order to ascertain the Names of those bnve
men who fought, bled and ezpir'd in the glorious Cause of liberty
and Property.

And what Quantity of Lands they occupied, and posses'd ; and
also the Names of the Widdows and Fatherless Children ; that the
General Assembly might be in a Capacity to make a just Discri-
mination, and extend their Humanity and Commiseration to those
Persons who had been the greatest Sufferers, by the Depridations of
the Savages : And also the names of those who liv'd here at the
Decree at Trenton, the Quantity of Lands they possessed at that
Time, their Title, &c. — The above Resolves we c^n't but take the
greatest Notice of, and assure you Gentlemen, that our Hearts glow
with Gratitude, and high Esteem for that Honourable House ; yet
at the same Time let us tell you, that we are sorry to say, that we
have just Reason to suspect that two of the Commissioners, are so
prejudiced against the Connecticut Claimants that its impossible for
them to do Justice, and therefore very unfit persons to act in that
Capacity.

The Gentlemen whom we refer to are Lt. Colo. John Armstrong
and John Boyd, Esq'r, who have once deceived us by fbrfiting their
word and Honour; especially Colo. John Armstrong; and now
appears to be replete with Prejudice, and we may say MaJioe against
US : for when the dvil Question was asked Esq'r Boyd, ib Oolo.

FBNNSTLVANIA AB0HIVE8 1784.

671

Armstrong one of the Commissioners, the sud Colo, spoke & said
yes I am, and I will make you know it too.

Now Gentlemen, we leave, you to judge, whether a man, who is
capable of givinc such an answer to Gentlemen, and at the same
Time show'd sucn Prejudice is fit for a Commissioner. We have
reason to believe that no justice can come from Men, who have
such Prepossessions, and Prejudices, asainst ns, as those Gentle-
men appear to have; together with the 111 Treatment, the Con-
necticut Claimants have already received from the above mentioned
Gentlemen.

Therefore, we the Subscribers do most solemnly and in the name
of every thing that is sacred and dear to us as Christians throw in
our Protestations against John Boyd, Esq'r, and Lt. Colo. John
Armstong, acting in the Capacity of CommissionerSi especially
the latter.

We are Gentlemen with suitable Respects your most obcd't and
most humle. servants,
Ebenr. Johnson, Nathl. Cook,

John Franklin, Edisha Harvey,

Phinchas Pcirce, Maros. Calbey,

Hitohard Brockway, Samuel Ayres,

Jeremiah Colman,

Phinebas Nash,

James Bidlack,

Josiuh Roffers,

Ilczckiah Kobarts,

Thos. Park,

Bcnj. Cole,

Josh. Bcnnct,

Jonathan Center,

James Nisbitt,

Timothy Hopkins,

Frederick Eveland,

Samuel Hallett,

James Cole,

Abraham Harding,

Barnabas Cary,

John Scoot,

Wm. Williams,

Joseph Leonard,

David Michel,

Ileury Herding,

Joseph ThomaS|

Samuel Miller,

William Miller,

Direeied^ — The Qonorable James Read and John Oakly, Gommis-.
aionersy Present"^

* Some of these samci are very badly written, and may therefore not be
altogether correct.

Jonah Woodworth,
Samuel Gore,
Samuel Tubbs,
Andw. Blanhard,
Fra. Stevens,
Jabcz Winshipp,
Reuben Cook,
Darius Rarke,
Ralph Compter,
Barney Hayney,
John O'Neil,
John Cury,
Wm. Bucks,
Elijah Buck,
Jas. Gaylord.
Ambrose Gaylord,
Stephen Gardiner^
Abel Peirce,
John Dorrance,
Daniel Peiroe,
Eldad. Kellogg,
Elias Church,
Noah Petibone,
Saml. Ransom,

John Budd,
Fred. Budd,
Amos Eglostoui
James Brown,
James Brown, Jnn'ri
David Sanford,
Jont. Davis,
James Benedick,
Solomon Finch,
Thomas Heath,
Wm. Jack ways,
Jonth. Cory,
Aaron Perkins,
Abraham Westbrook,
John Staples,
Daniel Gore,
Leonard Westbrook,
Daniel Holly,
Eph. Lewis,
liichard Westbrook|
James Westbrook,
John Rose KronS;
Thomas Neill,
John Wight,
Wm. Hooker South,
Elisha Drake,
Ishmael Bennot|
Rieh'd Inman.

673 PSNN8YLVANU ABOHIYEB 178*i

John Fbahkuit, Ag.^ to Pais. JhCKXKBOimp 1784.

His Ezoellency the President, and the Supreme Ezeoative Coancal

of the Common Wealth of the State of PennsjlyaouL
Gentlemen,

We are truly sorry that the good Intentions of the Hon'U« ibrn.
General Assembly of this State in a late Resolve, Relative to thm
Reinvestment of the People eall'd the Connectiout Claioiaiitay is ia
all Probability like to prove inafTcctual, and to no purpose, and alie
that the Gentlemen Commissioners who were sent here to inTOSti-
gate matters, and Reconcile the unhappy Animosities which rab-,
istcd between the New England and Pennsylvanian PartieSi weie .
conducted in the manner they were ; And we likewise lament that
your Hon^ble Body were so unfortunate as to appoint John Bojl
Eaqr, and Lt. Colo. John Armstrong Commissioaers, who bare
antecedent to this appointment been here and used the People oall'dr
the Connecticut Claimants, in the most shameful and abnmTe
manner possible, they l^unished the Innocent and let the gultj M
with Impunity ] Partiality marked their Vestiges and crown'd iheu
proceedings; every Impartial Spectator Exclaimed agftinat their
Cruel and unjust Treatment towards the New England aettleiiy
even those who were so unhappy as to accompany those two Gtentla*
men to the Banks of Susquehannah. And the world even upon %
bare relation of their conduct stand Agash'd, and Thunderetmck.— •
But Gentlemen we would not wish to dwell long upon thia firA
irregular step of their Proceedings, which they Call a Conqaest|
and boast of their Generalship that they have out General^ the
Yankeys, &o., but to come to facts more recent which happened wjLt
the time of their acting in the Hon'ble sphere of Commissionen ai
this Place. The Second Bay after the arrival of the Commiaeionetm
they Desired some of our People to meet them at Mr. John Holon«
back's Innkeeper ; accordingly a number of the People (call'd the
Connecticut Claimants,) waited upon them to know their Intentioiii^
and the business and Import of their Mission ; and when we meA
these Gentlemen, we knew not who or how many of them were
Commissioners, and the Question was asked Esqr. Boyd whether
Colo. Armstrong was one of the Commissioners, the said Colo.
never waited for Esqr. Boyd to give the Solution to the QoeatioQ
ask'd, but spoke in a very haughty and Insulting manner and anidy

J res I am, and I will make vou know it too ; The GommiaeionetA
ikewise^ informed ns that their Business was entirely with thm,
Connecticut Claimants, And that they had none with Fatteraon or
any of his adherents 3 yet nothwithstanding appeared to do all their .
Business for several Days with that Enemy of all good; which *
BO Ezaperated the Connecticut People (so call'd; that ihej desired
a Remonstrance might be drew against John B<rvd Esq'r, and Oolo.
John Armstrong, acting in the Capacity of Commiadonen; fbr-

PENNSYLVANIA ABOHIVES 1784. 67S

tbey were persuaded that no justice eould Poesiblj be administered
by men wbo were apparently replete witb PrepoBsessions and Pre-
judices against tbosc with whom they Pretended to have to treat
with ; accordingly a Remonstrance was drew up against those two
Commissioners, and signed by upwards of Eighty Respectable men
in the Settlement, but the Ckntlcmen Commissioners had absconded
before we had time to Convey the same to James Read, and John
Oakly, Esqrs.i to whom the Remonstrance was directed.

Tho' antecently to their Departure, Patterson and Colo. Arm-
strong as it is believed, made a false alarm and had a party of their
own men in the night of the 28th Inst, to attack the Grarrison, and
several of the Neighbouring houses in a most violent manner, firing
into the Rooms of the houses where People were lying in bed, and
alarmed the whole Settlement, and then most Feloniously said the
Yankevs attempted to take the Fort by storm, and that they had
done all that mischief to the Inhabitants, which so Intimidated the
Commissioners that they look'd upon it Dangerous for them to
tarry any longer in the Settlement.

This Insurrection of their own Party was done to frustrate the good
Intention of Government, and excite the Connecticut People to
repair to arms in Defence of their lives and Property. This to-
gether with the insults and abuses that the Connecticut party are
Daily receiving by being confined in the Garrison by Patterson and
his party, without Law or Justice, and knowing the Garrison to be
a harbour and place of Rendezvous for those Tories worse than
Savages who have sacrificed hundreds of our Inhabitants during the
late unhappy war, and now frequently repairing to the Garrison
from Niagara, and elsewhere, and there Protected and harbour'd by
that most ungodly Patterson and his party ; so Exasperated some
of the Connecticut party that in the night of the 27th inst., a small
number of about fifteen only of those who had been drove to almost
besparation, and falsely accused of making the alarm the night
before ; attacked the Fort in good Earnest not out of any Desicn
against Government or the Laws of this State, but in support of the
same, and in order to relieve one of the Connecticut party who had
the Day before been Confined in a guard house in the Garrison, by
Patterson and his Officers without the Colour of Law, when the
attack was made they told the People in the Garrison next time to
make a false alarm and then to lay it to the Yankees — having
Previous to the attack made a Demand of the Prisoners as well as
of a number of Rifles and other fire arms which had been forcible
t'ken from them by Patterson and his Pturty and still Detained or
otherwise a surrender of the Garrison.

If they had Ransaek'd the Regions of Darkness and Consulted all
the Infernal Powers of Hell, they could not fram'd a greater false-
hood than the la^ug the first alarm to the Connecticut party ; but
Patterson and his associates are so fastie and Prolific in the lying

W* PBNNSTLVANIA AB0HIYB8 1784.

way that they would Doccive the very Elect if it were Possible, and
overtum and subvert the Foundation of Government.

We do most solemnly and in the Name of the Great Jehovah,
who is the searcher of hearts, say, that the Conneoticat Party (as
we are called,) had no hand in the first alarm and knew nothing of
the afiair, Directly or Indirectly, and that we stand ready to prove
our Innoccncy, «nd show to the Impartial World the abuses, and
Insults we have received from Patterson and those calUd the Penn-
aylvanian Party, the Injustice, Rapine, Plunder and murder, to-
gether with every species of Cruelty, &c.

The report is that the Commissioners said their misaion was
to find oat the objects of Charity, and then make them Liberal
Donations.

It is Protection and the Benefits of Law we have been long
asking for. The Restoration of our Property and our just Rights,
is what we have been Pleading for. It is our most invaluable Pri-
viledges we are Contending for, and not for Charitablo Donations.

Our Petitions, Remonstrances, and addresses have been Repeated
to your Hon'ble Body, and the House of Assembly, untill our
Patience is worn out, and no Relief is granted us. We have aak*d
for Justice and we Declare to God who knows our hearts, that
Justice is all we wish for. Our Prayers and Intreaties appear
finally to be Rejected and Contcmu'd — And we have Reason to
believe that there is no good Designed for us from this State.

Wishing your Hon'ble Body to be under the Guidance and Bene-
diction of Almighty God, we say Amen.

JOHN FRANKLIN,
EBKNEZER JOHNSON,
PHINEHAS PIERCE.

Wyoming, Oct. 5th, 1784.

N. B. — ^The Remonstrance which was Designed for the Com
missioners, we send Inclosed.

Dbposition or Capt. Shoemaker, &c., 17S4.

Before me, John Sccly, Esq., one of the Justices of the Peace in
& for the County of Northumberland, appeared Eenrjf SltoemakeTf
Esqr., and being duly sworn doth Depose & say, that about 2 O'Clock
in the Morning on Tuesday, the 28th Inst., came to the house where
the fort was, a Number of People known by the Name of the Con*
necticut Claimants, & after giving a Number of Indian Yells, they,
the s'd Enenijes, began a Yery heavy fire on the house with Rifles
Hud Musquetry. (the Deponent & the Other Gentlemen were in bed)
Mr. Samuel Read, as he was Rising in his bed, Received a Mortal
wound through the Back & in the guts. Mr. Andrew Henderson,
striving to gain another house, was wounded in five Difibrcnt places^
one of which is in the Breast, supposed to be Mortal. The Enemy,

9BNNSYLYANU ABCHXYSS 1784 875

Boring the firo, made several attempta to fire the Dwelling house &
bum up (alive) all that was in it ; they Continued firing about two
hours, Broke open the Pnblick Store house, carried off some Arms
and a Quantity of Ammunition ; &rther the Deponent saith noL

HENRY SHOEMAKER.

Sworn & subscribed before me at Wyoming, 28th Septr., 1784.

JN'O SEELY.

At Same Time appeared Alcz'r Patterson^ and Being Duly Sworn
Declares that the Within Depomtion is Just and True.

ALEX'R PATTERSON.
Sworn before me.

JNO. SEELY.

At the Same time appeared Doctor Francis Smith, and being duly
Sworn declares that the within deposition is just and true.

JNO. SEELY. FRANCIS SMITH.

Alex. Patterson to Col. John ARMSTBONa, 1784.

Wyoming, Sept'r 28th| 1784.
Sir,

Eleven hours after you Left this place We were Surrounded by
the Connecticut Band. They kept up a hot and Incessant fire for
the Space of Two hours ; you know that our House is not proof against
Shot ; poor Lieuts Reeid ft^enderson are boath Mortally Wounded.
Mr. Reed is Shot from the Back and into the Guts ; Henderson ii
Shot in five places, one of which is in his Breast j that is the Dan-
gerous one. Capt. Shoemaker and Henderson attempted to gain
the Blockhouse ; noor Henderson fell at the Door ; Capt. Shoemdcer
Gained the Blockhouso to whose Exertions we owe our Lifes who
remain. The Enemy put a burning Toarch to our House, which
struck me with the utmost Horror. I stript myself naked and went
out at the window and Pushed the fire off with my Gun. Soon aflter,
0^>t. Shoemaker, as we Snppose, Killed or Mortallywounded one of
the Yillians ; we heard his Groans. This mominff Discorered Much
Blood and found hia Rifle. — From the Time ^ou left us we had only
Time to remove the Arms and ammunition into Shrawder's Room,
where -they are safe. The Justices, with myself, purpose calling in
the Country and will Endeavor to Make a stand untili we hear horn
Government, which I pray God may be soon.

There is no Doubt but that Johnson, Franklin and Perce were
among the Hnnkcera.

078 FENN8TLYANIA ABCHIV18 1784^

Ob ! for Pittj's Ake stimahte (^oremmeiit to Gnnt m Tmrfiito
•od Eflectual relief; it is not Poarible to Describe mj Mortificatioa
fnr my Two Br»Te| Gentlemanly Boeom friends. I haTe bo man
lime. Adiea.

I anil Sr, intb Mncb Esteem,

Tour Most Obedt Serv't^

ALEX'R PATTERSON.
Tbe Inclosed Depositions you will herewitb receive.
Directed,
Lient. Colonel Jdlin Armstrongi Pbiladelphia.

COMMISSIONXBS TO PU8. DlCKINSOITi 1784.

Philad'a, 1st October, 1784.
Sir,

We b^ leave to take up the report of oor proeeedinn under tbe
late appointment of Gonncily where our letter of the 252i left IL

The disposition to violence discovered by the Connectieat Claim-
ants, while it ^vcs us room to apprehend an immediate outrage of
the public peace, could not entirehr suspend our endeavors to execute
the intentions of Government; & tho' we remtted that want of
confidence which the resolutions of the Assembly supposed, A whichy
at first view, we considered as inseperable from the service we wera
instructed to perform, — ^yet we could not feel ourselves justified
in omitting anything which but tended to remove snob ill-founded
prejudice & reconcile the minds of this deluded people to the admis-
sion of a service so evidently calculated to promote their exclusive
interest To effect this desirable purpose, the first step which
presented itself to us as necessary or proper, was the promulgatioa
of the objects for which we came — ^this was made in a manner which
of all others we flattered ourselves would most contribute to a cheer-
ful reception of it : It was put into the hands of one of their veiy
confidential men, who engaged to second it with all his profeaaional
as well as personal influence— -This was the Reverena —

Johnston.

With those dispositions, and in this manner, did we enter upon
the discharge of our trust, when a very serious interruption was

S'ven to our further proceedings. About 12 O'Clodc at night, on
inday the 26th Instant, a party of the Connecticut ClaunantS|
whose number is yet undetermined, attempted to break open the
sto^house in which the jpublio & other Arms were deposited. Il
is probable that their Original desisn upon this ooeasion went no
farther, and that if they htA been able to succceed in the robbery,
no other excess would liave immediately followed,— -but having been
early discovered from a neighbouring house (the Quarters « CoL

PBNNSYLITANIA ABCHIVBS 1784 677

Armatrong) & meeting with some opposition from thenos, they soon
torned their arms thither k exohsnged seTend shot with that Gen-
tleman & three or four others who were with him. Betiring, how-
ever, from this resistanoe, tiiej earned their attaeik to the honse of
Mr. John Hollebaohy whore the remaining part of Us lodged, & after
diseharging several guns upon it (from the eflbcts of whioh Messienrs
Boyd & Oakley very narrowly esoap'd) they then withdrew into the
hnahes & dissppeared. Wo now saw an end to oflr hosiness with
the utmost regret, & that it was improper for us to remain longer in a
Country where every moment threatened us with the dangers of
assassination. Under the influence of this Opinion, we caU^ upon
the Magistrates & some other principal Fenn^lvania Claimants, &
left with them a paper of acknowleagements mr the support which
they had in every instance discovered an inclination to give us— of
adviee, — to keep themselves in as defensahle a state as possible, &
of assoranoe that as we believed the late attack upon us to be intro-
duotoiy to farther mischief, we would exert every nerve in our power
to bring Government into some decisive measures for their relief.
Under these assurances we left them about 3 O'Clock, on Monday
the 27th Instant The events which have since happened, t which
have been brought forward bv Express, are truly lamentable, & serve
to confirm the opinions wo have already expressed of the intended
violence of the Connecticut Claimants, & the distress & suffering
which we arc afraid the bettor subjects of the State are fated to un-^
dergo. Captain Patterson's letter of the 28th ft the deposition of
Capt. Shoemaker of the same date, arc submitted as a part of thi#
report.

We beg leave to close this representation by offering to Council
the result of our enquiries into the character of the people called
Connecticut Claimants. With very few exceptions, they appear to
bo a Banditti, who, having fled from the Operation of other laws,
are very unwilling to submit to the restraint of ours, & who aro
without any well-founded pretensions to either property or reputation
Wo are, Sir, with all possible respect.
Year Exeelleney's & Council's

Most Obedient hum. servants^
JNO. BOYD,

JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jan.,
JAMES READ,
J. OKBLY.

His Excellency President Dickinson.

No. 2.
Osn'l J. ABMSTAONa TO JoBN Seelt^ 1784.
Sir,

I have no other objection in wishing you to come to an int<»rvicw
with John Franklin, but that' yon may have an opportunity of

29*

•78 PSHNgTLYANIA ABCHIVES 1784.

leaning firom himflelf wliy so manj of the CkmneetieBt ckiiBSiitohm
thoB wintonlj nm into an armed oppoation to the laws of the atatef
Whj thej huTe oommitted ao masT depiedationa npon iho peaea-
able and vnoffonAng ; ft whether they yet oontinna even to proiaM
an alkgianee to ihu Commonwealth? If to the last qneitien ha
should answer in the affinnatiTe, jon will then explain what that
allegianee reanires, and what it forbids f The neeeasity there is fa
iBunediately layteg down his arms and sabmitting himaelf and hia
fDUowers to the operation of justice and the penalty should he
n^gieet or refuse to oomply.
I am, Sir, your

most obd't servti

J. ABHSTRONG,
jnn'r Seo'y.

Draw firom him an acknowlegement that he has seen the proeb-
mation,* and knows the penalty incurred by abetting, comfortiBg
and associating with the Culpraits mentioned therein.

It may be well enough to repeat that he has already heard whs*
you know to haYO been tiie intention of Oovemment in sending the
liOtter.

Copy.
iWc7orfec7|

October — , 1784.
JHreeUd,

John Seely, Esquire.

No. 8.
John Seely to J. Armstrong, 1784.

Copy.

Mr. Seely came to an interview with John Franklin ^nd reports :
that he y* said Franklin made j* following answers to the preceding
questions. To the Ist he replied " for his own safety.'' To the 2d
he made no other answer but that " it was against his inclination j*
" any outrage upon person's property should be committed.'' And
to y* last he answered in the affirmative.

^ When Mr. Seely asked how he could reconcile to these profes-
sions— his carrying arms and fitting himself in opposition to the
laws, he repliwi, " y* his own defence made it necessary." Mr.
Seely then dechu*ed his conduct to be contrary to the law & pointed
out the necessity of their immediately dispersing, to y* he made no
other reply as to himself, but that if he should, he was apprehen-

* See Col. Ree., XIV., p. 22.

iKe of ftboMy i^dhtf **%okai waukl Am hmcme 6/ Aepttph men*
^ ikmed in ike Proclamaium for voAom rtwttrd$ toere tmtfr^T*

Ib the eooTM of eonTetMtioD Fmaklin aokaowledged that he had
feat a ttale of fiusts to the Ooteraaieal of Oonaeotioii^ and the
Soeqaehaiina Oooiy. aad expeoted topaorl fitmi them.

The ooaTenation between Mr. Fmnlilia and nyaelf as narrated
above in the hand writing of General Amuftroag is as littehdly trae
aa I eaa remember. •

Signed, JOIIN 88ELY.

HSSSRB. JOHNSTOir AHD BaLDWIIT TO BxiTiAunf LuoK, 1784.

Copy.

lAokawanyi Oct 8th, 1784.
Kr,

We understand that yon are obstinate and treat the Yankees very ill ;
therefore this is to warn you in the name of the Connecticut Claim*
ants to depart and leave the house of Mr. Richard Hollsted, in 12
hours in peace or expect trouble. If we are obliged to eend a party
of men to do the business you must abide the consequences.

Signed, EBENEZER JOHNSTON.

WATERMAN BALDWIN.
x/tr0t*/e»,
Mr. Ben'j Luce.

Lt. Francis Mubrat to Bbigadisr Qxn. Abmstbong, 1784.

Bishop's Tavern,

October 10th, 1784. 0 O'Gloek, P. M.
Sir,

I am sorry to be under the disagreeable necessity of informing
you that I have in the first instance fdled in being able to furnish
you with men agreeable to my Offden of the Ist instant, Received
of the Supreme Executive Council. I issued orders to Col. John
Keller, Commanding the 1st Battalion of Bucks County Militia, to
have four Companies of his Battalion paraded at Bishops Tavern,
Vis. : Capt. Skinners, Frieces, Biehops and Kechlines, (they being
the eompanies of said Battalion nearest to said Bishope,) at nine
o'clock this morning with their arms acooutrement and ready to
march from said place on a tour of Duty, intending when the men
ordered here, if there was more men than the exigency required to
take as many more out of the classes that stood next for duty as would
answer the purpose except there appeared to be a sufficient number
willing to turn out as volunteers, which Latter I had some ezpecta-

<M SBNNSZLYANIA AJBlOSmB:4!rab

tim pf. . Bat when the eompaaiM amTed, I fooad U dangoroiu 6r
any msn to say he was willing to tnrn oat Either in hiaown oompaay
or aa a VolonteeTy that any man that did 80 waa in danger of being beat
hj the others. I then gave orders to the different oaptaiiia beioce
mentioned, to oall forth and pande as many men aa I then naaad.
to then^ oat of the fifth and sixth olaases of their eompamea as
amounted tq the number wanted. The eaptains obeyed Uie orieim
so far'as they were ablci called for the persons by name .but was no4
able to paraae one man.

finding it was impossible to get men to-day and nnmbers of
them complaining that the time was too short, and having some rea-
son to believe that some of them would turn out if allowed a little
time to prepare, I gave a further order to the captains aforesaid!
to have the men that were now called upon paraded on Thursday next,
at nine o'clock in the morning, ready to march on a Tour or Duty
from the parade. I was chiefly induced to adopt this second order,
as I knew I would not be able out of the number called to get as
many men at an Earlier period as would be worth a inarching, and
1^ I found I would be under the necessity of calling on the Colonel
fbr a supply of men from the other four companies, any further
attempts to get men out of these four companies already called.
I looked upon to bo useless. I have now issued orders to Cdonel
Skeller, directing him to draw forth the sixth class out of the re-
maining oompanies of his Battalion and have them paraded at the
same time and place that I have directed the others before mention-
ed, to parade ready to march from said place on a Tour of doty.
You may depend, sir, I shall use every exertion in my power to
march the men on Thursday next ; but at the same time 1 am sorry
to be under the necessity of informing you from what I have already
Experienced, that I have but small expectation of effecting it, chiefly
owing to wrong ideas, that the more leading part of the people have
formed of the expedition. For further particulars, I refer you to
the Bearer, Oaptain Fricce.

I am, with the greatest

respect and Esteem your
obedientt humble Servt.,

FRANCIS MURRAY,
L. B. C.

Public Servioe.
Brigadeer Qen. John Armstrong.

PBNNSYLYAMU ABCHIYIS ITMi 881

MxMOEiAi or John Fbanklin, &o., to Assibibly or Gon-
NEOncuT, 1784.

To the Honourable General Assembly now siting at New Haven.

The Memorial of John Franklin, Ebeneier Johnston and Phineaa
Pierce all of Wyoming in behalf of themselyes, and other Inhabi-
tants, Settlers and Clumers of the Lands situate on the Waters of
the River Sosquehanah under Confidence in the Title of the State
of Connecticut, — ^humbly sheweth

That the Memorialists before the commencement of the late War

Purchased of the aborigines, Owners and Claimers of the aforesaid
*eritory of Country the Lands lying and being in the forty firafe
Decree of Northern Latitude^ and situate upon the Waters of the
said River Susquehanah for great and valuable considerations which
purchase has since been duly confirmed by this Ilonbl. Assembly.

That by the Countenance, and approbation of this State your
memorialists (braving every danger) settled themselves upon the
Lands aforesaid, improved and cultivated the same, erected Houses
Mills, and other necessary Buildings for their accommodation and
Convenience, and were incorjporatedas a distinct County under this
Stato, which priTilcdges, they enjoyed for several years, during
which Time their numbers increased to five Thousand souls and the
Militia to Eleven Hundred men capable of bearing Arms.

That iu the bcgining of the late War the Memorialists were fully
in the Measures of this, and the other States, and furnished nearly
three full Companies of Men for tho Army of the Uoited States.

That iu tho year 1778 their Country was invaded by thc&ivages,
aided by a party of Tories iu the pay, and service of the King of
Great ^Dritaio, and in a set Battle with them two Hundred and
three of their best Warriors fell in the Field and were sacrificed by
au exulting Foe, their Countrv plundered their Houses burnt and the
Country laid waste, the whole of the luhabitants then remaining
obliffcd to flee for safety to the adjoining settlements.

That soon after your Memorialists at their only Endeavours and
expence, reinstated themselves in the aforesaid Country and drove
the Savages therefrom.

That for about the space of four years after your Memorialists
were compelled to confine themselves within narrow Limits, and
were constantly under arms for their safety, and defence, during
which Time little more could be done in cultivating the Lands than
sufficient to sustain themselves.

That many attacks |were made upon them by the Savages in
which a large proportion of their Friends and neighbours were slain
and captivated. That nearly two thirds of the male Inhabitants
capable of bearing arms at the Commencement of the present War
have fallen by the Hands of the Enemy, whose Widows and Father- .
less Children were left in the Country.

on PBNNSTLYANIA AfiCHHTSS lt84.

That after the Decree at Trentown jour MenarialistA wars
to believe that the Jorisdiction of their Coniitry was in the State
of Pennsylvania, and applied to the Legislature of said State for tiie
benefits of Civil Government under that Jurisdiction, and far the
obliteration of all former supposed ofiences together with a Omb-
mation of the Title to their Lands.

That the Memorialists have from Time to Time been flattered witb
assurances from the Legislature, and Executive anthority of Fnm-
Bvlvania, that their Persons and properties should be secured to
them, yet officers Civil and military have been sent among than of
the most desponte Characters ; That they have been oppressed with
vexatious suits commenced against them by the oppoeing damieii
and their Creaturesi and no legal Justice ever has been, or conU he
obtained against any of their oppressors.

That an armed Force hss been kept up in the Conntiy, and
Garrisoned in the midst of their Settlements, who hare from ^ne
to Time in the most wanton, and unjustifiable manner, abused, im-

frisoned, beat, wounded, and Insulted the memorialists, at other
imes have robbed the Inhabitants of their property, and on the
14th day of May last put one Alexander Patterson a Justice of
Peace and one Major Moore commanding the Troops stationed at
Wyoming by order of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, by artifice
disarmed the Inhabitants, and then Collected them together, men,
Women, and Children without destinotion, and drove them out of
the Country three days Journey into the Wilderness, destitute of
Provisions, having previously denied them the priviledge of collecting
and carrying with them any considerable part of their personiH

S report^. That representations were immediately made to the
Ixccutivn authority of the State of PcnuRylvania, and soon after to
the Legislature thereof, and no Relief hath been ^ven to them.

That soon after your memorialists having made the best provision
in their power for the support of their Families, returned to Wyo-
ming with design to secure their Grain then ncarlv ripened, That
the said Moore and Patterson gave orders to their Party to Fire
upon, kill, and destroy your memorialists when ever they could be
found, That five of their youth have been Cruelly slain by them,
others taken, and imprisoned, loaded with Shackels of Iron, Eleven
of which are still in the Common Goal at Kaston in the County of
Northampton, and ore to be tryed this Week for their Lives, for
no other Reason than defending themselves a^inst the barbarous
Gonduet of their avowed and implacable Enemies.

That your memorialists have been seduced, betrayed and ruined
by the spurious pretences held out to them as from Oovemmenti
whichjthey.are.now fully ascertained off.

That no Faithfullness, Honor, Justice, or ordinary Civility is
expectable by them, those that are disposed to assist us being over-
awed by the apparent Influence of our adversaries with Government
are afraid to grant us any Relief.

FBNNSTLVANIA ABCHIVS8 1784. 68S

And jroar memorialiBte beg leave farther to obsenre that they
humbly conceive; the Decree at Trenton was nndul j obtained by
InpoMtion, and ought to be feviewed and reconsidered by the
Honorable Congress as nnfonnded and wrong.

That yonr memorialists are now lednoed to about 2,000 souls (not-
withstanding the nsual Increase expectable in a new Conntiy) the prin-
cipal part of which are Women, and Children now scattered in the
Woods with only Hntts of Bark and Thatch to cover them from
the Inclemency of the approaching Winter, and their Enemys in
lull possession of their Houses, Farms, Crops and other property and
they starving with Hunger and Gold and have no whereto look for
protection Tbat] to their parent State, and may they not be permitted
to say the state oi Connecticut have been deprived of the Juris*
diction of the aforesaid Country in so injurious a manner and your
memorialists so maltreated, that their Honor, Interest, and future
respectability as a sovereign State, is highly concemedy and demands
speedy and ample satisfaction.

Wherefore, we humbly pray your Honors to take our distressed
Case into your wise, and benign Consideration and extend to us your
aid, Countenance, and patronage in seeking restitution and estab-
lishment of our Just Rights and properties against our adversaries,'
who have exercised towms us every species of Fraud, Seduction
and Croelty, and the memorialists as in duty bound will ever pray.

JOHN FRANKLIN,
EBENEZER JOHNSON,
PHINEAS PIERCE,
A true Copy as on ffile,
Examind. By George Wyllys Seot'y.
New Haven, October 20th, 1784.

RxSOLUnON OF ASSEMBLT OF COUNCIL OIT PonSQOING MxMO-

BIAL, 1784.

At a (Generally Assembly of the State of Connecticut in America
holden at New Haven in said State on the second Thursday of
October Anno Dom, 1784 *

Upon the Memorial of John Franklin, Ebenezer Johnson and
Phineas Pierce all of Wyoming in behalf of themselves and others
Inhabitants, Settlers and Claimers of a large tract of Country
situate upon the Waters of the River Susquehannah within the
Charter Limits of this Stato.

Shewiuff to this Assembly that by the Countenance and appro-
bation of the late Colony now State of Connecticut they having the
strongest Reason to believe the Territory aforesaid was within the
Jurisdiction of said State, purchased the same of the aborisines;
native Proprietors of the Country aforesaid for a great and volnable

8U PBHNSTLYANIA ABOHITBS 1784.

Qonndemtion, and obtained from ihdm a Deed of bargvBy nnd Sale,
ezecatedy and oompleatod according to the naual and eaiahliahed
OuBtoms of Conveyance nsed by said Natives of all the Ikadi
situate within the forty second degree of Northern lAtitude, from
Ten miles Bast, of the Easterly branch of said Biver SuBq^tekaimnak
West one hundred and twenty Miles, and thereby acquired « iiuli
and equitable Title to said I^nds, and for many yean have been
incorporated, and in the full cKerdse of Government under the
Laws of the said State of Connecticut untill the publicatioa of tho
Decree of the Court of Commissioners held at Trenton in the Month
of November 1782 when the State of Connectiout was unezpectftedly
deprived of their Jurisdiction over the Territory aforesaid. That
thereupon the memorialists by their humble petition made appli-
cation to the State of Pennsylvania to be owned, and acknowledged
as Citizens of that State to liave the Title to their Housee, Lwk
&0., confirmed to them and to e^joy the Protection of the Laws and
Government of said State ; That they were repeatedly flattered with
ezpectationa favourable and benign but are at last totalj disap-
pointed in their just Expectation and are now fully convinoed the
apparent favourable disposition of Government towards them has
been improved by their opponants to the contrary Purpoaee, and
turned wholly to their ^disadvantage whereby Uiey have been
deprived of their Ileuses, Lands and other property even their
necessary Food, that they have been twice disarmed, and are now
driven with their helpless Families into the Wilderness in this In-
clement season, without Cover, Cloathing or Sustenance, and now
address themselves to tho Justice and humanity of this State im-
ploring for Heavens sake Their Protection, assistance and aid as
pr memorial on filo.

Ilesolvcd, by this assembly that it is expedient for the memorialists
to persuc their application to the Congress of the United States for a
tryal of their Right of soil and Possession agreeable to the 9th of
the articles of Confederation and that this State will Countenance
and patronize them in such application, and tryal in order to obtain
for them that Justice this State apprehends the memorialists are
intitled to, and the Delegates from this State in Congress are di-
rected to give them all nccossary assistance in the premises and his
Excellency the Governor is requested to adress the Congress of the
United States on the subject of their situation and sufferings and
also address a fiiU state of their Claims &c., to the State of Penn-
s^lrania remonstrating against the Barbarities and Cruelties exer-
cised towards the memorialists and requesting a Redress of their
Grievances, and a Restoration of their llights, Properties and poses-
sions under the protection of the Laws and Government of said
State of Pennsylvania.

A true Copy of Record,
Examd. By George Wyllys, Secy.

PENNSTLYANIA ASCHIVBS 1784. 685

Brigadub Gxn. Armstbong to Ihhabitants of WtoiunGi

1784.

Whereas the 8. Ezeoutive Counoil of this Commonwealth have
bj their resolution of the Ist day of October Ust, directed that a
body of Militia be immediately oalled into service and moved with
the utmost expedition to the townships of Shawana and Stoke, in
the County of Northumberland, for the purpose of '' protecting the
** more peaceable inhabitants of the said towuAhipSi against the
** violence of the Banditti now infiesting those settlements, and for
** the better support of the civil authority there :" and whereas, b^
the resolution of the same date, the direction of these troops is
committed to me ; this is therefore to require that all the inhabit-
ants of the aforesaid districts well affected to the Government of
this Commonwealth, do immediately repair to this place & by so
doing ffive evidence of their allegeance and submission to the laws ;
that they also renounce all connection with the Culprits, whose
names are mentioned in the Proclamation annexed, and that they
not onlv deny them all comfort apd protection, but that they exert
themselves in apprehending and brining to justice all and every
of the above mentioned Culprits, their associates and abettors : and
whereas, it is <' and ever has been the object of government to extend
mercy as well as to render justice to all its subjects; this is also to
assure such as may have been deluded into a hasty and mistaken
opposition to its laws, and who under the influence of this delusion,
have left their places of usual abode, and assembled themselves in
arms for the very unlawful purpose of defending a description of
men, w&o have rendered themselves obnoxious to the severest
punishment; that if they will immediately return to their alli-
ance and their industry, Every possible representation in th^
&vor shall be made to government, and that no effort in my power
shall be wanting to procure forgiveness. Such however, as, lost
to their own interest, shall, in neglect of this warning continue to
give their support to the insergeants and oppose in arms the pro-
gress of the Laws, and those who are sent hither to establish ft pre-
serve them, must look for that punbhment only which it b ever in
the power of the State to inflict, should it become either her duty or
indmation.

Signed, J. ARMSTRONG, jr.,

Brig. Gen.*

Indaried,—nS4f October 20th. Paper signed by General
Armstrong, assembling the inhabitants at or near Wioming.

« He saeceeded Geal Wilkinson as a4iataDt Genl of the MHitia witk the
rank of Brig. GoaX Set CoL Rec YoL XIV., p. 217, 219, ft 220.

686 PBNNSYLYANU AKCHITB8 1784.

Baia. Qkn'l A&MSTBONa to Pass. DiOKiHaoHi 1784.

Wyoming, 25th October, 1784.

Sir,

The enclosed Letter from L'Ool. Murray* will inform your Exoelk
and Counoil of the very fihameful delinquency of the Bucks Gonnty
Militia. Those of Berks, tho' more olMsdient, were late in oonnns,
and brought it down to the 14th Inst., before I could take a snn^
step from the place of rendesvoos. I then found myself at the head
only of forty menj with these however, I got into march, and
arriTed at this place on Sunday following, without any other injary
or interruption than such as arose from the difficulty of the nmta
by which we mov'd.

I must now heg leave to state some of the circumstances which
followed the assault of the 28th of September, — the situation in
which I found the country ; and the more important fiieta which
have since happened.

The first event -was immediately succeeded by the expnlsion of
such of the Pa. Claimants as were settled on the west side of the
river ; some of whom cjuittinff the country entirely fell down the
river as low as Checkshm^. whither they have heen since pursued
and stript of the little which in the first instance they were per-
mitted to carry with them. The others found a more secure refiige
in the remains of what was the Fort No. 2 is a copy of a circular
letter with which the Pa. Claimants were respectively served about
this time.

During these transactions the Magistrates, (Messrs. Seely, Mead,
and Shoemaker) were not idle and did every [thing] in th^r power
to call forth a spirit of exertion among the neighbouring people, but
such was their distrust of themselves and each other, that few if
any could be assembled, — they wrote also to the Lieut, of the county,
entreating the immediate interposition of such armed force, as he
could afford them ; but Volunteers could not be found, and in the
present unorganized state of the Militia, no order of his could reach
them.

Witnesses of this immediate inefficiency of Oovemment, and be-
coming stronger in the assurance of a growing superiority ; The
insurgeants began now to extend their outrages to this side
of the river, and obliged the greater part of its in habitant* to such
a division of the grain as gratified at once their licentiousness and
their wants ; what the latter spared the former in many instances
destroyed and nothing was to bo seen upon my arrival but insolence
and rapacity : wretchedness and submission.

Small as my party was, it produced a temporary change in the
conduct of both. The ioHurgcants wore obliged to circumscribe
their limits and the Pennsylvania Claimants enabled to gather in

* See page 679.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIYES 1784. 687

Bome part of their scattered harvest. It is however, to be remtted
that its influence upon both has been less permanent than I ooold
wish; for the moment that my force was found to be unequal to
offensive operations, that moment I was attacked bj the one, and in
a great degree deserted bj the other. In a little rencounter which
took place a day or two ago, and which was brought on by an
attempt to cover the labors of some poor people, who had been much
and early distressed in this late disturbance. The insurgeants sus-
tained some loss, and were driven into a cluster of Log Houses,
which my leading platoon, Qnistaking their orders,) attempted to
storm, but with out effect in this affair I had two men slightly
wounded. I need scarcely observe to your Excellency, that four
logg houses, so constructed as to flank each other become a very
formidable post, and set all attempts of near musquetry at defionoo.
I had no cannon, and the only alltemativc left mo a close invest-
ment, became impracticable from a want of numbers. I was obliged
therefore to relinquish the possition I had taken, and with it, the
happy prospect of exterminating this Banditti at once. Their
whole force was stated at this point of time at 70 men. Among my
informers on this subject is Mathew Terrel, whose deposition (No.
8) is enclos'd, & who with some others of a more timid or peaceable
disposition have come and thrown themselves upon me for pro-
tection. This I have extended to all such without exception,
and have only to regret that there are so few of them. This how-
ever cannot be either new or surprising to Your Excellency, after
the frequent evidence which the people called Connecticut Claim-
ants have given of intended violence, & can only beget a farther
assurance in government, that they have long since, ceased to
deserve any thing of it, but its resentment. Whatever reluctancy
I may feel in becoming the minister of these, I cannot but offer it
as my most serious opinion that they should be soon & vigorously
exerted. The detachment now here, compleated to its original
number with 100 additional troop would be very sufiicient for this
purpose ; a less number would be much exposed to disaster if not
to defeat

I am with the highest

respect, your Excellency's

and Council's most

obdt Hble. Servt.,
JOHN ARMSTRONG, jun'r.
JHrectedj

Uis Exc'y, President Dickinson.

DlPOBITION.

Before me John Seely, Esq., ono of the Justioes of the peace, in
and for the county of Northnmberland, came Maikew ^Jprmtf, who
being duly aworni dotji isfgm and «y that in the afternoon of

688 PBNNSTLYANIA AB0HIVB8 1784.

Sunday, the 16th instant, being at the bonse of the Widow Harris, in
company with Elisha Duke and John Kenedy, there came up IHiineio
Stevens and Gideon Ohnreh, who enquired whether he the deponent
and those with him had heard of the arrival of the Militia ; asking
also, whether they intended to join them, & swearing that all siica
as did not, should be burnt out ; and that they would hold At
country or loose their lives; that under these threatnings, the
deponent joined them on the morning following, where be firand
them collected at one Brookaways to the number of forty. At
one Galors the deponent understood that there was another party of
them,& that the above seemed to be their general language & temper.
He further says, that he remained with them 'till Tuesday mornings
when feigning sickness, he left them. Their 4eader8 were John
Franklin^ Elisha Satterlee and Phen* Stevens.

MATHEW TERREL.
Sworn and subscribed before me this 28th October, 1784.

JOHN SEELY.
Oct 25, 1784.

Brio. Gen. John Armstronq to Pres. Dickinson^ 1784.

Sir,

. I must beg leave to refer your Excellency to Gapt Armstroag
for a relation of some facts which have taken place here to-day.
They seem to be a consequence of a reinforcement brought down the
river by Swift. The treatment of the Lackawany people has been
excessively cruel. Since my packet of yesterday was made up, I
have heard that there are a few men upon their march from Bucks.
Should they join me my whole Number will not exceed 50 ; & to
suppose that half of these are to be depended upon in a moment of
trial, would be a great stretch of Credulity.

I am your Excellency's

Most obed't serv^t,

J. ARMSTKONO.
Wyoming, 26 Octb., 1784.

Directedy
His Excellency Presid't Dickinson.

Deposition of Abigail Jameson, 1784.

Pennsylvania, ss.

On the twenty-ninth day of October, anno domini one thousand
seven hundred & eighty-four, before me, George Bryan, one of the
Justices of the Supreme Court at Easton, in the County of North-
ampton, personally came Abigail JamaitOHy of the Township of
Btoke, in the County rf Northumberland, Widow, who being aoly

PBNNSTLYANIA ABOBIYBS 1781. 9»

Bwom on ihe hdj Go8pelf| depo0eth ft laithy that <m the thirteenth
day of May last past, this deponent was turned oat of her home in
Stoke afore8aid|'& driven thence to New Jersey by divers persons
armed with Oans & other Weapons ; that in the month of Jane last
this deponent returned again to ner dwelling house in Stoke aforesaid,
& there found Agnes Jamaison, mother-in-law of this deponent, inhab-
iting the said house ; that this deponent continued at Stoke afore-
said, & together with said Agnes lived & dwelt in said house ; that
in the month of August Itst this deponent went to New Jersey, &
after some stay there with her children, retamed towards Stoke
aforesaid, last Sunday week, having with her this deponent's
daughter Hannah, of the aee of two vears or thereabouts^ & passing
by Sear Creek, twenty miles on this side of Stoke aforesaid, this
deponent was stopped by Henzy Shoemaker, Esquire, who said that
this deponent could not get throuch, and that Jacob Gline led this
deponent two miles back towards Colonel Stroud's ; that after nightj
this deponent being left alone, proceeded again towards her house
aforesaid at Stoke, & arrived there safbly ; that this deponent upon
returning to her habitation at Stoke as aforesaid, found ner Mother-
in-law possessed of her house there, ft that this deponent took pos-
session of said house ft dwelled there in peace, nntili Wednesday the
twentieth day of this present month of October, when gdne towards
the fort to carry food for Eobert Jamaison, then prisoner there, this
deponent was stopped bv Alexander Patterson, Esquire, ft taken
back to her own house, being five miles distant; that on the wa^
the said Patterson ft his men stopped at the Widdow Abigail Holli-
wood's ft turned her out of possession of her dwelling. That about
an hour after, the said Alexander Patterson ft his party, about ten in
all, came near to this deponent's dwelling, Patterson stopping at about
twenty rods therefrom ; that about ten men came up to this oeponent'a
house ft forcibly turned this deponent, the said Agnes Jamaison,
Bosanna Jamaison, ft the said Hannah Jamaison out of the same, ft
threw out at the same time this deponent's household ft other goods ;
that one of the men who thus ousted this deponent as aforesaid, shut
the doors ft nailed them up ; that the said Alexander Patterson,
who acted as the director of the said party of men coming to the
said House, threatened this deponent that her said house would be
demolished over her head in case she went into it ft lived there
again, ft ordered this doponent to look for other quarters ; that the
sud Af^es Jamaison was at the time, when the said forcible dis-
possession was made, very sick ft a-bed, ft by the terror of the
riotous proceeding aforesaid, was driven into an hysterio fit, ft that
the said Agnes, in this distressed condition, was carried out of the
said house, ft placed in the dwelling house of John Cressy, whose
abode was near to this deponent^s ; that this deponent the next day
after the deposition aforssaid, complained thereof to Oeneral Arm-
strong, who denied that the same had been done by his orders, or

eOO PENNSTLVANIA ABCHlVEfi 1784.

that his men had done it, bat did not interfere or do anything to
zelieye this deponent.

ABIGAIL JAMESON.
Taken & Bwoin before

GEOKGE BBYAN.

Abig*! Jameson bound in £&0 to give Evid'ce.
Alox'r Patterson, in . . £250) Tent, p] that A. P. keep
Wm. Smith, Jan., Esqr.i 125 y the peace & behave ft tppear
James Moore, Esqr., . . 125 ) next Oyer, &o.

PsTinoif OF Pbisomers at Easton, 1784.

The Honorable the Sapreme Executive Goancil of the Common*
monwealth of the State of Pennsylvania.

Gentlemen :

. Suffer us, your humble Petitioners, to lay before yonr Honorahk
Body onr distress'd Situation ; on the account of our Confinement,
in this sultry Season of the Year, about thirty of us, confin'd in two
small Rooms, in Irons, and nothing to live upon bnt one pound of
Bread a Day, which has impaired our health to that degree, that we
are able just to walk our Room at present, but one week more such
cruel Treatment will most certainly reduce us to the shades of Death
and land us in the world of Spirits : This, Gentlemen, is no Chimera
but God's Truth ; for our animal Spirits, together with our flesh,
are almost exhausted by the Severities which we undergo in onr
Imprisonment, and no one to administer any Consolation to us. If
we have done any thing worthy of Bonds, Imprisonment or Death,
we refuse neither ; but to be confined here in this dismal place and not
suffered to have the fresh air, which God has made free for all his Crea-
tion 'f and not only deprived of this great and inconceivable blessing,
but denied the necessaries of life, as the' it was the determination
of those who put us here, to destroy us by a lingering Death, and
make that as gashly and formidable as possible ; we cannot possibly
think but that we have stood up for the Honor and Dignity of this
State in what we have done, and that the Aligation laid to our
Chaise originated in malice and revenge ; and we are not alone in
our Judgment; therefore we, your humble and injured Petitioners,
would most humbly pray that your honorable ]Body would exert
yourselves to do us Justice, and consequently emancipate ns from
this intolerable and, as we think, unjust Confinement, or we must
soon be beyond your help or any finite Beings ; and if your Hon-
orable Body can see fit in your wisdom and Goodness to grant our
humble prayer, we will, as in Duty bound, ever pray, &c.
William Slocum, Nath'l Cook,

Joseph Corey, Benjamin Jcnkin,

Gideon Church, Williaam Jenkins,

PENNSTLYANIA ABOHIVES 1784. GDI

Abraham Pyke, Walter Spenoer,

Lord Butleri John Gore,

John Hnrlbati Jonathan Burwell,

Daniel Sullivan^ Jeremiah White,

William Jackson, Prince Allen,

Bichard Hallsted, Thomas Stoddard|

Edward Inman, Xllis. Omharda,

Thomas Heath, Justis Oaylord,

Nathaniel WalkcFi John Phitner,

Thomas Bead, Abram Nesbitt.
Elisha Harding,

DErosmoM; — Joseph King, 1784.

Before me John Secly, Esqr., one of the Jnstioes of the peace in
and for the County of Northumberland oame Jo^tpli King^ k boinff
Duly sworn doth depose and say, that on Wednesday the third
Instant, being at his Labour in Shawina Township with four others
Thrashing Buckwheat, they were surrounded by a Number of
Armed men and made prisoners, (Benjamin Badlock & Elisha Sat-
terly commaodcd the party of .Bobbers,) they marched the said de-
ponent with the others up to their place of Bendevous & on the road
abused the said deponent yerfy tnuch by jabbing their guns in his
sides, when they arrived near their quarters, they tied a Hope
Round the Deponents neok and beat & abused the said Deponents
without Meroy. John Franklin commander of s'd Body of Bobbers,
made the Deponent promise to Quit the country and never lift
arms again, which if he did and they could lay their hands on him
they would take his life, and upon those promises they let him go^
the Deponent says that he is not yet able to lift a pail of Water on
Account of the Bruises lie received of the said BobberSi further the
deponant sayeth not.

his
JOSEPH X KING,
mark

Sworn & subscribed before mci '
November dth 1784.

Jm* Seelt.

69» PBNNSTLYANIA ABCSHiySB 1784.

Pus. DxoKnrsoN to Sfujlxb of A8nMBi.T.

I am derired br Coanoil, to send the inclosed L
requesting that they maj be oommonicated to the
Wj.

I am with the greatest esteem

Sir, your most obedient and

very hnmble Servant.

JOHN DICKINSON.
Nov'r 8th 1784.
Directed^

To the Honorable The speaker.
Indorsed^

Letter from his Excellency the President, inclosing diyeni papoi
fto.y relating to the disturbances at Wyoming

Bead 1 time Nov'r 8, 1784, ft on motion &o.| read 2 time k xe-
frned to Mr. Hoor, Mr. Euhl & Harris.

John Sult vo Gih'l AaMBTmoHOi 1784.

Sir,

Yesterday I had a conference with the three persons meatioBed to
you, this day at 11 o'clock I reo'd their ans'r they have agreed that
upon sufficient assurances from under vour hand ft w^ that all
processes for their former transactions being stopt, and that thej
may have free Liberty of passing through t^B country unmolested,
the^ will lay down their arms and never take them up again in op-

Ction to the State of Pennsylvania, they Ukeinse sav they must
9 one hundred Ouineas to purchase -themselves cloaths, fta
Your Proposition of an act of Oovemment to stop all suits ag't
them, I have promised should be done. The Guineas I have not yet
engaged them, but think it will save great Expence to the state to
let them have them.

Also agreed that all Hostilities shall cease & no more Diatresses
made on the Inhabitants untill they have a meeting wkh yoa« which
they request may be as soon as possible, and desire the same may be
kept a profound secret from both parties, which if known may oocft>
sion them to take up arms again, I mean untill the matter is pro-
perly settled between you ft them, they also say they will oocation
the whole party to Disperse.

I am Sir,

your Most Ob't

Humble Serv't,

JNO. SEELY.
Wyoming; Monday Nov. 8th, 1784.

PSNUSTLVANIA ABOHIYES 1784. 698

DEPOSITION,— Nathan Cart, 1784.

North'dl

Go.| Bs. 3

PersoDallj appeared before mo one of the Justices of the peace
for the s'd Co., Nathan Cary^ who being duly sworn doth depose
& saj that about the 20th Oct'r kst, he this D^o't was in the house
of Christopher Holebut when he was taken prisoner bj Jacob Wood-
cock & Cornelius Bishop, and was taken down to Mr. Jemison's
where Alex'r Patterson was,- who told this Depo't to go home &
make read j to leave hb House next daj, & to take his Family wi^
him ; the next day an armed party came down to the House of this
Dep't k threw the chief of his goods out of Doors, in presents of his
wife & rob'd him, this Dep't of about 20 Dol's worth of property,
this Dep't came near the house on which the party went»off Henry
Shoemaker, Siks Taylor, Philip Taylor, Ebenezer Taylor, Jun'r &
Joseph Salmon being in the party k all armed, s'd ShoemsJcer asked
this Dep't why he was not gone, & added if he was not gone the
next Day it would not be good for him, & further saith not.

Sworn & subscribed the 9th '\ NATHAN CARY.

Nov'r, 1784, before me >

Rob't Mabtin. 3
Justice of Pennsylvania,

Deposition, — Dorcas Stewart.

Northum'd County Ss.

Personally appeared before me, Bobert Martin, one of the Justices
of the peace for s* Go. Dcrcw Stewart^ who being sworn on the
Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, doth depose and say, that about
the 20th of October last, a party of armed men came to the House
of this Dep. — ^To wit, Henry Shoemaker, Joseph Salmon, Benjamin
Mundy, Philip Taylor, Ebeneiar Taylor, Peter Taylor, Benjamin
Taylor, Silas Taylor, William Tyler & John JenningiB, who entered
the House of this Dept. with a number of other persons unknown
k ordered this Dept. k all that belonged to the House to be gone
immediately, on which Shoemaker, Munday k others, began to
throw the Goods of this Dept. out of Doors when Shoemaker was
asked by whose orders they acted, he answered it was by the General
Orders k continued to throw all this Dept. goods out of the House
k robed her of property to the amt. of £15, k knocked the Logs
out of the Hqusc till the loft Fell Down k further saith not.

DORCAS STEWART.

Sworn & subscribed the
10th November, 1784, before me |
RoBT. Mabtin.
Vol. X.— 80

604 PBNNSTLVANIA AfiOHIYlB 1784.

Deposition, — Hannah Hillman, 1784.

Before me, John Seelj, Esquire, one of the JnsticeB of the petee
in & for the County of Northumberland, appeared Bannah JSTtZfinaii,
Spinster, of the said County, & being duly sworn doth depose k
say, that on Thursday the Instant, being at the house ci Cor-
nelius Yan Horn in the Township of Bhawana — she there saw John
Franklin & a number of other armed men, she supposes about forty,
who approaching the house on different sides, surrounded it; with
an intention (as they said,) of cutting off a party of the militia
which had been stationed there & which had been that morning
withdrawn to the Fort, — that Franklin swearing in a most prolano
manner declared that he would be revenged of some of them k
particularly of Wm. Simms who was with the said party, addii^
that withiift night or two he would set fire to his house ft burn
him up alive. He talked a great deal & much of his language was
to the same purpose.— Further this Deponent saith not.

her
HANNAH M HILLMAN.
mark.

Sworn & subscribed before me ^
this of November, 1784.

Jno. Seelt.

me^
^' 3

Brio. Oen. Armstrong to Pres. Dickinson, 1784.

Sir,

I hod some time since the honor of stating to your Excellency ft
Council the situation in which I found the insurrection at Wyoming
and some of the more important facts which had taken place upon
my arrival.

Among the most early measures which I took to convince this
deluded people of their mistaken conduct was the paper enclosed
(marked No. 1,*) which I forgot to transmit by Capt. Armstrong,
the others, which are of the same nature have been attended by the
same effect, none but replies of insolence were made to either.

Unable to attempt anything offensive I therefore took a resolution
to come hither ft consult the Judges of the Supreme Court upon
the farther measures which in this situation ought to be taken. It
was their opinion that a line of meer defensive conduct on the part
of the State held out a promise of sooner bringing about the objects
of Government than one of a more active nature. This, however
reluctantly I was obliged to observe from the first montent I entered
the Country, and am not sanguine in expecting any better conse-
quence than we have already seen ft felt, from an adherance to it

* See page 676.

PENNSYLTANUl AIOHITBS 1784; (M

Eyery meastire which supposes that farther Unity will produce
better conduct will be found tinsTsiling, but untill Oorernment bo
so well assured of this truth as I ever have beeu; the milder ex-
pedients of forgiving & forgetting may be pursued.

Col. Johnstone who has been at Wyoming since I left it^ will
explain the appearances which presented themselves to him, they
were such, as oeoat but few hopes of beim Me by gentle metbodi
to extinguish a flame, whidi has extended itself to a whole people
eomposed as they aure of vagrants k deq>eradoes.

I shall remain here for a few days, untill I find myself better able
to encounter the roughness of the roads & the season, & shall then
sett out fcNT Philad'a, after directing such a disposition of the few
troops which desertion has left pe, aa.will best promote the objects
for which they were sent.

I am, Sir, »

your Exoell'ys

most obed't serv't,

J. ARMSTRONG, Je.

15th Nov., 1784.
Directed^

His Excell'y, The Presid't.

Resolution of Gineral Assshblt, 1784.

State of Pennsylvania In General Assembly,

Thnxwiay, December 28, 1784, P« M.
A certificate rigned by Edward Burd, Esquire, Olerk of the Court
of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol delivery, was presented to
the chair, and read, statins that at a court of Oyer and Terminer
and General eoal delivery held for the countf of Northumberland,
in May last, Henry Shoemaker, Esquire, a Justice of the peace id
and for the SMd County, was convicted by a Jury of the county, of
a riot committed on the thirteenth day of May last, by him and
many others; and on motion, and by special order, the same was
read the second time, whereupon

Resolved, that the said Henry Shoemaker, for his misconduct as
aforesaid, be, and he is hereby removed from his office of Justice of
the peace for the county of Northumberland.
Extract from the minutes,

J. SHALLUS, Asst. Clerk

of the General Assembly.

eoe PSNNSXLYANIJL JLBCHIVBS ITSSt

John Okily xo Spxijua or Assembly, 1785.

Beihlem, 16th Jan., 1785.
I>Bar Sir.

I saw Dj the Minutes of Assembly a purpose of appointing Com-
missioners to sscertaiuy in ooi^unotion with others of the State ci
N. Jersey, what Islands in the Biver Delaware do of Bight belong
to th& State* I have likewise been informed by a Friend of mine
in Town that I had been thought of for one of Uie Nnmber. If
that be the case, I beg leave to acquaint you, as a Penon to whom
I am not altogether unknown, that should your Honble. House
think proper to make Choice of me for the Purpose, it shall be my
care and endearor to discharge the Trust thereby reposed in me
with such zeal and integrity as may reflect Honor on myself and
Constituents. Pardon my Freedom & belieye me to be
with the utmost sinceri^ k Regard, dr. Sir,
Tour obed't hUe. Servt,
Dlreoied, J. OKELY.

The Honble John Bayard, Esq.

£. Douglass to Seo't Abmstbono, 1T85.

Union Town, 27th January, 1785.
Sir,

Unwilling to send you this certificate of election in a blank, and
desirous of saying something on the subject, I haye sat with my head
leaning on my hand these ten minutes to consider what that some-
thing would be, and after all have considered thai whatever I could
say upon it would amount to nothing, for I have not knowledge of
Gentlemen foremost on it to justify my giving a oharaoter of him.

I have already been deceived into a misrepresentation to Gooa*
oil on a former one, for whioh I most penitentially beg fimvaaessi
protesting at the same time my innocenoy in it, for we Constable^
who made the return, and several others of the townslup of Manal-*
lia assured me it would be petitioned against, but I find they have
not done it, nor are they attempting it^ I can cSer nothing mor^
on that subject, unless it be that the township is in great want of a
justice. I. have given their characters futhfully as 1 received them
from the general voice of the inhabitants hereabout. Coonoil in
their wisdom will do the rest.

I have the honor to be with hicrh esteem Sir,

Your most humble and obedient servant,

EPHRAIM DOUGLASS.
DirecUdy

John Armstrong, junr.. Secretary.

* See Smith's Laws, Vol. II. pp. 77, 888, for the acts respecting Juris-
diction of the Islands.

P8NN8YLTANIA ABOHIVBS I78& 00?

- I^UOAraS IN OOKOSESS TO ShBAKSR or ASSBBfBLTy 1785.

N«w York, F^b'y llth, 17»fc
Sir,

The appointmeiit of OommissionecB to eanr into effect tbe ordi-
nance of Congress for the Purpose of erecting ^eral boildines upon
the banks of the Delaware has taken near fonr days of this week,
and baa this day been effected ; Oenl. Schuyler, Phil. Dickinson
and Robt. Morris are the con^missioners. Some States have not
been hearty in the measure. Maryland has been principally active
in delay — ^from what motives we are not at Hbertv to do more tliin
conjecture. Perhaps the precipitate retreat of Congress Utt simir
mer from their Capitol has its influencei or they raUier wished, the
banks of the Potomaek bad been Hzed for the permanent ibderal
residence, which would have placed the Capital of the United States
nearer them. But whatever reasons operated with them ^t 10 feigr
evident that Congress have lost that influence.at home and respecta-
bility abroad which are essentially necessary ^to conduct with advan-
tage the concerns of a great nation, and which can never be regained
while they are once or twicejt^-year moving from place to place.
Princeton, Annapolis and Trenton have been visited in order, & in
the very hour of erpectation each have experiei^oed disappointment.
New York is now the temporary residence untill a permanent one
is provided, and if this should fiul Perhaps this City in turn will
feel her share of ohagrin by another removal In shorty sir, there
appears no end to removak but in die ei^ectioa of a permanent fede-
ral House in which each State will have an interest and in wsna
degree find themselves at home.

We gave a cheerful assent to the ordinanoe at Trenton, convinced
of the advantage and neoesdty of the measure, and believing that it
would meet the approbation of our constitoants, who have generally
stood first in executing every thing that appearod cakolat^ to pio-
jnota the honor and happiness 0i the fedenl covemment.

The Place proposed in the ordinance, whether on this or that side
the Delaware is very fevtirsble to Pennsylvania. Much of the
money expended there will finally enter in our State — this deserves
attention. The offer made by New Jersey of thirty thousand
pounds and territorial Jurisdiction gave rise to an enqovy whioh
we have frequently heard, what will Pennsylva. dof To tlUs we
oannot answer, but aa the Lecifllatare are now sitting, we state
these things to you in order that they may have it in their power
to favor UB with their instruotions upon this point aa soon a« eon-
venieni.

Wednesday next is appointed for discussing the report of a 00m-
mittee respeoUng the appointment of additional oommissionen of
accts., and we have reason to hope it will fully answer the intention
of the house. A compleat Copy of the Laws and resolutions of tho
legielatme since the Revolutioi^ are very necessary for us, therefore

608 PBKNSTLTANIA ▲BOHIVES 1786.

we request that we may be furnished with them as earlj as oon-
yenient.

Wc have heard nothing of the Wyoming Business since we hist
wrote you.

We have Honor to be Sir,

Your very h'ble Servts.,

JOS. GARDNER.

This letter was intended to be a joint one, but Mr. MoHenry is
out^ therefore wants his signature.

DiVecte/,

The Honorable John Bayard^ ^^^'t Philadelphia. Free. — J.
Gardner.

Jbtdonedf

Read 1 ^e Feb'y 18^ 1785. Read 1 time FeVy 19, and
granted.

GEBTmoATB or GaolxBi 1785.

To all Whom This may Concern.

This is to Certify That the bearer here<tf Pkitrick Hely brought
and Delivered into the Gku>l of the City and County of Philadelphia
a Certain Robert Johnston Steel Committed by the Honourable
Thomas McKean Esquire, Docktor of Laws and Chief Justice of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania By the Name of Robert Steel
attainted by outlawry in the Supreme Court of this State for Robine
John Hart Esquire, Treasurer of the County of Bucks and the said
Robert Johnston Steel otherwise Called Robert Steel is Now in
safe custody in the Gtnol aforesaid This 12th day of Februaiy, 1785.

JOHN REYNOLDS, Gaoler.

Philadelphia ss.

I do hereby eertify that the above named Robert Steel, who
changed his name in North Carolina to Robert Johnston, and
Robert Johnston Steel confessed before me that he was at Newton
in Buoks County on the night of Uie day in which the Treasurer of
that county was robbed, and that he is the person named & intended
to be apprehended bv the Supreme Council of the State of Pennsyl-
vania, Dy their Proclamation founded on an Act of Assembly there-
of, Witness my hand this 12th day February 1785.

THO McEJlAN.

FENNSTLYANIA AB0HIVE8 1785. 609

Hath£W Bogqs to Pbeb. Dickinson^ 1785.

Pittsburg 20th, 1785.
Sir.

Li Sept. 1783, my husband James Boggs Reed iDstructionsJfrom
Brigadear Geul. Irwm with his permission for to settle & Improve on
the Reserved Tract, of Land oposite to Fort Pitt, as will appear by a
Copy of his instructions sent by Mr. Galbreath the Bearer of this
who has some knowledge of this matter. My husband with his
imall family went to work accordingly on the same Tract built him
a house & Cleared about eight or Ten acres of Land, my husband is
nnce dead, & Col AVilliam Butler haying obtained an act of Assem-
bly in bis favour for a ferry on the Allegancy River k a Lot of
ground assigned him at the mouth of a Run cmpteying in on the
west side oi the River, has in Consequence of that Taken poseation
of a part of the Lands Cleared by my husband & I presume more
than the Lot mentioned & that on the back part of my house, he
has lately Told me that I must turn out of the house in the Spring this
r think would be rather hard as I am now Left a widow & not pro-
Tided with any other home at the present. Should your Excellency
direct I will then Chcarfully Comply or should Col. Butler get^^his
Lot Laid of to him on the ground mentioned in the Jjaw, my Littel
house & small field would then be by no means in his wiiys, all I
wisli is that I may be allowed to set where I am untill Counsels
pleasure to Remove me, or should the ground where I Live be sold
or to be Leased by the State that I may be allowed the preference.
I am your Excellenoy,

most obedient humble Servant,

MARTHEA BOGGS,
Direeied,

His Excellency John Dickinson, President of Counsel Philad.
Hond.by Robt. Galbrieth Esqr.

Petition of Inhabitants of Wyoming, 1785.

To ihe Honble the Representatives of the Freemen of the Common-
wealth of the State of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met.

Gentlemen,

We your humble petitioners would take the earliest opportunity
to lay before your Honble House the deplorable situation in which
we liaye been enveloped since the decree of Trenton, which chang'd
the jurisdiction in favor of Pennsylvania, from that Date we have
been Deny'd the due administration of the Laws of Pennsylvania, or
in other words Common Justice, which the greatest criminals are
intitled to, according to all Statute and Common Laws of all Chris-

700 PEFNBTLTANA ABOHIVES 1786.

tianizcd peo^e. Altho' we have made incessant application to the
Legislative Body of this state for justice to be administered withoat
an^ discrimination of persons : yet to no purpose, altho' fair promises
were made ] and we had finally concluded there was no justice in
reyersion for us, either from the Legislative or Executive Bodies of
this State. But being creditably informed that the present Assem-
bly were composed of such persons who feared God, and resaided
man, and consequently had a promptitude to do justice to alTtheir
fellow-creatures ; this served as a stimulus to us to make one prayer
more to the Honble Assembly for justice to be administered without
partiality. Believing that your Honble Body will do all in your
power to redress our ^evances, and put us upon the same footing
with the common Citizens of this state, which is all we a^ And
farther permit us to say that all the disorders, irregnlarities and un-
justifiable proceedings taken against us, were committed under
such aggravated circumstances, as no christianized people ever ex-
perienced before from the most barbarous savages to begin with the
first rise of Pennsylvania Government in this settlement, (Va. :)
the Election of those Maristrates, who were to act in that sphere in
this part of the County of Northumberland, is as follows, they were
chosen by people from different counties of this state, together with
people from the state of the New Jersys and elsewhere, and
those that were elected were principally inhabitants of the Ck)nnty
of Northampton, — and all this was done without our consent or
knowledge ; and wo who had the sole right of choosing our Magis-
trates, were denyed the privilege which were justly intitled to.
Which Election we know to be unconstitutional and in the face and
eyes of all law, both Statute and Common. Yet altho' the sd Elec-
tion was in itself wrong and illegal, was established by an act of
the then Assembly directing the Executive Body of the state to
Commission the sd. Magistrates. Who soon after they were Com-
missioned repaired to Wyoming where they sought the ruin of the
N. England sctlers, and spread devastation wherever they went or
acted; and in order that those ill-minded and unconstitutional
Magistrates should bo enabled to carry their unjustifiable plans into
execution against us, an armed force of soldiers, was raiseid by this
state, and stationed at Wyoming, in open violation of the articles of
the confederation of the United States of America, (as is observed by
the Honble the Council of Censors.) And after these Ma^stratos
in conjunction with the Military authority had made many inroads
on justice and humanity. We as a Body entered to the Assembly
our Protestation & abhorrance against the sd Election of the Magis-
trates, also against such a line of conduct as these Magistrates, (Vis.
Patterson and Seely) were guilty of, and we might with propriety
mention one more upon which the assembly appointed a committee
to repair to Wyoming to investi^te and ascertain the truth of those
allegations of ours which were laid to the charge of those Magistrates.
And upon Tryal found the allegations were fully and amply sup-

PBNNSYLYANIA ABOHIYBS 1786. 701

ported by oreditable and indiipatable evidenooB and made report
accordingly to the assembly, at which time we had an agent at the
Assembly to urge the necessity of something to be immediately
done in onr fiavor. The report of the committee was re-committed,
and from that referred to a second committee. And finally after our
agent had indeiatagably labored with the Assembly for near three
months with great ezpence of money ; returned with the disagree-
able news, ioMt the assembly woola do nothing for us ; but still
suffered those illegal and ill-minded magistratesi who had been the
occasion of all the tumults and disorders, which were committed at
this place, to go with impunity, And we may say that to help compleat
our ruin ; Henry Shoemaker was about this time commissioned by
dounoil, to act in conjunction with these other magistrates. And
this neglect of the G-. Assembly has proved the destruction of this
settlement, and cost this state thousands of pounds, which had bet*
ter been taken and giyen to the poor; In this manner we have been
treated by the authority of this state untill we were droye to a state
of desparation, and supposed that there was no justice in reversion
for us in the State of Pennsylvania, because a deaf ear was turned
to all our prayers and entreaties, and great credit given to all the false
misrepresentations of our avow'd, and implacable enemieS| and all
those depositions, that were taken at Wyoming by the committee, &
carried to the assembly, were not even suffered to be read in the G.
Assembly, and consequently truth withheld from the state, which
was at that time of the utmost concern that these allegations
should come to the knowledge of Pennsylvania, but alass they were
concealed tnd the truth kept from the good inhabitaots, who had a
ri^ht to the same. The concealment of which appeared to us to
originate from disaffection towards the N. England sellers ; upon
whiish it appeared to us in Vain to trouble the Assembly or sue for
Justice after so many denials. We have ever since the decree of
Trenton been intirely denyed the Benefits of Citizens and Free-
holders, and have been treated as Aliens and Strangers to the Com-
monwealth of Pennsylvania, and how the present assembly look
upon us, and what measures for our future protection and safety,
they mean to take, we cannot say. And therefore think we shall
be justified in the; eyes of the impartial world to lye in a Dormant
Situation untill the Present Assembly shall in their wisdom see fit
to let us know in what point of light that Honblo House look upon
us. whither they will give us the priviledgc which all Freemen by
the laws of all Christianized people are intitled to, (Vis. :) Citizen-
ship and Fieeholdership, that is the power of choosing our own
officers Civil and Military, for we have felt the dire effect of sub-
mitting to other Counties and States choosiuff authority to rule us,
for we are confident that some of those that were Elected and
others that elected them neither feared God, nor regarded Man.
Therefore we think that we cannot in justice to ourselves, ever sub-
mit to such an illegal step again; ard we are assured we shall be

30*

702 PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVliS 178ft.

justified in opposing any snch nnoonititation proeecdinga ; in Tindioi-
tioD of the rights of mankindy and that inherent riffht wliich the
Ood fd nature has bestowed apon men at large. In Uiis readiitioii
ire think we are not opposing the kws of this State : bnt in vindiea-
tlon of the same and that yonr Honble Hooae will jastii^ iia in on
Determination — ^for it is not onr intention to oppose the lawa of lUi
State^ bat coroberate them; tho' onr enemies haye and will eany
false reports to yonr Honble Hoose, whioh hate no exiatence \ni
in their distempered Brain ; and Malieionaly and Wickedly report
that we will not snbmit to the Laws of thia State. Again we Ittfe
been often trappan'd by onr passive obedience and non-resistanee,
and oonfiding in some of the first men in office in the State la
mention one instance of Lt. Col. John Armstrong and Johi
Boyd| Esqs., who by forfeiting their word and HonorB and tjvq
thing that is near to Gentlemen, made ns Priaoneny abos'd
ns, with more than savage treatment, and robed na of npwardi
of one hundred rifles and valuable fire armsi and many other
efiiBcts, even to our smallest Pen-knives; and we may say with
propriety that we have been Bob'd of upwards of two hnndral
lUfles and valuable fire arms by officers of Oovemment ainee the
first of last May, which have never been returned to thia day. And
altho' we have often Petitioned the former Assembly for Jnatioe in all
the cases wherein we were injured and abused, but could obtain no
redress, and we have undergone such a series of injustice, plunder,
rapine and murder, from those who pretended to do ns juatioe, that
we are reduced to the shades of death. And if we can obtain aoy
assistance from your Honble House in a line of justiod, We shall
ever acknowledge the same with thankfulness and a true senoe of
Gratitude. And untill your honors shall condescend to draw a line
for our future conduct it is impossible for us to know what oourte
to steer. We are at present destitute of any Civil authority in this
place. Esq. Mead has refused to grant any precept these six weeks
past. Therefore the sooner we can have the priviledge of electing
our own Officers, Civil and Military, agreeable to the oonatitution of
this state, the sooner happiness, peace and good order will be re-
stored to this settlement. We would also beg leave to point out to
your honors some proposals made to us by some of the Maffistratea
of this county about eight weeks since, to enable ua to elect our
own Magistrates. And first it was proposed to have a number of
us to purchase a tract of wild Land on the mountaina (under the
proprietors Ckiim,) and that Col. W. Montgomery should survey
the same, which Land we should divide amongst a larger number
and thereby become Freeholders, and entitled to elect onr Ma^
trates. Which proposal we rejected for wo were not willing to give
our money, for that which we esteemed our own, nor buy those
Priviledgos that we wore so justlv entitled to. Secondly, Esq.
Mead proposed to call all the Inhabitants together of both parties,
without any regard to Freeholders, ^as is directed by the constitution,)
and he would lead us to a choice or Mngistrates, and make report to

VStfSSILYJJOJL ABGBI7IB 11S8L

701

Goancily and know whether Uiat HonVW Body would apmoT« the
choice or not; this proposal we alio r^eeiea and diapird, as we
looked upon it to he unconstitntionid, and that our eneBiieB and
those that had no right upon an ^eciiial ^MitiBg in the Election, with
those g£ os who haTB the sole DgfaA. Theiefore for thsee reaeona we
apply to your henoca for a line to be drawn that we niay know what
course to steer.

And in the intermediate spaeoi whUe we have ne aaihority in this
place, we have thought most advisable to form ourselves in some
order for our mutual defence and safe^, and to act as near the
Laws of this Stskte as possible, until we shall have a oonstitutionfll
Establishment of the same. And we most heartily pray for year
Honors ezerticms to establish peaee and coed order in this distraeted
and infatuated place ; for we think that ttie political salvation of Uiia
settlement depends upon vonr assednity, and exertions in this
respect as well as the Happiness and safety of this State, which we
insist on, we have always strove for since the deeree at l^enton, and
have endeavoured to demean ourselves in such an equitable line of
conduct, that we are justly entitled to all the immunities of Free-
Citizens and Freeholders, which if allowed our prayer is in a great
measure answered. And we will vnj that the benedictions of
Almighty Ood may rest upon your Honorable Body, and that your
Honors may have wisdom as the angels of Ood, to direct you at
all times, and that you may consult such measures and carry them
in execution, as shall terminate in the advancement of Messiah's
Kingdom, and consequently in the Weal and prosperity of this state.
And that your honors may be enabled at au times to consult the
happiness of this state in such a manner that your names may be
sacred in the annals of history, and generations yet unborn, when
they come on the staee of action may call you blessed is the sincere
prayer of your humble Petitaoners. And we as in duty bound will
ever pray.

Wyoming, February 20th, 1785.

John Jenkins,
Nathan Wade,
Abigail Jameson,
Martha Stuart^
Wm. Jones,
Biohard Inman,
John Inman,
Ishmeal Bennet,
Walter Spencer,
Neemiah Northrop^
Alex. Jameson,
Robt. McDowl,
Jont. Corey,
Obadiah Camel,

John Hurlbat,
Bobt. Jemmison,
Abm. Westbrook,
Elijah Inman,
Mason F. Alden.
William Hiberd,
Jno. Minor,
Jerh. White,
Lenard Westbrook,
Benjamin Harvey,
William Jacson.
Daniel Holly,
Ebenesar Parish,
Eldad Kellogg,

Jacob Johnson,
Ebeneier Johnsoni
John Franklin,
Giles Slbenm,
Simon Spaulding,
Phens. Peirce,
Phens. Nash,
Nathan Kingsly,
James Frieby,
Sam'l Ayres,
Hecekiah Boberts,
Benj. Bidlsok,
Beubin Cook,
Elisha DrakC;

PJENNBYLYANIA ABGHnnS ITSfii

Jd0. Oonjf
LebeosTobfly
Bun. Tabsy
Bwhard Broakmy,
ThomM Bennet^
MiOM Kady,
Dan'l Jinkingsoii;

Joskh KeUo
Josh. Van Fleety
Biek. WeaOMEOok,
William Blooaniy
William Warner,
Nath. Cooky
Naphtali Hurlbnt,

Jonathan Woodworth, James Atberton,
Qabriel Gorey, Aaahel^AiherioDy

Jonathan WoUey,
Danl Pieroey
Thoe. MoGloeri
Daniel OoTOi
Siiaa Smith,
Samuel Hover.
Henry Hover,
Wm. Hooker Smith,
Ohiat. Horlbat,

Sarah Lee,
Jean Shoemaker,
Jonat. Teinnr,
Abraham Harding,
Thomas Park,
Elisha Harvey,
Nathl. Devinport,
Conrad Lions,
Benj. Baily,

Zih. Bniler,
Prinee Aldan,
Thoa.Eead,
Joel Thomni,
Able YnringtoB,
John Hydb,
Able Pieroe,
Joseph ElUoti,
Frederiok Bveland,
Asal Bumkam,
Josiah PeU,
Stevoi FnUcTy
Thomna Baldwin,
Joseph Kenny,
Job Styles,
John Plntner,
JnstoB Oaylordy
Ambiroae Gnyloid.

pBTinoN ov MiBsas. Duncan and Finlxt or Pittsbubo, 178S.

To his Excellency John Dickinson, Esquire, President, and the
Honourable Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is
Council assembled :

The Petition of David Duncan and John Finley, of the Town of
Pittsburgh,

Humbly sheweth,

That your petitioners having been informed that Fort Holntosk
is to be evacuated in the Spring, and they having engaged in bosi-
ness in the Indian Trade, would willingly undertoke the care of the
Garrison and Buildings at that place. That unless some person or

Sersons are appointed to take care of the Garrison, it will be in
anger of being destroyed by the Lidians, or the burning of the
Woods.

Tour Petitioners therefore humbly pray your Honors would be
pleased License them to Trade in the business aforesaid, at the place
aforesaid, for such Time as your honours shall think proper during
good behaviour, and your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will pray,

DAVID DUNCAN,

JOHN PINLBY.
Pittsburgh, February )
20, 1786. J

MlNUTXS 0¥ A MeITINO AT SUBYXYOB (^INXBAL's, 1785.

At a MeeiiDg at tbe Surveyor Gkneral's^ 7th H'ch^ 1785|

. Presenty

His Excellency Jn*. Dickinson, Esq', President,
The honb> Jn* Nevill, Esq',
The Surveyor Qen', H'. Lukens,
The Receiver Gen*, M'. Johnston,
The Secretary, M'. Kennedy.

. Resolved, that for preventing delavs upon applications to Deputy
Surveyors by Persons claiming Lan<u in the Counties of Westmore-
land, Washington and Fayette, by virtue of Rights acquired under,
founded on, or recognixed by the Laws of Virginia, the Surveyor
Oen'l forthwith furnish his Deputies with necessary Transcripts of
the Papers communicated by the Government of Virginia to the
JBupreme Executive Council, and by them put into his Hands — that
he enjoin them to pay immediate attention to all applications
appeared to be supported by Rights obtained as aforesaid before the
l&d of June, 1780, that in Returns of all Surveys made on such
applications they certify whether the particular description men-
tioned in such entries correspond with the Lands shewn by the Ap-
plicants— ^That where such Deputies cannot conveniently attend the
taking depositions in disputed Cases, they earnestly require both
the Parties to be present when they shall be taken, in order to avoid
the Trouble & Expence they must otherwise unavoidably incur, —
and that to give facility and dispatch in settling the claims afore-
said, it be recommended to the Surveyor Gen'l to lessen the Dis-
iricts and appoint a greater number of Deputies — and that in his
choice of them he take all possible care to ffuard against the appoint-
ment of any person influenced by Prejudices upon the subject of
iueh Claims.

DsLsaATEs IN Congress to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

New York, March 9th, 1785.
Sir,

We have been honored with your Excellency's favor of*
date, inclosing the Memorial of the Merchants and Traders of the
City of Pbilada., expressingtheir apprehensions of further depreda-
tions on their trade by the^arbary Corsairs, if speedy and effectual
measures are not taken to prevent them, which has been laid before
Congress — and we are happy to inform you, Sir, & thro' you the
Merchants of Pbilada., that Congress have not been inattentive to
this very important concern, to which we believe they are well dis-

* Feby. 17. See page 410.

TM PBKNSniYAlOA ABiOBIVlB VtWi

Sosed to give every relief in iheir power. Onr miniiiten alnotd
ave long since been authorised to negociate with the States of Bip
bary* (in oomvaom with others) treatiee of amity & commarce, which
we have reason to know have only been rendered ineffeetnal hereto^
fore (with the Barbary States) for want of a sum of monay^ wUch
onstom has made absolutely neoesauy to purchase them.

Congress have lately appropriated for this purpose a sum of
money not exceeding eighty thousand doUaiSi subject to the drtughia
of our ministers. A Gentleman well recommended for his integritv
and personal knowled^ of that countryi will be charged with fresh
dispatches to Europe m a short timoi respecting this business, who
may probably be employed to cany into effect t£« wishes of (kngnn
at the Court of the Emperor of Morroooo.

Altho' we ardently wish as much as possible to satisfy the aaiietj
of the merchants upon Uiis subject; yet we request that no eztraeli
may be taken or published, as the matter is yet sub judioe, and aoj
premature publication may have a tendency to delay, if not prevent^
the proposed ne^ociations, and draw the tinwary merehants into t
snare, by mistaking the intention for the fact There is little rea-
son to doubt but that Oreat Britain will use all her influenoe to pre-
vent any snch treaties being made. As soon as GencreBS have
taken their final determinations upon this subjeet, we will have the
honor of communicating them as &r as our injunctions of seereej
will admit.

Mr. Marbois, in the name of the King, his master, has made a
demand of Lougchamps; this has been under oonsideration fer
several days as the order of the day, and has been postponed ; whea
this great national question may be discussed is uncertaini but Uiere
appears no disposition to hurry.

No moves have been made by the Connecticut Gentlemen upon
the Wyominff bunness, and we remain in the dark what the wish of
the State is m that affiiir. If any determinations of the house take
place, we will be much oblidged bv your Excell'ys communicatkm
upon that subject. Gen'l Knox is appointed Secretary at War.
The treasury is not yet formed— no official acc'ts from Jarvais or
Osgood whether they will serve or no. We are.
With great respect, Sir,

Your Excell'ys

most obt. k Very

h'ble Serv'ts,

JOSEPH GARDNER,
WILLIAM HENRT.
* See page 410, 411, 418.

rsxmntTLVMXiL AMmwrns vm. tot

EuSOnOM BT OfiffBIAL AsaUiBLT, 1766.

Sliie of PennsjlYMUAy

Ld GkiiemI Anembl j,

nnmKkj, Mtfoh 10, 1786, A.M.
Agreeably to the order of the day, the Home proceeded to the
election of a Recorder of Deeds in and for the city and oounty of
Phikdelphia^ and the ballots being taken, it appear^ that Matthew
Irwin, Esquire, was duly elected.

^traot from the Minutes,

J. SHALLUS, Ass't Clerk

of the Ckneval Assembly.

F. floPKiifsON TO Council, 1786.

To his Excellency the Prerfdent & Honourable the supreme
Executiye Council.

Oeptlemen,

Enclosed is a certified account of Fees received in my office
duringthe Quarter ending the 18 th Instant. I have to request that
your Honours would be pleased to grant me a warrant on the
Treasury fbr £60 on account of salary, agreeably to former usage.
I have the honor to be,

with all due Respect,

your most obedient

very bumble servant,

FRAS. HOPKINSON.
Philad'a, March 17th, 1785.

Iridariedf

Referred to the Comptroller Oen. It hath been eustomary to
advanoe in quarterly paym'ts about the sum within Requested and
to settle the acco't of The Judge of The Admiralty once a year,
when he credits the several advances, and the fees Rec'd for the
foregoine year, the sum now aaked together with the fees of the last
quarter do not amo't to one quarter's salary.

Jno. Nioholson.

22d Mar., 1786.

David Miad to Pbeb. Dickinson— Wyominq, 1785.

Wioming, March 30th, 1785.
His Excellency the President,

Inclosed I Transmit a few Depositions for your Perusal, Relative
to the most Deplorable situation of this part of the State.

Omncil I sappose so well infonned that I need aay nothing on
the Bubjecty.and the more I am MUfniaed at the Tardyneaa of Got-
ernment, IHme is Precious.

However if if s Possible tosoppoae the want of Energy in Pemi.
aylyania is such not to aapport ita Dignity, I moat beg for Imms-
uate Information to Bemove from a State of anarchy,
and am in the mean time

your Ezceileney's

most obedient Humble Senrmni,

DAVID MEAD.
Directed J

His Ezcellenoy the President and the Supreme Execntiye Council
of Pennsylvania.

Deposition. — ^No. 1.

Norihum'd County Ss.

Personally appeared before me, the subscriber, one oi the Juitiees
of the peace in and for said County, CharleM Manrow, one of the
Constables of Wioming, who being duly sworn doth dejKMe and siy,
That Gangs of the Connecticut Party are daylay ^wing throudi
the Wiommg Settlements distressing, the few Familiea jet in tae
place who are attached to Government, by Bobing, Plundering and
Turning them out of Doors in a most naked and Distressed situation,
that yesterday was a day set for all those People who had not
actually been Throwed out of Doors by Violence, to be goan that
they bad Received the Last notice without Distress. That on the
Twenty Second Instant, Six of them came to the Hous of this
Deponant at about the sun Setting, and Turned his Family all out
of Doors, Throwed his goods all out and Considerable part broke to

Sleces, Took his Grain, meet, salt, and many other things, that his
hildren had no Shoes, and little Cloathing, Thretning if they
Return into the Hous, they would bum it down with them in it,
when this deponant asked the officer of the party, what authority
he had for such Conduct who Produced his Precept Signed Ebenezer
Johnson their Col. or Commanding Officer, and one of their Com-
mittee, who acts in Consequence of his authority from tho Con-
necticut Claimants, Delegated him at their General Meetings, and
further sayth not.

his
CHARLES ><1 MANROW.
mark.
Sworn & Subscribed before "^
mC; March 24th, 1785.

David Mead.

PBNN8TL7AMIA ABOHITIS. IZML 7W

DsroSFHOBLr^No. 2.

Korthamberland County Ss.

Personally appeared oefore me tbe subscriber one of Ibe Jnstioes
cf the peace in and for said Gotinty; Samud Kerr, who being duty
Bwom doth depose and say, That, small Companies of the Gon<
necticut Party, are Ihyly Stroaling through the Wioming aettle-
inents, Rayaging the few Families yet in it; who are any way
mttached to Ooremment, that many of them after being FInndered
0f the most of their Effects, have been Tamed almost naked out of
DooiBy and their Hoasea been palled down, others Thretned if they
Betumed into their Houses, that they should be burnt down oyer
their heads, That on the Twenty Thira Inst,ant, a Party of Six Men
came armed into the Hous of this Deponant, Orderms him and
Family Immediately to be goan, who asked the Officer of tfa^ party,
what authority he had for such Conduct, who Produced an Order
in writing, signed Ebenezer Johnaon, who is the Col. or Com-
manding Officer of the Connecticut Claimants, and is a Meml^ of
their Conimittee, Elected at a Gtenend Meeting of those Olaimants,
&c., and Further sayth not

SAMUEL KARB.

Sworn & Subscribed before )

me, March 25th, 1785. >

David Mbad. j

PSFOSItlON.— No. 8.

Northumberland County Ss.

Personally appeared before me ihe subeoriber ooe of the JustioeB
of the peace in and for said County, Daniel SwarU, who being diiltf
#irom doth depose and say, that on the Twenty Seeond Inatent a
^Skng of Twelve of the Goonectiout Claimants came to the house of
this Deponant with arms Tbretmng the Ebmily id that his wife is
in a situation, that her life is almost despaired of, ordering them
Immediately out of Doors, That he has been Plundered of the most
of his Effects so that his Family is almost naked, himself much beat
and abused and hailed out of Doors by the hare of his head, when
the Deppnapt asked what authority they had for their Proceedings,
when the Officer of the Party Produced his Precept Luued by
Ebenezer Johnson, their Commanding officei;, and one of their
Committee, Chosen by said Cbimaata at their General Meeting, and
further saidi not

DANIEL SWART.

Sworn k subscribed before'
Maix^h 25th, 1785.

David Miad.

?10 PKNNBYEYJLMIA ABOEmS 1718.

DxposiTioif— Na 4.

Northam'd Oonnty Ss.

, PenooaUj appeared before mt| the 8ub6oriber| one of the Justices
of the peace in and for aaid Coontj, John (kLrtri^tj wko being
jlidr Bwom doUi depose and say, that on the Twenty jBiehth loatanl
a €(ang of the Oonnectient Party Game to hia hoofl and Bobed hia
Pamily of hia Cow, and algo Took what little hay and oata he had,
and them Carried away, algo^ have ordered him to he goan in Three
-Says, or all his Effects ahouM be made a prise d^ and further
saith not* his

JOHN « CARTBIQHT.
mark.
Sworn & snbaoribed before '
me, Maroh 30th, 1785.

Dayjd Mxad.

BXSOLUTION Of OXNEBAL ASSSMBLY— ElYXa DXLAWAai,

1785.

State of Pennsylvania.
In Qeneral Assembly, Thursday, Maroh Slst, 1785— A. M.
The Report of the Committee read March 26th on the petitions
of divers inhabitants of the Counties of Bucks and Northampton,
was read the second time, whereupon

Resolved, That the Commissioners appointed by this State to
ascertain the Islands in the River Delaware (in conjunction with
those appointed by the State of New Jersey) be authorised and
instructed to examine the said River and its navigable branches in
this State, in regard to the navigation of them, as far up as the Cosh-
hieton Mountain, and make report to this House of the praetioability
and expenoe that may occur in improving the same ; and further,
that the Supreme Executive CouncU be desired to inform the Qov-
eimor of New Jersey of this resolution.

Extract from the Minutes.
SAM'L BRYAN,
Clerk of the Qeneral Asaembly.

BxaOLUTION Of GSNXBAL AsSXBiBLY— BoUNDABT N. T., 1785.

State of Pennsylvania. — ^In (General Assembly,

Thursday, March 31, 1785, A. H.
The motion read yesterday was read the second time and adopted
as follows, (viz. :)

Whereas, it appears by documents and papers laid before this
General Assembly, that the Legislature of the State of New York

.FSBrNBTLVAHlJl ABOHXFSS 1785w 711

hava.bj laW provided for the nming oat^ markiDg and asoerfadnipg
tfi(e bouiidaiy line between tbe Oommonweelth of FennsjlTania uia
the State of New York, so that the aame may be the fixed and
pemiaikeitt line tf joriadiction between the said States.

Besolved, that the resolution of the fifteenth day of September,
1783, for appointing Commissioners for oertain purposes therein
jnentiondL and the resolution of the eighteenth day of Febniary last,*
for enlarging the powers of the Commissioners appointed in porso^
ance of the said resolve of thei fifteenth day of September aforesaid,
so as to enable them to mn ont and mark a temporary line of jnri»-
diction between this State and the State of New York, be, and the
same hereby are, rescinded and made null and void.

Resolved, that the Executive Council be, and the said Council is
hereby empowered to draw orders on the Treasurer of this State for
the payment of such sum or sums of money as shall appear to be due
to each of the said Commissioners for any services due or expences
borne by them, or either of them, under theur appointment as aforesaid.
Extract from the Minutes.

J. SHAMiUS,
Ass't Clerk of the General Assembly.

SxoaETABY Abmstrong to Assemblt, 1785.

In Council, 4th April, 1785.
A letter from David Mead, Esq., with its enclosures, was read, &
an order taken that they be transmitted to the Hon. The Gen.
Assembly.

Extract from the Minutes.

JOHN ARMSTBONG, Sec'y.
Directed,
Hon'ble John Bayard, Esquire, speaker of the General Assembly

Besolution or Genxral Assimblt. — ^Duties, 1785.

State of Pennsylvania, In General Assembly.

Friday April 8th, 1785, A. M.
A Member presented to the Chair a motion which was read, and
the same being considered, was adopted as follows, viz.

Whereas it appears by the Report of a Committee^of this fibuse,
that lar^ sums of money remain due to the State, on Bonds taken by
the Collector of the Customs, which by the tenor and condition of
the said Bonds respectively beoame due and payable at various
periods now past.

. *Bsepage41S.

m smnanrLvumiA MBaaarm tm.

And Whek«a8 it is requisite and naesBiary tbtt inch mttmmgM
riiould be ifeedily paid and ooUeeted in irder to aaawv ibe M¥«al
|ieipmda:chiagged mm the aame.

Resolved, That the Supreme BzeontiTe Oonncil be and th^ art
hereby deared to order the said OoUeetor toneehievtineat diligence
Ao obtain pajnent of all the saM aneaimffea, and if any of the aaid
arrearagea now dne, shall remain unpaid on tiie ftnt day of June
next, thi^t the said Colleotor be directed forthwith to pnt the Bends
jDn which suDh monies shall be so due into the hands of the Attorney
fleneral to be.proseonted upon« without delay or respeet of peraons.
Extract from the Minutes,

SAM'L BRYAN,

deck of the Gen'l Aasembly.

GBA0. YAHOOinrxR to Pbkel JhoKiNBoif, 1786.

Sir,

I take the liberty of troubling you with the Conditions of a work
now in great forwardness, and intended for speedy publicaUon.
Should it meet with your approbation the &Your of your encourage-
ment and patronage will be gratefully acknowledged by him who is
with the greatest

respeot Sir, your much obliged

obedient Servant

CHARLES TAIWJOUVER.

Phikdelphia, 2l8t April, 1785.
ZHrecied^
Bis Excellency John Dickinson, Esqr.

Wm. BBADroRD, Jr. to Psxs. Dickinson, 1785.

Third Street, April 25th, 1785.
Sir,

I beg leare to inform your Excellency and the Council that the
trial oAhe EJeetmeut brought by the Children of Andrew Allen for
the recovery of a tract of Land commonly called thehig sprinjj traot^
will oome on at Readina, on the 24th of next month. In thu eanse
the Commonwealth is we real defendant ; the Land in controversy
Jhav'g been seized as the property of Andrew Allen, who stands at-
tainted by act of Assambly, & sold by Agents for forfeited Estates.
Accordingly the Council undertook the aefence and retained Mr.
Reed with me to conduct it. His absence from the State prevented
an early trial, and his death has deprived the state of his services

^ tbe plamt^ hiTre retaiiied Tliy emincoiii Oonntd on then* jrart,
I would sabmit lo your EzoellttacjtBd the CSounoil the proprietj^ of
supplyinff the place of Mr. Reed with some other Oentleman of th»'
Ijkw. Tm Yuue of th^ Land in ooolroTerBj k ^My conrndefable &
tha oanie iavolTeB in it qnestiosui of importanoe«

On the trial of this Cause the testimony of Mr. Trimble on the
part of the State will be neoeanry to the defonoe. I must recpiest
that Council will diapenoe with hia abeence a few days on thai
oooaasion.

X would abo take the Liberty of reminding your Ezeelleney of
my applieation for informatioiL raBpecting the charges against Amos
WiUiams who was apprehended under & proolamation issued by
CounciL It will be neoessary to proceed against him in the ordi-
naiT Cmirse of Justice at the next Court of Oyer & Terminer^ or he<
will be intitled to his diaeharge.

I beg your Exeell^y & the Cobnoil will be. pleased to faror mo
with a draught upon the Treaanzer for £100 on aooount of my salarj-
as Attorney General, being less Uian is due to me on that aeoount

I must 9\bq lequeatto be fikvored with any papers in the posaes-
aion of Council, respecting the misconduct of the Judges of the
Lancaster Election, which may be of serrice in the prosecution
which I have been directed by the State to commence against them.
I shall leave Philadelphia on that business about the 5th of ^next
month.

I have the honor to be^

with sentiments of the most

perfect respect your Excell'y

most ObedH Serr't,

WM. BRADFORD, Ja.
Directed,

To His Excell'y John Dickinson.

PB0F08AL8 FOR BOILDIWQ THE PIBB8 AT MABCUS HoOK, '

1786.

The Proposals for Building the Peirs at Maroui Hook As FoUowa.

First — One Peer to be sunk oM^osite Robert Monlders Whul
sixty feet long by twenty six feet wide at Uie Top, the maoe left
between St & Sd. Moulders Wharf forty feet Sleepeni to laid over
this apaoe and Planked with White Oak Plank of Two Liches & a
half Thick,

Second. — One other Peer to be sunk opposite the. above Peer at
the Distance of Thirty Feet, Seventy feet Ions & Thirty feet wide
at the Top, sleepers to be laid over as above £ Planked &c.

Third. — ^Two Peers to be sunk opposite William Bums's wharf
being of Equal Dimentions In length Breadth and Distances or space
between them likewise Sleepercd &o.^ Plank'd as the Peers above
mentioned.

. Fonrth.-^Aii tddition to be madeto Robert MbuMen Wlnif of
Ten ^eet wide on the -South ekte'Sxtending to Uie front of eud
wharfl

Fiftb-T*The whole work to be oompleaielj Finiehed in a work-
manlike manner with the three upper Rounda of Heaarte Pine or
White oak hm.

And, I Do finffage to find Eyenr of the M ateriala, nmber, Inm
Work, Stone k rnhngj Workmanship .&o., fte., ako to Oompleate
the four Peers so as to be ready for the Reception & GoTering of
the Shipping the Ensuing winter. I Likewise shall ft wUl make
Buitahle and proper Exertions aeoording to time for to Oompleat
^ whole if PoBsiblei For the sua of Four Thousand and ooe
hundred Pounds Specie, To be paid in the following Manner-
Seven hundred & fifty Pounds Down, one Thousand Pounds wheu
the two first Peers are sunk, also one Thousand Pounds at Sinking
the two liast Peers, The sum ci Fire hundred Pounds when the
feu' Peers are Bais'd above high water & proportionally fill'd, Fire
Hundred Pounds more when the 6d. Peers are Compleated k the^
Sam of three hundred k fifty Pounds when the whole work is
Finished.

THOMAS DAVIS.

Agbsebqent.

Philadelphia, ss.

In Consideration of an order this Day drawn by The Supreme
Executive Oouncil upon the Treasurer of the State payable to the
Wardens of the City in my favor.

I Thomas Davis do hereby agree with the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania to build k erect the Peers mentioned in the other
parts of this paperin the Manner therein mentioned and aoeording
to the Piatt which I have this day signed. The piers to be so far
carried on k made this Spring as to be sufficient for receiving k
protecting the Shipping next winter and the whole work to be
eompleated on or before the first Day of September 1786.

Witness my Hand k Seal this seventh Day of May 1786.

THOMAS DAYIS.

Witnesses.

JoHif ArmstbovG; jr.;
Jamjes Triiiblje.

PmnrSZLTANIA^ ABOHHOSB 178f:l 71K

Sharp DsLANY to Pres. Dickinson, 1785. "]

Custom ?ons6, 7& Jane. 1785
Sir,

I beff you may infom The Hononirable the Supreme Executive
CounciT, That in obedience to Their order of the 13th of April kst
applicatien was personally made and notices as inclosed delivered to
each person indebted for duties.*

That the reAolutions of the House as transferred by order of the
13th May, Thad inserted in the different news papers.

That considerable sums have been paid in, yet many persons are in
arrear, a list of whom, The Clerks are now drawmg for the in-
spection of Council.

Many promises to pay in a few dajrs, complaining they cannot
receive their interest as the Continental Loan Officer is not yet
supplied with Cash sufficient and the great scarcity of money ia
made the General Excuse.

I request the further directions of the Honourable Council.
Andam Sir, with Bespeet, ...
your obedient humble Servant,

SHARP DELANY, Cdlr. ^
Dirededf

GenL Armstrong, Secretary of The Honble. The Supreme Exe^
cutive Council.

Delegates in Conqrisb to Pres. Dickinson, 1785.

New York, 17th Aug. 1785.
Sir,

We have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency the Report
of the Secretary for foreign Affairs on the subject of the Complaint
of Mr. Thomas Shields wkieh your Excellency was pleased to trans-
mit to u«.

Previously to our laying this Complaint before Con^ss, we look
occasion to communicate the same to Mr. Ghirdoqui in a private
way. He assured us of his Desire to be Instrumentel in correcting
the abuse eomplained of, but that he oould not interfere ia the
Bumnesa^ unless it should come to bim officially. We iherefen
conceived it to be o^r Duty to lay the Pi^rs before Congress, who

* See page 711.

TOK PBNVBZLVANIA. ABOHIFB- ITSKi

were pleased to refer them to the Seoretarj for foreign affun to
take order;

We have the Honor to be,

witb great Respect, your Excellency,
most obediiBht St aiodt konible ServaiitB,

DAVID JACKSON,
CHA. PETHT.

Dvecied^

His EzceQency John Dickinson Esquire, President of the Stato
of Pennsylyania.

free G. Pettit.

BxsoLunoN Of GoNoaxafl — WYOiciNa, 1785.

By the United States, in Congress assembled :

September 21, 1786.

Whereas, the petiUon of Zebulon Buder and others claiming pri-
vate right of sou under the Stato of Oonneeticut and within the
Jurisdiction .of the Commonwealth of Pennsylyania, doth not de-
scribe with sufficient certainty the tract of Land claimed by the aid
Zebulon Butler and others, nor pardoidarly name the priTato adverse
claims under grants from the Commonwealth of Pennsylfania,

Resolved, That the Resolutions of Congress of the 28d day of
January, 1784, relative to the datm of Zebulon Butler and others,
be and are hereby repealed.

CHA. THOMSON, Seo'y.

Pktition or Aaron Doanb, 1785.

To His Bxoellenoy the President & the Hon'ble the Supreme Ezeo-
ntive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania :

The Petition of Aaron Doane, a lan^ishing Prisoner in the Jail of
the City & County of PhUadelphia,

Most humbly sheweth,

That your Petitioner unfortunately foil under the Suspieion of
this Hon'ble Board as being an Accomplice in the Rebbeiy of the
Treasurer of Buoks County in the year 1781, or thereabouts, for
which supposed Crime he was called on by a Proclamation of this
Honorable Board to surrender himself a Prisoner & undergo his
Trial for the same. That not being wellad vised he neglected so to do
whereby he became outlawed or attainted & with several others was
aftorw»rds apprehended & brought before the Hon'ble the Supreme

PBNN8YLYANIA ASOQITflS VIU. 717

Court & aaked what he had to my why Judgment of Death should
not pass upon upon him ; that having unadviaeadljjr suffered his
Time prescribed to expire without a surrender of has PersoUi his
Innoconce of the Faot stood him in no stead & not being able to
deny that he was the Person proscribed under his Name Judgm&t
of Death was accordingly passed on him & he has remained now in
Jail under a heavy Load of Irons upwards of fift^n months. Your
Petitioner most solemnly declares his Innocence of the said Fact &
his utter Ignorance of the Time, manner & Persons who committed
the said Robbery except from Information he has had since his
Oonfinementi and for the Truth of this Declaration he appeals to
the Confession of Robert Johnson Steel one of the Persons who
aotually was Ghiilty & has been pardoned, who declared before his
Honor the Chief Justice & is now ready to repeat it before this
Hon'ble Board that your Petitioner was not party nor privy to the
s' Rubbery.

Your rctidoner therefore most humbly prays that this Hon'ble
Roard will be plcas'd to take his Case into their Consideration &
extend their Clemency to him, inaamuch as so long & grievous an
Imprisonent may justly be deemed a sufficient attonement for his
Negligence or Contempt of the Laws of his Country for which ho
most heartily begs Pardon.

And your Petitioner will ever pray^ &c.|

AARON DOANK*
Philad'a Jail, Nov. 8th, 1785.

Petition in PAVoa op Aabon DoanX| 1785.

To nis Excellency, the President & Honourable Council of the

State of Pennsylvania.
Honored Gentlemen,

Having lately received Infomiation that a Certain Aaron Doane
is under sentence confined in the Gkial of Philadelphia, on suspicion
of being in Connection with those who robb'd the Treasury in Bucks
County in the year 1781, We the undersigned do hereby solemnly
declare that the said Aaron Doane was with us for six weeks before
the robery was Committed under Confinementin the Custody of Mr.
John Ridgeway in New York & he is realy Inocent of the Chai|^
alledg'd against him on that head, but to say anything farther of
him we oannot pretend as we have no knowledge of him or his pro-
ceedings untill that he was with us Confined, but if he his not set
at Lil^rty before this comes to hand we hope your honours will

« Sec Col. Reo., Vol. XIV., p. 888-898.
Vol. X.— 31

718 PmmSTVLANIA ABOHIVBS 1786.

show him Lenity, lemiining with bnmble respect to your honour-
ablo board| we are your hoooan very humble serrte.,

Jno. JonxS| Jamxs EnioetTj

Thomas Oboyu, Bobebt Clat,

his
Wm. ^ Thomas, Wiluam Mobbisov.

mark.
Adam RofkB|
Halifaxi Nova Scotia, 30th Dec'r, 1785.
I Do Certify that the aboye is real as witness my Hand.

J. BlDOWAT,

Pbtition bespectinq a Road nr N. L., 1778.

To the HonoaraUe Biohard Peon, Esquire, Lieutenant Goyemor,

&o.y and the Council of the Province of P^nsylvania.

The Petition of divers Inhabitants of the City and County of

Philadelphia

Respectfully sheweth,

That in pursuance of an Order of the Governor and Council a
Road hath been lately laid out from the Southernmost line of Land
belonging to the Estate of William Masters, Esq., Deceased, to the
Oermantown Road ; that the same is well made and will soon be
opened for the Use of the Public.

That the old Public Road, laid out upwards of Sixty years ago,
from Fourth Street to the place where the said new Road begins, is
very much out of Repur, and that the Supervisors of the Highway
(as jour Pedtioners are informed) would have repaired it, if the
Fences had been placed agreeable to the Courses of the said Road,
but some of them stand very Irregular, as appears by a Draught
hereunto annexed,* in which the dotted lines represent the Courses
of the Road and the blaek lines the Fences ss they now stand.

That the said Old Road cannot be properly repaired until ih»
Fences axe made agreeable to the Courses thereof, and as the Owners
of Land bounded by the said Road may differ in sentiments respeetinff
the said Courses, Your Petitioners Frav the Board will be pleased
to appoint Men to review the said Road and ascertain the Courses
thereof. And that ihe Supervisors of the Highway for the Northern
Liberties may be ordered to alter the Fences in such manner as the
said men, so to be appointed, shall direct. Or that the Board will
be pleased to take sneh other Measures as to them shall seem noet,

* The plan here retered to is attached to this docimieBt, but oamiot well
be introduced.

PiarNSTLVANIA AB0HITE8 178K.

719

for secnring to the Publio the free and fall use of the said Boed,
Sixty feet wide, as it was originally laid out

Edw. PeniDgton,
Thomas Moore,
Sam. Hopkinsi
Leon. Snowdon,
Cbas. Moore,
John Bayard,
Wm. Shippcn,
Jacob Barge,
William Pusey,
John Odonheimer,
Jos. Howell,
Plan. Fleeson,
Jno. Kaighne,
Thos. Lawrence,
Sam. Mifflin,
Joshaa Howell,
GtQOTge Wescott,
Peter Debaven,
William Robinson,
Willing Hall,
Keynold Keen,
Uriah Woolman,
Rob. Erwin,
Richard Jones,

a. G. Whelpper,
Jesse Maris,
Benj. Shoemaker,
Nath. Falconer,
George Reinhart,
Joseph Watkins,
John Thomson,
Christ* Lehman,
Samael Robeson,
John Graff,
Abraham Carlile,
Edward Simmons,
John Zeller,
Rich. Edwards,
Sam. Sansom, Jr.,
Fran. Wade,
John Chevalier,
David Potts,
Daniel Montgomery,
Warwick Coats,
Jore. Warder,
Joshaa Bmlen,
Joseph Swift,
James Riddle,

June 1st, 1778.* •
Geonre Mifflin,
Jo. Hillbom,
Tho. Mifflin,
Tho. Wharton,
William Fisher,
Henry Drinker,
Dan. Benezet,
R Strcttell Jones,
Tho. Pasohall,
Wm. Henry,
Hugh Roberts,
Wm. Ooata, Jr.,
John Parrish,
Sam. Preston Moore,
Sam. Burge,
Thos. Say,
John Parroat,
Wm. Wishart,
Davis Bassett,
Jno. Haworth,
John Coats,
Isaac Coats,
Charles Meredith.

Col. Hubley to Pees. Reed, 1779.

Fort Sullivan, on Tioga branch,

Aagust 24th, 1779.
Sir,

The present opportunity offering, I could not ommit writing to your
Excellency in behalf of my officers respecting their Commissions.f

The arrangement was transmitted to your Excellency by G^n'l
Sullivan some time since. As it was mutually agreed to by the
Gentlemen of the Regiment, I make no doubt it has met with your
Excellency's k the Hon. Body over which you preside, approbation.
Doctor Roffers, the bearer hereof, will return to ns immediately
a«un ; I beg you will please to forward the Commiesions by him,
which will be most particularly acknowledged by the Gentlemen.

Since my last (from this place) nothing material happened, ex-
cepting the arrival of Genl. Clinton from Otsago, situate on the
Head waters of Susquehannah, w ^ about 1400 effective men. Since
the forming the juncUon, the Army received orders to hold them-

* See Col. Beo , VoL X., p. 87. Men were appointed to review it.
t See Vol. VII., p. «67.

,l$lris JA rMdiiMM for m aiiroh on to-morrow moming-^to be pre-
Tid^ with 30 dajs's proTisioDs. The Y»nt of this Article, together
w^ vith the want of doathing, &o., I presume is the CAOse of oar
making lo short an Exoursion (80 disys) thro' the Indian Oonntrj.
Its judged, as very fow of the Savsges are seen near this plaee, thej
are gathering in some part of their Oountr jj and may prooafal j girs
ns some opposition.

Since oar arrival here we have erected a Fort, (Fort SulliTan.)
A garrison of 250 men will be left daring our excursion thro' the
Seneca Coantry.

For further news, I beg leave to refer jom Excellency to the
Doctor, who will be able to give yon a very particular aooonnt of the
situation of affiurs in this quarter.

My oflbers and men, who were wounded in the action of the ISth,
at Chemung, ate all likely to do well.*

I am, with the greatest respect,

Your Exselly's most obdt serv't,

Aiyjl HUBLEY, Lt. Col. (JomH
11 P. Aeg't
ZHVec/sc^,

Hb Bxoellenoy Joeeph Reed, Esqr., Presid't of the State ef
Penna., Philadelphia.

Favord ^ Dav'd Sogers.

Kev. James Speoat to Council, 1780.
To the Hon'ble Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania.

Gentlemen,

By a resolve of Conffrees, November 26, 1779,— Cloathing was
mnted for officers in the medical stuff, and being si^ed by the
Director Genl., such cloathing should be deliver^, either by the
clothier ffen'l or any sub-clothier in the State in which the officer to
receive oloathiog shall reude.

And whereas the sub-clothier of this State, cannot insoe anj
cloathing without an order from your hon'ble Board, it is eameatlj
desired that your Hon'r would issue an order to the snb-dothier
of this State, to deliver such cloathing as is specified bj resolve of
Congress, to me.

JAMBS SPROAT, G. H. Chap.

Philad'a, Match 6th, 1780.

♦ See Vol. Vn., p. 667.

FBRNSniVANtA AMSSVMB ^VtWi TK

Abrangimint or the Pennstlyaitia Line, January 17, 1781.

. Oeaenl Offieen in aotaal ■enrioe at the time of tUa grraiigei|Mftt»

Major General.
Arthur St. Clair, Commisaioned, Feb. 19, 1777.

Brigadier Generala.
Anthony Wayne, Feb. 21, 1777

William Irvine, May U, 177»

N.B. The Arrangement of the Artillery not haring come to hand,
i« necessarily omitted.

Regiment of Cavalry annexed to the line of thia Siata
Colonel.
Stephen Hoylan, Jan. 8, 177T

[claims rank by Brctet, from Jane 6, 1776

Lieutenant Colonel.

Benjamin Temple, March 81, 177T

Major.

More Fauntleroy, August 1, 1779

Captaini.

1 David Hopkins, '.; Jan. 21,.1777

2 John Heard, Feb, 8 L7X8
8 John Craig, Deo. 22, 1778
4 Zeb, Pike, Dec. 25, 1778
6 Larken Smith, Auguat 1, 1779
6 Henry Willis, Dec 22, 1780

Lieutenants.

1 Braamns Gill, Dec. 26, 1778

2 Thomas Uverton, July 1, 1779
8 Laurence Trant, Oct 1, 1779

4 John Sullivan, Oot 1, 1779

5 Jonah Hallet, Oct 2, 1779

Lieutenant and Surgeon.

Thomas H. M'Calla,

Surgeon's Mate.

Joaoph Thompson,

Riding Master.

William Thompson,

STEPHEN MOYLAN, Col. Com. L D.
Philadelphia, Jan. 25, 1781,

* See VoL IX., p. 725, for a return of the officers of tUs line Jan. L
178». "^

THfr

vmmanEuvAsu^ jaummm itssw

^omaa Bobinson^
Itajor Jtones MoorOi

FmsT RxQimBNT.

Colonel.

Coiiimfaii<med Sep. 29, 1778

Lieatenani-Colonel.

June 7, 1777

Major.

Captaiofl.

1 John Davis (of tbeQth,)

2 John Clark (of the 8th,)
a William Wilson,

4' Ja^b Stake (qf ihe lOth,)

5 David Zeiffler,

6 John Steel (of the 10th,)

T. JBbenEoer Carson (of the 10th,)

8 John MoClellan,

9 £4wanl Borke (of the 11th,)'

SUBAIiTIEIIS.

Lieutenants.

1 William Feltman (of the 10th,)

2 James MoFarland,
^8 William McDowell,

4 Sdwaid Crawford,

6 Joseph Banks (of the 10th,)

6 David Hammond,

7 Andrew Johnston,

8 Joseph Collier,

9 Francis White (of the 10th,)

10 Robert Martin, (do.)

1 1 Michael Everly, (do.)

12 James Campbell,

Ensigns.
18 Robert Nesbit, (of the 10th)
14 James Brooks, ditto.

Sorgeon.
John Sogers,

Surgeon's Hate.
John Bagae (of the 10th)

Septem. 20, 1777

Novem. 16, 1776

Feb. 28, 1777

March 2, 1777

Nov. 12, 1777

Dec. 8, 1778

March 28, 1779

April 1, 1779

October, 1, 1779

October 2, 1780

Not. 2, 1777
March 21, 1778
March 22, 1778
March 28, 1778

Jnne 2, 1778
Dec. 8, 1778

May 12, 1779

May 17, 1779
Angost 2, 1779

April 1, 1780
ditto.

July 11, 1780

Sept. 15, 1780
Sept. 15, 1780

August 19, 1778

ew^sxiiyANu ^jfevm^.m^

128^

SSOOND BjMUlflRT;

Coloiial.
Walter Stewart| Commuuoned, June, 17, 1777

Lieateiiant<]loloDel. ^

Caleb North' (of the 9th0

Maj<«.

James HamilUHi,

Captains.

1 Joeeph McClelland (of the 9UiJ

2 John Bapksoni
8 Samuel Toll^ert,

4 J(rfin- Pitterson,

5 John Pearson (of the 9th,)

6 Joeeph Finlej (of the 8th,)

7 Andrew Walker (of the 11th,)

8 William Lnsk (of the 7th,)

9 Samod Kennedy (of the 7th|)

SUBALTBRNS.

Lienteoants.

1 Henry Pieroy,

2 James Whitehead,

8 James Morris Jones,

4 WilUam Moore,

6 Enoeh Beeves (of the 10th,)

6 John Ward (of the 8th,)

7 John Strieker,

8 Henry D. Porsell,

Ensigns.

9 William Mnrren,
19 John B. Tilden,

11 Antoine D. MaroeUin,

12 Oeorge Le Boy,

18 Lieatenant John Stotsberry,

Surgeon.
Benjamin Perry,

SugeonVMate.

Bdberl Harris,

Third Bwiimknt.

October 28, 1777

1)60.10,1778

Jnlylp,1776

Sept. 26> 1776

OotoW 2, 1776

Jtn. 1, 1777

Sept. 7, 1777

Ootober, 20, 1777

Jan. 28, 1778

May 12, 1779

April 17, 1780

Haroh 12, 1777

Manh 12, 1777

Ha>Qhl2,1777

April 10, 1777

Manh 1, 1778

April 2, 1779

May 1,1779

Sept. 8, 1779

Hay 19, 1770

Hay 28, 1770

Sept. 21, 1779

July 10, 17n
Angat 1, 1777

Thomaa Oiaift

GoloneL

GomnWoMd,

1, im

TwtsisrLYAiifik AEoAtrsa 1786.

Josiah Harmer,
William Alexandeti

Lieutenant Colonel.

Majar.

GapUina.

1 James Christiei

2 Inaac B. Dann,

8 Lawrenoe Keene, (of the 11th,)

4 G^orffe McCully,

6 Abraham G. Clajpoole, (of the lltb,)

6 William Soroat, (of the 4th^)

7 John Hendenson,

8 John Marshalli

, 9 Samnel Bradj^ (of the 8th,)

SUBALTERNS.

Lieutenanta.

1 Daniel 8t Clair,

2 Percival Butler,

8 Blaokall W. Ball,

4 Andrew Engle,

5 James Pettigrew (of the 11,)

6 John Armstrong,

7 Richard Fallerton,

8 John Wifftoun,

9 Peter, Smith,

10 Jaoob Whitzel (of the llth,)

11 Robert Allison, (of the 11th,

12 Francis Thornbury (of the 11th,)
18 Samnel Read (of the 11th,)

Ensign.

Surgeon.

Surgeon's-Mate.

14 Peter Conningham,
Aleiander Stewart,
Robert Wharry,

Jane 6, 1777

April 17^ 1780

Angnst 9, 1776

October 4, 1776

Jan. 12, 1777

October 20, 1777

Judo 10, 1778

Majl2,1779
Angoat 13, 1779
Aagiiat 2, 1779

April 1,1777

Sept 1, 1777

Sept. 11, 1778

Deo. 20, 1778

April IS, 1779

May 12, 1779

Angnst IS, 1779

August IS, 1779

March 11, 1780

March 16, 1780

May 26, 1780

Oci 2, 1780

July, 1, 1779
October 16, 1779
June 20, 1778

Fourth Rxqibunt.

Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant

WiAiam Butler, Commissioned Jan. 22, 1779

Majors.

Frederick Vernon (of the 8th) June 7, 1777

B?an Edwards (of the lltb, ) Dee. 16, 1778

^t|TN8X|.TANM /AWWWW \im^

796

Cqpluiw.

' 1 Beiyanin Fighboarn,
2 Jobn Alexander, (of the 7th, )

. 8 Alcniiaer Ptoker (of the 7th,)
4 Bamuel Montgomery (of the 7th)
6 Andrew Irvine (of the 7th,)

6 James Oamaban (of the 8th,)

7 Henty, Beoker,

. 8 William Henderson,
9 Thomas Oampbell,

auBAiawBXB.
Iiienteoants.

1 8an»nel Brison (of the 7th,)

2 James STMiohael (of the 7th,)

8 Qarret Stidiford,

4 (}eoige Blewer,

5 Eroorins Beatty,
8 Peter Sammers,

7 George Boss,

8 Robert Pebles (of the 7tb,)

9 James Milleffan (of the 7th,)
ID John HoColTam (of the 7th,)

11 Jobn Hnghes (of the 7tb^

12 Wilder Bevins,
18 John Pratt^
14 Henry Henly,

15 Andrew Henderson,

William Hagaw,
John WiUdn.

Biehaid Butler,
Francis Mentges,
Thomas Ld. Moore,

Bnsign.

Sorgeon.
Sorgeon's-Mate.

Jaa.8>17n

Haroh20,m7

Manh,20,1777

ditta

ditto.

April 18, 1777

May 16, 1778

Jan. 1, 1781

March 20, 1777

June,20,17Y7

October 12, 1-77

May 16. 1778

June 2, 1778

June 4, 1778

April 16, 1779

ditto.

April 25, 1779

l£iyll^l77?

Jany. 1, 1780 *

July 4, 1779

June 16| 1775

FUTH BlOIMANT.

Colonel.

Commissioned June T,' 1T7T
Uaoleiiatii^olonel.

October 9, 1778

Hfjoir.

May.l2, 1779

• XUs date is written and not printed as the rest ait^
81*

796

FBKNBTLrAMIA AB0HIVI8 1786.

Capteint.

1 Thonu B. Bowen, (of the 9th)

2 Benjamin Bartholomew.
8 John Ghriatiei

4 Samvel Smith,

5 Isaac Se^,
0 Thomas Bonde,

7 John Finley,

8 Job Yemon.

9 William Vanlear,

(of the dth)
(of the 9th)

SUBALTlBlfB.

Lieutenants.

1 Levi Griffith,

2 John Harper^
8 George North,

4 James Bf'Cnllough,

5 Andrew Lyttle,

6 John H'Kinneji

7 David Marshall,

8 Enhraim DooglaSi

9 Edward Butter,

10 John Biffbam,

11 Abner 31. Dunn,

12 Benjamin Marshall,

13 Llewellyn Davie

14 Nathaniel Smith,

15 David M'Enigbt,

(of the 9th)

(of the9tb)
(of the 9tb)

(of the 9th)

(of the 9th)
(of the 9th)
(of the 9th)

Ensigns.

16 James Gilchrist,

17 Joaeph Irwin,

18 Joseph lleed,

James Davidson,

Biebard Allison,

Richard Hampton,
Stephen Bajard,

Sargeon.
Surgeon's Mate.

Sixth BiowxifT.
Colonel.

Commissioned
I^cutcnant-Colonel.

Sepl 2, 1776

Oftt 2, 1776

Oct. 28, 1776

Mareh 1, 1777

Sept 20, 1777

Beft. 28, 1777

Oct 22, 1777

June 18, 1779

Oct. 10, 1779

Jan. 1, 1777

ditto

Jan. 20, 1777

Marob 18, 1778

Nov. 5, 1778

Jan. 20, 1779

Jan. 28, 1779

Feb. 1, 1779

May 81, 1779

June 13, 1779

August 10, 1779

ditto

Juljl, 1779
Julj 20, 1780
July 20, 1780

ApriliS, 1777

March 16, 1778

October 1, 1776
Sept. 23, 1777

PEttNfiTLVANIA AHOHmS VM.

TST

James Orieri

Major.

Captains.

1 John Doyle,

2 Walter Finney,
8 Robert Wilkin,

4 George Bash, (of the 11th)

5 Jaoob Hnmphreyi

6 Jacob Bowie,

7 John Crawford, (of the 8th)

8 Robert Patton, (of the 10th)

9 Jeremiah Jackson, (of the 11th)

Subalterns.
Lientenants.

1 Edward Hovenden,

2 James GKbbons, (Captain Brevett)
8 James Olentworth,

4 Benjamin Lodge,

5 Stewart Herbert,

6 John Mahon (of the 11th)

7 James F. H'Pherson,

8 Samuel Morrison, (of the 11th)

9 Thomas Boyle,

10 John Maoleland,

11 William Hasten,

Second Lieutenant

12 Edward Spear,

Ensigns.

18 Thomas Dungan,

14 Sanky Dizon,

15 John Humphrey,

16 John Yancourt, (of the 10th)

Sargeon.
Smrgaon's Mate.

John H'Dowell,
Ezekial Downey,

Ootobir23, 1777

July 16, 1776

August 10, 177«

October 10, 1776

Jan. 18, 1777

Feb. 15, 1777

ditto

August 10, 1779

March 1, 1780

Mardi 16, 1780

Feb. 16, 1777

ditto

October 11, 177T

Jan. 9, 1778

June 1, 1778

Jan. 16, 1779

Feb. 18, 1779

March 15, 1779

July 1, 1779

Feb. 24, 1780

Feb. 7, 1778

June 2, 1778
August 25, 1779
ditto
Sept. 15, 1786

Fob. 6, 1778
Sep. 11, 1780

I do Certify, that the foreffoing list of Officers, is the manner iki
which they are Arranged in the Sii Repments of Inlisntry, belongtB|;

th pbnnsylvamia abohitis ira&

to the State of Pennsjlyania; together with their Rank mud Dates
of CommiBsions.

Qiim At TrentoD; this 20th day of Januaiy, 1781.

ANTHONY WAYNE, B. G.

Flan and iNecrBucrioNs for Regruiting ths PBjnrBTir-
YANU Line*

Philadelphia, January 22, 1781.
-Firsi, There are to be seven plaoes of Regimental rendesfoaS|
«•,

The regiment of artillery, at Newtown,

Tiie First regiment of in&ntry, at Yorktown,

Second do. at Yellowapringi^

Third do. at Easton,

Fourth do. at Carlisle,

Fifth do. at Reading

Sixth do. at Lebanon.

Philadelphia not to be a regimental rendeirons for any resiment,
bnt open to reomiting parties, under the direction of Colonel
NiohoLa; and the recruitiug at the regimental rendesTons to be
under the direction of the commanding field officer present. A
field officer of each regiment to reside at the resimental rendesrons,
which is to be the quarters of the offieers of the rc^mento, and in
whieh the recruits are to collect ; and from which parties are to
march, as the regiment fills, to the diyision or brigade rendeiTons^
appointed by General WashiDgton', or the commanding officer of
the line. At which place another field officer is to attend, to receiTe
the parties as they arrive.

OBcandfyy The bounty money to be deposited in the bands of
some civil magistrate, or other person appointed by the President
or Vice President in Council, at such places as they may direct,
who is to make payment to every recruit brought or sent to him bj
any officer, and take his receipt therefor ] his mlistment being first
duly signed, and his attestation taken, according to the form herein-
af^r prescribed. And in order to avoid cause of future complaint,
every recruit to sign a duplicate inlistment, receipt, and attesution ;
of which, one is to be forwarded to the President or Vice President
in Council, the other to remain with the commanding officer of the
regiment, to which such soldier shall belong.

Thirdly J For the sake of recruiting each of the Regimento with
impartiality at Philadelphia, Col. Niohola to engage as many of the
old soldiers as are willing to enlist, in the following manner, viz.
They are to inlist in the Pennsylvania Line, and at the time of attes-
tation, the recruit to chose the regiment in which he will serve, to
some officer of which regiment, Gclonel Nichola is to deliver him aa

PENNSTLYAMIA AB0HIYS8 178(k 799

soon u attastady and when the nam her of BecroiU in anj regiment
amounts to twenty-five, they are to be marohed out of town to the
regimental rendesvoosy and not to return again, but by speoial leavei
on pain of beiuff taken up and punished as deserters.

Fourihl^f Those who are oonfinued in the senricei and those who
shall now reiolist, shall be first settled with for their arrears and
depreciation, for which purpose the auditors will attend the regimental
or division rendesvous, as shall be most convenient, or as the same
shall be directed by the President or Vice-President in CounciL

Fi/ihfyf The doathiug for the troops to be delivered in the folr
lowing manner, vis. To those who have continued in the service,
or wIm shall now reiulist at the regimental or division rendezvous,
as the President or Vice-President in Council shall direot; the time
of delivery, to be as speedy as possible, and not exceed the fifteenth
of March.

In recraiting the said regiments, the officers are strictly to conform to
the following instructions, and to be answerable out of their own pay,
for any loss the public may sustain, by breach of any, or either of
them.

Firstly, Ton are not to inlist, on any pretence, any deserters from
the British army, or any soldier now belouging to any regiment,
troop or company in the service of the United States.

Secondly^ You are carefully to examine every recruit, before he
receives his bounty money, to see that he has no rupture, lameness,
or disorder, that may render him incapable of doing soldiers duty.

Thirdly, When such recruits shall have engaged, you are to take
or send him to one of the Justices of the peace, hereinafter men-
tioned, who finding him to be sober, and having read to him the
form of the inlistment, receipt and attestation, is to cause such recruit
to sign the said inlistment, and receipt, and then to administer to
him the oath hereinafter mentioned, which attestation, inlistment,
and receipt, the justice shall witness, and also to cause duplicates to
be signed, which he shall deliver to the officer before mentioned, and
send the originals to the Supreme Executive Oouncil, as before
directed.

Fourthly, As an encouragement to such recruit immediately to
inlist, he shall, over and above the pay and rations allowed by Con-
gress, be entitled to a bounty of nine pounds state money : — one
third thereof to be paid at the time of his attestation ; one third
within one month after, and the remainder on the first of May ; to
one suit of regimentals annually, three shirts, four pair of shoes, one
hat, two pair of overalls, and 200 acres of land, at the expiration of
the war.

Fifthly, (Forms of enlistments and receipts.^

Sixth/y, The officer engaging any disohargea soldier as a recruit,
and the justice attesting him, to cause bis discharge to be delivered
up and destroyed, and no furlough to be allowed any soldier, until
he arrives at the regimental rendesvous.

780 FBNNSTLYANIA AROfilVlEB lt86i

S^ventMy^ Every officer tppoinied to tbat flerrtoe bj tbo mb-
ftandioff officer of the re^ment, eogaging a recmit, and esnmBg biai
to be dnly attested before any one of tbe jnstieea befora menlioDe^
ahall be entitled to two dollars spet^e or state moneyi aa lerv money.
Reomita engaged in Philadelpnia nnder Col. Niobola's direetkni,
always excepts.

IHghthfy, As commissaries are establisbed at tbe aevetnl plaeei of
mdesvons, wbere tbe reomtinff and attesting tbe men will be
principally performed, tbere will be no allowance fbr sabaistaBee
money , bnt the officers and men provided witb rations^ as oanaL

NvnMyj To prevent impositions, by recruits inlistinf; in different
regiments — in case any recruit shall desert after being attested,
advertisements describing such recruit to be immediately sent to tbe
several places of rendezvous, and put up in tbe moat public plaoes
of the county, offering the reward allowed by the Act of Aaaembly,
via., Twenty shilliuffs in specie, to be paid by Colonel Niebola, at
Philadelphia, or either of tbe above justices ebwberei and tbe law
to be put in fbree against all those harbouring tbem, by wbieh such
offender is liable to a fine of five pounds specie for every offenee^ to
be recovered before any justice of the peace.

JOSEPH SEED, President*

OOY. LlYINaSTON; OF NsW JXBSET^ TO Y. P. MoORXy 1782.

Trenton, 27 April, 1782.
Sir,

Since I had the honour of writing to vour Ezcellenoy yeaterdayf
oonoeming Capt. White, I have received a Return of the Prisoners
taken by Capt. Hyler, among whom Robert White b one ft
returned as Captain of the Cutter, & I have authentio proof that he
is the very man whom you want. But unfortunat^y, all those
Prisoners were immediately sent on by Capt. Hyler to tbe Comia-
sary of Prisoners at filizabethtown, and (the Enemy having
greatly the advantage of us in the number of marine Prisoners)
immediately sent to New York for exchange.
I have the honour to be,

with great respect and attachment,
your Ezcellenc/s most obedient^

& very humble Servant

WIL. LIVINGSTON.
DirecUdj

His Ezoellenoy, William Moore, Esqr.

* TheforegoiDg list, &c., is tftkon fVoma small printed pamphlet intended
at the time probably for drculation amone the officers.
t See Vol. IX., p. 681.

FBtrNSTLYANIA AROHIViES 1786. 781

MiMOBIAL or THS JlWTSH CONGBEQATXON OF PHILADSLPHIA|

1782.

We the President and RepresentatiYes of the Jewish Congre-
sation in this city, humbly beg leare to approach his Excellency the
President his Hononr the Vice Pkesident and the Honourable the
Exeoative Oooncil of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, v^

The congregation of Mikve Israel f Iraelites) in this oity^ having
erected a place of pabliok worship which they intend to consecrate
to the service of Almighty God to morrow afternoon and.

As they have ever profees'd themselves lieffc subjects to the
Sovereignty of the United States of America, and have always acted
agreeable thereto, they Humbly Crave the Protection and Counte-
nance of the Chief Magistrates in this State to give Sanction to their
design^ and will deem themselves highly aHonoured by their Presence
in the Synagogue whenever they judge proper to favour them.

The doors will be open'd at 3 o'clock and the ^service will con-
tinue 'till seven.

The uncertainty of the day of consecration was the sole cause of
having delayed this matter 'till now, but earnestly hope it will not
be thought too late.

With Prayers to the Ood of Israel for the safety of the United
States in General and this commonwealth in particular we are.
Gentlemen, most Respectfullyi
and Most devotedly.

In behalf of the congregatioui

JONAS PHILLIPS, President)
MICHAEL GRATZ,
SOL. MARACHE,
SOLM. MYERS COHEN,
SIMON NATHAN.
Philadelphia, 12th September, 1782.*
Jn dorsedy

1782, September 12th, from the President & others representing
the Congregation of Jews in the City, their address to the President
and Council, read in Council and order'd to be filed.f

* The building, alluded to in the foregoing, was no donbt the first syna-
gogue erected in this city — on Cherry street between Third and Fourth — and
whioh in 1824, gave place to the present more spacioui and elegant house of
worship. There are now five synagogues In this city.

t See GoL Ree., Vol. XIU.. p. 867.

m PSNN8TLVANIA ABQHiyEB ITM.

BbpOBT 07 Sbg'T to COKGBIBS OH BeYXHUB StSISIL

1786.

By the United States in Congress assembled.

Jannsry 2, 1786.
Ofderedi

That the Secretarj of Congrass report the nninber of Statsi
which have complied in whole or in part with Che rereniia ajstea
of April 18, 1783 ;-^he recommendation of Congren of the sans
date, for an alteration of the 8th of the arCides of oonfedenitioii ;
and the act of the 80th of April, 1784, recomm«>ding the festiBg
of oertatn commercial powers in Oongresss.

Office of Secretary of Congress, Jan. 4, 1786.
In obedience to the orders of Congress, the Sacretaxy of Congnss
leport.

That the revenoe system of the 18th April, 1783, ooniistB of
two parts.

First, a recommendation to the states to invest the Unitod States
in Congress assembled, with a power to levy for the ua&l of the
United States, certain dnties npon goods imported into the' said
states, from any foreign port, island or plantation, to be applied to
the disoharge of the interest and principal of the debts oontmeted
on the faiUi of the United States, agreeable, to the resolation of
16th December,^jl782, and not to be continned for a bnger term
than twenty-fivo years. The collectors of the duty to be appointed
by the states respectively, but when appointed, to be amenable to,
and removable by the United States in Congress assembled alone.
And in case any state shall not make such appointment within ooe
month after notice given for that purpose, the appointment may be
made by the United States in Congress assembled.

With this part of the act, the following States have complied.

New-Hampshire, by act of 1st and 2d January, 1784.

Massachasetts,

Connecticut,

New-Jersey,

Pennsylvania,

Virginia, by do. October, ' 1788. ch. 81.

North-Carolina,

Rhode-Island, in the session of their legislature, in the spring of
1785, passed an act for levying the duties pointed out by Congress,
but have therein enacted, that the collectors shall be appointed hy
and amenable to their general assembly ; and that, of the money
arisiDg from the duties, a certain sum, viz. : 8000 dollars, shall be
appropriated in their treasury, for the payment of the interest of
that states proportion of the foreign debt of the United States, and

by do.

80th October,

1783.

by do.

Msy,

1784.

by do.

11th June,

1783.

by do.

28d September;

, 1783.

by do.

October,

1788. ch.

by do.

June,

1784.

by do.

21st March,

1784.

PENRSTLYANIA ABOHIVBS 1786. 788

ptid to the order of Cotigren ; and that the snrplot of the dotiee,
and the amoont of other taies ordered by the said aet, shall be
appropriated to the pajment of the interest of the internal debt of
the United States due within that state. This aet to take efieet
when the other States in the anion agree to the said impost to the
aeoeptation of Congress, and hare provided other adequate Innda
for eompleting their quota of 1,600,000 dollars, aeeording to the
requisition of Congress, of the 18th of April, 1788 ; but with thia
proviso, and upon this express eondition — *' that no duties shall he
oolleoted upon articles imported into any state, upon which the said
duties have been paid in any other state ; and that no duty shall be
imposed by any one state npon the oitiiens of another state,
either upon imported articles having paid the duties as aforesaid, or
upon any articles of the growth, produce or manufiftoture of the
United States.

The state of Marvland, in June, 1782, pursuant to acts of Con-
gress of the 8d and 7th of February, 1781, passed *^ An act to
authorise the United States in Congress assembled, to impose and
levy a duty of five per cent on imported foreign goods, and on all
prizes and priie goods, for the pavment of the debts contracted by
Congress during the war :" — And in the November session, 1784,
their legislature passed a supplement to the aforementioned act,
whereby it should take effect as soon as twelve states, including thai
state, vested Congress with similar powers ; but it does not appear
that they have passed an act pursuant to the recommendation of
Congress of the 18th of April, 1788.

Delaware, it is said, has passed an act conformable to the recom*
mendation above mentioned ; but no official information thereof has
yet been transmitted to thb office or to the board of treasury.

The second part of the revenue system of the 18th of April,
1783, consists of a recommendation to the several states to establish,
for a term limited to twenty-five years, and to appropriate to the
discbarffc of the interest and principal of the debte contracted on
the faith of the United States for supporting the war, substantial
and effectual revenues, of such nature as they may judge most con-
Tenienty for supplying their respective proportions of 1,500,000
dollars, annually, exclusive of the aforementioned duties.

With this part of the act, the following stetes have complied.

New-Jersey, by their act of 20th December, 1783.
Pennsylvania, by do. September, 1783.

North Carolina, by do. June, 1784.

Bhode-Island, in the act above mentioned, has enacted, that a tax
of one Spanish silver milled dollar upon every hundred acres of
land within that state, upon every male poll in the stete of tweuty-
one years of age, and upon every horse or mare of two years old
and upwards, shall be annually liud, levied and collected, and that

7M FSNNSTLVANIA ABOHIVliS.nM.

tlM amoant thtreof riiall be appropriated io the payment of tlie
intereat of tho internal debt of the United SUtes, due within that
atate, with the proviso aod on the expreaa oondition above aet forth.
The aet of the 18th of April, 1788, also leeommenda to the
atates an alteration in the 8th of the artioke of eonfederation and
perpetoal union, for aseertaining with more oonvenienoe and etr-
tainty, the proportions to be sapplied by the statea respeotivefuUy to
the oommon treasury, and the several states are adviaed to anthoiias
their respective deleg^^tes to snbaoribe and ratify the same, as part
of the said instmment of union in the words therein mentioned.

With this part of the aot the following states have complied.

MassaehuBettBy by their act of the 2d Jaly, 1785.

Gonnectiouty by do. May, 1788.

New-York, by do. April, 1785.

New-Jersey, by do. June, 1788.

Pennsylvania, by do. Aug., 1788.

Maryland, by do. Nov., 1784.

Virginia, by do. May, 1784.

North-Oarolina, by do. Junci 1784.

By the aot of the 80th of April, 1784, it is recommended to the
legislatures of the several states, to vest the United States in Ooih
gross assembled, for the term of fifteen years, with the powers—

1. To prohibit any goods, wares or merchandise from being im«
ported into or exported from any of the states, in vessels belonging
to or navigated by the subjects of any power with whom these
states shall not have formed treaties of commerce.

2. To prohibit the subjects of any foreign state, kingdom or
empire, unless authorised by treaty, from importing into the United
States any goods, wares or merchandises which are not the produce
or manufacture of the dominions of the sovereign whose subjeot they
are.

In Pursuance of this act,

New-Hampshire has invested Congress, for fifteen years, with full
power to regdate the trade of the United States,
as they may judge best calculated to promote
the weal and prosperity thereof, the fees, profits
and emoluments arising from their regulations,
to be appropriated to the sole use of disoharging
public debts. See aot 22d June, 1785.

Massachusetts has passed a law in the terms of the recommen-
dation, 1st July, 1784.

IXSmSShViiSSA AAOECprSB ITfi&r

nsr

Bhode-Idnd

Gonneotiout

NewTork*

Maryland

Virffinia

North-Carolina

has empowered their deleffatea to agree to and,
ratify any artiele empowering the United States
in Congreea aHembled, to xeffnlate, reetndni or
prohibit the importation of all foreign goodi ii^
any but Amerioan TegeeU. See aet paaaed in
February leaeion, 1785 ; and by an additional
aot^ paaeed Ooteber, 1786, the delegates are emr
powered to agree to any artiole by which the
United States in Congress assembledi shall be
solely empowered to rei^late the trade and com-
meree of the . respective ststeSy and oitiaena
thereof with eaoh other, and to recnlatei restrain^
or prohibit the importation of all foreign goods
in American Tesaels for twenty-five years,
has passed an act in the terms of the recommen-
dation, May, 1785. «'^v>

the same, 4th April, 1785.

the same, 15th December, 1784.

the same, November, 1784.

the same, 8d May, 1784.

the same, 2d June, 1784.

Seo't of Foreign Affairs to Pres.
Consul, 1786.

Franklin— French

Sir,

Circular.
New York, Office for foreign Affidrs, ,

10th January, 1786.

YonI Excellency will receive herewith inclosed, a certified Copy
of an Act of Congress of 6th Insf., recognizing the Sienr de la
Forest as Vice Consul of his most Christian Majesty in the United
SUtes.

I have the honor to be

with great Respect ^onr Excellency's

Most obedient & very h'ble serv't
Directed, ^ JOHN JAY.

His Excellency, The President of Pennsylvania.

ApPOINTMBNT Of SlEUB DB LA FORHST AS FrBNOR YiOB

Consul, 1786.

By the United States in Congress Assembled,

January 6th, 1786.
On » Beport of the Secretary to the United States of America
f<w the Dq^tftment of foreign AffiuiB to whom wis xefiwied hisliettef

f!gth4i9ttT)e^vi^)€flod!0tAngm1lAAUT of thelOib of dwl ll<»tb

from the Obmrg^ des Affiiln of Franee with • Brevet of the 22d daj
of jQiie, 1785, Appointing the Sieor de k Forest Vioe Consul i
Kraoee for the United States.

Whereas, the Sieor de la Foreel has presented to Congren t
Brevet from his most Ghristian Majesty bearing date the ^d Jhj
of JnnOi 1785| appointing him Viee Consnl Oeneral in the United
States.

Resolred, That the Sienr de la Forest be and be hereby ii re-
eeived and reoogniied ss the Vice Consol Oeneral of his Most Chris-
tian Majesty in the United States, and that the said Brevet be
leffistered in the Secretary's office.

Resolved, That all the Privileges, Preeminences and Anthoritj
belonging to the said Character and QoaHty are due to the nid
Sienr de la Forest, and shall be enjoyed by him.

Ordered, That a certified Copy of the above Sesolations be tram-
mitted by the Secretary to the United States of America for the
Department of foreign Affairs, to the Sienr de la Formt, and also to
the ESzecntive of eadi of the States for their Information.

CHA. THOMSON, Sec'y.

Sbo't of Congress to Pbbs. Feanklin, 1786.

Offioe of Secretary of Congress,

Jan'y 12th, 1786.
Sir,

I have the honor to transmit to year Ezconenoy herewith inclosed,
a copy of a report which I made to CoDgress, in obedienoo to thdr
order of the 2d of this month. •

with great respect

I have the honor to be

yonr Excellency's

most obedient and

most humble serv^t,

CHA. THOMSON.
Dtrectedf
His Excellency, The Governor of Pennsylvania.

David RrrriBNHOcrsB to Y. P. Biddls, 1786.

January 18th, 1786.
Sir,

At the request of Capt. Stephen Porter I take the liberty of
mentioning to you that before nis appointment as Commissary on
the Western Boundaiy he more than once complained ef the very

BBifNST^yAMIA AHQBI^SS 178^. 7S7

,kiw pay allowed to hit predeoeaMr in that BosioeM, and I beliefe
Capt. Hatshins gavo him some aMuranoe that application woa'd bo
anade to Oonnoil in hia behalf. Bat not ezpeoftii^^ to eo to the weaV
:Waid I did not interest myself at that time in the matter. If
Council shall think proper to iacraaae hia pay to Ida. l|p Da^he will
be perfectly satisfied. I have only to add that as Commissary he
gave entire satisfaction, I believe to all of ns. And in this I was
agreeably disappointed as from the mildness of his manner I had
not formed the highest opinion of his abilities for anoh a difficult
.nodertaking. But by his indefatigable industij and oare he eon-
▼inced me that a man may sucoeea very well in the most arduous
undertaking without noise or bustle.

I am^ Hon'ble Sir, with great esteem

your very humble servant|

DAV. RITTENHOUSB.^
DH^ectetf,
The Hon'ble Charles Biddle, EsquirCi Vioo President.

Seg'y ARMST&ONa TO GoiufRS. ov Sals of Barrack
Lots, 1786.

See'rys Office, Philada. January IQth, 1786.
Sir, .

Inclosed is an Order of Coundl whioh I have their direetiona to
transmit to you, aa agent for the sale of Barrack lots &e., &o.

It is however their intention to extend some farther iodulgenoe
to the delinquents whom it immediately oonoerns. You will there-
fore offer them the alternative of diaoharging the sums due by them
respectively in Twenty days from the date thereof. — ^If this be not
complied with, you will then proceed to the execution of the order
enclosed without discrimination or delay.
I am sir, with much Respect^

your obedient and very humble Servant,

J. A. Jr., Secy.
Tench Francis, Elsq.,

In Council, Philada. January 19th, 1786.
Gentlemen,

As some of the purchasers of the late Barrack lots in the Northern
Liberties of This City have refused or neglected to make payment

* See CoL Ree., Vol. XIY., p. 628. Pay not nOsed.

7S8 FBNNSTLYANIA ABGHtTBS 17B6L

iherefor agreetblj to an «ct pused on tfad lit day of April 1784,
Entitled an aet to empower The Supreme Bxeontive Ooanoil to edl
the Barraoka in the Northern Libertiee of the (Stj of Philad. yoi
jare hereby directed to prooeed aeainst snch definqneBta in manner
^neeexibed bj the 2d Section of ttie Law aflfbreaaid.
I am iQentleman with mnch reepeot,
you obedient and very homb. Servant^

J. A. Beej *

Hr. Hil1ega« & Tench FrandSy Esquires^ Commiononeri far
Belling Barriok Lots.

BiBSOLUTIOV 07 THB HoUSE OF DELEGATES OF VIRGINIA,

1786.

In the House of Delegates, Virginia, January 2l8t, 1786.
Resolved, That Edmund Randolph, James Madiaon, Walter
Jones, Saint George Tucker, Meriwether Smith, David Rosa, William
Ronald and George Mason, esquires, be appointed OommisakioerB,
who or any three of whom, shiJl meet such Commiasionen as maj
be appointed by the other States in the Union, at a time and

flaoe to be agreed on to take into Consideration the Trade of the
Fnited States, to examine the relative situations and Trade of the
said States to consider how far a uniform system in their Com-
mercial regulations may be necessary to their common interest end
their permanent harmony and to report to the aeveral States such
an act relative to this great object as when unanimously ratified bj
them will enable the United States in Congress assembled offeetually
to provide for the same. That the said Commissioners shall imme-
diately transmit to the several States Copies of the preeeeding
resolution with a circular Letter requesting their Cononrrenoe th«a-
in and proposiDg a time and place for the meeting aforesaid.

Teste,

JOHN BECKLEY, C. H. D.
Agreed to by the Senate,

H. BROOKS, C. J.
A Copy Teste,

JOHN BECKLEY, C. H. D.
Indorsed,

Read March 7, 1786, & refened to Mr. R. Morris, Mr. Fiti-
simmons & Mr. Cljmer to report thereon.

* See Col. Rec., Vol. XIV., p. 626.

FmnrRTLirAMiA AjsmrviB iiu. m

Sbc't Of Laih) OtncB to Ootjkcil. 1786.

To the Supreme Exeoative Coancil of the Commonwealth of
PeDnsylvaDia.

Ab I have frequent applieations made to me for Xslandfl in the
Bivers in the old pnrohaaee in this State, but as the Laws seem
rather obscure whether they belong to the late Proprietaries or the
State, and if to the State whether they are to be disposed of in the
same manner as other vaoant Lands; shall be much obliged to
Council for direotions in this Case, and am

your most obedient humble Servant|

DAVID KENNEDY Sec'y Ld. Offi.
Jan'iy 24th, 1786.

C. J. McEbah to Fbbs. F&anbxin, 1786.

PhiladelphU, January 24th, 1786.
Sir,

1 reoeiyed the Letter of the 20th instant from Mr. Secretary
Armstrong, in which the opinion of the Judges of the Supreme Court
is request^ respecting a daim of Messieurs Penna to interest upon
£15,000 sterling, off^ed to them on the tenth day of May last, and
oommunicatod the same to Judges Bryan and Bush.* We conceive,
it would be proper to hear Messieurs Penns & the Attorney (General
on this question, previous to our giving an opinion, as some circum-
stances may have occurred in this business, of which we are not
apprised, and our opinion may probably be conclusive in the matter.
If Council will be pleased to notify all concerned, and they are
willing to submit to our opinion, we will meet as soon as we are
informed in this particular, and give our judgment in the case.

In the mean time, we can see no reason, why Messrs. Penns may
not receive the principal sum| and thereby prevent increasing
interesL

I have the honor to be,

with very great regard. Sir,

your Excellency's

most obedient Servant,

THO. MoKEAN.

Directed^

His Excellency, Benjamin Franklin, Esquire^ President, &c.| of
Pennsylvania.

* See Col. Bee., Vol. XIY., p. 622, 624-5, also statement of their claim,
pa^486.

T40 ipqirNSnYANIA AUdAlVKB 17««.

James Diqkinbon to Johh Lukeks, 1786.

Pear Sir,

Agreeable to Gotnmission and iDstmctions for Sonrejiag
Donation Landa No. 9 Diatriot I prooeeded on my Brrand aa far ai
Venango ; but not without bearing on my way m Torj groaA nneaa
Beaa among the Indians at the prooeednre of the State in the
Pnrchaae of those Lands, wherenpon I thought it Neoeaaary to ikop
there a few Days & oonsult some Indiana Chief on the Snbjeel
before I prooeeded further where after with the advice of the Pitti-
burg Traders There, I sent for by a Snnner Whole Faoe, The Corn
Planter, & Long Hair, three Senioa Chiefs who were then oat a
HuntiDg, two I^ys March from Venango. Whole Face & Long
hair oame in, & the Com Planter refused, — At their coming in bj
an Interpreter Elijah Matthewa, I informed them my Errand, the/
returned for answer, they oould not then give me an anawer to mj
Proposal but would in a few Days ; I waited on them 4 & then the/
save me a Hearing, whioh was as follows Verbatim. — At Mr.
Thomas Wilkey's store at Venango, Present Mr. Thomas Wilkcj,
Captain Jacob Springer & Elijah Matthews. — Indiana, The Chien
Whole Face & Long Hair with seven others — My Friend Mr.
Whole Face,

I was sent here by the great Council of the State of Pennsylvania
held at Philadelphia, to Measure some Lands a little to the North-
ward of this Place, which Land I am told the great Oonnoil had
bought of our Brothers the Indians, whose sole Property they under-
stood it to be — But on my way Here I was told the Indiana were not
well Pleased we should measure those Lands, I thought it therefore
best to stop with you a few Dajs in Order to know what your uneasi-
ness was if in my Power to remove any obstide in the Way ; being
fully assured the great Counsil of the State would do every Thing on
their side to keep alive Friendship, To maintain Peace, To Increase
Friendship, To support a Union & to make Trade Flourish between
their Brothers the Indians and themselves, aa long as Time shall
measure the rolling year, & uttermostlj endeavour the Happiness of
both Nations — Now my Brother and Brothen if there ia any thing
in the way of all these Things I have mentioned, I do wish & intreat
you, to inform me frankly and if it can be in my power to serve in
removing any such Thine as may obstruct our mutual Happiness, I
shall always think myself happy of having it in my power so to do;
or if you think some other Person more suitable to represent this
Matter should be glad it was soon done & your objections to my
£rrand sent to the great Counsil at Philoda.

To which Mr. Whole Face after consulting with the others gave
the following answer^

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786. 741

Brother of the Big Knife,

Several Surveyors have been up here to Measure Lands the Last
Summer and have gone Home. We knew not what was their
meaning, as none of them told us, but went on without so much as
informing their Intent. When they came to our hunting Fires, we
used them well without any Question & when they wanted any of our
assistance we gave it freely. Many of our young Warriors are dissatis-
fied with [their] Conduct, who are in the English Interest and also
with the neward we received for the Lands Thinking it inadequate
for so large a Body ; it not being one pair of Mokosons a piece ;
they therefore would advise me not to proceed on my Business and
to inform the thirteen Fires it was their opinion I was not safe to
proceed, though they present would pledge their Faith for my safety
against all Indians at Venango & the Hunters to the Southward of
that place ; yet would not answer for it to the Northward, not even
one Mile. That in the Spring as early as possible the six Nations
would hold a great Counsil at Fort Pitt where & when they & all
their Brethren hoped to make an endless Peace with their Brothers
of the thirteen Fires & hoped till then I would put by every Thought
of proceeding on my Errand as being very Dangerous ; & then they
hoped every obstruction would be removed & we should walk the
Woods together as Brothers aught to do, in Love & Pleasure. And
now my Brother tell your great Counsil of the thirteen Fires 'tis
our Fault you do«iot go on, and not yours.

his
SEGONKQUAS X
lilark.
his
CONHONEW X
Mark.
Tests, ")

Thos. Wilkins, y Tbadxbs.

Jacob Springer. )

EujAH X. Matthews, Interpreter.

A trae copy from the Original.

This Dear Sir, with much more was pronounced in words and
gestures of much warmth & earnest which made me conclude to
proceed no further & return — My feet being much bit with Frost
detains my not coming at present, but will come down as soon as
they are recovered a Little. In the mean time remain yours to
serve with the ntermost affection.

JAMES DICKINSON.

Pits Burg, 24th Januery, 1786.

P. S I have not wrote you the private conversation.
I^irectedy

To John LnkeoB, Esq'r, Surveyor General, Philadelphia
Vol. X.— 32

743 PSNNS7LVANIA ABGHIYBS 1786.

John Longschamps.to Council, 1786.

Hon'ble GeDtleman,

It giYes me much pain to intrude upon you at a time wben
perhaps more important conoemB eneaee your attention : howcTer
the singular favours your honorable Body has already oonfered upon
me, emboldens me once more to address you. The nature of the
business is of so much consequence to me that I flatter myself it will
in some measure apologise for this intrusion.

Having engaged my attention some time in pursuit of a planttp
tion ,& a disoription of one being given me which, I think will
f^nswer my purpose ; it will be necessary for me to explore it before
I make the purchasci I shall esteem it a very partionlar favour if
you will be so good as to grant me permission for three, or four,
Days absence from town & the favour shall be with gratitude ac-
knowledged By

hono'ble Gentlemen,

your most obedient humble Servant,

LONGSOHAMPS.*
February 10th, 1786.

John Story, Commr., to Pres. Franklin, 1786.

Commissioners Office,

Pittsburgh, February 13th, 1786.
Sir,

In Compliance with the Order of the Hon'ble Council of the 8d
of May last, I have opened an Office in the Counties of Washington,
Fayette and Westmoreland, for the Settlement of the Claims in
those Counties, against the United States : the business of the latter
is nearly compleated, from this I shall proceed to Bedford and from
theDce, Unless I should receive further Instructions shall go to
Philadelphia.

I have the honor to be

with the greatest respect

your Excellency's

most obedient Humble Servant,

JNO. STORY, Com' of Aco«.
JDirected,
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin, Esqr.

* See Col. Rcc, Vol. XIV., p. 688— Petition granted.

PlfiNNSXI^YANU ABOHIYES 1780 749

Secr'y of Fobbigh Affairs to Prks. Franklik— Spanish
Flag, 1786.

(Circular.)
Office for foreign Affairs^ 18tb Febraary, 1786.
Sir,

In Obedience to the Order of Oongrese I have the Honor of
transmitting to your EKoelleney herewith enoloeed, a copy of an
Ordinance of hia Oatbolie Majesty of 28th May last directing what
Flags should in future be used by the Nary and Merchant Uhips of
Spain with a Design"^ of those Flags annexed.
I have the honor to be

with groat respect, your Ezoellenoy's

Moat obt. & very h'ble Honr't,

JOHN JAY.
Dirfctedf

His Excellency, The President of Fensylvania.

Sec'y Armstrong to Attornet General, 1786.

Secretary's Office, Philadelphia, February 20th, 1786.
Sir,

Council request the Attorney General's opinion on a dispute that
has arisen between some of the Magistrates & Commissioners of the
County of Montgomery.

It respects the fees for administering the Oath or affirmation of
Allegiance to persons who came of age since the time Itmitted /or
taking the same in the several Test laws.

Some Magistrates charged & received from persons taking the
oath or affirm* before them under those Circumstances 1. 6, to 2. 6«
Others adhering to the 8' Sect, of the Act oblidng the Male white
inhabitants of the State to give assurance of their Allegiance, ko.^
passed the 13th June, 1777, nave transmitted their list of Names toi
the Recorder & exhibited their Accounts to the C^mm*" who refuse
payment, alledging doubts whether or not Justices were authorised
to ffive Certificates to such persons, & granting their procedure to be
strictly legal, whether in such cases the persons ought not to pay for
themselves.

I am, Sir, your obedient

and very humble Servant,*
JAMES TRIMBLE, for

JOHN ARMSTONG, Jun., Seo^^.
Directed,

William Bradford, Esquire, Attorney General.

• TUs Derign is at Harflaburg in letter book No. 1.

744 PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVBS 1786.

Got. Smallwood of Md. i^ President, 1786.

Annapolis, 2l8t February, 1786.
Sir,

I have the Honor of transmitting the enoloaed Resolution of the
General Assembly of Maryland appointing Commissioners for this
State to meet Commissioners from the States of Pennsylvania and
Delaware for the purposes therein expressed.

The great Importance of the Objects in view, and the general
Utility of promoting the Commerce and mutual convenience of the
said States must be obvious, and I flatter myself will not only meet
the approbation and concurrence, but merit the earliest attention of
the Legislature of your State.

I have the Honor to be

with great respect

your Excellency's mt. obed. Servt.,
W. SMALLWOOD.
Directed y

His Excellency, The President of Pennsylvania.

Resolution of House of Delegates of Md., 1786.

By the House of Delegates, February 21st, 1786.

Resolved, that Samuel Chase, Samuel Hughes, Peregrine Letter-
bury, William Smith, Baltimore Town, and William Hemly,
Esquires, be and they are hereby appointed Commissioners for this
State to meet Commissioners from the States of Pennsylvania and
Delaware for the purpose of considering and digesting the most

J roper measures for the improving the inland Navigation of the
aver Susquehannah and the waters communicating with it,
and for effecting a navigable communication between the Bays of
Chesapeake and Delaware, and also to confer on any other subject
which mav tend to promote the Commerce and mutual convenience
of the said States. That any three or more of the said Commis-
sioners have authority to act, and that their proceedings be reported
to the next Session of the General Assembly for their examination
and adoption, if approved. That the Governor be requested to
transmit a Copy of the above Resolve to the Executives of the States
of Pennsylvania and Delaware.

By order, WM. HARWOOD, CI. H. D.
By the Senate, 21st Fcb'y, 1786.
Read and assented to.

By order; J. Dorset^ CI. Sen.

PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIYSS 1786. T45

Sec'y of Congress to Pres. Fbanklik, 1786.

Office of Secretary of Congress,

February 28th, 1786.
Sir,

On the 9th day of Jane'*' last I bad the honor of transmittiD|(
an Act passed by Congress the 17th of that month, recommendiog
to the several States to make provision, in a manner pointed ont in
the Act, for officers, soldiers, or seamen who have been disabled in
the service of the United States.

In the Laws transmitted to this office, I find that the Legialatnre
of your State has passed an Act for this purpose. But as it is
necessary that the United States in Congress assembled should be
informed of the sum which this provision will yearly add to the ex-
pences of the Union, in order that they may include it in their
annual requisition, I have to request that your Exeellency would be
pleased to order a return to be made to me of the number provided
for & the amount of the annual allowance made to them^ that I may
make report thereof to Congress.
With the greatest respecti

I have the honor to be

your Excellency's most obedient

& most humble Servant,

CHA. THOMSON.
Directed,

His Excellency, the President of Pennsylvania.

Complaints and Grievances of British Mjsbchakts.

1786.

Copy.

Grovesnor Square, March 4, 1786.
Sir,

I have the honor to enclose you Copies of the Secretary of States
answer, dated the 28th February, to the Memorial dated 30th of
November, and presented to him on the 8th December last, and of
a state of grievances of British Merchants & others. I shall make
no reply to his Lordship, until I receive the orders of Congress.
With great regard, &c.,

JOHN ADAMS.
His Ezceiry, John Jay.

* See page 472.

r48 FRRNgBLTAMIA AJkdtJMiii Vns6^

Sso. Oakhabthen to Mr. Adams.

Bt Jametf, Febnui^y 28, 1786.

In answer to the Memorial yon did me the honor to deliver to ne
«a the 8th Decemi, I hay^ to ohaerve to ycm,Sr, ihAt it iihis
Majesty's fixed dttennination iipoii the preeent| as well as eterf
other oeoasioii, to aot in perfect ooftformity to the strictest prineiplsf
9t Justice and good Baith.

The seventh article both of the prorisional and of the dsfinitifo
Treaties between Hii Majesty and the United Statea, olaaily slipa-
lates the wf thdrawingt with all oonTnient speed, Hk Majesty's
Armies^ Gairisons k Fleetsi froat the said Unitsd Btatea, and Itosb
eyery port, place k hscbonr within the same } and no donfai cm

Eiiibi^ ahse respecting either the Letter or Spirit of aoeh an
gugemeat. The fourth article of the same Treaties as oleariy
atip^Ws that Creditors on either side shsll meet with no kwM
ipapecKinefit. to the recovery of the fall value in sterling nsoney of
all bona fide debts heretofore contraoted. The little attsntioo paii
to the fulfilling this engagement on the part of the sabjeots of the
United States in general — and ttie direct breach of it in many
Instances have already reduced many of the King's subjects to the
utmost degree of difficulty and distress ; nor have their applications
for redress to those whose situations in America naturaUy pointed
them out as Ghiardians of public Faith^ been, as yet, saooessful in
obtaining them that Justice to which on every principle of Law, as
well as humanity, they were clearly and Indisputably entitled. The
Engagements entered into by Treaty ought to be mutual, and equally
binding on the reepective contracting parties. It would therefore
be the height of Folly as well as Injustice to suppose one party
alone obliged tq strict observance of the public Faith, while ths
ether might remain free to deviate from it's own engagements as
often as convenience might render such deviation necessary, though
at the expence of it's own national Credit & Importance.

I flatter myself, however, Sir, that justice will speedily be done to
British Creditors — and I can assure you. Sir, that whenever America
shall mamifest a real determination to fulfil her part of the Treatv,
Great Britian will not hesitate to prove her sincerity to cooperate m
whatever points depend upon her for carrying every article of it into
real and compleat Effect.

The enclosed paper contains a state of the grievances complained
of by Merchants and other British subjects having Estates, property
& debts due to them in the several States of America.
I am, Sir,

Your most obcd't servt,

CARMARTHEN.

PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786. 747

Abstract of tbe state of the grievances complained of by Merchants
and other British subjects having Estates, (Kroperty & Debts doe
to them in the several States of America.

We shall barely recite the Title & Date of the Acts of the different
States^ complained of and considered as Infractions of the Treaty.

Massaohusetts Bay.

Act passed the 9th November^ 1784, directing the Conrta of
Judicature to suspend rendering Judgment for any Interest that
might have accrued between the 19 Aprils 1776, & 20 of January,
1788.

Njcw York. »

Act passed the 12 July, 1782, British creditors are precluded
from the claim of Interest on all Debts contracted before tbe Ist of
January, 1776 until after the Ist January, 1783, and Execution for
ibe principal of those debts are forbidden to be levied until the
Expiration of three years after the Evacuation of New York.*

Act passed 17 March, 1783, and confirmed by others in 1784 &
1785^ called the Trespass Act. Vide the Acts.

PKNNSrLYANIA.

This State has viokted the 4th Article of the Definitive Treaty
by pasnng a Law soon after the peace to restrain a recovery of the
old Debts for a given period. The British Merchants were in eon-
iequenoe thereof, set at defiance, and few Instances exist of payment
having been made for any debts oontracted before the war. This
Law was limited to September, 1784, bat whether it has been fur-
ther extended by any new act, or whether it expired at the time,
the Committee are not certain. This Law operating with the Feert
k prejudices of some of the Inhabitants has produced Efiecta of the
most mischievous Consequences to the British Merchants, for not
only an uniform opposition has been made against the payment of
Interest, but the Lawyers dreading the resentment of some of the
most violent among their Countrymen, have refused to engage in
the recovery of these unpopular Demands. And the Committee are
well assured that not one Action for the payment of an old British
Debt has been prosecuted in this State.f

Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia —

* This Act being preyious to the Treaty cannot well be called an infrac-
tion of it The preliminaries were not signed till Nov. 80, 1782.

f This Act not properly represented. It restrained in favor of the dis-
tressed debtors the recovcrj of all debts, as well domestic as English, till
Sep.. 1784. But the new Act then passed, though it continued the re-
straint respecting domestic debts, has a clause expressly excepting British
debts, and leaving them open for recovery.

[These two notes are written with a pencil on the margin, and appear
to be a commentary of the writer upon the text.]

748 PBNNSTLYANIA AKCHIVES 178ft.

the Acts made by these several States, contrary to the 4th Article
of the Treaty of peaee, are partiealarly mentioned ft commented
iqpon, bat we have not time to copy the obaervationB.

Opirioh ot Wm. Bradford^ J&^ Att'y Gl.^ 1786.

Saturday Evening, March 4.
Bir,

- The qoestion respecting the Militia Appeal, upon which Coondl
were pleased to request my opinion, ooght to have received ao earlier
answer, but my attendance on Chester Coort prevented my receivisg
their commands until this day.

Upon considering the case stated, it appears to me that whenever
the militia class is called out, and any one neglects or refuses to
march, the fine is immediately incurred, & beoomee due to tht
Commonwealth. But it being reasonable that the party should ban
an opportunity of being heara, this fine is not to be levied " untill
five days alter an appeal'' is given. This a|^>eal the Lieutenant or
Sublieutenant was directed to hold '^ wiiktn tm and not lug tkonh
fitn dayff* after the marohinff of the militia; and the lieutenant if
guilty of a misdemeanor if he neglects to hold it within that time.
Sut as the words are merely directory and affirmative, and no nega-
tive words are added, I am inclined to think (upon the authority of
several late cases) that the Lieutenant is not restricted to the time
mentioned, k that an appeal may be legally held after the ten days
are passed. In England the Statute directs the appointment of
overseers to be make <Mn Baster week or wiihm one month after;"
yet an appointment made after the month %was expired has been
adjudged good, because there were no negative words, & because the
parish ought not to suffer from the neglect of the Juatioes who have
the appointment* Upon the same ground an assessment made by
the Commissioners in Pennsylvania, after the time mentioned in the
Act, has been held to be legal. In the case before us Uiere seems
to be no reason why the sickness, absenoe or neglect of a Lieutenant
for ten days, should deprive the people of a hearing or the Common-
wealth of the fines due from delinquents.

I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,
Sir, Tour Excellency's most obedient,
& very humble servant,

WM. BRADFORD, Jr.

His Ezcellenoy, The President in Council.

PENNSYLVABfiA ARCHIVES mfl. t49

Seo'y Armbtbono to Pbothonotabibs of Nobthamftoh^

NOBTHUMBERLAND) AJTD WtOMING GoimtlBSy 1786.

Seoreter/s Ofl&oe,

Philadada., Maroh 6th^ 1786.
Sir,

Bj tbe Law relating to the business of Wyoming, herein inclosed
you will find what is required from the offenders before the pardon
provided by the Act can take effect. To ascertain therefore how far
these reqairitions have been complied with, k of ocnrde in what
instances the pardon will operate, Council have thought proper to
dirM thai the Jnatiees of the peace of Northnmb** Co. shall respec-
tively make return to you of the names & first names of all sueb
offenders as have given security agreeably to the Act aff*| on or
before v* 20th dav of April next — ^wnich returns certified by yon a^
(nrigmal — ^you will be pleased to transmit as early as possible to this
office.

I am^ Sir^

your obedient humble servant^

JOHN ARMSTRONG, Jr., Sec'y.
Directed^
To Robert Levers, Esqr., Prothonotary of Northampton County'
To Lawrence Keene, Esqr., Prothonotary of North' Co'y.

RbSOLUTION of GbNBBAL ASSHMBLTy 1786.

State of Pennsylvania In Oenend Assembly.

Thursday March 9, 1786, A. M.
Agreeably to the order of the day the report of the committee read
March 6, relative to the disturbances at Wyoming, whereupon

Ordered, that it be recommitted and that the committee be
instructed to confer with the Supreme Executive Council thereon.
Extract from the Minutes,

J. SHALLUS, Ass't Clerk.

Resolution of Gsnbral Assembly^ 1786.

State of Pennsylvania In General Assembly.

Friday, March 10, 1786, A. M.
Agreeably to the order of tho day the House proceeded to the
dcctioQ of a RegiBtor of Wills &o*, and Recorder of Deeds for the'

32*

760 PENNSYLVANIA ABCHIVBS 178a

County of Westmorland, and the ballots beinff taken, it appeared
^bat James Hamilton, EBquira, was duly eleoted, wbereupoa

Resolved, tbat the said James Hamilton be and he is hereby ap-
pointed Register for the probate of Wills and granting letters of
Administration, and Reoorder of Deeds in and for the oonnty of
Westmorland.

Extract from the Minutes,

J. SHALLUS, Ass't CleiL

JoHK Nicholson to V. P. Bibdlb, 1786.

Compf r Geneial's Offioe, Maroh 18th^ 1786.
Sir,

By an Aot of Assembly passed 22d September, 1785, the HonUs
the Supreme Executive Council are authorized agreeable to BesolTS
of Congres of the 7th of June preceding, to employ the InT^ids
who are pensioners, as guards, &c.

I have long considered the papers of this office inseenre, oonnde^
ing their importance to the State and the temptations to indiTiduali
to destroy them. But I am still more uneasy and anzions for its
security since the Certificates received in the LEind Office and by the
late Act of the 1st of March Instant, have come in. Permit me to
request that your Honble Board will be pleased to dureot that a
guard be posted here for the security of this and the other public
offices in the State House, perhaps one Centinel in front and one at
the back part of the House might be thought requisite, the better to
secure from danger by night.
I have the Honor to be

with the greatest respect. Sir,

your obed* servant,

JN- NICHOLSON.

Dtrectedf

The Honble Charles Biddle, Esqr., Vice President

Resolution of Gbneral Assembly, 1786.

State of Pennsylvania In General Assembly.

Friday March 24, 1786, A. M.

On motion of Mr. Whitehills, seconded by Mr. Edgar.

Resolved, that the Supreme Executive Council be and they are

hereby requested to direct one hundred and fifty copies of the Act

entitled '< An Act to ascertain the number of taxable inhabitants

'< within the city of PhiUdelphia, and within each of the counties of

PENNSYLVANIA AROHIYBS 178*. 7Mt

'f dii$ Commonwoaltbi and for other porpoflea therein mentioned/'
puaed the third day of March instant, to be immediately printed
and cause the same to be equally distributed and delivered to the
oommiBsioners of the several connties within this State.
BxtnetB from the Minntef,

J. SHALLUS, Ass't Clerk. .

Joseph HAMiLTOir to Col. John Franklih, 1786

City of Hudson, March 24th, 1786.
Dear Sir,

This I send to von with Mr. Thomas Oilbert| and thr^e younff men
with him to settle in that Country, they are all Interested, f wish
you would be kind enough to direct them to find my lands. I re-
ceived your favour and a Bundle of Papers by Cap^n Strong, I
immediately Transmitted tbom to Vermont where they were perused
and then returned, and now they are gone on to Beach and perhaps
to Hartford, I continually exert every Nerve in the Cause, I endea- '
vour to rouze every Body and every thing & spare no cost that I can
be at. There are a considerable number of men of abilities in the
Country acting briskly in your favour, which consideration may
doubtless serve to stimulate and encourage, but remember there is
no consideration will act so strong in your favour as that of your
absolute desparacy, this with a moderate degree of Policy will make
it utterly impossible you should ever be Conquered unless human
nature is wholly reversed, in the meatime every Implement of defence
should be stored either at Tioga or betwixt that and Lake Otsago,
as also the Books of Records wbich are at Windom. I have wrote
about them affairs but you wrote that you fear to loose your half
share men if a meeting don't provide for laying out &c. Good Sir
I see no need of a meeting about the matter, you have all the Power .
in your hand that the Proprietors have, locate you Towns for them
on the Company's cost with the rights yon have in your Hands or
they possess it would be well however for the sake of preserving good
order that the Committee for laying do joyn with yon herein, but lay
thorn out in any figure or shape is judged b^t and necessary to
accommodate the owners and is agreeable to the minds of the now ■
ruling Committee may pitch single Farms if necessary where it
makes no difficulty on the ground. But above all preserve good order ,
and a proper subordination and harmony among yonrselves, men
thus Planted and desperate The angels from Heaven unless Divinely
Commissioned could not disposses, moreover none of the old Located
Towns that are Forfeited will stand in the way unless renewed by
the Committee neither ought the Committee to renew unless upon
Conditions of Immediate settlement and in such there can be no

7S8' nSNKSTLVANIA ABOmVBS 17^86.

need of a renewal, in short for any of your People ffaat are on the
gl^ond to poeeeee any lands that are not absolately and without dis-
pote already oonverted to prirate property in the largest aense of the
word I trust that no Propnetor that is out in the Country will erer
be Cloaihed with that Impudenoe aa to desire he should be removed
unless ha have more land then comes to his share. The Country
talk is a mere Joke and a farce and in my opinion has been the
principal cause that the whole Country has not been settled beyond
doubt lonff ago, even in case where there is no Jepardy in settling
there oan be no reason rendered why he that first goes should not
have choice, this does no Injury to the rest of the Proprietors, the rest,
of the lapdtf are made propcnrtionablytttore valuable for his settling
and men very often misjudge at the first which is the best lands,
my Friends go on, go on, but for God sake preserve rnle and eood
oraer among yourselves but let no man be among you but who feels
himself Interested, let him be pleased with his situation if possible
this is the onlv true Policy. Thus Sir I have thrown out a few of
my Fireside thoughts, I hope jou will excuse me for they are sincere
and what I am bold in and will ever endeavour to support,
plray Sir, Present my best Compliments to Col Butler, & Mr. tfohn-
son to your Supreme Committee in particular and Individually and
to all my other acquaintances.

Pray Ood bless jon all,

Tour Fnend & Brother in Tribulation
Hope and earnest Ezpectationi

JOS. HAMILTON,
Col John Franklin,

Motto Perseverance,

Supplement to the 24th of March. ,

Sir,

Your Paper negotiations are Political in several views ; in the first
place they Interest the Minds of different men in your favour and
thus serves to Disarm, and secondly may procrastinate, however
aiguments will not do unless they are set home upon the Conscience
bv a view of a quick oporatine Phisio, This Phisic Doctor Smith, in
hn Letter Informs you, keep by you, if so and you administer well,
you will be all good Doctors, (Hint) Burgojne fell because he did
not preserve a retreat to the Northward, you will observe that we
have not as yet been disturbed on the slip of Land two miles wide
on the North side of our Purchase, we have bought it of the natives
& Pennsylvania do not claim it, no man has even a pretence to
trouble us there and State Troops cannot be marched out of the
State without breaking confederation these appears to me to be con-
siderations very momentions in our present situation, Even Maga-

lines and Warlike stores to defend against the Indians who it is
said now threaten may lawfnlly be depodited thcfre Cannon &o.
N. B. yon may depend on a visit from Head Doctor from the North
(by the 15th) of the next of the Petitions with his apparatus Glister
Pipe and all. Capt. Stnmg is very buisy and will soon be there
Mr, Beach IB mnoh wanted in those parts, in short I should not
know how to do without his assistance it is best every one should biji
in a sitaa&n in whidh they ean be most seriioable w^ want reso-
kiioii here as well as tihere and it will not do to Strike a man in th)tf
Streets in view of the Public without tellmg for what H h(f for this
we must oonstantly do id the PuWo Prints and every where ebe^
olhsrwiBe we bring tiie lesenimeiii of this Poblie npon na.

J.H. ^

Gov. SmALLWOOD, op MARYLAlfD, TO PrBS. DICKINSON,

1786.

Circular.

Maryland, Annapolis, SO March, 1786.
Sir,

1 have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency the enclosed
Copy of An Act of the Legislature of this State, under the great
Seal, passed in their last Session, extending the time limited for
bringing in and settling Claims against this State by the Gitiadns
thereof, and for limiting the time for bringing in and aettliog Claims
against the said State by Oitiaena of the United States.

By particular direction of the General Assembly of tbil State, I
have to request that you would be pleased to order the Substance of
this Act to be published, or such part thereof as you may judge
necessary for the information of the Citizens of your State.

The Duty on Salt in this State, is suspended after the l*^ of April
next, unless at that Time, or until there be a Duty laid on thai
Article in States of Virginia and Pennsylvania — this Contingency
obliges me to request of your Excellency the earliest information on
this Subject, that the views of the Legislature here may be carried
into execution.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Tour Exoellency's mo. Obed. Servt.,

W. SMALLWOOD.

His Exoellency The President of Pennsylvania.

7S4 PBIQ^SZLYANU ABeiOTBS 17881

Sec't of Conqbess to Fbe8. Frankltn^ 1786.

Oiroular.

Offioo of Seo* J of Congren,
Ai»fl I-*, 1786.
Bir,

Pnrtiunit to the order of CoogresB, I herewith timDemit to jiv
Bxcelleney, to be eomniinioated to yoor Legisktiirey a state of tki
repreeeiiAtioii for last monih.

I also enoloae two oopiee of the Joamal as fur as printed— <mt
for the legisUtivOi and the other for the ezeoativ« brmiioh of OomK
menk

With the greatest respect,

I have the honor to be

Your Exoellenc/s moat obedient,
& most hnmble eeirt,

CHA. THOMSON.
His Excellenej The President of Pennsjlvania.

Statement of Major David Lennox, 1786.

I was taken Prisoner the 16*^ Not., 1776, ft Exchanged the 20*
April, 1778, but was not released till the 15^ May. I then joined
the Army at Valley Forge, bat found that I ooald not get the Rank
to which I was entitled ; howeyer, having every wish to continae in
the Service, I joined (General Wayne's Family, & oontinned the
whole Gompaign. The Oommittee of Congress, consisting of Gen-
eral Read from this State, and Colonel Bannister from VifgiDia,
together with the Commanding Officer of each Line, met at the
White Plains in August, 1778, to ascertain the Rank of the Army.
They, wishing to do me all the Justice in their power, fixed my
Rank, Vib', a Majority from the 7th June, 1777 ; but the situation
of the Army did not admit of my getting the Command to which I
was entitled — this is Certified by General Wayne, who was the then
Commanding Officer of the Pennsy* Line. The Comptroller General
has settled with me to the 20th April, 1778 ; but as I oould not
get my Command, I left the Army after the Campaign of 1778, &
think it a hardship to be deprived of my Pay, dl^c, after that time.
I refer to General Wayne's Certificate for the hcta set forth.

D. L.

Indorsed,

1786, April 3.

PKBrNSTLYANIA ABGHITS8 ITSft 769

COMMISSIONSBS ON NAYIGATICm OF SUSQUEHAKNA^ 1786.

Sir,

Yon were this day appointed one of five CommissioDeraoD the part
of this State to treat with CommisaioDers apppointed, or to be
appointed, by the States of Delaware & Maryland on the snbjeet of
improving the navigation of the Snsqiiehannah Biv^r, k for the
purposes expressed in Resol. of Assembly of the 21st of March last.
Yon will be pleased to signify yonr Acceptanoe or refaSfed of this
appointment as early as possible.

i am, with much respeot,

Your most Obedient servant,

JOHN AEMSTEONG, jr., Sec'y .♦
Secretary's Office^ 6th April, 1786.

The Hon. Francis Hopkinson, Esqnire, Doctor John Ewing,
David Rittenhouse, Robert Milligan and George Lattimer, Esquires.

F. HOPKINSON TO V. P. BiDDLB, 1786.

Sir,

I am sensible of the Honour the Supreme Executive Council hare
done me in the appointment of yesterday. I wish I may be able to
answer their Expectation in the object of this Commission. I shall
however, use my best Endeavours to execute the Duty required,
unless such circumstances should occur as ought to hold me excused
& prevent my leaving Home.
I am Sir,

with much Regard,

your obedient Serv't,

FRA'S HOPKINSON.t
Philadelphia, April 6th; 1786.

Robert Mulligan to Sbot. ARMSTRONe, 1786.

Phil'a, 6th April, 1786.
Sir,

I was yesterday favoured with yours notifying to me, that Council
had appointed me one of the five Commissioners, to treat with those
of Maryland & Delaware on the subject of the navigation of the Sus-

♦ See Col. Rec. Vol. XV., p. 2.
t See Ibid.

7M PBNNSTLTANIA AECHIVBS I788L

quehaimah. Be pleased to acquaint the CoonoS thai I eonader
myself mnoh lionor'd by their apikmitmetit and most readOj aooeptit
I am Sir^

y most obed't Sery't,

BOB'T MILUOAN.*

To Gen'I Andstnmg, Sec^y of CkrandL

John Luebns, S. Q., xo Y. P. Biddlb, 1786.

Agreeable to your Order of Wednesday last ; I won'd reeeon-
mend Robert Galbraith, Esqr., of the Ooantj of BedIM to
measoie & asBertain the boandariei of the several districta between
the CSanoe ^aoe on the west branch of Sasqaehannahi and tk«
kittatiing on the Allegany Riycr.
I am Sir^

Your H'ble Serv't,

JNO. LUKENS, 8. Q.i'
Friday, 7th April, 1786.

To The Hon'ble Oba's Biddle, Esqr., V. P., Preaent

Election of Probate op Wills, 1786.

State of Pennsylvania, In General Ascmblj,

Friday April 7, 1786 — A. M.
Agreeably to the order of the day, the House proceeded to the
election of a Register for the probate of wills and ^ranting letters of
Administration and Recorder of Deeds in and for the oounty of
Chester and the ballots being token it appeared that Persifor
Frazer, Esquire was duly elected, whereupon.

Resolved, that the said Persifer Eraser be and he is hereby ap-
pointed Register for the probate of wills and granting letters of
Administration and Recorder of Deeds in and for the oounty of
Chester.

Extract from the minutes,

J. SUALLUS, Asst. Clerk.

♦ Sec Col. Bee, XV. p. 2.
t See IMd. p. 8.

I PENNSYLVANIA AKCHIYES 1786. 767

j DoRSEY Pentecost to Council, 1786.

Washington County, 16th April, 1786.
Gkntlemen.

About ten days ago a Mr. Graham, Excise officer for the three
western Counties, was in the ezeroise of his office in this County,
seized by a number of People and Treated in the following manner,
▼iz. His Pistols which he carried before him taken and broke to
pieces in his Presence, his Commission and all his papers relaiting
to his Office tore and thrown in the mud, and he forced, or made to
stamp on them, and Imprecate curses on himself, the Commission
and the Authority that gave it to him, they then cut off one half of
his hair, cued the other half on one side of his Head, out off the
Cock of his Hat, and made him wear it in a form to render his Cue
the most Conspicuous, this with many other marks of Ignominy they
Impos'd on him & to which he was obliged to submit, and in the
above plight they marched him amidst a Crowd from the frontiers
of this County to Westmoreland County, caling at all the Still
Houses in their way where they were Treated Gratis^ and ezpos'd
him to every Insult, and mockery that their Invention could con-
trive. They set him at Liberty at the entrance of Westmoreland
but with Threats of utter resolution should he dare to return to our
County.

This Bandittie I am told denounces distruction, vengence against
all manner of People who dare to oppose, or even ganesi^ this their
nnparrelled behaviour, and that they will support every Person con-
cerned against every opposition. 1 suppose they depend on their
numbers for I am told the Combination is large.

I have thought it my duty as a good Citizen to give your Honor-
able Board information of this matchless and daring Insult offered
to Government, and the necessity there is for a speedy and Ezam-
plary punishing being inflicted on those atrocious offenders, for if
this piece of conduct is lightly looked over no Civil officer will be
safe in the Exercise of his duty, though some Gentlemen with whom
I have conversed, think it would be best, and wish a mild prose-
cution, for my part I am of a different opinion, for it certainly is the
most audacious and accomplished piece of outragious, and unpro-
voked Insult that was ever offered to a Government and the Liberties
of a free People, and what in my opinion greatly agrivates their
Guilt is, that it was not done in a Gust of Passion, but cooly, delibe-
rately, and Prosecuted from day to day, and there appears such a
desolute, and refractory spirit to prevade a Certain class of People
here, particularly those concerned in the above Job, that demands
the attention of Government, and the most severe punishment.

I am not able to give the names of all concerned, nor have I had
an oppertunity of making pertieular enquiry but have received the
aforegoing information from different people on whom I can relyi

m PENNSYLVANIA AROHIYEB 1786.

neither do 1 think they have a8 many frienda as ihej Buppoae, or
would wish to make the pahlic helieve.

I have it not in my Power at this time to be as full and ezplidt
as t could wish on this subject, as I have but Just time to harry up
this scrawl while the carrier is waiting.
I am (Gentlemen,

with the highest Esteem and Respeot,
your most obdt. very Humble ServL

DORSET PENTECOST.

P. 8. I have jost snatehed as much time as to write a short no(e
lo the Chief Justioe, on the above subject.
Direetedf

His Ezoelleno^, The President and Members of the Snpreme
Szecntive Council of Pennsylvania.

Lt. Col. Wm. Coats to Council, 1786.

To the Honorable the Supreme Exeoutive Council, For the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Gentlemen,

I am under the Necessity of applying to Council for an order on
the Treasurer for Two Hundred pounds, to pay off a Number of
Pemands against me as Lieutenant of the County of Philada. via.
from the First Second and Fifth Battalions, Accounts from which
have Come to Hand, for seven & eight years Arrea^es Due to
Drummers & Fiffors or to the Officers who have Advanced the mouey
and to the Officers for making the annual Returns of the Male
White Inhabitants, for the repairing of Arms, Making and Repairing
of Drums, Printers, &c., &c.

I have the Honour to Remain the Councils,

Most obedient Humble Servant,

WM. COATS, lieut C. P.

Philad. County, April 26th, 1786.
Directed^

Charles Biddle Esq., Vice President, and the Honorable Execu-
tive Council for the Cfommonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Major Biohd. Fullerton to Frbs. Frakkldt,

Philadelphia, Ist Maj, 1786.
Gentlemen,

As a Military ardour, unknown since the year '75, seems to per>
vade ; and as it is our wish to encourage it, by every means in our

power; wd teka the Itberi^ of i«qiieMiitig jo« will mnt lOOIb
Powder For 400 m^n fdr tlie Hbb of the third BattalioB Philadelphia
Militia^ ft as we would not appear eeliish on the dooMOf!, yon will
pardon our reqnestinff the tatiie indnlgenee for the other Rittaliona^
We have the nonor to be,
with Seh^ments of respeot
Gentlemen, your obedt. & ham. Seryt

JNO. SH££| Lt Col. oommand. 3d| B.

BIOHD. FULLERTON, Major.

Hia Bxoellenejy Benj. Franklin Esq., & The Honhk. Executive
OoanoiL

Sec't of Forbign Apfairs 1:0 Pbbs. FbaKklin, 1786.

Gircnlar.
Ofioe for foreign affairs, 8d May, 1786.
Sir,

CongresB have been pleaaed to order that I should ''report partiou-

^ '' larly and specially how far the several States have complied with

' '' the Proclamation of Congress of the 14th Jan., 1784,* and the

'' Recommendation accompanying the same, pursuant to the defini-

" tive Treaty of Peace between the United Statee of America and

•' Great Britain."

In order that I may be able to fulfil the Expectations of Congress
I must request the Favor of your Excellency to inform me whethcitf
and how hx the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania haa complied with
the Reoommendation in question.

I have the Honor to be

your Ezcellenoy's Most

obedient & humble Servt.,

JOHN JAY. '
Directed^

His Excellency, the President of the Commonwealth of Penn-
sylvania.

Pbbs. Fbahelin to Dblbgatbs in Congbess, 1786.

In Council,

Philadelphia, May 10th, 1786.
Gentlemen,

I reed, yesterday Evening the letter you did me the honor of
writing to me the 7th Instant, and this morning I communicated

« Seepage 198.

T6Q PlBIfNSTLVANIA ABOHIVBS 1786.

the Mme to the Gooncil 3 hat the Board heing rtrj thin the oos-
mderatioii thereof was poetponed ^till to-morrow morning, one cf tbe
Memhers reqaeating he might take the letter wi^ the papen it 11-
eloaed home with hun for more attentive penual ; he has ainoe bea
with me as has also Mr. Wilson your CoUeagae in the dekgation,
and they hoth express mnoh apprehension that great inoonyenience
to this state may arise from the acceptance of the Cesaion proposed
hy Conncctioat^ if it be made in the Terms after the printed deed,
and therefore have advised that I should write this evening to dem
that yon would endeavour to obtain a delay of the determinitioa
Hill some day next week ; Mr. Wilson intending to set oat for New
York on Friday, in order to be with yoa on Saturday next^ and join
you in Congress the week following. The Consideration of joir
whole Letter will be taken in Council to-morrow which may embk
me to write to you more fully by the afternoons Post, this I ihiQ
endeavour to send by the stage.

With great Esteem and regard;

I have the honor to be, Oentlemen,

your most obd. & most bble. Servt.,

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN;
P^resideni

Andrew Porteb to Counoil, 1786.

Philada., May 10th, 1786.
Gentlemen,

I beg leave to inform Council that I propose to proceed to the
Westward without loss of time, in order to compleat the Line of the
Western Boundary of the State; and being informed that 3Ir.
Alezauder McClain is to assist me in the business, should be glad
his appointment might be sent bim as soon as convenient.

I must request the favour of Council to grant me an order on tbe
Treasury for £100 to enable mo to proceed on the business.
I am, with Respect,

Gent., your obdt. Servt.,

ANDREW PORTER.

W.H. Smith and others to Corporal Montgomery, 1786.

Sir,

My conRoience, my oath to the State, binds me to inform, I wrote
to Esqr. Shaw on the subject informing of a Design of forming a
New State, which is to include Wioming, & also to inoluJe tha

* See Col. Rec., Vol. XV., pp. 19, 20.

PBNNBTLYANIA AROHITBS 1786. 7fil

Oioece & Territory of Itnds claimed by New York ; tibe Prinoipal
agents live in State of New York & Connecticut, I am beeome not
only acquainted with those agentB but their whole plan of proceed-
ings by means of Letters which I have Intercepted. I have Neither
Money or horse fit to ride, or I would have gone to Governor and
Council myself, Colonel John Franklin & Captoin Solloman Strong
are principal actors, Strong lives in the State of New York, is now
gone up to Wisock, where he pretends to have a Large share in a
Town, which was laid out under Connecticut, Strong has told
me and a number of others, that he went twice to Varmount before
he could prevale with General Allen to come to Wioming, Strong
said that he had Brought all in to fight General Devane who he
Pretended was to come to Wioming with troops from Pennsylvania.
Esqr. Shaw informed me that he expected to send fifty men here to
Take if possible Allen & many others, which I described yesterday.
Franklin and Allen left & set out to go to Connecticut in order to
attend to a meeting of the Susquehanna Proprietors, Pray stop the
intended force, if they are. set out, send after them and call them
back ; I wish that this matter may lie still, & my proceedings re-
main a Cecret untill the minds of Governor & Council are made
manifest to me, & the undersigners, who are the only Persons in the
settlement acquainted with my discoveries, who are harty in the
Cases, whenever we shall get orders from authority, we will Take &
deliver to the authority at Sunsburey, the following persons, Ethan
Allen, John Franklin, Soloman Strong, James Fin, John Jinkens,.
Christopher HoUbert. Their Designs is if possable to purswade the
people on the west Branch to joyn them. Franklin & Jinkens did
engage James Fin, a Baptise Minister some time Back, to make a
visit to the west branch and to preach about amongst the people
there, and feale out their minds in regard to a New State. If Allen,
Franklin & Strong were removed, the others would do but Little ;
the longer the matter is delayed, the stronger they get, they, have
some ammunition stored, and some provision in store, a timely exer-
tion would perhaps prevent a deal of trouble and blood-shead. Allin
and Franklin and Strong have used many arguments & strategims to
seduce the People and prejudice them against Pennsylvania; but to
little purpose. I have put up many advertisements urging the people
to attend to their Duty agreeable to their Ingagements. Allin and
Franklin and Strong made it their business to go from district to
district and pul down my papers, which were put up and repeatedly
threatened my lifs. Which I disregard. I expect Captain Shools &
we will soon call the people together ; the people in General are
determined to adhear to Pennsylvania. I have with nnwearied labor &
argument got the people to believe that Pennsylvania will do us
Justice. If we were properly organised with authority we would Exert
ourselves when the above men arive, if they should have force, & we
think it not prudent to attempt taking them, we shall oall on you
for assistance.

7(9 PIfiIfN8Y]iVANIA ABfmJYTBB 178&

P. 8. — I aeed yon Copies of th« papers which I had pfoi up ii {
etoh Disiriet

Sir, we the nndersigiiere, ire

with Esteem, yoar most

obedient bnmble Servtfl.|

WM. HOOKER SMITH,
SAMUEL HOWER,
ABRAHAM WBSTBROCK.
May 14tb, 1786.
Mtrected,
Gorp'i Mongomery, at Snnbnrey.

AOOOUNT OF CiTT LOTS WfilOH HAVE RSVRBTED TO TBI

State, 1786.

Acconnt of The Oitv lot sold pnrsnant to act of Assembly passed
the 10th of April, 1781, which ha^e reverted to The State by the
Non-payment of The PurchaserSi and which are directed to be sold
by act passed April, 1786.

8. No. 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 14, 15, ft 18, bought by B. Bkine Esq.

9. No. 508, 509, 510, 511, 788, 739, 740, 741, & 742,

do. John Mitchell

No. 1229, 1230, 1231, 1232, 1233, 1234,^
21. 1235, 1236, 1237, 1238, 1789, 1240, I , ™._ q. „

1241,1242,1243,1244,1245,1246,1248, f ^' >vm. eneatt.

1249 1250.
6. No. 1375, 1376, 1595, 1597, 1599, - do. James Boddcn.
2. No. 1592, 1593. - - - - do. Sam. M. Brown.

8. No. 1624, 1625, 1626, 1627, 1628, 1629,

1630, 1631, do. John Barker.
2. No. 1753, 1754. - - - - do. Wm. Grinding.
8. No. 1766, 1767, 1768, ... do. George Way.
1. No. 1771, do. Stace. Hepburn.

JNO. NICHOLSON,
Gompty. Gen. Office, May 16th, 1786.
1786; June 10th, appd. fbr the sale of the above iots.t

♦ See Cot Rec, XV., p. 27.
f See Ibid. pp. 28, 87.

PSNNSTLVANIA ABCHIVE8 178Q. 769

Deposition op John Lbith, — Indian Robberies, 1786.

Pittsburg, May 16th, 1786.
The Information of Mr. John Leith Beins this Inst, arrived from
Muskingum, from his Camp, he says that he arrived at his Camp
from this place on Saturday the thirteenth of this Month and on his
arrival he found every thing to his Satisfaction, Only that by making
Inquire he found, that there was two Delaware Indians had come
there above a Quarter of an hour before him, who Informed him
that there was a Certain William Dawson and a Charles McClain,
who was In the Indian trading bussiness was Robbed of all there
Goods & property that he had with them, that same Morning about
Eleven O'clock, Likewise four of their working hands Killed. And
the opinion of the above Mentioned Indians of Dawson & McClains
Lives being Sav'd was as the had Being formly British Traders
But at this time the have had their Goods from the United States,
the same two Indians told Mr. Leith to Depart from that place as
Quick as possible as he was in very Great danger of his Life, the
Likewise was so frendly with him that the took npon themselves to
Secure all his Goods & property that he had at his Camp & far
himself to Escape Immediately as the were very sure, there would
be a party of Cherokees & Mingo Indians, there that Night to Cutt
them all of Likewise, the'tpld him that there was another party gone
to the Salt Licks If the had not already gott there and Cut the
white people of that were there. Upon the hearing of this News he
Immeaiately Departed from that place, unto here, Leaving all hia
property in the Care of the two Mentioned Indians & one more who
was hired with him.

JOHN LEITH,
Sworn and Subcribed Before me May the Seventeenth, 1786.

MICH. HUFFNAGLE,

Michael Huffnaqlb to Secbetart Armstrong, 1786.

Sir,

A few days ago a Committee appointed at this place wrote to the
President & Supreme Executive informing them of our situation &
the disposition of the Indians from the difierent information we had
received. I am very sorry that I must address you, to give the now
information to Council again for which information,I inclose you
the deposition of Mr. John Leith a Man employed by Mr. Duncan
in the Indian Trade. I would also mention that aithough it is
propable that the Delaware Indians & Wyandotes which to be
friendly, yet something ought to be done as the People that are now
doing the Mischief are part of the Mingoe Nation, & that Nation

764 PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVES 1786.

not calling tbem to an account shows that they moBt oountenaiMe
them in it, or that tbcy are afraid to say any thing to them. Ur.
DuDoan setts off to Morrow Morniog to look after his property, it
his return I will give yon such information aa I may receive.
your very Hble. Servt.

MICH. HUFFNAGLE,
May 17, 1786, Pittsburg.
Directed^

(On Public Service.)
Gen. John Armstrong Jr., Secretary Supreme Executive, Phik-
dJphia.
Hon. by Gen. Irwin.

Wm. Shaw to Council, 1786.

Col. Montgomery's, May 18th, 1786.
To His Excellency the President and the Supreme Executive Coun-
cil of the State of Pennsylvania.
Gentlemen,

At the request of Cap't John Paul Schott, agent for the settlen it
Wyoming, I arrived at tbat place on the 9th of April last, for the
purpose of taking recognizance of the People who were willing to
comply with a law passed the 24th day of Dec'r last, where one
hundred and seventy-eight of said settlers entered into recogniianoe
on and before the 15th of April, agreeable to law, and afterwards a
number took the oath allegiance to the State, and the inhabitanoe
in general then appeared very desirous of being Citizens, untill
unluckily on the 27th, Co . Athen Allen came to Wyoming, who
alarmed them by telling them he despised their treating with Peon-
sjl'a, that he had formed one new State, and with one hundred
Green Mountain Boys, and two hundred Rifle men he could make
that a new State in defiance of Pennsylvania ; on the 10th Instant
I received a letter from a settler there nearly to the same purpart of
one inclosed by Col. Wm. Montgomery, Esqr., which I shewed to a
few, who advised I should again go up to Wyoming, which I did,
and the 14th arrived there. I found a number that did not seem to
be so familiar as formily, I also meet with a number who appeared
to be much in favor of, and wished to comply with the Laws of the
State, one of whom produced me the copy of a letter he had enter*
oepted and taken, which he made oath before me was a true one, a
copy of which I inclose. The man is a person who may be relied on
but wished his name might not be made known least some of the
enemies of the state would take away his life for it, on the evening
of the 14th the Sheriff of this County arrive at Wioming and on the
three following days served several Writs, but most of them on whom
they were served refused to give bail bonds, and on the 17th a nam-

PBNN8TLVAJWIA ASGHIYBS 1786. 766

ber of them eolleofted %ui ordered the Sheriff to leave the plaoe in
two hours, or they would abaeo him. Oa the lame eTeniDg we left
the plaoe.

The Sehemee of the Proprietors of the Soaquehanah Compaoj ia
diaoovered hj the iDoIosed Copy of a letter from Joaeph Hamilton
To John Franklin, Which perhaps might be good policy in govern-
ment to endeavour to prevent by raising and sending some men there
which would be a means of enoonraging those that are friendly to
the government and Laws of this State and a disoouragement to
those who are wavering, mnoh will depend on the firmness of the
soldiery and the disinterestedoess of the Officers.
I am Gentlemen with Esteem

your Obedient Humble Serv't,

WM. SHAW.
Directed

To His Excellency the President and the supreme Executive
Council of the State of Pennsylvania.
Favor'd )
^l^^' i

Wm. MONTaOMBBT TO C0UNCIL| 178G.

Northbd., May 20tb, 1786.
His Excellency the President & the Honorable the Supreme Ex-
ecutive Council, &C.

Sinoe the iodosed letter of the 17th A meeting was had of the
Justices, The Sheriff, The Lieutenant of the County k a Number of
oUier Principal Gentlemen whore upon consideration of the Intel-
ligenoe from Wyoming they intirely ooneur in sentiment (respeotiug
^e daoffer) with the representation in my Letter & that of Wm.
Shaw, EMi'r, and are clearly & decidedly of opinion that, no time,
not a moment should be lost ; That there is the greatest ft most
eminent danger of a diamemberment of the state ; That the party
under Ethan Allen, John Franklin & Solomon Strong increase
daily ; Their moat limited pretenaions extend to the whole of the
42d Degree of Latitude ; That from the nature of their views they
will be a combined force acting eonstantly and in concert, as their
enoroaehmentSy like the feudal system of old, will fumiah the re-
ward of their adherents and foUowen : And no person in the State
however remote from the present scene, if within the above limit,
can hope to continue a Pensylvaaian without the most speedy,
effeetnal, and vigorous exertion of Government in suppressing this
dangerous insnirection. That as there appears still a Numtor of
People at Wioming who talk in a Csvorable strain, whether they are
sincere, God knows. But if there an any sincere friends then they.
Vol. X.-88

?M PBNNTLYANIA AB0HIVB8 1786.

ihould not bo lost, thoir Umelj rapport miffht have • poworM
tondeney to divide the purtj and the more nadilj erash the oobene.
It is also the opioion of all present that it ia extremely proper lo
give jou thb Umelj informatiott hj a person of Inteliigenoe, and fer
that purpose have nnanimonslj appointed Oenl. John Bully Beq.,
to earry these Dispatehes, to whom they beg leave to refer joa for
men minute and partionlar Information.

I am Gentlemen with y* greatest lespeet,

his Bxeellenoy and your Honor'a

obedient humble servanti

WM. MONTGOMBRT.
Directed,

To His Exeelleney the President ft Supreme Executive Counoil of
the State of Pennsyhania.
Hon'rd ^ 01. Bull.

Wm. Montoomiry to 0. J. McKkan^ 1786.

North'hd, Hay 20th, 1786.
Honored Sir,

I do myself the honor of incloung you a copy of an intercepted
letter which placeth the designs of a Number of People at Wiomiog
in a dear and decided point of view } there we are informed of some of
the active persons in the scheme of a new and Independent state; of
the best mode of carrying it oui and of the then expeoted arriinU of
Col. Ethan Allen from Vermont^ since the writing of which Alkn
has arrived, talks freely of a new state, Reprobates the Idea of sub-
mission to Pennsylvania; and he in conjunction with a Col. John
Franklin of that place and a Captain Solomon Strong of New York
State are gone about a week ago to meet the Susquehannak
Company to consult what mearares are next to be pursued-^We
find they have some ammunition ft stores laid up so that upon the
whole it appears to us beyond a doubt that a dismemberment of the
State will take place unless immediate force prevent, for we find
that no overtures can be made that will satisfy all parties there, The
most limited claim of the Schemers is the whole of the 42d Degree
of Latitude throughout Pennsylvania— 4}an she submit to this: she
cannot; Surely our yeomcnrv will, no longer say, it is a Land
Jobing Quarrel. The Bill for striking them off as a Mperale
County eventually seems to put that out of Question ; it is no longer
a private Qaarrel, it is now become a serious Governmental ooneen,
and I hope Pensylvania will support as dignified a Charaoter in this
affur,and assert her supremacy as fully as she did her Independence
in the late Revolution, it is wished here by a meeting of the mosl
xespectable Chwacters at this place that you might S& informed of
the state of thinga here as you will have an opportunity on the

PKMNBTLYANIA AB0HITI8 17MI WT

eimiit to «mimimioate the infenittioay and lemofe the ikniplM of
Oentlenen about iaterMtiog ihomaelTeo in the oontroverayi ■•
ooppoting-it father a debate aboat private property than otberroe-*-
Wai. MoOlay will hand yon thia, from whom yon will hear evory
thing mere partienlarly on thia aabjeot.

I remain with the srealefit reapeot

your Henora moat obed't Sert.^

WM. MONTGOMEBYv
DtrecUdf

The Honorable, Thos. MoKean^ TSm{f.j Dr. of L.^ Chief Joatiooi fte
Honor'd ^ Wm. UoCky, Bsqr.

Prbs. Franklin to Willii. Shaw, — Wyoming, 1786.

In Conncil, Philada., May 27th, 1786.
Sir,

We have received your Letter of the 18th \tk%i.* by Gen. Bidl
with the important Intelliffenee of the Steps taken by some restlesa
Men to raise fresh Disturbance among the Settlers at Wyominj;
after the good Disposition you had so lately left those People in
when yon had been among them, taking their BecognizaDce & Oath
of Aliemnoe. We still hope that the Pains you took in that
serviceable Journey, will not be lost, but oontinue to have a good
Effect in disappointing the Projects ot those who aim at continuing a
Discord that cannot possibly produce any Good. You may be
assured that no imprudent use will be made of the Letter you com-
municated It is to be regretted that when Measures were in Medi-
tation by the Government to accommodate the Differenee, fresh
Ooeasion of Tumult should be afibrded by the Sheriff's going up to
serve Writs of Ejectment there, which might possibly by those
Measures have been rendered nnneoessary.

With great Esteem, I am Sir, Ac.,

B. F. Pres-t
Wm. Shaw, Esq.,

Prbs. Franklin to Wm. Montgombrt, 1786.

In Ooanoil, Philad*, May 27, 1786.

Sir,

The Council have received yomr Letters of the 17tb and 20th
instant, byG^n'l Bull, oontaininir the important Intelligenoe of fresh
Disturbances at Wyoming, which will be taken into Consideration.
We are sensible of your attention to the Public Welfare, manifested

* See ]Mige 764.

t See Col. Reo., Vol. Xy.» p. 27

788 PENNSYLVANIA ABOHIVES 1786.

ki thaee Dispttobei; and detire jov wonld ooottoiie to fand us what
further lafomatioii yoa may from lime to time obtain of Ibe Pko-
eeediage id tbat part of the Country, naing in the mean wbik what
Inilnenoe you have to qniet the minds of the nnhappy Settlers tbete-
by aMnring them, that there is the best Dispoettion in the Govern-
ment to treat them equitably and even with kindness, and to take
them under its Proteetion, and extend to them all the Privileges of
oor free ft happy Constitation, on their demonstratiDg by their
peaoeable and orderly Behaviour, that the Sentiments express'd in
their lato Petition to the Oen. Assembly are sincere, and that they
are traly disposed to become good Cttisens. We hope they will
wisely pursue this Conduct, and thereby render all thought of
taking compulsive Measures unnecessary.
I am, with much esteem,

Sir, your most humble servant.

B. F., Preside*
^DirecUd

W" Montgomery, Esq', President of the Courts of Common Pleas
Quarter Sessions and Orphan's Court, North' Co'.

Deleoatis in Congress to Pres. Franklin, 1786.

New York, May 81st, 1786.
By the permission of Congress.
Sir,

We do ourselves the honor to enclose you a Copy of Mr. Adams'
Letter of the 4 March, together with Lord Carmarthen's Letter to
him, respecting the frontier posts, and an abstract from a report of
a Committee of British Merchants, fto., for the Information of your
Excellency & Council.

We are with great respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient
& very humble serv'ts,

CHA. PETTIT,
JOHN BAYARD.f
His Excellency, Benj. Franklin, Esq.

♦ See Col. Reo. Vol. XV. p. 27.
t See pages 746-6.

INDEX.

Aet to prerent and staj initi agninit
ffyomiDg^ 5. or 1705, for bailing

Srisoners, 407. Of New York on
ionndarj, 422. Restoring lands at
Wjoming, 058. Complained of by
British Merchants, 747.
Aetive,Brig. (1780.) 181. (See Vol.

vrii.)

Adams, John, on poblic debt to France,
884, 380. Relating to American
Bishops, 432. On British grieyanoes,
745.

AdmiraUj Conrt, fees receiyed, 58.
Letter of Judge H. on a Tessel esca-
ping under writ of, 350.

Alleghany River, land bad, near, 509.

Allen, Andrew, ease of Big spring tract
at Reading, 712.

Allen. Ethan, at Wyoming, 705, 700.

American Bishops, (See Bishop.)

American Regiment at Schuylkill
heights. 323. Deserters flrom, 888.

American Philosophical Society, grant
to, by assembly. 204.

Andrews, Rev. Robert appointed by
Virginia commisioner on Boundary,
140, 171, (1783.)

Antes, Heniy, Sheriff of Nortbumber-
land Co., to arrest insurgents at
Wyoming, 344. Complainta against,
482.

Apportionment of $080,000 among the
states. 238.

Annand, Ocnl, Legion, and mutiny of
soldiers, 02. Petition against, 188.

Arms, Ao., to be taken eare of by the
States, 154.

Armstrong, Lt. Col. John, letter of
Council respecting Wyoming, 307.
Appointed to command under CoL
Harmar, 315. Complains of his
rnnk, 310. Wheat to be secured,
317. Appointed Commissioner to
Wyoming, 327, 880. Ordered to
return to Phila., 360. Deposition^
823 ; letters 427, 653, 658, 075, 077,
085, 086. To inhabiUnts of Wyom-
ing, 085. To Pres. Dickinson. 686.

Armstrong, Capt William, wagonerg
stopped with British clothing, 12.

Army, American, pay of soldiers and
offleers, 118.

Artillory artificers, under Capt's Wy-
lie and Jordan, gratuity to men, 94.

Atlce, Samuel, J., eommissloDeir to
treat with Indians, 205. Letten
from, on eleetion — deed of Six ■•»
tions, .300.

Atlee, Wm., muster rolls of Lancaster
Co., 894.

Assembly, letters to and from, 8, 126,
195, 198, 407, 427, 429. Resolutioat
of, 8, 9, 111, 129, 130, 149, 166, 177,
178, 179, 184, 195, 196, 203, 204,
209, 233, 815,316, 382, 334, 335, 386,
365, 367, 412, 420, 531, 588, 542, 657
—561, 611, 695, 710, 711, U9.
Boundary with Virg'a, 8, 95. Pur-
chase of lands from Indians, 111.
Message from, 379. Reports, 214,
316, (1784,) 551, 552, 749. Of Con-
neetient, resolutions of, 116. Pro-
ceedings on internal Commerce, 128,
180. Rejoicings for peace, 151. Re-
pairs to gov't mansion, (1788,) 166,
832. Removal of obstruetione la
Del. river, (1788.) 177. Death of Ma-
jor Kenne^Tf 178. OAeen of Penn-
sylvania line, 179, (1783.) Allot-
ment of estates for Universlfy, 196,
Wyoming and Connecticut, inientionf
of Pennsylvania, 196. Papers aaked
for by council, 198. Grant to
American Philosophioal Society, 9<Mk
Elect Auctioneere for Philadelphia,
206, 209. Wyoming, 224. Pay to W.
Maclay, 815. In£an affain, Sit.
Order to R. Andrews, Comm'r on
Boundary with Virginia, 886, 41S.
T. Matlaek 867. Sale of lands, 879^
884. Respecting James Searle, 420.
Chinese strangers from Pallas, ladla-
man, 582. Eleetion of Delegate* to
Congress, 584. Treasurer, 534. Re-
port on Inland navigation, 588, 641.
State House, 542. Wyoming, (1784,)
551,552, 557--561. JurisdieUon of
Iidandsin Del., 611, 710. Aetreetor-

770

INDEX.

ing land* at Wyoming, 657. He-
mora] of Henry Shoemukcr m a jus-
tice, 095. Petition from Wyoming,
«M— 704. Boundary line N. Y.—
Jurisdiction, Ac, of Islands, 710.
Custom house Bonds, 711. Report
on Wyoming recommitted, 749. Elec-
tion of J. Hamilton in Westmoreland
Co., 750 ; do. of Persifer Fracer in
Chester Co., as Register, Ac, 766.
Auctioneers for Philadelphia, eleetad
by aaaembly, 206, 209.

Ballot, Toting by, Censon inqaira of

Oounoll respeetingi 802. Anawer of

Gounoil, 806.
Baltimore, Comm'rs on boandary with

Virg'a, moet and agree at, 96.
Bftrbary Powora, memorial from mer-

chanta on oaptures by, 410, 411,

705.
Barclay Thomaa, free porta of Franoe,

267.
Banaeka at Lanoaaier 288, 237, 807.

At Philadelphia^ 289, 241, 261, 268,

276, 787.
Bartholomew, Edw'd, appointed Collec-
tor of Exoise, 442.
Bijyard, Col., commands at Fort Pitt,

(1788,) 167. Delegatei to Congreaa,

684.
BajntoB, John, Collector of Tonnage,

Btatement respecting, 611.
Beatty, Brcorius, and F. Bowen, Agt'f

to distribute oertifloates to Penn'a

Line — Report, 487, 696; reiign,

(1784,) 604. Besomed, 606.
Bedford Co., M. Doane in Jail at, 112.

Prisonera to be sent to Lancaster.

119 Cenaos of white males under

68, 512.
Berks Co., list of offioera of the militia

in, 190, 881. Troopa to march to

Wyoming, 346.
Biddle, Charlea, elected V. P., 627.

Letter respecting Chinese, Ao., 627.
Billiard TaUes, taxes on, Phil'a, 222,

224.
Blllingsport» Retnmi of Military Stores

at,284.
Bills of credit, aigning, 456.
Biehop, an American, letters relating to

eonaeeration of in Denmark and Eng-
land. 488 — 436. Consecration of

Bishops White and Provoat, 484.
Blaine, Ephraim, payment of interest

on Gi^ loU, 609.
Boggi, James, instructions to, flrom

Gen. Irrine, reapecting land oppo-

aiU to Fort Pitt, 116.

Boggs, Martha, rcserTed lands oppo-
site Fort Pitt, «y».

Boudinot, Clias, Letter, 74.

Boundary with New York, 412, 413,
414, 422, 435, 444, 460, 464, 71U.
Commissioners on, 422, 450.

Boundary with Indians, 418.

Boundary line between Penn'a aad
Virg'a, report to, and reaolntioa of
Assembly, 8, 66, 72, 96, 96. CoL
Cox Ac, 96, 126. 131. Got. Hir-
risen on, 66, 72, 77, 96, 96, 146, 171.
Comm'rs appointed by Virg'a, 146,
336 ; by Penn'a, S23» 230, 283, 236,
269, 872, 378. 412, 413, 428, 438,
489, 489, 60tf, 673» 602, 608.

Boundary, the western, described, 489.
Commissioners, 443, 462, 760.

Bowdoin, Got. James^ of Maaaacha-
setts, letters to Congreaa on inal-
ting oorrespondenoe of (Japtaia
Henxy Stanhope, 499 — 606.

Boyd, Alex'r, elected AaeUonear for
Philad'a. 206, 209.

Boyd, John, letter of Oonndl to, rts-
paoting Wyominc, 807. Appointed
Comm> to, 330; letter, 627.

Bradford, Wm., Att'y Qmtk% caae of
T. MaUack, 202, 636. Caae of Big
Spring tracts 712. Feea in Monlg'y
Co., 748. List of Conun'n Taxt%
Ao.,494. MUitUiinei,74a.

Brant, CapL, 88.

BreokenridM, H. M., dellTora ma enlo-
gium on those who fell in the Bero-
lution, (1779,) 162.

Britiah and German elothinf deflclent,
7.

British Commercial arrmngenunta, rem-
edy for ctUs of, 162.

Britiah merchants complain of grier-
anocs fVom Amerioa, 746.

Brodhead, Gen'l Dan'l, (1779,) 161.
See Vol. Vn.

Bryan, Hon. Geo., answer to questions
of Council on Justices of the peace,
16 to 19. Comm'n on boondary,
(1783,) 171. On trial of Indian for
murder, 473. On ease of I>onne, 609.

Bnehanan, CoL, his Battalion of Com-
beriand Co, (1770,) 16& (See VoL
VIL)

Buolu Co., Sheriff of, on arreat of Serc't
Nagle. 67. Death of Mi^or Kennedy
by Robers, (1783,) 178. Orders to
Troops 'to march to Wyoming, 846.
Case of Solomen Viekera, 482. Ban-
ditti from, on fh^ntiers, 683. Aaron
Doane, 697. Bobber of Treaanry in
jail, 698.

Buffalo Creek, prlaonen taken by
Ind'ns on (1788,) 167.

BnUer, Col Bieh'd, 69, 88, 294. Con-

INDEX.

771

f«r«iM« with him And A. Lm, on

Indian trMtiai, 296. nnd L«6 to

Counoil, on officen, 382.
Butler, Williun, propoaai printing

office At Piitabnrg, 421.
Butler, Zebttlon, Ao^ petition, 669,

680, 613.

Caldwell, Sumi, refpeeting Hog lelnnd,
(See Vol. IX,) 186.

Canterbury, Arohbiebop of^ relbace to
cottnaerate American Biibops, 4X4.

Carberry, Ilenrj, and'Snlliyan affair
or, 01, 74; eorreepondenoe, Ac,
with Maryland respeoting. 290-293 ;
delegatei on, 676, 576 ; depositionf,
Ao., 676-680 ; letter Got. of Mary-
land, 820; inatmctions to Sheriff,
323 ; Got. Paea, reapecUn^ 324.

Garleton, Sir Guy, letter relating to pre-
liminariea of peaee and termination
of hoRtilitieey 13 ; robber in N. Y.,
101, 131.

Carmathen, (British Seeretary,) to Mr.
Adami , complaining of grieyanoei to
Britiih ereditors, 746.

Censora, Counoil of, Reaolutiona^ Ac,
of, 149, 163, 302, 329, 327, 338, 336,
363, 696, 604, 606, 666: on voting
by ballot, 302 ; anawer, 316.

Census of Bedford Co., 612.

Chesapeake and Delaware, oonneotion
proposed, 640.

Chester Co., wagons stopped in, with
British elothlng, 12; wagoners'
names, 13 ; ezeoution of DaTid Daw-
son of, 609; Persifer Fraxer appointed
Register of Wills and Reoorder of
Deeds in, 756.

ChsTauz de Friies, remoTal of, 93, 144-
146, 177, 210. 212, 219, 221, 349, 350,
665, 685; Number and aiturtion,
(1784,) 690.

Chinese, sick from an Indianan, and
84 others — and erew of the Pallas —
seek and obtain aid, 627, 628 ; reso-
Inlion of Ass'bty, 681 ; Levi HolUngi-
worth respecting, 646, 648.

Chippewa Indians, 16.

Chrystie, Capt. James, arrlTei at Eas-
ton with a detaohment, 186 ; at Vort
Dickinson, 209.

Circulars to Prothonotaries, ^68.

Cliaton, Gen., arrives at Fort Sullivan,
710.

Clinton, Gov. George, of N. T., on
boundary, 422, 436, 468, 613.

Clinton, James, appointed oommissioner
on boundary with N. T., 450.

Clothing, 6, 7, 12, 13.

Ooati^ Idem. CoL WilllMn, 769.

Commeree, resolution of CongreM on
regulation of, 607-8.

Commerce — internal — proccedingi of
Assembly respecting, 128 ; commis-
sioners appointed, 780.

Commissioners on boundary, 280, 233,
236, 372, 873, 438, 489, 606 ; anxious
to be correct, 236 ; report, 606.

Commissioners on northern boundary
ask for a transit instrument, 4iA.

Commissioners of Bneks, 76.

Commissioners for defenee of DeL, 26.

Commissioners of Cumberland, 79.

Commissioners of land office, 641, 646.

Commissioners to treat with Indians
appointed, 266; letter fh>m, 266,
882; instructions, 320; from Pros.
respecting prisoners, 326; arrive at
Fort Stan wis, 846; treaty with Six
nations, 857, 895, 410, 489, 496, 610 ;
obligation to deliver goods, Ae., to
Indians, 610.

Commissioners Lancaster Co., 82.

Commissioners appointed to examine
Roads and Rivers for internal com-
meree, 129, 180, 812, 688, 710.

Commissioners Northampton Co., 92.

Commissioners of Philadelphia, ol^ect
to appropriating site of Jail for an
Bxehange, 104 ; old iron, 807.

Commissioners to take possession of
Pittsburg when relinquished by
Uniteil Sutcs, 477, 498.

Commissioners on navigation of Sus-
quehanna river, 766.

Commissioners of Taxes for Phila. Co.,

61, 222, 224, 238.
Commissioners on trade of United

States appointed by Virginia, 738.

Commiuioners of Washington Co., 684 ,
687.

Commissioners of Westmoreland on
supplies, 98.

Commissioners on Wyoming, eorros-
pondence with, 30-37; to magis-
trates as to safety, 662 ; answer, 663 ;
to Pres. Dickinson, 664; advertise-
ment, 669; letter from inhabitants to,
671 ; to Pres. Dickinson, 677.

Conference with Indians at Onandago,
63 ; for purchase of lands from, 105.

Confiscated estates, agents to report,
154; Uog Island, 186.

Congress, letters to and from, 7, 27, 61,

62, 98, 186, 161, 193, 206, 231, 234,
263, 358, 371, 897, 441, 442, 467, 461 ,
472, 488, 490, 607, 514, 632, 635, 639,
543, 644, 549, 736, 746, 754; resolu-
tions of, 7, 27, 46, 90, 105, 136, 139,
168,(1783) 179,194,289,242,369,507,
620, 624, 628, 586, 543, 544, 649, 550,
561, 662, (1784) 666, 690, 716; dele

772

INDEX.

fates to, 7, S5, 38, 46, 48, 5S, U, 78, 1
01, 136, 151, 164, 166, 160, 184, S04,
S09, 243, 868, 309, 406, 410, 440, 457, '
477, 488, 511, 534, 649, 550, 603, 576,
681, 698, 001, 097, 706, 713, 759, 708
— ^to arrange for elalmi Id treaty, 7 ;
treaty vith Indiani on peace, 46,40;
finances, S33 ; deUrery of new prison,
52; maintaining garrison at Fort
Pitt. 63; attaeli expected at Phila.,
01; pnblio doenments taken to be
restored to England, 00; Indian
affairs, 101 ; on parehase of lands by
Pennsylrania from Indians, 106;
report on Indian affairs, 119-125;
proelamation for thanksgiTing for
peace, 184 ; remoral of seat of Got-
emment, 130-139 ; on foil represen-
tation, 139, 163, 150 ; care of arms,
artillery, Ae., 154; gratuity to
Washington, 165, 185; debate whether
seven states can ratify treaty of peace,
160, 184, 193; Loan offioe, (1783,)
109; financial plan, (1780,) rejected
by Ya., 178; commutations In lien
of half pay to officers, 179 ; Wash-
ington, renonnees his commission.
183, (1788) ; treaty of peace ratified
by nine states, 103 ; court for deter-
mining right of soil at Wyoming, 194,
204, 210, 210, 231 ; repre^ontotion
not foil, 200; members attending,
207; states represented in, 220;
importance of foil representation
from each state, 239; arrears of
interest on national debt, 242-250,
263; delegates to, elected, 864;
proceedinc« in ease of Longschamps,
358; Riohard Henry Lee elected
President of, 359 ; delays in settling
French aeeounts, 309; accounts, 371 ;
John Jay elected secretary of foreign
affairs, 401, 557; claims of Pcnna.,
405, 424 : captures by Barbs ry powers,
410, 411 ; delegates elected to, 437;
may appoint Commissioners on boun-
dary, 440 ; respecting troops for
defence of frontiers, 440 ; laying off
States in western territory, 457;
soldiers' certificates, -lO] ; relief of
disabled soldiers and ncainen, 472;
asks for copies of journal, 488; senila
journal toStatefi, 49:1; papers relating
to Oov. of MaflMachn^ottit and Captain
Stanhope, 49t> ; commerce — States to
Test with power to regulate for 15
years, Ac 508, 738; proportion of
officers and privarcn to be fomishvd
by PennsylTania, 511; report on
national debt, 514-520'; resolution
on loan office, 520-523; issue of
eertificates to continental srmy, 524;
military claims, 528, 535; state of

rvpTHentatlon, 683 ; Mrtifleatei for
soldiers, 530; short rvprMcntatioa,
537 ; John Haneoek elaotcd prcsidX
639 ; copies of Joamali, 543 : ratiO-
cation of definitiTe treaty, 549:
Temple, Consul Oen. from Orest
Britain, 544 ; treaty with Indiaai,
649; Wyoming, (1784,) 550, 503,
710; appointment of 'delegates, 502;
remoral of seat of government, 560-
574, (1784) 575; committee of Sutei
to aotfn reeess, 600 ; indemnifieatioB
to Washington, 576 ; temporary fbra
of GoTcmment for western territory,
675; CapUin Carberry, 575, 576;
petition of Z. ^tler, 581, 710 ; collec-
tion of debts, 590 ; removal of papers
from Annapolis, 001 : propose plscei
for the pnblio bnil dings and seat of
gOTemment,097: on Barbaiy powen,
706 ; Longschamps — Wyi minr, 706 ;
complaint of Thomaa Shields, 71^,
report on revenue system, 732-735 ;
acknowledgment of Sienr de la For-
rest OS vice eonsnl of France, 735;
provision for disabled loldien and
seamen, 745.

Connecticut and Wyoming — [See Wyo-
ming]; resolutions of Assembly oS,
110, 117; proolamation of Governor
TramboU, 140; letters to and from
Gov., 147, 148, 213; rcsolnUon of
AfKcmbly of Penna., 204; eom-
plained of, 204; olalma, 398; claim-
ants disposed to violcnee to Bei\j.Loce
to depart, 679; memorial of John
Franklin to Assembly of, 081;
resolutions of Assembly on ditto,
083 ; cession proposed by, 700.

Gornwallis, Lord, operations at soath,
(1780,) 173.

Council of Censors, resolutions of, 149,
15:i, 303, 300, 820, 827,333, 330, 303,
540,

Counterfeit loan office oertifioates in
circulation, 447.

County Lieutenants — eircular, to Bat-
talion di«triets,4I9.

Cox, LieuL Col. Gabriel, saits against,
arising from boundary with Virginia,
81, 90, 125, 131 ; letter to Miehsel
Uuffnogle, 125.

Craig, Thomas, Lieutenant of North-
ampton Co.— letters of Council to,
reifpectiiig Wyoming, 290, 803, 306.

Crevccenr, Mens., letter to, fh>m Pros.
DickiiiKon, 193, (1784) 550.

Cumberland Co., commissioners on
taxes, 70; Indians in, (1779) 159;
—(See Vol. XII.)— return of sheriff's,
1777 to 1783, L>86; offieers of militia
in, 509, 000.

INDEX.

776 .

S20,324. 697, 638, 640, 641, 646,744,
763. Man., tott«r to, 964, 499, 600,
503, 504. New Jmi6T, 108, 366, 458,
730. N«w York, 4IS, 436,450, 513.
North Carolinft, 353. South Oaro-
Iin», 70. Virgitift, lottan to and
from, 66, 73, 77, 96, 96, 146, 176, 602,
608.

O. BriUin, aod U. States preliminaries
of peaoe signed, 8. letter of Sir Guj,
Carleton, 13. Rear Admiral Digby'ii
letter, retpeeting prisoners, 31. In-
qairy, respeetlng goods f^om, 38. J.
Temple, commissioned. Consul Gen.,
544.

Guenurd, Ben'J, Got. of 8. Carolina,
askslKir a list of Traitors, 79.

Hamilton, Joseph, to CoL John Frank-
lin, on Wyoming affairs, 751.

Hand, Gen. Bdw'd, (1779,) 159, (see
Vol. VIL)

Haana's Town, Indian imirder near,
38, 81 County town of Westmoreland,
01.

Harden, Mijor John, recommendation
of, 610.

Harmar, Lieut Col. Josiah, Instraetlons
fbr reemiting, 360, letter from, 311,
816. Returns of reomlts, Ae., at
heights of Sohnylkill, 333. Returns
of troops, 337. Indian Treaties,
394, 470. Troops leave for Fort
Pitt, 346, 391. Returns of Troops,
390,393, 403, 431, 446, 480, 490, 493.
Situation of Fort Melntosh, 406, 448.
New Regiment, 456. Offieers will-
ing to oontinae, 466. Diseharges,
469, 479. Pay of OflHeers, 484. Re-
eruiting, 490, 609. To retain the
Troops, 490. Reenilting, Ac, 509.

Harrison, Got. Beq)., of Virginia, on
Boundary, 56, 73, 77, 96, 96, 145,
175, 603, 608.

Hartly, David, letter to Dr. Franklin,
on Mr. Jay's return, (1784,) 667.

HarUy's Regiment, (1779,) 169, (see
Vol. VII.,) 366.

Hays, Christopher, Indians murder on
frontiers, Ae., 364. Respecting ap-
pointments in FaTette Co., 365.
Affairs in Westmoreland, 379.

Heineken, J. H., Chrlstiaa, reoogniied
as Consul for U. Netherlands, at
Philadelphia, 446.

Hellstedt. Charles, commissioned as
Swedish Conaul, Philadelphia, 362.

Henry, William, elected memher of
Oongreu, 364, 467, 634. Letter,
405.

HaarfuB Troopi, clothings dcieUnej of,

Hlllegas, Miohael, appointed Commrs.
for diTidon andsslei of harraek lets,
339, 341, 36L

Hodgdon, Seal, 89, 69. Cannon for
Count de Grasse, 69.

Hollingsworth, LotI, A Arthur Donald-
son, remoTc ChoTaux de fHse, from
R. Del., 349. Complimentary letter
to, from Pres. Dlekinaon, 360.

Hollingsworth, Levi, report respecting
Chinese, 637, 646, 648.

Hopkinson, Franois Judge, A. C foes,
68. Escape of a Tcssel to Delaware,
attached at Marcus Hook, when
launched, 356. Foes, 707. Appointed
Comm'r on naTigaUon of Susque-
hanna riTcr, 766.

Hubley, Adam, respecting Fort Sul-
llTan, and operations in Maw York,
719.

Hubley, John, burning of Court House
at Laneaater, 378.

Httffnagle Michael, respecting Col.
Cox, 136. Timber on landi opposile
Pittoburg, 140, 141. Settien on, 429.
Destruction of garrison ruins, 439.
Orders to, respecting Manellan
Township, 747. Tippling houses,
Ac, 186. Election at Pittsburg, 311.
Sale of mini of Garrison at Pittsburg,
463. Murder by Indians, 466, 467.
On Indian Robberies, 763.

Humphrey, Joshua, Jr., propoaei to
build piers at Marcus Hook, 471.

Hnmpton, Col. Rieh'd, letter to, on
soldiers at Lancaster, 59.

Hunt, John, remonstrance, (1777.)
against treatment, by order of Coun-
cU, 158, (see Vol. VL 589.)

Hutchins, Tho's, appointed a Comm'r,
to examine roads and rivers for in-
ternal commerce, 129, 130. Ap«
pointed Commrs. on Virginia Boun-
dary, 223. Commr., 334, 438, 440. .

Hntehinson, Dr. James, on condition
of Hospital on State Island, 178. To
Gen. Irwin, on 4 men burned at fire-
works in Phlla., 318.

Imposts, on arrears of, report, 378.

Indians, murders by, 16, 33, 167, 366,
464. Affairs, 36, 46, 63, 83— 90, 119—
135, 168, 866, 394, 395, 317,410, 554.
Treaty of peace proposed, 46, 63.
Hostilities on flronUers, 63. Con-
ference at Onandago, 63. Report,
B. Douglass on negociations with, 63,
70, 83. Captain Pipe, 83, 84, 85.
CouncU at Dttriot» 84. Various

776

INDKX.

tribei, 84-90 .OuDgreii do Hot olijMt

to PennsylTAnia holding a eonferoBee
withy for porch aia of landi, 105.
Rotol. of AsMmbly respeotlng par-
chMe of lands from, 111. Roport to
CongroMon Indian affairf, 110 — 125,
120. Treatj with, 161. In Camber-
laad Co., (1779,) 159, 161. Tako Mn.
Walkor and othen and lilil on Buf-
falo and Short ercelcg, (1783,) 167.
Commn. appointed to bold treaty
with Indiani, 265. Confereneo with
Loe and Butler on treaties with, 295.
Report and reeolntiona of Aiiembly
on, 816. Liet of goods for pnrehaa-
ing lands from, 818. InstmetionB to
Commrs., 820. On restoration of
prisoners, 325, 826. Expenses on
transportation of goods to, beaT7,832.
Commrs. to treat with, arrire at Fort
Btanwiz, 846. Layflstte addresses,
846. Negoeiation of Commrs. with
Six Nations of, 857, Pine Creek,
alias Tiadaughton, of treaty of 1768,
857. Answer of Six Nations, 857.
Deed from, 860. Treaty at Fort Mo-
Intosh, 891, 395. Boundary with,
418. Marder by, Mamanghtaguie
opposite Pittsburg, 465. Indian in
prison, 466. Judge Bryan, respect-
ing his trial, 473. Commrs. for
treaty with, 489. List of goods for,
497. To be deliTered by W. Mac
lay, and explanations respecting
hunting on their lands 510. A pass
reqnentedp for T. A J. Killbuck, In-
dian hostages, returning home, 526.
Speech of Sir J. Johnson, 654.
Indian treaty on boundary with
United States, 562. Obligation of
Ciiinmrs. t^ deliver goods, Ac. in,
610. Conforence with *' Whole Face"
and " Long Hnir,"on surTcy of dona-
tion lands, 7-iO. Segonkqnas and
Conhonew, 741. Indian Robberies,
763.

Instructions to Robinson and Shrawder,
99. To Bergt. Lee and McClure,
109. Oon. Irrino to Jas. Boggs, 115,
To Major Moore, 127, 132. To Rev.
Jan eft Finley, 163, (1783.) To CapL
Shrawder, 166, (1783.) To Commr*.
on Boundary with Virginia, 230. To
Lieut Col. Ilarmar, 309. To Commrs.
to treat with Indians, 320. To
Col. Proctor, respecting H. Carbery,
323. To Commrs. at Wyoming, 830.
To Sheriff Antes, to arrest persons
at Wyoming 844. To Wm. Irwine
as land agent, 427.

Internal commerce proceedings of As-
sembly, and Merchants, 128, 180.

Irrlne, Hon. James, letter to, on pris-

ontntolMdiiehttrgvd^M. Dielub-
aneei in Washington Co., 467. Be-
tires from V. Preeiden^, A27. Cass

I of Doaae and Dawaoii» 609.
Irrine, Gen. William, leapecting sale

I of Lands, 56, 66. At Fort Pitt, 95.

j Instructions to Sergta., rospeeiing
Fort Mcintosh, 109. iDstraetioni

I from, relative to lands opposite to

i Fort Pitt, 115. Agreement with Mr.

j Boggs, 140. Letter from Dr.Hnleh-
in son, 218. Reeommendod as land
agent, 426. IniiraetioBi to, 427.

I Sorreys between Freneh and Sngar
Creeks, 509.
Irwin, Gen., letter to, from Dr. Hnteh-

I inson. Four men burnad by fire-
works in Phila., 218. •

, Irwin, John, no ciril mafietracy in
Pittsburg, 289.
Irwin, Mathew, elected Recorder of

; Philadelphia^ 707.

Jack, James, Magistmte's Oommis-
slons, new and old dilTer, 264.

I Jackson, David, elected delegate to

I Congress, 487. Letter, 592.

I Jail, site of, for an exchange in Phila.,
104.

: JaVf Hon. John, elected, by Congress,
Secr'y of foreign affaira — his daty,
Ac, 401. 402. 667. Lawa of Sute
sent to, 407. Transmits a letter from
Mons Marbois, 409. And from John
Adams, relative to consecration of
American Bishops, 433. Kespecling
a Spuuish sailor, 499. Kcpresenta-
ttvos do not attend, 538. About to
rotum from Kurope, (1784.) 567.
Vice Consul of France, 736. Uo-

< 8pecting Spanish flag, 743. Inquiry,

' 7o».
Jenkins, John, laUef on Wyoming, 37.
Jewish Congregation of Philadelphia
invitcn President, Ac., to attend con-

* secration of Synagogue in Cheny St,
(1782,) 731.

- Johnson, Jacob, letter on Wyoming,
34.
Johnson, Sir John, at Detroit, Indian
Council, 84, 87. Speech to Indians,
564.
Johnston, BenJ.| respecting lands ftvm
Virginia, 611.

\ Johnston, Col. Francis. Commr. to
treat with Indians 265. On laud
Office, 282. On restoration of pris-
oners 325, 826. Counterfeit certifl-

! cates, 463.

1 Jordan, CapL, of ArtUlciy artificers
94.

INDEX.

77a

Canwifaigi, UmL Joha* ImUmi arar-
den, Ac., 21.

DftTliv ThoniM, oontrMtor Ibrlmilding
pi«rf in R. DtUwure, 466^ 7U.

Dawson, Darid, of Cbeiter Co., eze-
«it6dtf09.

De Bniatine A Qairiion propose to re-
moro Cheranx de frise, 144-145.

De OraiM, Oonnty present of eannon
fur, 69.

Delany, Sharp, (CoUeetor) on Memo-
rial of Cap. Darie, 97. Hearj do-
mand, 441, 716.

Delaware river, eqnipping armament
to defend, 2A. Bemovai of ChoTanz
de fHae, 96, 144. Commissioners
appointed to examine, ISO. Inquiry
respeeting Islands abore fiUIs, 180.
Falls of, as seat of gOTemment, 137.
Propoeals of De Bmssine 1 Oarrison
to remove ehevaas; de Mse, 93, 144-
146, 349, 360, 665. BesolnUons of As-
sembly on removing, (1783) 177,
210. Amount expended for improve-
ment, 240. Military stores at Fort
Island and BUiingsport, 284, (1784.)
Hemoval of ehevaux de frises, 34 *,
360. Jurisdiction of Islands, 130,
300, 696. Federal buildings on the
Delaware, 698. Hers to be ereeted,
407. Goatraot for, 456. Propoeals,
471, 713. Improvements contem-
plated by the Wardens, (1784) 671.
Buoys taken away, 580. Beacon on
Cross Ledge, 588. Chevauz de Mies,
689, 606, 607. Jurisdistion of
Islands, 611, and navigation of, 710.
Inquiry as to owaenhip of Islands
in the Biver. fW.

Delaware, Btali o^ ialMul navigation,
538, 640.

Delawares, (Indians,) 86, 86.

Delegates in Congress, letters to, 25,
27, 46, 48, 52, 60, 72, 101, 126,
161, 164, 166, 166, 184, 204, 210,
228, 368, 369, 397, 405, 410, 440, 457,
470, 534, 549, 504, 692, 081,697,705,
713, 769,768. On gratuity to Gen.
Washington, 161. Bleetion of, 364,
437,634. No. of, 664.

Denmark, willing to consecrate Ameri-
can Bishops. Letters from Mr. De
St. Saphorin, Ac, 434.

De Peyster, Lt. CoL, A. S., on Indian
negotiations, 86, 89.

Depositions, respeeting Joseph Doane,
119. Mahlon Doane; 111, 112.
James Oellers, (1780) 161. Re-

■peeting Wyominr-Mr. Tidd, 19C
Kespeeting eseape of C. J. Longs-
champ, 271-274. Eespecting nniBS
at Pittsburg, 463-404. Against
Henry Car^rry, 576-580. Jsmes
Bell, 594. Phillip Jenkins, 694.
Mark HaUbenny, 597. Robert Gib-
son, 698. John Boyd, 621. William
Brink, 621-623. CoL J. Armstrong,
823. Respecting Wyoming, 631-688,
640-652. Tkken at Wyoming, 663,
659-662. 688, 691. John Leith, on
Indian Robberies, 763.

Deoerters from American Regiment,888.

De Witt, Simeon, appointed to run
boundary line with N. T., 460.

Dickinson, Fort, 184. ' Troops at, 189.
Deep snow at, 197. Commsndad by
Msjor Moore — money wanted to pay
debts, 209. Frsshet at, 222.

Dickinson, Jsmes^ eonferenee with
Indian Chiefs on survey of Donatioa
Lands, 740.

Diokinson, Pros., John, calls attention
of Judges to moral education of
youth, 623. Ceases to be Presidont,
527.

Digby, Bear Admiral, RobU views
nnder preliminaries of peaee, 21.

Directory, first published in Philadel-
phia, 271.

Doane, Aaron, petition for pardon, 348,
710, 717. Deporition against, (1784)
597. In prison, 698. Judge Bryan
on, 009.

Doane, Abm., troubles Washington Co.,
594.

Doane, Joseph, respecting arrest of^
110, 114, 162. PatiUon of eaptort,
666, 682.

Doane, Mahlon, deposition respecting
arreet of. 111, 112.

Donaldson, Arthur, asrists L. H. in
removing ehevaux do friie, 849, 360.

Dougherty, B., and D. Espy, deposition
respecting M. Doane, 112. To send
prisoners to Lancaster, 119.

Douglass, Mi^or Ephraim, on Indian
negotiaUons, 62, 70, 83. Elections,
262, 096. Memorial for oflee in
Fayette Co., 118, 563. Justieev,
464, 682. No sheriiT in Fayette, 688.

Drais, Daniel, taxes on eonilseated
esUtcB, 160.

Duke of Normandy, birth of, annoanead
by Sec'y Jay, as a cause of pleasure,
476.

Duncan, David, and John Finley, apply
for Fort Mcintosh as a place of
Indian trade. 704.

Doponceau, Peter S., applies to be
Notary and Interpreter— his taitf-
nnnislv, Ac, .351 -.^53.

3.S*

■ «

774

INDEX.

Durall, Q., of Md., letttr rMp^Ung
Henry Carbarry, 291. Anawer of
JvdgM of Sapreme Court to, 292.

on, Cap. Chrysti«, arriyei with a
. dotaebment at, 1S6. Petition of

Wyoming priaonert at, 690.
lokert, y^entino, retorna of oflleon

in BerlcB Co. MiUUa, 190.
Edacation of yonth, and moral training

nrged on Jndgei by Prei. Dickinson,

623.
Kleotion retnms mnat be certified by

Oonetable or Oreneer of the Poor,

264. Of Matthew Irrin, ae Recorder

of Deede, Phtla., 707.
Sllicott, Andrew, appointed to mn

Weatem boundary, 452.
Blliott, Mr., Indian Agent, 84, 85.
England, objeota to oonaecration of

American Biahopa witbont Teat

Oath, 434.
Sngliah Teasel aaanmea French eolora,

complaint against, 175.
Brie, Lake— Commiasioners to inquire

whether any part of it ia in the

State, 129.
Ewing, Key. John, Comm'ron Virginia

Boundary, (1783) 171, 230, 438, 440.

Reaigna, 428, 443. Comm. on 8ua-

qaebanna R., 765.

JhdlowAeld, T., election, 364.

Fayette, Co., formed fh>m Weatmore-
land Co., 118, 184. Appeintmenta
of Lieutenants not satisfactory, 265.
Returns of Field Officers in, 275.
Memorial, 280. Troubles from Vir-
ginians, 280. Agent to, 450. No
Sberiff, 588. Depositions respecting
attacks on Collectors, 593, 594. J.
Story opens office for adjusting claims,
742.

Fayette, Marquis de La, addresses In-
dians at Fort 8Umwiz, 346.

Finley, Rev. James, sent to Westmore-
land on secret expedition in relation
to a new state, 40, 41. Instructions
to, 163, (1783.)

Finney, Capt., marches for Fort Pitt,
337.

Fitisimons, Nicholafi, appointed keeper
of Province Island, 74.

Fitssimons, Tliomas, inquiry of effect-
of peace on goods from Q. B., 28.
Letter, 48.

Flag, State, raised op Market street
hill, 38.

Flag, a Spanish, drawfaig of a, i«U to

the Gov., 743.
Floeson, Plunket, resigns presidency of
Court, in favor of Ed. Shippen, 523.
Fort Island, return! of military stores

at, 284.
ForU, BUlingsport, 284.

Dickinson, 184, 189, 209, 222.
Fort Island, 284.

509.
Mclntosb, 109, 391, 406^ 448,

466,704.
Pitt, 53, 88. 96, 116, 140, 167,
(1783) 337, 846, 462, 483,
Rice, 165.
Stanwix, 489.
SnUivan, 719.
Fox, Edward, Coum'rt oath, 108.
France, yesscl firom, brings despatebei
respecting preiiminartos of peace
between Great Britain and United
States, 10, 11. Colors of, on an Bag-
lish vessel complained of, 176. Let-
ter to minister, interest on Certifi-
cates, 223. Free ports appointed
in, 267. Cbevalier Lnseme leaves
Phila., 279-282. Minister com-
plains of interest not paid, 355.
Quarantine regulations ftvm plague,
356. Debt to, 386. Sieur do La-
Forest, Vice Consul, 735.
Francis, Tench, appointed Oommissio.
ner for division and sale of Barrack
lots in Philadelphia, 240, 241, 261.
Franklin Co., no marriage licenses re'cd

there, 829. .Formed, (1784), 603.
Franklin, Beig., elected a member of
Council, then presidnt of it, and then
president of the State, 627. LetUr
from, (1784) 666.
Franklin, CoL John, to officers of the
Garrison at Wyoming to surrender,
621. To Pros. Dickinson, 672. Me-
morial to Conn. An., 681. Resolu-
tions of Aseembly on do., 683. Letter
to, from Joseph Hamilton, 751.
Eraser, Persifor, elected Register of
Wills and Recorder of Deeds in
Chester Co., 766.
French and Sugar creeks, surveys be-
tween, land bad near Allegheny R.,
509.
Freshet, heavy, at Fort Dickinson, 222.
Fullerton, Mijor Richard, asks powder
for 3d Philadelphia Battalion, 769.

Qalbraith, Robert, respecting Indian
murderer, 466. Boundaries, 766.

Gardner, Joseph, elected member of
Congress, 364, 437, letters to and
ttom, 405, 626.

INDEX.

779

354, 86S, 867, 868, 409, 480,446, 447,

471. MaanmehuuetU, Gor. of, 354.
MatUck, Timothy, 22ft. Mead. David,
222, 404, 482, rtrtii, 707. Merchants,
rommittee, of 210, 212, 219,221,406,
409, 418 Mifflin, Tho«, 183. Milli-
fraii, Robert. 755. Milligan, Jame«,
426. Minister of Frsnee, 223, 409.
Minister of Holland, 415. Minister,
of United Netherlands, 360, 862,
40S, 435. Montgomery, Hon. John,
206, 220. Montgomery, Joseph, Ch'n.
30, 32, 444. Montgomery, William,
765. 766. 767. Moore, Lt. CoL 286.
Moore, Major, James, 132, 185, 187,
197, 207. 222, 232, Moore, Wiiliom,
93. Morales, Fraacifi. 476. Morgan,
Ueorgc, 526. Mohlenberg, F. A.
153. Murray. Lt. Francis, 679.
New Jersey, Got. of, 103, 366,458.
New York, Got. of, 205, 353, 435,
450. Nicholson, John, 6, 16, 28, 46,
48,60.52, 53.93. 06, .6, 97, 481,
6'J9. 760. Northamberland Magin-
triitus, and Sheriff, 295, 304, 344, 347,
North Carolina, Got. of, 360.
Officers of PonusylTaniaLine, 425,
592.

Okcley, John, 380, 339, 696. Owen,
Griffith, 663.

PacA, John, 292. Paca, Williaaa, Gov.
of Maryland, 320, 324. Parker, Wm.
167. Patterson, Alex Chn. 30, 82, 36,
203, 674, 617, 619, 624, 626, 627,
675. Peale, Charles, W. 162. Pear-
son, James, 373, 420, 426, 442, 535,
547. Penteeost, Dorsey, 167, 181,
262, 413. 757. Pettit, Charles, 208,
497. Phile, Frederick, 240. Phipps,
Paul, 359. Pierce, John, 636, 639.
Porter. Andrew, .h72, 760. Potter,
Gen. James, 47, 169. Proetor, Thos.
Bhr'ff Philadelphia, 286, 323, 324,
327, 420. Prothonotaries, 268, 439.
Prothonotary, of Waihington County,
78.

Read, Jamas, 330, 339. ReoeiTer Gen.
of Land office, 646. Rediok, David,
416. Reed, Joseph, 157, 159, 160, 163,
719, (1779.80) Reynolds, John, 277,
327. Rittenhoase, DaTid, 241, 269,
439, 454, 465, 456, 468, 780. Robins,
Ezekiel, 26, 213. Robinson, Capt.
Thos. 14,48, 99. Ro8onerone,CouBL
de, 434. Rush, Hon. Jacob, 202,
Ryan, Michael, 308.
Sl Clair, Gen. Anthony, 49, 260, 483.
Sl Saphorin, de 434. Sehreiber,
John, 309, 334. Scott, Thomas, 65,
78, 80, 364. Scott, Lt. WUliam, 691
Seely, Jonathan, 650, 677, 678, 692.
Secretary of foreign affairs, 9, 18, 21,
401, 407, 433,446, 475, 499, 638, 735,

748, 769. Bbaw, William, 764. 8ho«.
maker, B. 93 Shrawder, Cap. Philip,
23, 24, 99, 104, 131. Slongi,
Math i an, 237. Smallwood, Got. of
Maryland, 542, 543, 744, 753. Smith,
Tbomas,67. 78. 168,170.174.190,447,
461. Smith, W. and W. Kelly, 419.
Smith, Wm. Hooker, 760. Smyser,
Jacob, 77. South Carolina, Got. of
. 79. Sproat, DaTid, 68. Sproat Rot.
James, 720. Stanhope, Henry (Brii.
Captn.) 603, 604. Steuben, Baron,
352. Story, John, 450, 451, 742.
Street, Commissioners, PhiladelphiA,
65. Surveyor, Gen. 63, 66. '
Taylor, Timothy. 432. TrambolL Got.
Jon. of Connecticut, 147, 148 213.
Trustees of Loan Office. 481, 632, 646.
Trustees, of Province Ii>Id. 75. Trus-
tees of Westmoreland, Co., 91. Tun-
bull, Marmoe. k Co.. 2H\.
Van Berekai. P. J. 415. Van Campen,
John. 24. Vancouver, Charles, 712.
Virginia, Got. of, 57, 146, 176, 0"2.
Wardens of Philadelphia, 93, 281,
349. 456, 571. 580. 684, 685, 588, 589,
606, 607. War, Offioa, 27, 302, 460,
460,479,496,497,626, 629. Wash-
ington. Gen. George, 160, lAl.
WeiUel, John, 99, 109. 282, 848.
Wilkinson, Gen. James, 610. William-
son, Hon. Hugh, 397. Wilson,
James, 202, 399, 471. Wilson,
Joseph, 152. Wilson, William, 804,
664. Wynkoop, Henry, 211.
LsTcrs, Robert, letter on elaeiion in

Northampton oounty, 341.
Lewis, Thomas, appointed by Virginia

commissioner on boundary, 146.
Libling, Andrew, prisoner in jail, and

others, rcTolt, 327-329.
Liquors, regulations respecting sala

of, 439.
Livingston, Robert R., Seeretanr of
Foreign Affairs, letters to and from,
9, 13, 21.
Livingston. Got. Wm., of N. J., letters

to and from, 103, 866, 468, 730.
Loan Office, respecting, 67, 160,(1788,)
170, 174, 190, 228, 447, 453, 614,
632. Counterfeit eertiflieates in cir-
culation, 447. Letter of tmsten of,
481. On scarcity of bills, 481, 646.
Trustees apply lor bills, 532.
Longschamp, C J. depositions re.
specUng his escape, 271-274.
Mons. Marbois respecting, 277. He-
taken, 277. Proceedings, 360,861,
358. Anonymous letter to Mons.
Marbois respecting, 409. He ds-
manda him, 706. Asks Itara of
absence to select a plantation, 748.
Lottery, managers of the Stftt«, i«ls<of

780

INDEX.

tiak«t^ Ae^ Mi, 87^, 400, 408, 476,
618.

Lnoe, BcdJ., warnod to depart from
Wyoming. 679.

Liikonc, John, 8. G., on Burwtj of do-
nation landa, 451, 460. Appointment-
bj,468. Retarne of iQiTeyi, 60ft. Let-
ter of James Dickenson on snrrey of
donation lands — eonferenoe with In-
dians, 740. Letters and instructions
to, 63, 66, 66, 96, 766. Appointed
commissioner on Virginia bonndarjr,
S2S.

Lnseme, Cher, de la, dispatches re-
specting peaoo between Great Bri-
tain and the United States, 12.
Valedictory on leaving, 270. Answer
of Council to, 282. Mons. Marbois
on, 283.

Lyon, Wm., return of sherifb on Cum-
berland ooonty, 286.

MeClnre, Seijtf., and H. Lee to take
possession of Fort Mcintosh, 100.

McDowell, Surgeon, sick soldiers, 848.

Mcintosh, Fort, instructions to Serw
Jeants Lee and McClure to take pos-
session of, 100. Situation of, 801.
Facts respecting, 406, 448, 466. To
be yaoated, 704.

McKean, C. J. Thomas, answers to
Council on justices of peace, 19-21.
Case of Dr. Wm. Moland, 176. Com-
mission expires — is re-elected C. J.,
286. Respecting Henry Carberry,
290, 291. Asks for a pardon for A.
Bare, 396. Letter to, on disturbances
in Northumberland Co., 448, 460.
Opinion on claim of Messrs. Penn to
intewst, 739.

McKee, Capt, 86.

Maclay, William, letters to and fh>m,
46. Commissioner to treat with In-
dians, 266. To examine roads and
rirers, 129, 130. Indian boundary,
418, 444. Appointed commissioner,
834. To delirer goods to Indian
chiefly 610. And to explain certain
expressions, 610.

McLean, Alexander, appointment of
Lt. Beal — in faTor of conduct of
Virginians in Westmoreland county,
293.

McLean, Moses, a commissioner to
examine rirers, 330.

McLean, Brig. Genl., on Indian affairs,
70, 71, 88. Invites to dinner, 70.

McLean, Col., 656.

McMillan, Rct. John, (1783,) 160.

MadlM«, Bev. James, ftpptrfnted \j
Virginia as commissioner on bosn-
dary, 146. On trade of Uaik4
States, 738.

Mamaohtagwin, Indian priaoeer for
murder^ — opinion of Jadre Bryan si
to his trial, 473.

Marboii, Mons., respeetlng plagatsap.
posed to exist mt Marseilles, aB4
regulations, ,366. Letter from. Ml
Appeal respecting datles on a box
arriring for him, 3d7. Colleetor
tenders the box— he deelines, S6S.
Belinquished by Conneil— ^uestios
reserred, 368. On resolation of Cos-
gross— settlement of noeonnts, 369.
Anonymous letter to, respecting
Longschamp, 400. Going to New
Tork with Congress, 432. A Freaek
criminal, 440. L. OoUinet released
at his request, 447« Appoinu bit
brother Vice Consul, 471. Demaadi
Longschamp, 706. Bespeeting Bag-
lish Tcssel sssnming Freneh eoloon,
176, (1783.) respecting Longschamp,
277, 850. On Cher. Lnseme's de-
partnre, 288. Correoting a fonaer
letter, 811. At Fort Stanwix, 846.
Thanks to ConncU in ease of Long,
schamp, 861. Complains of Interest
not paid, 866.

Marbois, St. Pierre Francois Barbe de.
Vice Consul aft Philadelphia^ 470,
478.

Marcus Hook, y esse] lannebed, attached
under writ of Admiralty— escapes to
Wilmington — letter of Judge Hop-
kinson respecting, 865. Piers at,
407,471,713.

Maryland, line of soldiers, 55. Passes
an act on restrictions of British on
American commerce, 156. Corres-
pondence respecting Henry Carberry,
290-293. Letter to Got., 820. From,
824, 744. Chinese recommended to
Got. of, 527, 628. Inland Nariga-
tion commissioners, 638. 640. Act
respecting claims, 758.

Mason and Dixon's line, 224.

Massnohussetts, letter to Gov., demand
of fugitlTcs, 364. Insult to, by Capt.
Stanhope, 499. Acts of, oom plained
cf by British, 746-747.

Matiaok, Timothy, memorial, 108-202.
Letters of attorneys for State, 202,
364, 3G7. Respecting his ease, 9,
303, 365. Report on, 366.

Mead, David, on Wjoming ailkars, 207,
222, 404, 482, 663, 707.

Mease, John, elected auctioneer for
Philada., 206, 209.

Memorials, of M^j. M. Ryan, 01, 308. Of
Bphroim Dooglass, MS. Against

iNiuex.

777

Keiier, 6«ek and thirtj.foiir others,
Chineie, ko., are landed lick and in
deatituta condition from an India-
man named Paliae, 626. Their ease
stated to OoTemor of Maryland, 627.
His answer, 628. Besolation of
Assembly, 631. Leri HoUingsworth
report respecting them, 633, 646,
643.

Kelly, William, resignation reqnired
as Justice of Peace, 419.

Kennedy, Migor, killed in attempt to
secure robbers, grant by Assembly
to his family, 178, (1783.)

Kern, Nicholas to Jno. Armstrong, 664.

Laneaster, disorderly soldiers at, 60.
Fears of the Bank being attaoked,
60. Soldiers maroh lh>m Phila-
delphia to, 62. Mutiny proposed to
Genl. de Armand's and CoL Moylan's
troops, 62. Prisoners to be sent
fh>m Bedford Jail to, 110. Barracks,
Ac, dve of, 233, 236. Court-house
burned, 278. Jno. Sehreiber in charge
of barracks, Ac^^damages to them,
309, 334. Muster rolls, 394. A par-
don a«ked for Abraham Bare, 396.
Malconduct of judges of election,
713.

Land offiee, opening of, 282. Olyeo-
tions to the law, 283. Titles, 414,
416,' 611. Counterfeit certificates,
453. Sales of lands, 636, 637, 637,
641, 546, 647. Inquiry as to owner-
ship of islands in the riTeri, 739.
Conference with Indians respecting
survey of donation landr, 740.

Lands and lots, surveys of, 63, 66, 66,
414,606. Purchase by T. Proctor,
420. On Alleghany river, settling,
429. Sales, 641, 602, 603.

Latimer, Qcorge, appointed commis-
miiisioner on navigation of Susque-
hanna river, 766.

Lee, Arthur, on Indian treaties, 294.
Conference with, and R. Butler, 296.
to Col. F. Johnson respecting Indian
prisoners, 826. and Butler to Coun-
cil on oiBeers, 332.

Lee, Richard Henry, on boundary
question — operations of Cornwallis,
Ac, (1780,) 173. Elected president,
369.

Leo, Wm., Serj't, and McClure to take
possession of Fort Mcintosh, 100.

Ltith, John, deposition on Indian
roU>aria% 768«

Lenox, M%J. David, statement of his
services, 764.

Lbttebs —
Adams, John, 384, 386, 433, 434, 746.
AgenU of Confiscated EsUtes, 164.
Allison, James, 167. Antes, Henry,
Sheriff Northumberland, 844, 482,
660. Armstrong, John, Jr., Secy.
46, 63, 66, 63, 65, 78, 141, 147,
187, 199, 211, 238, 286, 827, 330,339
343, 346, 626. Armstrong, Lt. Col.
John, 307, 316, 317, 319, 361. Arm-
strong, Oen. John, 430, 663, 654, ft55,
668, 669, 677, 619, 686, 686, 688, 693,
694. Armstrong, CapLWm. 12. As-
sembly, 126, 196, 199, 223, 226, 407,
427,428,692, 696,697. Adee. Samuel
J. 333, 346, 360. Adee, WiUUm,
394.

Barclay, Thomas, 267. Bartholomew,
Edw'd 412. Baynton, John, (Collect,
of Tonnage,) 611. Blaine, Ephraim,
609. Board of Treasury, 627. Boggs,
Mathew, 699. Boudinot, Elias, 74,
98. Bowdoin, James, Qov. of Massa-
chusetts, 600, 608, 504. Bowen, E.
F. A E. Beatty, 437, 696, 604, 606.
Boyd, Hon. John, 307, 330. Boyd,
and Armstrong, 691, 627, 630, 662,
664. Bradford, Wm. Jr., 202, 494.
656, 713, 743. Broadhead, Col,
Daniel, 160. Brussine, De, and N.
Garrison, 144. Bryan, George, 16,
73, 609. Bryan, Samuel, (Secy.)
327. Butler, Col. Richard, 09, 294,

332. BuUer, William, 421.
Caldwell, Samuol, 185. Carleton, Gen.
Guy, 13. 101, 131. Carleton, Joseph,
Secy., War office, 314. Carmathen,
Secy. 746. Censors, Council of, 153,
302, 306, 333, 336, 696, 604, 656.
Chrystie, Cap. James 136, 209.
Circulars, 284. Clinton, George, Gov.
of New York, 205, 413, 422, 436, 450,
613. CoaU, Lt. Col. William, 758.
Commissioners, for sale of Barracks,
239, 240, 241, 261, 276, 737. Com-
missioners, of Boundary Line, 233,
236 416, 438, 454, 489, 606. Com-
missioners, (Boyd, Ac,) 307, 330,
339. Commissioners, of Cumberland
Co.. 79. Commissioners, for defence
of Delaware. 26. C^ommissioners of
Lands, 641, 646. Commissioners for
treating with Indians, 266, 325, 332,

333, 346, 357, 396, 410, 489, 496.
Commissioners of Roads, 633. Com-
missioners, on navigation of Susque-
hanna, 755. Comisssioners of Taxes,
238. Commissioners of Taies, Bucks
Co, 75. Commissioners, of Taxes
I^aocaster, 82. Com mis'rt of Taxes, oi
Northampton, 92. CommiMionars o

778

INDBX.

Taxes, Thnadelpbia, Co. 51, 104, Sff,
324. Commissioners of PbiladelpbiA
Co., 307. Commissioners, of Wash-
ington Co., 136, 564, 584. Com-
miitioners of Westmoreland, Co., 98,
698. Commissioners to Wyoming,
664, 669, 677. Committee of Mer-
chants, 210, 212, 219, 221. Con-
f:ros8, 60, A1, 74, 98, 1.^5, 193, 206,
81, 284, 263,858, 368, 397, 417, 424,
433, 440, 442, 457, 461, 478, 489, 493,
494, 499, 507, 530, 535, 537, 5.39, 543,
«64, 7:^2. 736, 745, 764. Circular,
424. Congress, Delegates, in. 7, 25,
27, 88, 45,52, 55, 69. 72, 101, 126, 151,
154, 155, 156, 183, 184, 204, 210, 223,
858, 368, 397, 398, 410, 440, 457, 477,
611, 549, 556, 563, 575, 576, 581, 592,
601, 697, 705, 715, 759. Connecticut,
Gov. of, 147, 148. Council of Cen-
sors, 158, 302, 306, 333, 836, 596, 604,
655,Coi,Oia)riel,125. Craig, Thomas,
296,303,306. Crawford, Edward, Jr.,
392. CreTeceur, Mens., 195. Cum-
mins, Lt. John, 22.
Delaney, Sharp, 97, 442, 716. Dele-
gates, in Congress, 7, 25, 27, 38, 45,
52, 55, 69, 72, 101, 126, 151, 164, 155,
156, 183. 184, 204, 210, 228, 868, 868,
897, 898, 410, 440, 457, 477, 511, 649,
566, 668, 576,676, 681, 601, 697, 705,
716,759,768. DeMarboi8,Mons.311,
(Sao Marbois.) Depeyster, CoL A. S.
62. Dickinson, James, 740. Diokin-
son, John, 77. Bigbj, Rear Adml.
Robert, 21. Donaldson, Arthur, 850.
Donaldson, John, 565, 683. Dough-
erty, Barnard, 114, 119. Douglass,
Bphraim, 62, 70, 71, 262, 663, 664,
681, 688, 696. Duponceau, Peter 8.
852. Duval, Hon. Gabriel, 291.
Ellicott, Andrew, 462. Espy, David,
114, 119. Ewing, Rev'd Dr. John,
428, 448.

Filbert, Peter, Sher'ff B C. 67. Pinley,
Revd. James, 40, 41, 163. Fitx-
simons, Thomas, 28. 48. Fleeson,
Plnnket, 523. Francis, Tench, 240,
261, 276. Franklin, Benjm. 386, 656.
Franklin, John, 621, 629, 672, 681,
751. Fullerton, Major, Richard,
758.

Oalbraith, Robert, 466. Gardner,
Joseph, 404, 516, 698. Gov. of
Connecticut, 147, 148, 218. Gov. of
Delaware, 540. Gov. of Maryland,
292, 820, 824, 626, 528, 640, 642,
648, 744, 753. Gov. of Massachusetts,
864, 600, 608, 604. Gov. of New
Jersey, 103, 866, 458, 730. Gov. of
New Tork, 206, 858, 412, 460, 613.
Gov. of North Carolina, 368. Gov.
of South Carolina, 79. Gov. of Vir-

ginia, 67, 146, 176, 602. Grand
Inquest, Philadelphia, 347. Gucrard,
Beqj. Ctov. South Carolina, 79. Gnr-
ney, Francis, 144.

Hamilton, Joseph, 761. Haimar, Lt.
Col. Josiah, 809, 811, 816,322, 837,
346, 891, 894, 406, 430,448, 466, 465,
469, 479, 483, 490, 508. Harrison,
Gov. Be^j. 67, 145, 176, 602, 608.
Hartley, David, 567. Hays, Christo-

£her, 264, 279. Hellstedt, Charles,
lin. N. Nethor'd 350, 862, 408, 436.
Henry, William, 406. Hillegas,
Michael, 238, 261, 276. Hodgdon,
Samuel, 89, 69. Hollingsworth, Levi,
350, 533y 546, 648. Hopkinson,
Francis, 68, 856, 707, 755. How«,
Mnj. Gen. 66. Hubley, Col. Adam,
718. Hubley, John, 278. HufT-
nagle, Michael, 125, 140, 141, 147,
186, 211, 429, 462, 464, 467, 76.S.
Humpton, CoL Richd. 69. Hutoh-
inson, Dr. Jnmes, 178, 218.
Inhabitants of Wyoming, 670. Irvine,
Hen. James, 26, 458, 467, 609. John,
Irwine, 289. Irvine, Gen. Wm. 56,
66, 218, 509.

Jacks, James, 264. Jackson, Hon.
David, 622. Jay, Hon. John, Secy.
F. A. 401, 407, 488, 446, 499, 688,
785, 748, 759. JefTerson, Thomas Ae„
886. Jenkins, John,' 88. Johnston,
BeiO. 611. Johnston, B. A W. Bald-
win, 679. Johnson, Col. Francis,
282, 325, 326, 333, 453. Johnson,
Jacob, 84. Judgoi, of Supreme
Court 448, 460, 628. Justices of
Northumberland, 628, 629, 630.
Justices of Wyoming, 662.
Kern, Nicholas, 664.
Land Office, 636. 687, 739. Lee,
Arthur, 294, 826, 382. Lee, Rich'd
Henry, 173. Levers, Robert, 841.
Lieutenants, (County,) 286, 846, 410,
419. Livingston, R. R. Secy, 9, 13,
21. Livingston, Gov. Wilm, of N. J.
108, 713. Loan, Office, 67, 168, 169,
174, 514. Longsohamps, 742. Luee,
Benjamin, 679. Lukens, John, S. G.
63, 65, 96, 461, 458, 606, 740, 765.
Luseme, Chev. de la, 278, 282. Lyon,
William, 286.

MeClean, Alexander, 294. McClean,
Brig. Gen. Allan, 70, 71. McDowell,
Surgeon John, 348. McKean, C. J.
Thomas, 176, 286, 290, 292, 896, 448,
739, 766. Maclay, William, 46, 846,
418, 444, 510. Magistrates and Shr'iTs
of Northld Co. 295, 304, 344, 847, 460.
Managers of SUte Lottery, 362, 872,
400, 468, 474, 618. Marbois, Mons.
Barbe, de, 176, 277, 268, 360, 851,
356. Marbois, Mons. de, 311, 851,

INDEX.

781

ThMtni in Philadelphia, 141-143.
Of T. Mnllaoli, 108, 226, 868, 369. •
or merohinta of PhiliMlelphia, 208,
411. Fayette Co., 280. John Frank-
lln to Aiiembly of Connectlont, 661.
Of merohanti on Barbaiy powers,
411,418,705.

Merohanta of Philadelphia, eonference
of Asaembly with, on internal eom-
meroe, 128. Letter to, in answer to
memorial, 208, 210. Letter fVom, to
Council, rernlations, Ae., 212. Ad-
riea asked by Prei. Dickinson, 219.
Their answer, 221. Letter to, on piers
in Delaware Riyer, 407. Memorial
respeotlng Barhary powers, 411, 418,
705. Complaints of British against,
745.

Miami Indians, 85. On trade, 7,44.

MifBin, Thomas, announces resignation
of Washington, 183.

Military affairs, 14, 15, 22, 28, 89, 53,
190, 284, 436, 449, 450.

Militia eompanies in Berks Co., and
officers, 190.

Milligan, James, nominates John Story
as commisi^ioner to settle accounts,
426, 427. Commissioner on Susque-
hanna RiTer, 755.

Moland, Dr. William, ease of, 176.

Molyneanx, , killed, 73.

Montgomery County, no prison there,
408. Dispute between magistrates
and commissioners respecting fees,
74.3.

Montgomery, Hon. John, letter respect-
ing Court decided on by Congress,
216. Representation in Congress,
220.

Montgomery, Joseph, letter on Wyo-
ming, 31. A commissioner, 330, 444.
Klected commissioner to examine
rivers, 312. Asks for a transit instru-
ment, 416.

Montgomery, William, appointed to
examine rivers, 130. Resigns, 312.
Appointed commi»ioner, 3.35. Rlect-
eii member of Congress, 354. To
Council, 765, 766.

Moore, Msj. Jas., rccraltlng instruc-
tions, 127. Commandfl Penna.Line,
131. Instructions, 132. On Wyo-
ming affairs, 183, 187, 197, 209, 222,
232, 2H0.

Moore, Wm., letter to, respecting cor-
poration papers, 98.

Morales, Francis, case of a sailor, 476,
499.

Morgan, George, respecting J. and T.
Killbuck, Indian hontages — asks for
a pass for them to Pittsburg, 526.

Morris, Cadwalader, elected member
of Congress, 364. Resigns, 354.

Morris, Robert, letters to, on reftising
to pay troops, 312. Answer to, 313.
Letter fVom War Office, 814. Answer,
315. Letters to and flrom, 53. Copiei
of accounts sent to Council by Comp-
troller Gen., 481.

Moylan, Col., regiment, 62.

Murray, Lt Francis, difficulties in rais-
ing troops, 679.

Muskinghum River and Ohio, proposed
settlement at, (1783,) 168.

If.

Nagle, Beijeant of 3rd Pennsylvania
regiment, orders to arreat, 68, 67,
«9, 7?.

Naval officers, payments to, 114.

Navigation, inland, report, 588, 541.

New Jersey, letters to and fVom Gov.,
103, 366, 458, 730 ; commissioners to
inquire what islands in Delaware
river, above Falls, are in each itate,
130, 866, 458; resolution of Penna.,
on jurisdiction of islands, 611, 710 ;
respecting Oapt White, 730.

New York, prisoners at, in want, 68 ;
demand for fugitives, 101, 131;
boundary with, 412, 413, 422; letters
to and from Gov., 413, 422, 435, 513 ;
act respecting boundary, 422, 435 ;
commissioners, 422, 450, 454, 711 ;
aots complained of by British mer-
chants, 747.

Nicholson, John, Compt. Gen., 6, 16,
28, 29. 46, 48, 50, 52, 53, 93, 94, 96,
529, 750 ; on ulalms on traitors'
estates, 96 ; on James Searle's claim,
97; asks for a guard. 750.

Northampton Co., collection of taxea
ic, 92; letter of council to Lieut.
Craig, respecting Wyoming, 296,
303, 305; election, writ for, 339;
letter Robert Levers respecting, 31 1 ;
letter to prothonotaries respecting
Wyoming. 749.

North Carolina, letter to Governor,
demand for f\]gitlve, 353.

Northumberland Co., letter of Council
to magistrocy and sheriff, Ae., of,
respecting Wyoming, 295, 303, 304 ;
sheriff to arrest insurgents, 344;
magistrates to aid, 344, 347, 460:
field officers elected, 404; militia
officers, 444; disturbances in, 448;
Justices of, to Alex. Patterson, Ac. to
keep peace, 628 ; to John Franklin,
Ac, demanding arms, Ac, 629 ;
answer of John Franklin, 629 ; letter
to prothonotaries respecting Wyo-
ming, 749.

788

INDEX.

Oath of EdwMrd Fox, 108.

Ofioen, rank ot, 49; pv of> 113, 114,
179 ; eommototion by Congreu, 179 ;
of troops in Philada. Co., S18, 219,
225 ; in Fayette Co., 276; Wettmor«-
Und, Co., 276, 276 ; in Wuhington
Co., 287-289 ; required by war ofllca
for defence of woatem poeta, 296, 802 ;
of Berka Co. miUiia, 191, 881 ; to be
appointed, 882 ; retams of, Ao,, 888 ;
field, elected for Northumberland
Co., 404, 444; recommend William
Irvine, 426; of Waahington Co.;
436; Philada. Co., 448; militU elected
under law, 468 ; of Penna. Line, wil-
ling to continue in Mrvice of United
Sutei, 466 ; priTatea and offlcera of
atate in federal regimcnta, 611; to
command regiment of federal militia
required from thla atatc, 626; of
Penna. Line, 698 ; of militia in Com-
bcrland Co., (1784,) 699-600; of
Penna. line, (1781) 721, 728.

QgUtn, KaTid, rotorn of payment! to,
114.

Ohio rirer, a party propoaei to form a
•ettlement on, at mouth of Mnaking*
am— unuanally low, (1788), 168.

Okely, John, ^>pointed commiaaionar
to Wyoming, 880; appliea to be
oommiaaioner on Junadiction of
iaianda in the Delaware, 696.

Oneida Lidlana, 88.

Opinion of Chief Justice M'Eean on
Penns* claim to intereat, 739 ; of Wm.
Bradford on fees in Montgomery Co.,
743.

Otaego, Qen. Clinton arrlYca from at
Fort Sulliran, 719.

Oawego, Qen. Roaa commanda at» 89.

OtUwa Indiana, 86.

Pact, John, reapeetiag Henry C^-
berry, 293.

Paca, Gov. Wm., of Maryland, lettcra
to and flrom, 298, 820, 824.

Page, John, appointed by Va. oommia-
aioner on bonndary, 146.

Parker, Wm., letter reapecting priaonera
taken by Indiana, (1783) 167.

Patteraon, Alox., lettera on Wyoming,
81, 32, 207, 208, 674; conference with,
207; to judgea ofaupremecourt,617;
to council, 619; commiaaionera, 626,
626, 627 ; Juaticea of Northumber-
land bound to keep peace, Ac, 628.

Pay of offlcera and aoldiara of Amerioan
army, 118.

Peace between Great BriUln and United
Sutea, preliminariea aign«d, 10, Up-
latter of Sir Quy Chiton. 13; from
Sear Admiral Digby on, SI ; letter
Esekiel Bobbins reapeeting priaoaen,
26 ; reapecting gooda imported from
Great Britain aince, 28; proelamation
of Congreaa for Thankagiviag, 184;
treaty ratified, 198, 649; r^oiciaga
for, 149. 428; negoeiationa, 186.

Peale, C. W., and ol^er oitiiana^BTi.
taUon to attend dcllTary of an ealo-
gium on the braTC men who fell io
Uie rcTolution, by Mr. Breekonridge,
(1779) 162.

Peale, Gharlea W., tcndera to eonacil
a portrait of Prea. Wharton, painted
by kim, (1780) 168.) See VoL WUU
p. 819.

Paaraon, Jamoa, repura on atato honac,
Philada., 878, 420, 426, 442, 636, 647 ;
treea for atate houae yard, 420.

Piera at Marcna Hook, 407, 471, 713.

Pemberton, larael, Ac, remonateance
(1777) against treatment of than by
order of CooncU, 168. (Sao YoL VL^
page 609.)

Penn, John, jr., and John Pami, atata-
ment of their claim to tha province^
and opinion of the jadgea on i^ 486;
opinion of do. aa to intareat» 7S9.

PennayWania, bonndary botwaan Va^
8, 66, 72, 81, 96, 96, 136, 145, 171,
(1788) 176, 181, 228, 231, 283, 236,
269, 280, 886, 872, 873, 418, 414, 416,
428, 438, 489, 489, 606, 678, 602, 611,
706; oonfirmation of line run by
Kevill and MoClean, 8; Wyoming
affair*, 147, 148, 711 ; [See Wyoming]
now atate threatened on frontiera —
RcT. James Finley sent to counteract
It-Hsorreapondence, 40, 41 ; inatrae-
tiona to, 163 ; PennaylTaaia lino of
aoldiera, 56 ; lettera of Got. Harriaon,
of Virginia, on boundary, 66, 66, 72,
77, 78, 96, 96, 146, 176, (1783);
resolutions of Congreaa on purchaae
of landa fhtm Indiana, 106, 119, 124,
126 ; reaolutions of Assembly respoct>
ing purchase of lands fr^m Indiana,
HI; landa opposite Fort Pitt, 116;
report to Congreaa on Indian aifaira,
purchaae of landa, Ac, 119-126,
126 ; affair of Cul. G. Cox, and bonn-
dary of, 8 1, 86, 96, 126 ; proooedinga of
Asaombly and merohanta on internal
commerce — ^by roada and rirera, 129,
130, 812; to inquire what islaoda
aboYC FaUa belong to thia state and
New Jeraey, 180; Captain Chryatie
reachea Eaaton with a detachment,
186; letters from Go?. Trumbull, 147,
148; reaolutiona of A aaeinbly— in-

INDEX.

788

tentioBi towardf ConiieotlentieitlMV,
190: commiuionen appointed by,
on VirginU boandary, 223 ; inBtruo-
tions to commiBsionera on, 230;
apportionment of $636,000, 238;
exhaoated treasoiy, 241 ; alpbabetioal
list of persons attainted of high
treason under the laws of, 250-260 ;
oomnussionem to treat with Indians
appointed — ^letter, 265; affairs in
Fayette Co., 280; opening of land
office, 282; olyeetions to the Uw
for, 283 ; Chief Jostiee MoEean re-
elected, 286; officers required for
defence of western posts, 308 ; Pine
CreelL means Tiadaugbton of, 1768,
357; Tote of, on settlement of
accounts, 369, 370 ; report of commis-
sioners on boundary, 373, 374 ; Penna.
troops in service of U. S., 393, 394, 403,
431, 443 ; claims of state on United
States, 397, 398, 422; purchase of
land from Ind'ns, 412; boundary with
New Tork, 412, 413, 422, 435, 450,
454, 711 ; commissioners, 422; James
Biilligan and J. Story, commissioners
to settle accounts with United States,
426; westsm boundary described,
commisioners, 452; Penn, John, and
John, Jun., their claim to the pro-
Tince, and Judge's opinion on it, 485-
488; quota of sUte, 517, 529, 530,
531; land claims under Va. titles, 611;
surreys of lands received from Va.,
705; in<|^uiries from land office whether
islands m the rivers belong to the
proprietaries or the State, 739 ; opinion
Judges of supreme court ; on claim of
Messrs. Penn to interest, 739; acts
complained of by British merchants,
747 ; western, boundary, 760.

Pennsylvania line, commanded by Maj.
J. Moore, 131; instructions, 132;
resolution of Auembly respecting
officers, 179 ; certificates of final set-
tlement distributed to, by Bowcn and
Boatty, 437; letter of officers to
Council — pay and land, 593 ; arrange-
ment of officers in, (1781) 721-729;
plan and instructions for recruiting,
(1781) 728-730.

Pentecost, Dorsey, on Indian murders,
(1783) 167, 181; deposition, 462; on
boundary, 413; attack on ezoise
officers in Washington Co., 757.

Pest houses on State Island, rep^rs
of, 52.

Petitions, Robert Turner, 39 ; of John
Reynolds, Jailor, at Philada., 119;
from York, against Armand's legion,
133; of Dan. Drais, 150; Aaron
Doane, 348, 716, 717; P. S. Dupon-
eeaOf 852; of captors of Joseph

Doane, 565 ; of Zebulon Butler, Ac,
559, 580, 613, 716; of prisoners at
£aston,690; inhabitants of Wyoming,
699; of D. Duncan and J. Finley, for
Fort Mcintosh, 704 ; of Philadelphia
road, near Master's estate, (1773,)
718.

Pettit, Charles, memorial of merchants,
208, 211; eleoUd delegate to Con-
gresa, 437, 534 ; claims of Tumbnll,
M. and Co., for land, 497.

Philadelphia, flag on Market St hill,
39 ; taxes in, 51 ; congress ready to
deliver up new prison at, 53 ; street
commissioners, letters to and Arom,
55 ; troops expected from S. C, sick,
55 ; mutiny of troops, 63 ; combina-
tion formed in, 65; inroposals to
appropriate site of old jail for ex-
change—objections by city commis-
sioners, 104 ; Jailor at, petitions post-
ponement of execution of sentence
on account of weather, 119; confer-
ence with merchants on internal
commerco, 128 ; removal of seat of
government of U. S. — proceedings
la. Congress respecting, 136 ; memo-
rial against theatres in, 141 ; removal
of chevaux de friies from river, 93,
144-146, 349, 350, 565 ; resolution of
Assembly — preparations for r^oicing
for peace, 149, 428; congratulatory
letter or address to Oen. Washington,
on his safety and return, 150; his
answer, 151 ; government mansion,
166 ; condition of hospital on State
Island, 179; auctioneers elected by
Assembly for, 206 ; memorial of mer-
chants, 206 ; four men burned by fire
works, 218; returns of troop of light
horse, 218; of officers of first Bat-
talion, 219; advice asked of merch'ta
respecting commercial interests, 219 ;
their answer, 221 ; tax on billiard
tables, 222^ 224; purchasers of city
lots, 225 ; returns of fourth battalion,
235 ; commissioners for dirision and
sale of barrack lots, 239, 241, 261,
268, 276, 737 ; call on persons col-
leeUng moneys, 260; proposals for
"labelling" and numbering houses
in, 269 ; directories first published in,
271 ; chevalier de la Luseme leaves
278, 282, 283; powder magasines ftill,
281 ; number of persons confined in
Jail for felony, 286, 296^02 ; account
of public arms, Ac., required, 286;
commissioners inquire about the iron
in old Jail, Ac— law for sale, Ac,
307; revolt in the Jul, 327, 329;
repairs on executive manaion, 333;
report on repairs of state house, 835,
348, 372, 420, 426, 442, 493, 586^ (4^

784

INDEX.

bit, 56S ; grand Jury inreiant tli«w«it
of room in msgaiino fbr powder, 847 ;
Oharloi Hellatedt» Swediih ooomil,
■ppoinitd, 86S ; dispoul of old prison
work house, 407 ; idlowanee to priso-
ners, 407; trees planted in state
house yard, 420; French consul
general leayes fbr V. Y., with Con-
mss, 438; militia officers, 448; J. H
0. Heinelcen, consul at, fh>m United
Netherlands, 446 ; piers contracted fbr,
467, 718; Chinese, Ae., land, side and
in want, 527 ; state house clock and Q.
Owen, (1784) 563; wardens want mo-
ney to proceed with improTcmentsin
river, (1784) 571; remoral of buoys
by ill disposed persons, 580 ; beaeon
placed 'on Crou Ledge, 588, (1784);
eheranx de f^ise, 580 ; Aaron Doane in
Jail at, 508; memorial of merch'ts and
traders respecting Barbary powers,
705 : Matthew Irwin elected recorder
of deeds, 707; petition for a road
near Master's lands, 718; invitation of
Jewish congregation to supreme
executive council to attend consecra-
tion of synagogue in Cherry street,
(1782) 781 ; Sieur de la Forest, vice
consul of France, 785; comptroller
asks for a guard at state house, 750 ;
act to ascertain number of taxables
in Philada., 750; Major FoUorton
asks for powder for 3d battalion, 769;
city lots which have reverted to the
f Ute, 762.

Phile, Fred., naval ofSeor, 240.

Phipps, Paul, letter Arom Pres. Dick-
inson to, on bis polite attentions, 860 ;

Pierce, John, certificates, 536, 588.

Pine creek, alias Tiadaughton, 857.

Pipe, Col. (Indian chief), 83, 84.

Pitt, Fort, 53, 83, 05, 115, 167, fl788,^
337, 345 ; iostructions relative to
lands opposite to, 115; timber on —
agreement Gen. Irvine and Boggs,
140. 141, 699 ; Col. Bayard commands
at, (1783) 167; ruins of garrison at,
421,462, 464; depositions respecting
— bill of sale, 463 ; ejectment against
Gapt Lucket, 466; to be given up
to certain persons, 477, 498 ; sale at,
483 ; Tnmbull, Marmie ft Co., olalm
the land, 497.

Pittsburg, election at, 211 ; state of,
for want of acting civil magistrates,
289; printiog office proposed, 421;
Oen Qage ord's works to be demolish-
ed, 429 ; ruins, 462 ; ejectment aga'st
Captain Lucket, 466; to be taken
possession of for the state, as soon as
relinquished by the U, S., 498; road
to, 588.

Pleasants, Sami, Ae., remonstrance

(1777) on treatment, 158. 8e« Vol
VL p. 509.)

Porter, CoL, letter respeetfaic Us mk,
49.

Porter, Andrew, commissionflr on W.
boundaiy, 444, 455, 766. Aaka ad.
vice respecting wagons, A«., t72.

Porter, Cap. Stephen, appointad eom-
missary to comminionen on boun-
dary with VirginiBy 438. Aaki pay
to be raised, 737.

Potomac. fUls as seat of goramnent
of United States, 138.

Potter, Gen. James, arma fbr Wy«nn{ng,
47. Letter to Prat. Reed, (1779.
Bee VoL VIL,) militia, Indians^ Ae.,
159.

Powder maniine, Philada., preaented
by Grand Jury aa not capable of
containing all the powder, 847.

Prison, (new,) at Philada., 52.

Proclamation of Congresa fbr thanks-
giving fbr peace, 134 Of Governor
of Connecticut, on Wyoming lands,
146.

Proctor, Thomas, SheriiT, instraetions
to, respecting H. Oarberry, 8tS. Re-
volt in Jail, 827. Purchase of land,
420. .

Prothonotary of Washington Co., letter
from Gov. of Virginia, 78.

Prothonotsries, circulars to, 268, 439,
749.

Province Island Hospital, keeper ap-
pointed, 75. Purchasers of lots, 225.

Provisions, 105, 109, 118.

Provost, Rov. Samuel, consecrated
Bishop, 434.

Read, James, appointed commissioner
to Wyoming, 330.

Reading, commissioners appointed to
examine roods, Ac, between Susque-
hanna, and improvioe communica-
tions between Schuylkill and Sus-
quehanna rivers, 129.
Case uf Big Spring tracts, 712.

Recruiting, instructions to Mi^. Moore,
127. Suspended, 529.

Redick, David, diffioolty in .surveys in
Washington Co., 416.

Reed, Joseph, letters to, fW>m Council
(1777,) respecting office of Chief Jus-
tice, 157. Letters to and from, (1779,)
157, 159, 160. Elected member Con-
gress, 254.

Rejoicings for peace, resolntions of
Assembly, 149.

Remonstrance, Jas. Pemherton, John
Hunt and Saml. Pleasants (1777,)

INDEX.

786

urMUt trMtment by ordf r of Coiu-
e&, 168. (6«6 Vol. VI., p. 609.)

Beporta to Auambly on boandanr line
between Vig'a and Penn'ft, 8, 72.
95. In oaae T. Matlaek, 9. Sph-
raim DongUas to Seo^y of war, 83.
To Congreaa on Indian affaira, 119
-125. On internal Oommeroe, 128.
To Congreaa on ftill reproaentation,
139. On intereat on debt, 242-250.
T. Matla«k, 365, On national debt,
614-520. On SUte Honae, 335,
375. Council eenaora, 383. Of
Comm'ra on boundary, 373, 374,
500. On arraara of impoata, 378.
Of Comoi'ra on boundary between
Punn'a and Virg'a, 600^ To Con-
greaa on revenne ayatem, U. 8., 732
-735. To Auembly, (1784,) On
Wyoming, 641.

Reaotutiona of Aaaembly, 8, 111, 129,
130, 149, 166, 177, 178, 179, 184,
195, 190,203, 204, 209,233, 315, 316,
333, 334,335, 336, 365, 367, 369, 412,
420, 488, 531, 659, 695, 710, 711, 749,
750, 756.

of Aaaembly of Conneotient, 116, 117,
683.

of Congreaa, 27, 86. 90, 106, 136, 139,
194, 209, 241, 507. 508, 611, 520, 528,
536, 543, 544, 549, 550, 561, 662,
(1784,)566-572, 690, 716.
of Conneil ot Cenaora, 149, 163, 802,
326. 327, 332,

of House of Delogatea, of Maryland
Comm'ra on trade, 741.
of House of Delogaiea of Virg'a on
boundary, (1783,) J 71. Comm'ra on
trade, 738.

Betnms of deaertera flrom American
regiment, 390. Of Penna'a line,
300.

of Military, 22. 390, 393. 436.
of officers of Troopa in Philad'a Co.,
218, 219, 235. Of military atores at
Fort Island and Billingaporl, (1784,)
284.

Beynolda, Jobn, jailer, petition to
poatpone execution of aentcnce on
acoonnt of weather, 119. Longi-
champ re-taken, 277. Revolt in
jail, 827.

Rice, Fort. 165.

Bittenhooae, David, appointed Com-
miaaionar to examine roada and
rivara for internal eommeroe, 129,
130. Comm'r (1783.) of boundary
with Virg'a, 171, 223. Treaaurer,
241, 456, 634. Commiaaioner, 334,
444, 454, 456, 736. InatrumanU,
464. Aaka for a qnadrant, it would
be naeful, 458. Comm'r on Soa^ao-
k liTWi 766.

Revenue ayatem, of U. 8.* report to

Congreaa on 732.
Robina, Eiekiel, letter on ordera to

discharge prisonera, 26, 213.
Bobinaon, Cap't Thoa., on military
affaira, 14, 99. Indian mardera, 16.
On Wyoming affairs, 47, 48. In-
I atrnotiona to, 99.
j Boota, George, depoaition reapeoting
ruins of Fort Pitt, 463 .
Boaa, Major, commanda at Oawego,

89.
Buah, Jacob, Judfp of Sup. Court, rea-
' peoting H. Carberry, 291.
I Byaa, Mi^or, Michael, memorial, aer-
. vioea of, 92.
Byan, Michael, memorial respecting
eertificatea received for pay — for
payment of which he la in the handa
of the Sheriff, hia servioea, Ac, 308.

St. Clair, GenL Anthony, on rank of
Col. Porter, 49. Sale of Fort Pitt,
485. Elected auctioneer for Phil'a,
205, 209, 261. Elected to Congreaa,
634.

Sandusky Indiana, 84.

Saphorio, M. do St., on oonaecration
of American Blahopa by Denmark,
434.

Schoola, public, for education of youth
urged to attention of Jndgea of Su-
preme Court, by Prea. Dickinaon,
j 523.

I Schreiber, John, in charge of barracka,
Ac, at Lancaster, damage to them,
! 309, 334.

Schuyler, Philip, Comm'r on New York
' Itoe, 460.

■ Scbuykill and Suaquohanna river, com-
j muuication betweou, 129, 130.

Scott, Thomas, 65, 78, 80.

Scott, Thomns, election in Fallowlleld
Township, 364.

Scott, Lt. Wm., anna at York, 591.

Searle, James, agent to Europe claim
for Compensation, 97.

Seat of Government, proceedinga in
Congreaa respecting removal from
Philadelphia, 130, 139.

Secretary of foreign affaira, lettera to
and from, 9, 13, 21, 735.

Sealy, John, to H. Antea, 660, 677,
678.

Sellera, Nathan, appointed Comm'r to
examine roads and rivera with a
view to internal eommeree, 129, 130,
834.

Shaw, William, Wyoming affaira, '764.
Ana war of Prea. Dickinaon, 761.

Shawneaa Indiana. 88, 86, 161.

INDEX;

BherifTi letters to, 6S.

Sheriff's list of, in Oamberland Co.,
(1777 to 1788,) 285.

Shoemaker, B., lettert raiptcttng oor-
porfttion pwpers, 08. "

Shoemaker, Henry, eonrieted of riot
remored m m Jnttice, 696.

Six nations of Indians, negodations
with, explanation of Pine Creek, 867,

Short Creek, prifoners taken hj the
IndUnson, (1788,>167.

Shrawder, C^>t Philip, respecting
Wpminr, 88, 34^ W, 104, 131. Ap-
pointed Capt'n, 131.

Smailwood, Got. of Md., internal narl-
gation, 542, 543. Delegates on
trade, 744. Claims, 758.

Smith, Thomas, Loan offleer, letters to
and from, 57, 109, (1783,) 170, 174,
190, 447, 461.

Smith, William, as jnatiee of the peace,
resignation reqn^d, 419.

Smith, W. Hooker, to Corporal Mont-
gomery, on Wyoming affairs, 760.

Smyser, Jacob, 77.

Snow, deep at Fort Dickinson, 197.

Soldiers, disorderly at Lancaster, 59.
At Philadelphia, attack on Congreu,
sabmission, 61.

Sonth Carolina, letter from Gov'r ask-
ing list of Traitors, 99. Operations
of Lord Comwallis, (1780,) 178.

Spanish flag, a drawing sent to the
Gov't, 748.

Sproat, Darid, on prisoners at Kew
York, 68.

Sproat, Rey'd James, chaplain asks fbr
clothing, 720.

Spyker, Beig., Jr., deposition respecting
H. Carberry, Ac, 577.

Stanhope, Capt. Henry, British sends
insolting letters to Got. of Mass.,
499-506.

Stanwix, Fort, arriral of Comm'rs at,
346. Marqnis Fayette addreses In-
diims at, 346. Mons. Marbois at, 846.

State House, (Philad'a,) reports on re-
pairs, 885, 848, 872, 420, 426, 442,
403, 585, 542, 547. Trees planted
in, 420. Guard asked for by, comp-
troller, 750. Repairs of dock, 568.

State (or ProTinee) Island, repairs of
Pest-honses at, 53.

Stenben, Baron, to Pros. Dickinson in
behalf of P. 8. Dnponcean as notary,
Ac, 352.

Stokely, Capt'n, 22, 262.

Story, John, appointed with James
MiUigan Comm'r, to settle accounts
between U. S. and Penn'a, 427, 450,
451, 742.

SoUiran, Fort, when and where erected,
719.

Sopreme Ccvrt, Jadget, r^qvaated hj
President, to recommeod inpor-
taace of moral training of yocth,
public schools, Ao., 518,

Sup. EzBCimTS Covncui, Letters.
AgenU of Confiwatad BsUtes, 151
Antet, Henry, BherilT, NortbuBber-
land, 844, 482, 694. ArmatroBg^Brif.
Gen. John, 680, 088. Annstroag,
Lt CoL John, 807, 815, 817, 819,
861. Armstrong, Capt. William, 11
Assembly, 195, 198, 223, 407, 4n,
428, 692, 094. Atlee, Bam'l J., 831,
846, 860. Adee, Williano, 894.
BarcUy, Thomas, 907. Bstftholontw,
Bdward, 442. Baynton, John, 511.
Blaine, Bphraim, 009. Boggf, Ma-
thew, 699. Bondinot, Kiaa, 74.
Bowen, F. B. and E. Beatty, 437,
596, 604, 605. Boyd, Hon. John.
807, 880, 889. Boyd sad ArrastroBg ,
591, 627, 630, 662, 604~-000j670, 076.
Bradford, WiDiam, jr., Ati. Gen., 494,
055, 712, 748. Broadhaad, CoL,
Danl, 160. Bniaslne and Garrison,
145. Bnran, Hon. Geo. 10, 73.
6ryan, Saml, (Sec'y) 827. Butler,
CoL Richard, 09, 294. Bntler, WU-
liam, 421.

Caldwell, Baml, 185. Oarieton, Gea.
Guy, 101, 181. Christie, James,
(CapL) 185, 209. Cirenlan, 284.
Clinton, Got. Geo., of N. T., 205,
412, 422, 435, 450, 613. Commrs.
for sale of barracks, 289, 241, 261,
268, 276. Commrs. of boundaries,
238, 234, 416, 438. 454, 489, 506.
Commrs. of Cumberland Co., 79.
Commrs. on defence of Delaware, 26.
Commrs. for treating with Indians,
265, 825, .^32, 833, 846, 857,392, 395,
410,489. Commrs. on lands, 541, 545.
Commrs. of Philadelphia, 104, 807.
Commrs. of roads, 533. Commrs. of
Taxes, 288. Commrs. of Taxes of
Bucks Co., 75. Commrs. of Taxes,
Lancaster County, 82. Commrs. of
Taxes, of Northampton Co., 92.
Commrs. of Taxes of Philadelphia,
51, 222, 2-.'4. Commrs. of Washing,
ton County, 136, 684. Commrs. of
Westmoreland Co., 98, 598. Con-

Sess, 60, 62, 74, 98, 185, 198, 200,
1, 288, 268, 859, 869, 897. 410, 417,
440, 442, 457, 461,473, 480, 408, 494,
499, 507, 532, 585, 587, 580, 548, 544,
786, 746, 754, Council of Censors,
153, 862, 806, 338, 836^ 596, 604, 655.
County Lieutc 286, 345, 410, J 19.
Craig, Thomas, 296, 303, 805. Cro.
Tteour, Mons^, 195. Cummins, Lt.
John, 22.
Delany, Sharp, 97, 441^ 710. Dela-

INDEX.

78T

wftre» Got. of, 540. Delegates in
CongreM, 7, tb, 27, 28, S8, 45, 48, 52,
89, 72, 101, 151, 154, 155, 156, 188,
184, 204, 210, 218,858,809, 397, 398,
449,456, 477, 511,549,556, 568, 575,
576, 581, 592, 601, 705, 715, 759.
DickiDson, John, 77. Dougherty,
Barnard, 114, 119. Donglau, Eph-
raim, 262, 553, 664, 581, 588, 696.
Donaldaon, Arthur, 350. Donnaldson,
John, 565, 583. Daral, Hon. Gabriel,
291.

Eiliooti Andrew, 452 Eipy Darid,
114, 119. £iriDg,Kev. Dr. John, 428,
443.

Pinley, Rer. James, 40, 41, 168.
Fituimons, Thomae, 28, 48. Flee-
ion, Planlcet, 528. Francis, Tenob,
240, 261. FranlLlin. John, 672.
Fallertoo, Richard, 758.
Galbraith, Robert, 466. Gardner,
. Hon. Joseph, 405, 526. Got. of
Conn., 147, 148, 213. Got. of Dela-
ware, 540. Got. of Md., 292, 820,
824, 526, 527, 540, 542, 543, 744,753.
Got. of Masstts., 354, 500, 503, 504.
Got. of N. Jersey, 103, 366. Got.
of New York, 205, 412, 422, 435, 450,
513. Got. of North Carolina, 353.
Got. of Bonth Carolina, 79. Got.
of Virginia, 56, 145, 175. Grand
Inquest, 347. Guerard, Got. Be^J'n,
of South Carolina, 79.
Harmar, Lt. Col., Josiah, 809, 311,
816, 322, 337, 845, 398, 394, 406, 430,
448,455, 465, 468, 479, 483, 490, 508.
Harrison, Got. Benjamin, 56, 145,
175, 608. Hays, Christopher, 264,
279. Ilellfltedt, Charles, Min. U.
Nethd., 850, 362, 409. Henry, Wm.,
and G. Gardner, 405. Hillegas,
Michael, 289, 261. Hodgdon, Sam'l,
39, 59. HoUingsworth, LctI, 350,
533, 546, 548. Hopkinson, Francis,
J. A., 58, 855, 707, 735. Howe, MiO-
Gen., 66. Hubly, Juhn, 278. HofT-
nagle, Michael, 125, 140, 141, 147,
186, 211, 429, 462, 464, 467, 763.
Hnmpton, Col., Richard, 50. Hun-
ter, Samuel, 47. Hutchinson, Dr.,
James, 178.

IrTine, Gen. William, 56, 67, 509.
Irwin, John, 289.

Jacks, James, 264. Jaokson, Hon.
DaTid, 512. Jay, John, See'y of
Foreign Affairs, 401, ;407, 409, 475.
Johnston, Be^Jn., 611. Johnston,
Col. Franeis,282, 825, 826, 338, 458.
Judges of Supreme Court, 448, 460,
523.

Land Offloe, 536, 587, 739. Lee,
Arthur, 295. Lee, Richard Henry,
173, Leren, Robert, 841. LiTing-

' ston, R. R., See'y, Ac., 9. LlTing-

I ston. Got. William, 103, 366, 458,

, 730. Loan Offloe, 57, 168, 169, 174,

! 190, 481, 515. Longaehamp, John,

> 742. Lukens, John, 8. G., 53, 65,

95, 451, 458, 506. Luserne, ChcT.

! de la, 278, 282. Lyon, Wm. 285.

j HeClean, Alex'r, 293. McDowell,

I Surgeon, 843. McKean, Thomas, C.

! J., 19, 176,284,290, 291, 730. Mac-

' lay, Wm., 46; 346, 418, 444, 510.

I Magistrates and Sheriff of Northam-

I berland County, 460. Managers of

Stote Lottery, 362, 872, 400, 468, 474,

I 513. Marbois, Mo s., 175, 223, 277,

K 283, 311, 350, 351, 354, 356,362, 367,

368, 409, 432, 440, 445, 471. Mead,

! DaTid, 404, 483, 707. Merehanta,

committee of, 210, 212, 219, 221, 406.

Mifflin, Thomaii, 183. Milligan,

I J mes, 426. Milligan, Robert, 755.

Minister of Holland, 415. Minister

I of U. Netberiands, 350, 362, 409,

415, 435. Montgomenr, John, 216

' 220. Montgomery, Joseph, 444.

Montgomery, Wm. 765, 767. Moore,

Lt CoL, 286. 'Moore, MiOv Jas., Ac,

188, 186, 197, 207, 222, 232. Mo-

i rales, Francis, 476. Morgan, George,

I 526. Morris, Robert, 53, 312. Muh-

lenberg, Frederick, A., Pros. C. C,

I 153.

I Nicholson, John, 6, 16, 28, 46, 48,
50, 52, 53, 93, 94,96, 97, 481, 529, 750.
i Northumberland, Mag. and Sheriffs,
I 295, 304.

Officers of Penn. Line, 425, 592.
Parker, William, 167. Patterson,
Alexander, 208, 574, 617, 619, 623,
626, 627, 675. Pcale, Cha. W., 162,
(1779,) 163, (1780.) Pearson, James,
873, 420, 426, 443. Pentecost, Dor-
sey, 167, 181, 2fi2, 413, 757. Pettit,
Charles, 208, 497. Pbile. Fredk.,N.
0., 249. Phipps, Paul, 359. Peirce,
I John, 536. Porter, Andrew, 372,
- 762. Potter Gen. James, 47, 159,
I Procter, Thomas, Sheriff, 286, 823,
I 420. Protbonotaries, 78, 268. Pro-
j thonotary of Washington Co., 78.

ReceiTcr, Gen., of I^and Office, 547.
I Redlck, DaTid, 416. Reed, Joseph,
157, 159, IftO, 163. Reynolds, John,
277. Rittenhouse, DaTid, Treaa'r,
I 241, 269, 439, 454, 455, 456, 458, 786.
Robins, Esekiel, 213. Robinson,
Capt. Thomas, 14, 48. Ryan, Mie-
hael, 308.

St Clair, Gen. Arthur, 49, 260, 488.
Sehreiber, John, 809, 884. SeoUy
Wm. 591. Scott, Thomas, 65, 7^ 80,
364. Secretary of Foreign Anin,
9, 461, 407, 432, 446, 499, 588, 785,

788

INDEX.

743, 759. Shaw, WUliun, 754, T67. I
Sheriffs, 63, 67. Sfarawder, Capi.,
PhUip, 33, 104. Slough, MatthUs,
137. Smyier, Jacob, 77. Smiib,
Wm., and W. Kelly, 419. Smith, Tho-
mas, Land Office, 57, 168, 169, 174,
192, 447, 461. Sproat, Rer., Ja's, 720.
Sprdat, DaTid, 68. Stanhope, Henry,
Capt., 503, 504. Steuben, Baron,
852. Story, John, 450, 451, 742.
Street Commrt., Phila., 65. Sur-
reyor Gen., 53, 65, 95, 451, 468, 506.
Taylor, Timothy, 432. Trumbull,
Got. Jona. of Conn., 147, 148, 313.
Truiteei of Loan Office, 481, 532,
545. Truatees of Weitmoreland Co.,
91. Tumbull, Marmee A Co., 381.
Van Berkel, P. J., Min. Hull., 476.
Vancouver, Charles, 712.
Wardens of Philada., 03, 281/ 349,
456, 571, 581, 584, 685, 588, 589, 606,
607. War Office, 27, 802. 459, 400,
479, 495, 497, 535, 629. Washington.
Gen. George, 150, 151. WeiUel.
John, 99, 109, 222, 843. Wilkinson,
Gen., James, 610. Williamson, Hon.
Hugh, 397. Wilson. James, S99« 471,
Wilson, William, 304. Wilson, Jo's,
153. Wynkoop, Henry, 3 LI.
Surveyor Generu, instructions to, res-

Secting lands and loU, 53, 56, 65.
leetlng at, on surrey of lands reo'd
from Virg'a.

Susquehanna River, Comm'rs appoin-
ted to examine, 129 ; and opening a
Communication between, A Schuy-
kill, 129,312. Proposal for building
a Town on east bank of, 129.
Comm'rs appointed, 130, 334. Heavy
freshet, 222. Tiadaughton, means
Pine Creek, 357.

Swedish Consul, Charles Hellsted ap-
pointed, 3 2.

Taxes, 51, 52, 75, 79, 82, 222, 224.
Taylor, Timothy respecting Solomon

Vick3r8, 432, 483.
Tiadaughton Creek, of treaty of

1768, explained by Ladians as Pine

Creek, 857.
Temple, John, Consul Gen. fh>m Great

Britain, 544.
Thanksgiving day for peace, pro-
claimed by Congress, 134.
Theatres in Philadelphia, memorial

against, 141.
Thompson, Geni, 483.
Tidd, Martin, deposiUon respecting

Wyoming, 196.
Traitors, Confiscated estate. Controller

NicholaoB oa, 96. List of. 360.

Treasury Board, letcera to and Ifom
loan officer, to give bonds, 637.

Trees, elm, presented bj Col. Geor|;«
Morgan, for State houso jard,tbanki
of Council for, 430.

Trumbull, Gov. Jno., of Connectieat,
proclamation on Wyoming, I46t. Let-
ters to and fh>ra, 147, 14S.

Tmstaes of Genl loan office, 431, 514,
645.

Tnrnbull, Marmio A Co., on storins
powder in magaxine, 281. Clain
for land on which Fort stands at
Pittsburg, 497.

Turner, Robert, raises flag on Market
street hiU, 39.

United Netheriands, letter from Pres.
Dickinson to minister of, respecting
liongschamp, 861. Extract of let-
ter from, 108. Letter from P. J.
Van Berekal, respecting, 415. Pres.
Dickinson to the minister of, 435.
J. H. Christian Heineken, consul of,
for PhU'a, 446.

Unitad States, and Great Britain, pre-
liminaries of peaoe between, signed,
10. Seat of Government, proceed-
ings in Congress on, 136 139. Re-
turns of Penn'a troops in service of,
393, 403, 431, 449. Claims of Penn'a
on, 397, 398. John Jay elected
Sec*y of foreign affaire, 401, 402.
J. Milligan and J. Story, Comm'rs
to settle accounU between, and
Penns'u, 426. Will barely relinquish
Pittsburg, 49S. National debt, 514
-20, 260. Loan office, 520-523. Re-
port to Congress on Revenoe system
of, 732. Comm'rs appointed by
Yirg'a on trade of, 738; do. by
Maryland, 734.

University of Pennsylvania, estatas
allotted to, 195.

Van Berekel, P. J. respecting a publi-
cation in a newspaper, 413.

Van Campen, John, Letter, of Cap. P.
Shrawder, to, 24.

Vancouver, Chas. patronage, for a
book, 712.

Vickers, Solomon, case of, on charge of
robbery in Bucks Co. 433.

Virginia — Boundary line between,

and Penns'a 8, 66, 72, 77, 96, 96,

145, 146, 171, 175, 181, 223, 332,

333, 836, 269, 380, 293, 836,372, 373,

I 374, 413, 414, 438, 488, 489, 489, 506,

INDEX.

789

673, 60S, 611, 705. Letters of Oot.
Uarriflon, 66, 66, 72, 77, 78, 06, 146,
176, (1783.) Cue, of CoL Cox, 81,
06, 126, 172, (1783.) CommlMionen
appointed by, 146. Reaolation of
House of Delegate!, 1788, 171. Com-
miuionen, of PenntylTania, (1788.)
171, 323. Cage of John Campbell,
173. R^eoti floanoe plan, of Con-
jcress, 173, (1780.) Agreement at
Baltimore, 223. Letter A. MeClean,
respecting Westmoreland, 203. Re-
port, of Commissioners on Bovndary,
373, 374. Difficnlties on sarreys,
414. Report of Commissioners, 606.
Titles in Washington Co. 414, 417.
Meeting at Sarreyor General's re-
specting sarreys of Land, obtained
from, 706. Resolution of House of
Delegates, appointing Commissioners
oo Trade of U. 8. 7^:8.

Wardens of Philadelphia, remoral of
Cherauz de firisefrom Rirer, 03, 349,
360, 606, 607. On storing of powder,
281. Piers, 407. Contract for piers.
466. Remoral of Buoys Ao,, 680.
J. Donnaldson resigns, 683, 684.
Joseph Bullock, elected, 683. Ez-

Eenditures, 686. Beacon on Cross
ede, 689.

War office, letters to and fh)m, 27, 302,
314, 316, 469, 461, 470, 494, 497, 629.
Corps, under Col. Harmar, necessary
to protect lands, 496.

Washington, Co. new state threatened,
Rev. J. Finley sent to, 40, 41, 163.
Letter of Prothonotary, 78. Case of
Col Cox, 81, 96. 126. Taxes, 136,
693. Laid out, 181, (1783.) D. Pen-
teoost'on affairs, 362. Return of
militia, officers in, 287. difficulties,
from Virginia titles, 416. Return
of public stores, in, 436. and
officers of Militia in, 436. John
Story, agent on accounts, 461. Dis-
turbances in, 467, 664, 686. Doane,
gives trouble, in, 682, 684. Com-
missioners of, 684, 687, 603. J.
Story opens offioe for adjusting claims,
742. Attack on Excise office of,
767.

Washington, Oen. Oeorgo, address of
Council, congratulatory on his safety,
Ac., 160. His reply, 161. Letter of
Pros. Dickinson, to Delegates, sug-
gesting an annual sum to meet Ex-
penses arising out of his position,
162, 186, 676. Answer from Dele-
gates, in Congrtss, 16ft. SuggMts
Vol. X.— 34

uniformity of arms in the States, 1 64.
Renounces his commission to Con*
gress, 183, (1783.)
Weed, Cap. Biyah, Instructions respect-
ing fhgitives to New Tork, 102.
Welser, Samuel, proposed as Interpre-
ter, 366.
Weitsel, John, Letter to, 90, 100, 232,

343.
Western Lands, suggestions respecting

Cession, of 162.
Westmoreland, Co., new, State threat-
ened, Revd. J. Finley sent to, 40, 41,
163. Hanna's Town, as County
seat, 01. Commissioners interfered
wiih, by Virginians, 08. Fayette,
Co., formed from, 118, 181. Alarm-
ing state, of Manallen T. 147, 663.
Rangers, Cap. Stokely, 262. Re-
turns of Field officers, 276, 276. State
of affairs. 279. Letter Alex. Me
Clean, exculpatory of the Virginians,
204. John Story, agent on accounts,
460. Road to Pittsburg, 633, County
Commissioners on attacks on Col-
lectors in Springhill Township, 604.
Franklin Co., formed, 603. J, Story,
opens offiee, for adjusting claims, 742.
James Hamilton, elected Register of
wills. Recorder of Deeds, 760.
White, Cap. Robert, a Traitor, letter
from Gov. of New Jersey respecting,
730.
White, William, oonseerated Ameri-
can Bishop, 434.
"Whole Face," and "Long Hair,"

Indian Chiefs, conference with, 740.
Wilkinson, James, Commissioner to
examine Rivers, 129, 130, 334. Re-
signs, his commissions as B. Genl.
610.
Williams, Amos, case, of, 713.
Williamson, Dr. Hugh, letter to, in

answer, a member of Congress, 397.
Wilson, James, Atty. for State, in case
of T. Maflack, 202. Thorough know-
ledge of Wyoming affairs, 204. Agent
on disputed lands, 399. Eleobed
delegate to Congress, 437, 634.
Wilson, Joseph, claim for arrest of

Joseph Doane, 162.
Wilson, William, Lieut of Northumber-
land Co., respecting Wyoming, 304.
To J. A. 664.
Wyandot Indians, 86.
Wylie, Capt of artillery artificers, 94.
Wynkoop, Henzy, letter to, on vaoaaey

in magistracy, 211.
Wyoming, act relative to suite at, 6.
Return of Stores, 14. Letters of Gap.
P. Shrawder, 28, 24, 104. Return of
Stokely's oompany, 22. Letter of,
JU0z.Patten<w,SO,B2p 86. Jowph

le:

-^ « •*-^.

STANFORD UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

STANFORD AUXILIARY LIBRARY

STANFORD, CALIFORNIA 94305-6004

(415) 723-9201

All books may be recalled after 7 days

DATE DUE

f^/S JUN 1

JUNiMgi

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "Pennsylvania archives .."

See other formats