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GAYLORD

PRINTEOINU.S A
EXTRACTS

FROM THE

DIARY OF CHRISTOPHER MARSHALL,

KEPT IN

PHILADELPHIA AND LANCASTER,

DURING THE

AMERICAN REVOLUTION,
1774-1781.

EDITED BY

WILLIAM DUANE,

Corresponding Member of the Historical Society of New York, and Honorary
Member of the Historical Societies of Vermont, Delaware
and N-w Jersey.

 

ALBANY:
JOEL MUNSELL.
1877.

Y
4
PREFACE.

i

Christopher Marshall, from whose Diary,
called by him a ‘‘ Remembrancer,” the following
extracts have been made, was by birthright a
member of the Society of Friends, being of one
of the oldest families of English origin in the
Province of Pennsylvania. His sympathy with
the cause of American liberty caused his exclu-
sion from the religious denomination to which
he had belonged. This expulsion will explain
and perhaps excuse the severity of his views
respecting the political conduct of some of his
fellow citizens. His associates were among the
most prominent Whigs of the country, by
whom, it is evident, that he was held in high
esteem. I have been unable to ascertain the
exact date of his death, but as his will was dated
in 1796, and proved on the 3d of May in 1797,
I think that his decease probably occurred in
the early part of the latter year.

The portions of his diary omitted in the fol-
lowing pages relate mainly to private matters,
the state of the weather, &c., and possess no
iv. Preface.

interest at this day. It is believed that no im-
portant entry has been omitted in the follow-
ing pages.

The early portion of these extracts was pub-
lished in the year 1839, and extracts from

another year appeared in 1849.
Witiram Duane.

PuiLapDELpuia, December 1876.
MARSHALL’S DIARY.

 

1774.

January g. Very little news has transpired this week,
except an observation on the conduct of the Bostonians.
See Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1623.

18. Sundry resolves were passed by our Assembly
respecting the riots in the county of Northumberland;
also, some resolutions were laid before the House from
Maryland.

20. This day was published a scheme for a Society
of Innoculating for the Small Pox.

Marcu 23. Account of [the] destruction of tea in
Boston reached London about [the] 20th of January,
and our tea ship sent back arrived at Dover the 25th
same month.

ApRIL 25. Received by ship Concord, Captain Volans,
from Bristol, eighty-four pamphlets from my friend,
George Stonehouse. Great debates in the House of
Commons. See Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1641.

May 21. This day part of [the] Standing Committee
met to consider the resolve of the town of Boston, sent
here by express, but as they were uncertain what the -
Provinces of Maryland, Virginia, and Carolina would
do, they appointed a suitable answer to be wrote back to
New York and Boston, and at [the] same time wrote
to other Provinces to know their minds on this alarming
occasion, which was sent by express, and [they] wait
till its return. The same day arrived the ship Prosperity,
Captain M’Culloch, from Belfast in twenty-eight days,
with four hundred and fifty passengers.

30. A number of the inhabitants, composed of

I
6 Christopher Marshall's Diary [May 1774

most of the different Societies in this city, met and agreed
that it would be proper to express their sympathy for
their brethren at Boston, by suspending all business on
that day, viz. the first of June.

June 1. This being the day when the cruel act for
blocking up the harbor of Boston took effect, many of
the inhabitants of this city, to express their sympathy and
show their concern for their suffering brethren in the
common cause of liberty, had their shops shut up, their
houses kept close from hurry and business; also the
ring of bells at Christ Church were muffled, and rung a
solemn peal at intervals, from morning till night; the
colors of the vessels in the harbor were hoisted half-
mast high; the several houses of different worship were
crowded, where divine service was performed, and par-
ticular discourses, suitable to the occasion, were preached
by F. Allison, Duffield, Sprout, and Blair. Sorrow, mixed
with indignation, seemed pictured in the countenances of
the inhabitants, and indeed the whole city wore the as-
pect of deep distress, being a melancholy occasion.

4. This being the birth-day of King George III,
scarcely, if any, notice was taken of it in this city, by
way of rejoicing: not one of our bells suffered to ring,
and but very few colors were shown by the shipping in
the harbor; no, nor not one bonfre kindled.

8. This day a petition was presented to John Penn,
our governor (signed by near nine hundred respectable
freeholders in and near this city), requesting him to call
the Assembly, in order to consider the proceedings of the
British Parliament towards America in their proceedings
against the town of Boston, &c., &c., to which his Honor
was pleased to return the following answer: ‘“‘ Gentlemen,
upon occasions when the peace, order, and tranquility ot
the Province require it, I shall be ready to convene the
Assembly ; but as that does not appear to be the case
at present, I cannot think such a step would be expedient
or consistent with my duty.”
June 1774] of the American Revolution. HY

g. A great number of mechanics met at the State
House about six o’clock in the evening, in order to con-
sider an answer to send to the tradesmen of New York,
who had written to this city respecting what was neces-
sary to be done. At this meeting, John Ross, Esq.,
opened the reasons for calling them together, read their
letter, &c. ; upon which a committee amongst the trades-
men was appointed, who are to answer the said letter,
and communicate and keep up a correspondence with the
committee at New York.

10. There was a meeting held at the Philosophical
Hall, and also the day after, consisting of the committee
and a number of other inhabitants, called in from all
Societies in town, to advise, consult and deliberate upon
the propositions that were to be laid before the general
meeting of the inhabitants on the eighteenth instant, near
the State House, at three o’clock in the afternoon.

18. A very large and respectable meeting of the free-
holders and freemen of this city and county met in the
State House yard, where Thomas Willing and John
Dickinson were chairmen, when they entered into six
spirited resolves, and chose forty-three persons as com-
mitteemen to transact their affairs.

22. This day twenty-nine of the committee met at
the Carpenters’ Hall, in Chesnut street, Thomas Willing
in the chair, agreed and appointed three of their members,
viz. Joseph Reed, John Nixon, and Thomas Whar-
ton to wait upon the Speaker of the Assembly, requesting
him to call upon the Assembly, and to give them a posi-
tive answer whether he would or not, before they made
their report to the General Committee that is to meet
on Monday, the 27th inst. They also, at this meeting,
appointed a number of their members to go to different
parts of the city and suburbs to crave collections for poor
Boston.

Jury 11. This day arrived at New Castle, the ship
Minerva, Captain Lindsey, from Newry, with four
hundred and fifty passengers.
8 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Juty 1774

15. This day, about four o’clock P.M., met at the
Carpenters’ Hall, in this city, the representatives ap-
pointed to attend from the several committees of the
different counties in this Province, viz. Bucks, Chester,
Lancaster, York, Cumberland, Berks, Northampton,
and Northumberland, to confer with the committee
chosen by this city and county, and also to consult and
consider what may be proper to propose to our General
Assembly that is called by our Governor to meet the
18th instant, respecting the critical situation of all the
American Colonies. ‘There appeared in this meeting
great unanimity, and a set of resolves [was adopted] in
general, declaratory of the sense of this Province on the
present state of British America, and the peculiar suffer-
ings of our brethren in Boston, in order to lay before
our Assembly, the 18th.

Arrived this day at New Castle, the ship Peace and
Plenty, Captain McKinzey, with four hundred passen-
gers, from Belfast.

21. The delegates from the several counties of this
Province have sat every day (First Day excepted)
since the 15th ‘inst., preparing a set of general resolves
declaratory of the sense of this Province on the present
state of British America, and the peculiar sufferings of
our brethren in Boston, and as our Assembly have re-
solved themselves into a grand committee, and appointed
this day at ten o’clock for the consideration of the sundry
letters from the committees of our sister colonies, they
have given leave for our Provincial Committee to attend
and hear their debates.

22. The Assembly of this Province, taking into con-
sideration the difficulties that had subsisted between
Great Britain and her colonies, came into the measure
proposed, that a Congress of Deputies from the several
Colonies be held, as soon as may be convenient, [and]
have appointed the following, viz., Joseph Galloway,
Speaker, Samuel Rhoads, Thomas Mifflin, Charles Hum-
phreys, John Morton, George Ross, and Edward Biddle.
Jury 1774] of the American Revolution. 9

25. Accounts from New Castle of the arrival of the
Snow Charlotte, Captain Gafney, from Waterford, with
one hundred and ten passengers, and the ship Hope,
Captain McClanahan, from Newry, with two hundred

- and twenty passengers.

Avcust 6. The ship Renown, Captain Keith, arrived
at New Castle, from Newry, with three hundred and
fifty passengers ; as is also the ship Needham, Captain
Chevers, at New York, with three hundred passengers.

g. In the Charleston packet, Captain Wright, came
passengers, the Hon. Henry Middleton and Edward
Rutledge, Esq’s., two of the gentlemen who are nomi-
nated to attend the Congress from the Colony of South
Carolina.

10. Also arrived, the ship Hannah, Captain Mitchell,
from Londonderry, with four hundred passengers, and
Captain Jones, from London, with one hundred passen-
gers, mostly tradesmen.

22. Arrived, brig Sea Nymph, Captain Moore, from
Charleston, South Carolina, with whom [came] passen-
gers Thomas Lynch and Christopher Gadsden, two of
the delegates from that Province. The latter end of
this week came to town, Col. Nathaniel Fulson and
Major John Sullivan, delegates from New Hampshire.

29. Came to town, Hon. Thomas Cushing, Samuel
Adams, Robert Treat Paine, and John Adams, delegates
from the Province of Massachusetts Bay, with whom
came in company, from New York, John Rutledge,
delegate from South Carolina, who took his passage to
New York.

30. Arrived, the ship Alexander, Captain Hunter,
with about six hundred passengers, from Londonderry.

31. Also, this week, arrived the delegates from New
York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, [and] Maryland,
with sundry members from the lower counties, and
some from this Province.

1 The three counties now forming the State of Delaware.
10 Christopher Marshall's Diary [SerT. 1774

SEPTEMBER 5. The gentlemen that arrived in town
as delegates, about fifty-three in number, met at the Car-
penters’ Hall, when Hon. Peyton Randolph was chosen
chairman, and Charles Thomson, secretary.

12. The delegates from North Carolina viz., Joseph
Hewes and William Hooper, Esq’s., arrived this day,
and Richard Caswell, Esq., the other delegate, is
hourly expected. This same day and yesterday, the
eight companies of the Royal Regiment of Ireland
marched from hence, in two divisions, for Amboy and
Elizabethtown, to be shipped for Boston.

24. This same day began the Quakers’ Yearly Meet-
ing, and continued from day to day, until the first of
October, from which meeting, they sent forth an epistle
that has given great offence to the friends of freedom
and liberty in America. *

Ocroser 1. Election this day, when G. Gray, Henry
Pawling, John Dickenson, Joseph Parker, Israel Jacobs,
Jonathan Roberts, Michael Hillegas, and Samuel Rhoads,
were chosen Representatives for this county.

3. This day Thomas Mifflin and Charles Thomson
were elected Burgesses for this county.

4. Samuel Rhoads was chosen mayor of this city.

20. This day the Assembly of this Province gave a
grand entertainment unto all the delegates from the
different Provinces at this time in the city, at what is
called the New Tavern, in Second street.?

NovemserR 7. Notice being given this morning of a
meeting, to be held this afternoon at the State House, a
number met, at which it was concluded that a new com-
mittee, to the number of sixty, should be chosen, to
manage public affairs for this City, the Southern and
Northern Liberties, to be chosen by ballot, the rath
inst., and to continue in that station till the meeting and

t The building above Walnut street, afterwards known as the Merchants’
Coffee House. It was pulled down not many years ago.
Nov. 1774] of the American Revolution. II

sitting of the next Congress, and two weeks after the
said Congress breaks up, and no longer.

14. This day the Freeholders meet pursuant to
agreement, at the State House, and chose, by ballot,
sixty inhabitants for committee men, as was before
agreed upon; but as the Southern District complained
that it was not fully represented, they therefore re-
quested that four of their District might be added to
the sixty that were chosen, the which was granted them,
and also three were afterwards added on the Northern
Liberty account. Within the week past, some vessels
are arrived from Ireland, and one from Holland, with a
number of passengers.

Decemeer 4. Arrived, the ship Jamaica, R. Graham,
from London, with a great quantity of goods, upon
which, the committee was called; also arrived, the
ship ———-, from ———,, with salt and coals. As
these arrived after the time specified by the General
Congress, they come under the regulation of Article the
1oth of the Association.

5. The ship Friendship, Captain Jann, from Cork,
is arrived at New Castle, with two hundred passengers.

6. Arrived, the ship Pennsylvania Packet, Captain
Osborne, from Liverpool, in seven weeks, said to be
full of goods; upon which there was a meeting of the
merchants to consider what was necessary, and to wait
on the committee with an application in order to hear
their resolutions, the which were published in handbills,
the next day, for their government.

8. In the handbills published yesterday, the committee
recommended to all importers of goods, a perusal of,
and attention to, the 11th Article of the General Con-
gress, viz., ‘‘ That a committee be chosen in every county,
city, and town, by those who are qualified to vote for Re-
presentatives in the Legislature, whose business it shall
be, attentively to observe the conduct of all persons
touching this Association, and when it shall be made to
12 Christopher Marshall s Diary [ Dec. 1774

appear, to the satisfaction of a majority of any such com-
mittee, that any person within the limits of their appoint-
ment has violated this Association, that such majority
do forwith cause the truth of the case to be published
in the Gazette, tothe end that all such foes to the rights
of British America may be publicly known and univer-
sally contemned as the enemies of American liberty,
and thenceforth, we respectively will break off all deal-
ings with him or her.

30. Debates in the Quaker Monthly Meeting this day
which held by and with adjournment till ten at night,
and then adjourned to the second day of next month.

Vi >

January 2. Which meeting held from six until near
ten o’clock. The debates ran high respecting their
conduct in these troublesome times that are expected.
In regard thereto, their members were enjoined not to
concern themselves in the public disputes, nor to interrupt
any of the king’s officers in the discharge of their duty,
but to pay all humble and dutiful obedience unto the
king or his ministers’ mandates, from time to time ; not
to join, nor to be in any of the city, county, provincial,
or general committees, if so, whoever offends is to be
dealt with as walking contrary to their discipline.

6. A remarkable circumstance: — This day, about
three P.M., a girl brought up by my wife, named
Polly ———, about twelve years old, went out to slide
or play, dressed as usual, without cap or bonnet, and did
not return till about nine o’clock next morning. Al
this space of time, she says that she was in no house,
nor near any fire, but sat between two logs all that
night, in an open lot, in Spruce street (as she says) yet
received nor took no cold, although it was one of the
coldest freezing nights this winter.

18. This evening the city and suburbs committee
Jan. 1775] of the American Revolution. 13

met. Some of them waited on the Carpenters’ Com-
pany for the use of their Hall for the Provincial Com-
mittee to meet in, and were answered that they might
have [it] for paying ten shillings per diem.t Spokes-
man, Joseph Fox.

23. The committee from all the counties in this
Province met (except from Bucks), to the amount of
near one hundred, at the State House; broke up the
twenty- eighth, having finished all their business amicably.

24. Meetings daily amongst the Quakers, in order, if
possible, to defeat the pacific proceedings of the Con-
tinental Congress, calling upon their members not
to meet the county: committees, but entirely to with-
draw from them, under the penalty of excommu-
nication. ...... This day was also a paper published,
called a Testimony of the People called Quakers, in
which is contained such gross abuse against all persons
that oppose their fallacious schemes, and stuffed with
such false contradictions, that it will be a lasting me-
mento of the truth of what Robert Walker, one of their
public preachers, now here, often told them, and warned
them to take care, because, says he, the Lord is de-
parted from you, as he did from Saul, and has given you
over to your own devices.

27. This day John Dickinson attended the Provincial
Congress in order to show and contradict the notorious
lies promulgated in Rivington’s paper, No. gt.

At Dr. Chovet’s Lecture.?

Fepruary ii. This day was published, in J. Hum
phrey’s Ledger, No. 3, a scandalous letter, said to come
from Kent County, Delaware.3

13. Some time last week arrived, from London, the
ship Polly and Peggy, but brought no kind of merchant

1 Pennsylvania Currency — seven shillings and sixpence of which were
equal to a dollar.

2See Appendix (B.)

3See entry of April agth.
14 Christopher Marshall's Diary [88.1775

goods: in that time also arrived a brig from Madeira,
having a few pipes of wine. The owner advised the
committee, and declared his intentions to send away the
said vessel and wines, agreeably to the direction of the
Congress.

28. This day a petition was presented by the Quakers’
interest, requesting the suspending of our fairs in this
city : also, a petition from our committee respecting no
negroes to be any more imported here.

Marcu 1. Early this morning, departed these parts,
universally lamented by the friends of slavery, but to the
joy and satisfaction of the lovers of freedom, that bane-
ful and detested weed, East India TEA, whose return
is never desired or wished for by the true sons of Ame-
rican liberty.

gth. Yesterday evening, arrived, ship Chalkley, Cap-
tain Spain, from Bristol, who brought account that his
Majesty had received the petition of our American Con-
gress, and promised to lay it before the Parliament, who
were to meet, by adjournment, the nineteenth of January,
In the interim, petitions are preparing by the body of
merchants in London, Bristol, and all over England.
This news causes our Tories to be quite jaw-fallen and
sullen.

17. Yesterday an election was held at the Carpenters’
Hall, for choosing officers for the new manufactory, set
on foot for making woollens, linen, and cotton, when
Joseph Stiles was chosen Treasurer, James Cannon,
Secretary, and twelve managers, viz., Christopher Mar-
shall, Jacob Winey, Isaac Gray, Samuel Wetherill, Jr.,
Christopher Ludwick, Frederick Kuhl, Robert Strettle
Jones, Richard Wells, Thomas Tilbury, James Popham,
and Isaac Howell, for one year,

21. Last night, nine of the managers met at Captain
Stiles’s school room, sent for William Smith, who came,
of whom we took his house in Market Street, for three
years, for forty pounds per annum.
Mar. 1775] of the American Revolution. 15

22. The Pennsylvania Fournal, No. 1685, gives a
succinct account of the proceedings of [the] New York
and Elizabeth Town Committees respecting the state of
the case of Messrs. Robert and John Murray, merchants
of New York, who had landed goods out of the ship
Beulah, from Londonderry, contrary to the resolve of
Congress.

23. Account from New York yesterday, that Messrs.
Murrays’ house and store [were] shut up, anda seal put
upon the latter. “Thus may be seen the manly behavior
of the committee of New York, notwithstanding the op-
position they met with, both in their Assembly’ House
and public proceedings, by the enemies of our country,
The committee of the county of Cumberland, New
Jersey, have also published the behavior of Silas New-
comb, Esq., respecting persisting in drinking East [India]
Tea, since the first of March, agreeably to the eleventh
Article of the American Congress. See Pennsylvania
Gazette, No. 2413.

APRIL 13. This morning was published the Address
of the Lords and Commons to his Majesty, on the ninth
of last February, wherein they declare Massachusetts
Bay in a state of rebellion, and countenanced and en-
couraged by unlawful combinations in several of the other
Colonies, and also, that all the Bostonians who signed,
as they call it, a league and covenant, are declared by
the crown lawyers, to have committed an overt act of
high treason. ‘Thereupon were ordered for Boston, to
chastise them, three regiments of foot, one of dragoons,
seven companies of marines, a large train of artillery.
Notwithstanding all this, some of our staunch friends in
England beheld with horror the ministerial proceedings,
and as proof thereof, and to their lasting fame be it re-
corded, that the Constitutional Society stepped forth, and
showed their dislike of those cruel proceedings by their
resolving unanimously, that one hundred pounds sterling
be sent by that Society to Dr. Franklin, requesting him
to transmit the same for the relief of the town of Boston.
16 Christopher Marshall's Diary [APRIL 1775

20. News brought by post this day, of the arrival of
the Snow, Sir William Johnson, Captain Dean, at New
York, the roth, in thirty-one days from London. It is
said his papers are to [the] 5th [of] March, and [he]
says that ‘¢ Sixteen men-of-war and ninety-five transports
are certainly coming out to America, to bring over eleven
regiments and two troops of horse, he thinks, to New
York,” and that “a nobleman is ordered out to New
York, in order to bring about a pacification,” (I hope)
and that “the city of London have subscribed thirty
thousand pounds sterling for the poor of Boston.”

21. Went to the Manufactory before ten, stayed till
eleven, in company and back with Frederick Kuhl, my
attending partner each day for one week; morning at

ten, afternoon at three. ...... James Cannon came,
brought the first and second Crisis, read them, and stayed
to supper.

22. Under the London head, Feb. 7th, it is said, “* The
regiment of light-horse, destined for America, are all
equipping with new accoutrements. On their caps is
the following motto, ‘Death or Glory,’ and a death’s
head likewise embroidered ;”’ and it is farther said that
“Tt is intended to put the refractory Colonies under
military government, and to grant special charters and
privileges to those of them who are obedient. ‘This day,
March the 7th, at noon, the two sheriffs and the hang-
man attended at the Royal Exchange, in order to burn
a periodical paper, called The Crisis, No. 3, and the
pamphlet entitled The Present Crisis with respect to Ame-
rica. As soon as the fire was lighted before the Ex-
change, it was immediately put out, and dead dogs and
cats thrown at the officers. A fire was then made in
Cornhill, and the pelting still continued.” It is farther
said, “‘there are at this time, between London Bridge
and Lime House, more than three hundred vessels, with
brooms at their mast-heads, as a token that they are for
sale.” Feb. 10— it is said “* An eminent Quaker, at
Apri 1775] of the American Revolution. 17

the meeting of the merchants declared, however lightly
and contemptuously their petitions were treated, he was
fully satisfied that the Americans would, to a man, die,
if the act in his hand, which he held up, was not re-
pealed :” to which add, in a paragraph of [a] letter from
York, Feb. 13, it is said, “* A certain celebrated lady
amongst thé body of Quakers, waited on the king to
address him on the times, and after promising her an
audience, he abruptly withdrew.” ..... . March roth,
Itis said from London, that « Deputations are sent from
hence to Boston, to try several persons in America,”
and that ‘the twelve sail of frigates destined for Boston,
have stores, and are completely victualled for twelve
months. The Generals, MacKay, Howe, and Clinton,
were to embark with the troops, the r2th of March.

24. About five this afternoon, arrived an express,
for the particulars of which see the printed piece
annexed.*

25. Went to the manufactory with my partner. At
four, he and I went to the State House, there being a
meeting pursuant to public notice, which, by computa-
tion, amounted to eight thousand, in order to consider
the measures to be pursued in the present critical affairs
of America.

26. A second express came this afternoon, which see
in printed piece annexed.”

27. Another account, being several extracts of letters
per post, from Boston, of the rgth and 2oth, giving
further account of the behavior of the troops, and of
their precipitate retreat unto Charleston. See postscripts
to Pennsylvania “ournal and Gazette (No. 1690, and
No. 2418).

1 The leaf marked A., an exact copy of iue original slip.
2 The leaf marked B., an exact copy of the original slip. The statemznt
that Lord Percy was killed is erroneous. He afterwards became Duke of

Northumberland.
18 Christopher Marshall's Diary [APRIL 1775

LA]
PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 24, 1775.

An express arrived at Five o'clock this evening, by which
we have the following advices :

Watertown, Wednesday Morning, near 10 of the clock.

To all friends of American Liberty, be it known, that
this morning before break of day, a brigade consisting of
about 1000 or 1200 men landed at Phipp’s Farm, at
Cambridge and marched to Lexington, where they found
a Company of our Colony Militia in arms, upon whom
they fired without any provocation, and killed six men
and wounded four others. By an express from Boston,
we find another brigade are now upon their march from
Boston, supposed to be about 1000. The bearer, Trail
Bissel, is charged to alarm the country quite to Con-
necticut ; and all persons are desired to furnish him with
fresh horses, as they may be needed. I have spoken
with several, who have seen the dead and wounded.
Pray let the Delegates from this Colony to Connecticut
see this, they know Col. Forster, one of the Delegates.

J. PALMER, one of the Committee.

A true Copy from the original, per order of the Com-
mittee of Correspondence of Worcester, April, 1775.

Attested and forwarded by the Committees of Brook-
line, Norwich, New London, Lyme, Saybrook, Killings-
worth, E. Guilford, Guilford, Brandford, New Haven.

Fairfield, Saturday, April 22, 8 o'clock,

Since the above was written we have received the
following by a second express,

Thursday, 4 0’clock, afternoon, A. M.
Sir,

I am this moment informed by an express from Wood-
stock, taken from the mouth of the Express, then two
of the clock, afternoon — That the contest between the
first Brigade that marched to Concord was still continu-
APRIL 1775 | of the American Revolution. 19

ing this morning at the town of Lexington, to which
said Brigade had retreated, that another Brigade had,
said to be the second mentioned in the letter of this
morning, landed with a quantity of Artillery, at the place
where the first did. The Provincials were determined
to prevent the two Brigades from joining their strength
if possible, and remain in great need of succor.

N. B. The Regulars, when in Concord, burnt the
Court House, took two pieces of cannon which they
rendered useless ; and began to take up Concord bridge
on which Capt. (who with many on both sides
were soon killed) made an attack upon the king’s troops,
on which they retreated to Lexington.

Iam, Es, WILLIAMs.

To Col. Obadiah Johnson, Canterbury.

P. S. Mr. McFarlan of Plainfield, Merchant, has just
returned from Boston, by way of Providence, who con-
versed with an express from Lexington, who further
informs, that 4000 of our troops had surrounded the first
brigade above mentioned, who were ona hill in Lex-
ington, that the action continued, and there were about
50 of our men killed, and 150 of the regulars, as near as
they could determine, when the express came away : it

* willing will be expedient for every man to go whois fit and,

The above is a true copy as received per express from
New Haven, and attested by the Committee of Corre-
spondence, from towntotown, Attest

Jonathan Sturgis

Andrew Rowland :
Thaddius Burr Committee.
Job Bartram |

The above was received yesterday at 4 0’clock, by
the Committee of New York, and forwarded to Phila-
delphia, by Isaac Low, Chairman of the Committee of
New York.

Printed by W. and T. Braprorp.

 
20 Christopher Marshall's Diary [APRIL 1775

[B]
PHILADELPHIA, April 26, 1775.

Wednesday, 12 o'clock,
By an Express just arrived, we have the following.

Wallingford, Monday morning, April 24, 1775.
Dear Sir
Ce Woodworth was over in this place yesterday
and has ordered 20 men from each company in his
regiment, some of which have already set off, and others
go this morning. He brings accounts which came. to
him authenticated as late as Thursday afternoon. The
king’s troops being reinforced a second time and joined
as I suppose from what I can learn by the party who
were intercepted by Col. Gardiner, were then encamped
on Winterhill, and were surrounded by 20,000 of our
men who were entrenching.

Colonel Gardiner’s ambush proved fatal to Lord
Percy, and one other General Officer, who were killed
on the spot the first fire. ... To counterbalance this
good news, the story is, that our first man in. command
(who he is I know not) is also killed. ... It seems they .
have lost many men on both sides. ... Col. Woods-
worth had the account in a letter from Hartford. ...

The country beyond here are all gone off, and we
expect it will be impossible to procure horses for our
waggons, as they have or will in every place employ their
horses themselves. In this place they send an horse for
every sixth man and are pressing them for that purpose.
I know of no way but you must send immediately a
couple of able horses, who may overtake us at Hartford
possibly, where we must return Mr. Noy’s and Meloy’s,
if they hold out so far. Remember the horses must be
had at any rate. I am in great haste

Your entire friend znd humble servant

James Locx woop.
APRIL 1775] of the American Revolution. 21

P. S. Col. Gardiner took g prisoners, and 12 clubbed
their firelocks and came over to our party. ... Colonel
Gardiner’s party consisted of 700, and the regulars of
1800 instead of 1200, as we heard before. ... They have
sent a vessel up the Mystic river as far as Temple’s
Farm, which is about half a mile from Winterhill. ...
‘These accounts being true, all the King’s troops, except
4 or 500, must be encamped on Winterhill. At the
instance of the gentlemen of Fairfield just departed this
copy is taken verbatim from the original, to be for-
warded to that town. Isaac BEaRs

The above is copied and authenticated by the several
Committees through Connecticut, New York, and New

Jersey.
xy Winter Hillis about two miles from Boston. Wal-
lingford is fourteen miles from New Haven.

 

Printed by W. and T. Braprorp.

29. Went and drank coffee at James Cannon’s.
He was not there, being gone to [the] State House Yard
to help consult and regulate the forming of the militia.
After coffee, I went back to [the] Factory by an appoint-
ment of some of the managers, who had appointed to
meet Gardiner, a committee man of New York,
with whom we spent the evening. This day, about
noon, Jabez F...... came by persuasion to the Coffee
House, and there declared, in the presence of a great
concourse of people, that it was Robert Holliday, of
DuckCreek, that wrote and sent that letter to him, which
he had caused to be published in the Pennsylvania Ledger,
No. 3, and no other person, upon which the people,
with some reluctancy, let him go; but the overseers of
the poor interfered, by obliging him there to give security
for the maintenance of his two bastard children. J......
and D....... had bonded a vessel for Newfoundland, and

2

 
22 Christopher Marshall's Diary [APRIL 1775

intended to slip away with her, but a number hearing
waited on them. At first, they equivocated, but the
people being resolute, they delivered up the ship’s papers,
and hindered her proceeding. That also prevented
Samuel S...... from loading a vessel to the same place,

May 1. This day a number of the associators to the
militia met in each of the wards of this city, to form
themselves into suitable companies, and to choose their
respective officers.

2d. Viewed some companies learning the use of fire-
arms, ...... This day, about noon, Thomas Loosly, shoe-
maker, was brought to the Coffee House, and there being
exalted as a spectacle toa great number of reputable
citizens, he there very humbly and submissively asked
and entreated their pardon and forgiveness for his
illiberally and wickedly villifying the measures of Con-
gress, the Committee, and the people of New England,
sincerely promising that his future conduct should be just,
true, and equitable, as should recommend him to the
particular notices of al] those whom he had so unjustly,
falsely, and wickedly villified. On those assurances and
promises, the company discharged him.

3. There was a company of young men, Quakers,
who this day asked leave of the managers to learn the
military exercise in the Factory yard, which was granted,
and they began this evening.

4. This day account came that Mr. Hancock and
Mr. Adams are arrived at New York, on their way to
this city, to attend the Continental Congress. The
Quaker company, Humphries, captain, about thirty,
exercised in the factory yard, and such is the spirit and
alacrity of them, that few, if any, of the companies wil
sooner learn the military art and discipline, and make
handsomer appearance, nor be more ready to assert, at
the risk of their lives, the freedom of America on Con-
stitutional principles.

5. Visited two families that have left Boston govern-
May 1775] of the American Revolution. 23

ment through the violent oppressive measures exercised
over them. ...... This afternoon arrived [the ship Penn-
sylvania Packet,] Captain Osborne, from London, in
which came passenger, Dr. Benjamin Franklin, tothe
satisfaction of his friends and the lovers of liberty.

6. After dinner, went to the State House Yard, from
thence to the commons, seeing the various companies
exercise. While standing there, Major John Sullivan
and John Langdon, Esq., two of the delegates from
New Hampshire, with my son Benjamin, came, who,
the delegates, spoke to me very kindly. :

7. It’s admirable to see the alteration of the Tory
class in this place, since the account of the engage-
ment in New England. Their language is quite
softened, and many of them have so far renounced their
former sentiments as that they have taken up arms, and
are joined in the association ; nay, even many of the stiff
Quakers, and some of those who drew up the Testimony,
are ashamed of their proceedings. Itis saidthat J .....
P......, who signed that paper, and had called the peo-
ple rebels, now declares in favor of the opposition made
to king and parliament. The Friends held a meeting
last Fifth day afternoon, in order to consider how to
send a supply to the Bostonians, it being a matter that
before they had treated with contempt and ridicule. A
petition has been presented to the House, praying them
to grant a sum, not less than Fifty Thousand Pounds,
for the use of the Province at this critical time, and
another petition praying them to consider the situation
of our City, and requesting them to grant leave to stop
our navigation, by sinking some vessels at Red Bank.
Both these petitions were signed by great numbers, of all
the different ranks and sects of this city. This was
done last week. This day, arrived Captain Robinson,
in [the] ship [Sukey,] from London, in six weeks, who
brought account that the marines were embarked, and
the vessels sailed for Ireland to take the soldiers on
24 Christopher Marshall's Diary [May 1775

board. He brought also a copy of the petition of the
Quakers to his Majesty, and that the printers of the
piece called the Crisis, were had before the Ministry on
account of finding out the author, who being interrogated
and pressed hard, declared that one of the writers was
the Duke of Gloucester. They immediately discharged
them without any farther confession.

8. Account from New York is that a general
association was set on foot on the 29th ultimo, and
signed by above one thousand of the principal inhabit-
ants of the City, and it is to be transmitted to all the
counties in the Province, when they make no doubt but
it will be signed by all ranks of people. The purport
is, that they will abide by and put into execution, what-
ever measures may be recommended by the Continental
Congress, or resolved upon by their Provincial Conven-,
tion. This they engage to perform under all the sacred
ties of religion, honor, and love to their country. (See
General Advertiser, No. 185.) We hear also from
Williamsburgh,? of Governor Dunmore’s delivering to
Captain Collins’s party of men, in the night, out of the
Magazine, twenty barrels of gunpowder, which they
carried on board the schooner Magdalen. This was
highly resented by the people, who addressed him on the
occasion, and requested him to return it ; but instead of
his complying, the locks were taken off the magazine,
and the schooner put under the protection of the Fowey,
man-of-war, in York river, and that the Governor had
fortified himself in the palace, &c.

g. This morning, arrived four of the delegates trom
South Carolina, in the brig Charleston Packet, Captain
Barton, in four days passage, viz., Henry Middleton,
Christopher Gadsden, John Rutledge,‘and Edward Rut-
ledge, Esq’s. Christopher Gadsden came to see me,
and dined with me. In conversation, he expressed the

1 Then the capital of Virginia.
May 1775] of the American Revolution. 25

great satisfaction he had received in reading some of the
books he had from me, when he went last home to
Carolina from this City, particularly Paul Sigevolk’s
book, entitled The Everlasting Gospel, and those two
books, entitled The World Unmasked, or the Philoso-
pher the Greatest Cheat, requesting, that if it should
please God that he and I should live to see peace
and harmony once more restored among us in these
parts, I would promote a correction of the Ever-
lasting Gospel, and have it, with the two other volumes
of the World Unmasked, fairly and neatly printed,
unto which he would subscribe largely, and, upon com-
pleting them, I might draw on him to the amount of
Sixty Guineas, which he would immediately pay. This
conversation gave me great pleasure. ...... N. B. This
day, arrived these sundry delegates, viz., Peyton Ran-
dolph, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Richard
Henry Lee, Edmund Pendleton, Benjamin Harrison,
and Richard Bland, Esq’s., from Virginia; Richard
Caswell, and Joseph Hewes, Esq’s., from North Caro-
lina; Samuel Chase, Thomas Johnson, and John Hall,
Esq’s., from Maryland; Cesar Rodney and George
Read, Esq’s., from the counties of New Castle, Kent,
and Sussex, on the Delaware. It is said they were
met, about six miles from town, by the officers of all
the companies in the city, and by many other gentle-
men, on horseback, to the amount of five hundred.
Within two miles of the city, the company of riflemen
and infantry, with a band of music, met them, and con-
ducted them through the City with great applause.

10. This day about one o’clock, came into town these
following delegates, namely: John Hancock, Thomas
Cushing, Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Robert
Treat Paine, Esq’s., from Massachusetts Bay; Eliphalet
Dyer, Roger Sherman, and Silas Deane, Esq’s., for the
Colony of Connecticut; (and Thomas Lynch, South
Carolina, arrived in the evening.) Delegates from New
26 Christopher Marshall's Diary [May 1775

York, James Duane, Francis Lewis, John Jay, Lewis
Morris, Philip Livingston, [and] John Alsop. Dele-
gates from the Jerseys, [

11. This afterncon, the delegates opened the Con-
gess at the State House: began with prayer, in which
officiated Jacob Duché.* There were also added
to them by our Assembly, now sitting, Dr. Benjamin
Franklin, Thomas Willing, and James Wilson, Esq’s.
The Congress this day elected Peyton Randolph, Eszq.,
President, and Charles Thomson, Secretary.

13. The Congress are daily sitting, but scarcely any
thing transpires from them, saving the depositions taken
relating to the beginning of the engagement at Lexing-
ton and Concord.

14. This morning, set off from this city, for Burling-
ton, the Captains, Bradford, Pryor, and Melchor, with
a number of others, on the report of a deserter from
General Gage’s being confined in prison there, for deser-
tion, the which, upon their arrival at Burlington, they
found to betrue. They immediately went to the prison,
took him out, and brought him to Philadelphia.

15. This day, arrived the Hon. Samuel Ward, Esq..
one of the delegates from the Colony of Rhode Island.
Within these two weeks past, sundry families have
arrived in this city from the territories of Boston, whose
relations of their sufferings and distress there, are very
melancholy and afflicting to hear, and at present no pros-
pect of any relief from under the hand of unmerited
cruelty. A vessel this day arrived, which left Cork the
4th day of April, says the troops were not sailed, but
were taking their horses aboard, &c.

17. In P. Journal, No. 1693, is [a] copy of
Robert Holliday’s recantation and acknowledgment of
his misconduct, the which was accepted by their com-
mittee in Kent county. Inthe Evening Post, No. 49,

* Rector of St. Paul’s Church, Philadelphia — author of the Letters of
T. Caspipina.
May 1775] of the American Revolution. 27.

is [an] account of Governor Dunmore’s Proclamation,
and an account of his paying for the gunpowder he had
suffered to be taken away, to the amount of three hund-
red and twenty pounds sterling, also the resolves of the
committee of King William’s county on that occasion,
with the New York General Committee’s Circular
Letter to the other Colonies.

18. Account brought of the taking of Fort Ticon-
deroga. See Evening Post, No: 50, for particulars.

20. The Congress sitting every day this week ¢on-
stantly, and the militia, light infantry, horse, and com-
pany of artillery, exercising every day, and some of them
twice a day.

22. Thisday was published, in the Pennsylvania Packet,
No. 187, the Congress’s advice in answer to the New
York request, how they should behave in regard to the
troops expected there. In said paper is the Address of
the General Committee of Association for the city and
county of New York, to Governor Colden.

24. In the last Evening Post, No. 52, is, it is said,
General Gage’s circumstantial account of the attack on
his Majesty’s troops by a number of people of the Mas-
sachusetts Bay, April rgth. In said paper is [an] account,
via Liverpool, 30th [of] March, that the whole regi-
ment of light dragoons had, to a man, refused to come
over to fight against this country. ...... From there to
son Christopher’s ; stayed and supped with eight of the
delegates. About nine, an alarm was spread by beat of
drum, that our prison was beset by a number of men, in
order to rescue two prisoners who were under sentence
of death ; but by the interposition of Captain Bradford’s
company, they were prevented, and some of the offenders,
it’s said, secured. However, this company, with the
assistance of , watched the prison all night.

25. Yesterday morning, Peyton Randolph, _Presi-
dent of the Congress, set off for Virginia, as his pre-
sence was necessary in their General Assembly, that

 
28 Christopher Marsball’s Diary [May 1775

is called by their governor to meet on the first of next
June, at Williamsburgh, of which he is speaker, and the
Hon. John Hancock was elected President. For the
etymology of the word Yankee (alias Yankee Doodle)
see Evening Post, No. 53.7...-+. Part of two companies
mounting guard at the prison, as I came home, in order
to keep watch all night.

27. After dinner went to the place ;? drank Balm
Tea; from thence to a walk on the commons, near
[the] Bettering House,3 seeing sundry companies of
militia exercising, till past seven.

28. This day, it is said, Mary Harris, a Quaker
preacher from Wilmington, visited the three Quaker
Meeting Houses in this city, in a very odd manner, viz.,
by walking through each of the preacher’s galleries, then
down, passed amongst the people backwards and forwards,
seemingly in great affliction and distress, uttering, it’s
said, words to this effect — ‘‘See to your standing, for
that thus the Lord was about to search and examine his
camp,” &c. &c., and then said, ‘‘I shall have peace in
having thus discharged and done my Lord’s errand. So
farewell.”

31. For several particulars of public remarkable oc-
currences, see this day’s Pennsylvania “fournal, No. 1695.

June 1. Guards at [the] prison, as has been every
night since the 24th of last month, kept by the militia.

2. Account came that while Parson Stringer was at
prayers with Andrew Steward, in the dungeon of our
prison, the said Steward took that opportunity to walk
up Stairs, go out at the several prison doors into the
street, and without any ceremony, walked off with him-
self, without bidding Robinson, the prison keeper, fare-

tSee Appendix (C.)

2 Mr. Marshall's country place was in Moyamensing, between Broad
Street and Irish Tract Lane. Balm Tea was probably substituted for the
interdicted article.

3 The Bettering House was the Philadelphia Alms House. It was on
the south side of Spruce Street, between Tenth and Eleventh Streets.
June 1775] of the American Revolution. 29

well, although he was sitting at the front door on the
step, when he passed him.

7. In the evening, arrived ship Prosperity, Captain
McCulloch, with, it is said, about four hundred passen-
gers, from Belfast: from London, ship Sally, in which
came passenger, Major Skene, as Governor of Ticon-
deroga and Crown Point. ...... Came home near eleven ;
fine clear moonlight weather: a sentry at [the] New
Tavern, over the above governor.

8. Cloudy weather, and so continued all day. I rose
before five, breakfasted, and went on the commons past
seven. Came back past nine; then by ten went again
and staid till past two, viewing the parade of the three
battalions [of] militia of the City and Liberties, with the
artillery Company, (with two twelve-pounders and four
six-pound brass field pieces,) a troop of light horse,
several companies of light infantry, rangers, and riflemen,
in the whole, above two thousand men, who joined in
one brigade, and went through their manual exercises,
firings, and manoeuvres, &c., &c., in the presence of
General Lee, the Continental Congress, and several
thousand spectators, then all marched into town to the
Coffee House.

12. For public occurrences, see Pennsylvania Packet,
No. 1g0.

20. Went to the Factory past eight; stayed till
twelve. Just then-about, the three battalions, with the
troop of horse, train of artillery, and three companies of
light infantry, rangers, &c., marched by the Factory,
having been reviewed this morning by General Washing-
ton and the members of the Congress.

27. About eight, Brigadier General Sullivan set out
from hence, to join the American army, near Boston:
he was escorted by the light infantry of the three batta-
lions, and by many other officers and gentlemen, a few
miles. ...... An express arrived this day, with sundry
occurrences, from the Boston camp. For particulars,
see the Evening Post, Nmub: 67.

3
30 Christopher Marshall's Diary [JUNE 1775

30. This being monthly meeting, it’s said J... P...
took much pains in endeavoring to persuade the auditors,
and they their acquaintance, by no means to keep the
20th of next month as a day of prayer and fasting, but
to keep open shop and houses. “This was, in plain terms,
saying, You may frolic as much as you please on that
day, but don’t, by any means, suffer yourselves to be
humble, or pray on that day, because it is appointed by
the delegates for that service, to pray and worship God.
This he pressed them to observe, that so they might
not be like what he called the world’s people. Here is
another flagrant testimony to the decay of primitive
Christianity, viz., ‘‘ Pray without ceasing,” — “In the
time of trouble, call upon me,” &c., &c.

Jury 1. My son Christopher sent mea present of a
small keg of pickled oysters, and requested my coming
to sup at his house this evening, the which I complied
with, and spent the evening in innocent, cheerful con-
versation with John Adams, Thomas Cushing, Samuel
Adams,‘ and Robert Treat Paine, delegates from Boston.

2. Afternoon, two o’clock, an alarm spread of a man
of war, full of troops, seen at Bambay Hook, coming
up. This alarmed the, City, but it proved to be a false
report.

7. To Grace Hastings’s ; stayed there till church was
done, there being a sermon preached at Christ Church
to the First Battalion of the City Militia, by Jacob
Duché.

g. It is said that some day last week, there wasa
meeting of the Quakers in this city, wherein it was
agreed that a collection should be set afoot in that
society, for the relief of the necessitous of all religious
denominations in New England who are reduced to
losses and distresses in this time of public calamity, to
be distributed among them by a committee of their

tThe name of John Adams is here repeated in the original. I have
substituted Samuel, which was doubtless meant.
Jury 1775] of the American Revolution, 31

brethren in New England, and to this, it is said, they
recommended to their brethren in their several meetings
in New Jersey, to subscribe for [the] said purpose. In
the evening came Colonel Dyer, [Silas] Deane, and
[John] Jay, three of the delegates, ...... who all stayed
and supped, and spent the evening very agreeably, till
near ten o’clock, it being a fine serene night.

14. The many and various accounts of the slain
at Bunker’s Hill reconciled, by an account of the return
made to General Washington on the fourth instant —
of the Provincials, viz., one hundred and thirty-eight
killed, three hundred and one wounded, and seven miss-
ing, and the best account he had received of the regulars
was, that eight hundred were killed, and seven hundred
wounded. See Evening Post, No. 74, and J. Hum-
phrey’s Ledger, No. 25.

16. After two, Charles and his wife, and daughter
Betsey, came in the chair ; just stopped and bid us fare-
well. They were going to Bristol, to try the water, on
account of son Charles’s health’ ..... . After they were
gone, Samuel and John Adams, two of the delegates,
came; stayed some time.

17. Stayed at home till near six ; took a walk to the
College yard, to see the Dutch butcher ask pardon of
one of the companies for speaking disrespectfully of their
proceedings?.

1The mineral waters at Bath, near Bristol, Bucks County, Pennsylvania,
did not go out of vogue until within about sixty years.
2The following notice from the Committee of Safety, was published
about this time :
Committee Chamber, Philadelphia, Fuly 17, 1775.
The Committee of Safety do hereby recommend it to the good women of
this City and Province, that they voluntarily supply the Surgeons or Doctors
who have usually attended their respective families, ‘with as much scraped
lint and old linen for bandage, as they can conveniently furnish, that the
same may be ready for the service of those that shall happen to be wounded
in the defence of their country.
Signed by order of the Committee,
Wiiuram Govett, Clerk, C. 8.
9a Christopher Marshall's Diary [Juty 1775

20. This being the memorable day in which an un-
just and crue] ministry took away all our sea trade, as
far as their inveterate malice could reach: the morning
was pleasant; fine sunshine, yet cool and agreeable
weather, although a melancholy appearance presented, as
all the houses and shops in our neighborhood were shut,
and to appearance more still than a First Day produced,
as there was no riding abroad visiting, as is generally on
First Day. ...... Most families attended divine worship
in the different churches and meeting houses of this city.
T went to Christ Church, where an excellent sermon
was preached on the occasion, from Psalm 5 unto a
large and crowed auditory, amongst whom were, I pre-
sume, all the delegates. It was an awful meeting, as
numbers of wet eyes demonstrated their attention. ......
This afternoon, Robert Taylor called at my house, who
said there was nigh two hundred of their militia came up
this morning from their parts to church, in their uniforms,
as he was. He is a lieutenant.

22. My wife and I took a walk to the place, and,
awhile after, came there, Christopher Gadsden, [Roger]
Sherman, and Colonel Dyer, three of the delegates, and
my son Christopher. Soon after came Dr. Brown,
Dr. (who was just come from Watertown, to get
_a thcrough insight into making saltpetre. He was sent
by the Provincial Congress), and James Cannon, who
all stayed and drank coffee, &c.

24. Accounts are that on the eighth instant, two
hundred volunteers, from the Rhode Island and Massa-
chusetts forces, had burnt and destroyed the regulars’
guard-house, [and] brought off two muskets and ac-
coutrements, with one halbert: this done without [the]
loss of one of our men. ‘This was an advanced post,
and gave the regulars an opportunity of discovering our
operations at Roxbury. On the eleventh instant, a party
of men from the Roxbury Camp went to Long Island,
in Boston harbor, and brought off fifteen of the regulars

 

 
Juty 1775] of the American Revolution. 33

prisoners, between twenty and thirty horned cattle, and
about one hundred sheep. The prisoners were sent
from the head-quarters yesterday, to Concord. The
same account savs that General Gage’s troops are much
dispirited ; that they are very sickly, and are heartily
disposed to leave off dancing any more to the tune of
Yankee Doodle, and that General Gage had sent many
reputable housekeepers in Boston, to prison, for refusing
to work day’s work on board the men of war, and the
fortifications.

25. Account was brought last night, that a vessel
from Hispaniola had brought and landed, for our use,
seven tons of gunpowder, being about one hundred and
thirty casks ; put under the care of the Committee of
Safety.

26. It’s said that a person was sent to prison this
forenoon, for attempting to spike the guns in the State
House Yard. Accountis arrived from Georgia that the
people there, hearing of a parcel of gunpowder’s being
on board a ship just arrived from London, went, landed
and secured it fortheir ownuse. It’s said that it amounted
to thirteen thousand pounds, and that the Georgians have
appointed delegates to attend the Continental Congress,
and [who] are daily expected. A gentleman who got
off [from] Boston, July roth, says that the inhabitants
were numbered, and amounted to six thousand five hun-
dred and seventy-three — the soldiers, women and child-
ren, to thirteen thousand six hundred. ‘Three hundred
Tories are chosen to patrol the streets, forty-nine of a
night. Very sickly: from ten to thirty funerals a day,
but no bells allowed to toll. For further occurrences,
and names of the officers killed and wounded, see Penn-
syluania Fournal, No. 1703.

27. This day, was launched, up town, a [gondola,] as
another of [the] same construction, was launched last
week, down town, each of them to row with oars,
to carry » cannon, , men, and small arms.

 

 

 
34 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Juty 1775

29. This week, by accounts, we have received here,
under safe custody, fifteen tons of gunpowder, and the
same quantity [is] hourly expected, as also a parcel of
small arms. Account is received of the Lexington af-
fair’s [having been heard of in England] by the return of
Captain Darby, who carried it to England in twenty-
seven days. See Pennsylvania Ledger, No. 18. ...... In
this evening Past is the character of General Putnam,
with some material occurrences. See No. 81.

30. Yesterday morning, set out from this town to
the eastward, six wagons, each carrying one ton of
gunpowder, escorted by twenty-four of the light infantry,
and some riflemen of the first battalion as far as Trenton,
then the escort was to be changed by some others at
Trenton, and so proceed. ‘This morning, it’s said a
pilot boat came up to town, loaded with gunpowder.

AucusT 3. Yesterday, several of our delegates went
out of town, by virtue of their adjournment to the fifth
of next month.

4. Accounts from Boston are of the distress of the
inhabitants there, beef being at 3s. 4d. per |b., butter 15.,
and so in proportion ; that the Provincials had burnt the
Light House at the entrance of Boston harbor, pulled
up the piles that were for marks for the shipping, &c.,
but they first took away all the furniture, fifty weight of
powder, and several casks of oil; that eight transports
were arrived with about sixteen hundred men ; exceed-
ingly sickly in the town, so that every soldier that now
arrives seems to add to their distress. From Virginia,
that Lord Dunmore had seized a ship, and £900 out of
one of the custom houses, for his own use; 3 that there-
upon the people had seized all the money in the other
custom houses (amounting to about £1674 145.) and
treasury, and that the Provincial Convention had stopped
all exports (except tobacco) from the 5th inst. With
us, Michael Hillegas and George Clymer, of this City,
are appointed Treasurers, and Dr. Franklin, Post Master
General of the United Colonies of North America.
Auc. 1775] of the American Revolution. as

These appointments are by the Hon. Continental Con-
QLESS. ....s Called as I came home at Stephen Collins’s,
whose wife had just received a letter from her husband,
but no material news except the extremities of the people
in Boston, and of four deserters who had just come over
[to] them, and the arrival of one hundred and six of our
riflemen.

5. Accounts by the Constitutional Post yesterday are,
that about 3060, being parts of nine regiments, were
arrived at Boston, and that, by appearances, General
Burgoyne is ina deep settled melancholy, walks the
streets frequently with his arms folded across his breast
and talking to himself, and that General Gage is often
out of his head, and that he and Admiral Greaves had
publicly quarrelled, so thathe told Gage it was a cowardly
action to burn Charlestown.

6. Yesterday was published [a] copy of [the Address
of] the Delegates of the United twelve American Colo-
nies to the people of Ireland, dated July 28th, 1775,
signed by John Hancock, President. There is also a
rumor now propagated, that General Gage has resigned
the command of the troops to General Howe, and that
£50,000 sterling is remitted, in specie, to Boston, to pay
and increase the wages of the soldiery, and that orders
are [sent] to the Governor of Canada to attack our
frontiers.

g. From Richmond, in Virginia, we hear that the
convention sitting there has prohibited the exportation of
grain and provisions of all kinds, after the fifth of this
month, and [have resolved] to embody three thousand
men, exclusive of officers, and three troops of horse, to
be stationed in the lower end of the Colony, and that
between four and five hundred men are to be raised and
quartered at the different forts on the frontiers, &c., and
that sixty young gentlemen are to be sent from that
colony to serve as cadets in the army at Boston, &c.
36 Christopher Marshall's Diary [AuG. 1775

For Sundry material occurrences, see Pennsylvania
fournal, Numb. 1705.7

11. About four, the Constitutional Post arrived ; also,
about six, an express arrived from the camp, with sundry
advices, among which were that the regulars were at-
tempting to repair the light house that was burnt down,
upon notice of which, Major Tucker was sent to com-
mand three hundred men, who landed under a severe
heavy fire, and then attacked them, killed the command-
ing officer, with ten or twelve of the others, on the spot,
and took the remainder, about thirty-five in number,
prisoners, and ten tory carpenters [and] demolished all
their work. While he waited for the tide to carry them
off, a large number of boats from the men-of-war came
up to reinforce the regulars, on which ensued a smart
firing. Our troops, however, got safe back with their
prisoners, with the loss of one man killed and two or
three wounded ; that the riflemen at the camp had picked
off ten men in one day, three of whom were field officers;
that of six sail of transports sent to the eastward of
Casco Bay, for forage, with one man-of-war, while the
parties of them were ashore in the country, a number of
the inhabitants possessed themselves of five of the trans-
ports by making all aboard prisoners, to the amount of

1 The following advertisement was published at this time :
To the Spinners in this City and County.

Your services are now wanted to promote the American Manufactory at
the corner of Market and Ninth Streets, where cotton, wool, flax, &c.,
are delivered out. Strangers who apply are desired to bring a few lines
from some respectable person in this neighborhood.

One distinguishing characteristic of an excellent woman, as given by
the wisest of men is, that “She seeketh wool and flax and worketh will-
ingly with her hands. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hand
holdeth the distaff.”

In this time of public distress, you have now, each of you, an opportunity
not only to help to sustain your families, but likewise to cast your mite into
the treasury of the public good. The most feeble effort to help to save the
state from ruin, when it is all you can do, is as the widow’s mite entitled
to the same reward as they who, of their abundant abilities, have cast
in much.
Ave. 1775] of the American Revolution. 2

near four hundred soldiers and seamen, and secured the
ships out of the reach of the man-of-war.

12. Last night, arrived the Georgia Packet, from
Georgia, in which came passengers the Hon. John
Houston, Archibald Bullock, and Dr. Zubly, + delegates
appointed to represent that colony in the Continental
Congress. ...... To the Coffee House to see Major
French, Ensign —,and 5 who were come from
Dublin in the ship , Captain 5 with
suits of clothes for the Regiment, which our people
secured,

16. For sundry particular and material pieces of news,
both foreign and domestic, with the Congress’s Petition
to the King, see Pennsylvania ‘fournal, No. 1706. .....
Past five, took a walk to the State House, election being
held there for one hundred men for City, Southern and
Northern Liberties.

17. Accounts from Boston are, that the transports
were returned and brought with them from Fisher’s and
Gardiner’s Islands, two thousand one hundred sheep,
about one hundred head of cattle, seven tons of hay, [a]
parcel of hogs, one thousand pounds of cheese, &c. Oh!
shame on the tory party!

18. Past seven, to meet [the] Committee in the Phi-
losophical Society’s Room, where this evening were met
forty-nine members, who proceeded to [the] choice of
chairmen, when Joseph Reed, George Clymer, Thomas
McKean, and Samuel Meredith were appointed to that
service, Jonathan B. Smith, Secretary, Robert Strettle
Jones and Peter Loyd, Assistants to him. Agreed that
the stated weekly meeting be held on Tuesday evening,
at seven o’clock, at this Philosophical Society Room,
while convenient ; that all the members who are not
present when the roll is called over, being twenty min-
utes after the time appointed, pay sixpence, and if absent

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 A clergyman, native of Switzerland.
38 Christopher Marshall's Diary [AvG. 1775

all the evening, one shilling ; and if any member met
leave the company before business is over, without leave
of the chairman, such are to pay five shillings ; that in
all future debates, no person be suffered to give his senti-
ments on any particular but what is concluded in speak-
ing twice on the same subject.

19. There is account from Boston that General Gage
has demolished Castle William and sent all his family to
England, and that the whole of the army would evacuate
Boston soon, but it was thought his rage would carry
him so far as to destroy it first; that four captains of
the regulars had resigned their commissions to General
Gage, being ashamed of such base and cruel proceedings,
and that several officers were gone for England; that
the Provincials had taken a number of prisoners on board
several vessels that they had taken ; that several of our
companies of riflemen were arrived at the camp, and, by
the computation, there are twenty-five hundred of Gage’s
men killed and died since the Battle of Bunker’s Hill,
&c. ...... To the Committee, as there was a special
meeting appointed to receive an answer from the Com-
mittee of Safety, respecting the Soldiers’ clothing that
was imported in Blair McClenagan’s ship from Dublin,
in which, their answer, they assumed it was their pro-
vince to detain [them] and had them now in their pos-
session until the meeting of Congress to dispose of them,
as they, the Congress thought proper, upon which a
Committee was appointed to go and examine the said
packages, to see that there was no other kind of goods,
and report next Third Day meeting. Complaint was
made by G, Schlosser of his having stopped a piece of
linen of a pedler,t who thereupon applied to [Isaac]
Hunt, the lawyer,? who issued out a summons against

Qn the 27th of September, 1774, the Congress unanimously resolved
that from and after the First of December, 1774, there should be no importa
tions from Great Britain or Ireland of any goods, wares, or merchandise,

and that they should not be used or purchased, if imported after that day.
2 Isaac Hunt was the father of Leigh Hunt, poet and essayist.
Aue. 1775] of the American Revolution. 39

him for the said piece, upon which a motion was made
to send for the said Hunt, who after first notice refused,
upon which a line from the chairman brought him. He
owned the doing of it, but insisted it was according to
the rule of his profession, and could see no injury he had
done. A good deal was said to him upon the impru-
dence of such proceedings, upon which he requested
time to consult his client, and then he would give the
Committee his answer whether he would proceed in
carrying on the suit against C. Schlosser, or withdraw
and discontinue the action, at the next meeting, which
was granted him.

21. Took a walk down town to see Benj. Betterton,
who, last Seventh Day, in a jovial humor, jumped ovre
a man’s shoulders, but on taking the ground, a small stone,
it’s said, was there, which turned his leg so that he broke
it about the small. When I thus visited him, he lay in
great pain, but pretty much composed and [with] but
little fever.

22. At seven I went to meet the Committee ; came
home past ten, sundry debates detaining till that time.
The one respecting Blair McClenagan’s ship is referred
to the determination of the Congress, as we could not
overrule their resolve of June ; the other respecting
[Isaac] Hunt, who would give no positive answer whether
he would prosecute the suit against George Schlosser or
no, but requested to have the minutes of this meeting in
writing, with leave to give his answer in writing, the
which was looked upon to be only evasive, so it was
determined, zemine contradicente, that his answer was not
to satisfaction.

24. Called by the way at the Coffee House, advice
being brought that the man-of-war below had seized
Captain Mifflin’s snow, from — , detained her, and
had confined both captain and mate. He seemed to be
insolent, his mild behavior, so much before applauded,
was now all absorbed in ill-will and rancor; he ex-

 

 
40 Christopher Marshall's Diary (Avs. 1775

pressed himself in conversation, it’s said, respecting our
Committee of Safety far from politeness, but in low,
obscene language, and closed it with this speech as a
specimen, ‘¢ That he did not value al] their gondolas or
Committee of Safety a ;’? so much to show the
mild, complaisant gentleman! ...... I went to the Manu-
factory where we made a board, but before business,
Thomas Tillbury spoke and behaved himself very
wrathful and rude in his expressions, because it had
been urged by some of the managers, that none of us,
while in that station, should engage and set up a manu-
factory for themselves, but if they had concluded so to
do, they should have informed the other managers and
declined acting as manager in this, from that time. This
was the cause of his rancor and ill-will, which, at last I
found, was chiefly levelled at me, because I had insisted on
theimpropriety of serving two masters, self and this manu-
factory, &c., &. Came home past nine, T. Tillbury
going away very wrathful before eight.

25. Paid Crugillus Vanzening 48s. for hauling twenty-
four cords of wood; paid Jonat. Malsbary for twenty-
four cords of wood, at 12s. gd., and cording £15 10s
Paid Robert Tompkins 515. 3d. for three cords of wood,
at ss. 6d., cording and hauling, &c., 8c. Paid for
carrying and piling the said wood, with rum, &c., &c.,
&c., 405.7

26. At five, I went to the Coffee House, being
called there to meet the sub-committee on account of
Isaac Hunt’s case, and, after some conference, agreed to
meet at said place next Second Day morning, at nine
o’clock. ...... For several material pieces of news respect-
ing Gloucester at Cape Ann, and the Asia man-of war's
firing on New York, see Evening Post, Numb. 93, &c.

28. At nine, I went to [the] Coffee House, met the
Committee respecting Isaac Hunt; went away at

 

These accounts were in Pennsylvania Currency. $2.66 made a Pound.
AuG. 1775] of the American Revolution. 41

eleven, ...... After dinner went with William Rush to
Kensington, to see the gondola launched.

29. Past eleven, went to [the] Committee Room at
[the] Coffee House, in order to enquire, with my other
brethren, into the conduct of Captain Clay, who had
brought in with him two officers as passengers of whom
he had made no report to the Committee, before they
were gone from this city to New York. Upon hearing
what he had to offer, and finding things not clear in his
favor, it was referred over to the weekly meeting this
evening. ...... At near seven, went to the Committee
Room ; stayed there till past ten.

SEPTEMBER I. Wagons loaded with flour and flax-
seed almost constantly passing for this week past, in
order to ship off.

6. For sundry public occurrences, respecting damage
by [the] storm last week, and other pieces of news, see
Pennsylvania ‘ournal, Numb. 1708. Between eleven
and twelve this forenoon, about thirty of our associators
waited upon and conducted Isaac Hunt from his dwell-
ing to the Coffee House, where having placed him in a
cart, he very politely acknowledged he had said and
acted wrong, for which he asked pardon of the public
and committed himself under the protection of the asso-
ciators, to defend him from any gross insults from the
populace. This, his behavior, they approved him,
and conducted him in that situation, with drum beating,
through the principal streets, he acknowle iging his mis-
conduct in divers places. But as they were coming
down town, stopping at the corner where Dr. Kearsley
lives, to make his declaration, it’s said the Dr. threw
open his window, snapped a pistol twice amongst the
crowd, upon which they seized him, took his pistol,
with another in his pocket from him, both of which
were loaded with swan shot. In the scuffle, he got
wounded in the hand. They then took Hunt out of
the cart, conducted him safe home, put Kearsley in,
42 Christopher Marshall's Diary (Sept. 1775

brought him to [the] Coffee House, where persuasions
were used to cause him to make concessions, but to no
effect. They then, with drum beating, paraded the
streets round the town, then took him back to his house
and left him there, but as the mob were prevented by
the associators, who guarded him, from tarring and
feathering, yet after the associators were gone, they
then broke the windows and abused the house, &c.

3. Past eleven went to the Committee at [the] Coffee
House ; stayed till one. It appeared there in conversa-
tion, that Samuel Rhoads, mayor, had on the sixth
instant, called upon Major Bayard and Captain ;
to order out their battalion, in order to disperse the
people assembled at the Coffee House on the said day,!
&c., &c.

g. This being the day appointed by the Congress for
the shipping to depart this port, it’s been a busy time
with many of the merchants to complete their loading,
but with their steady application and industry, they have
complied with it, and it’s computed that about forty sail »
went down with this evening’s ebb.

13. After my wife came trom Market (she went past
5), she ordered her girl, Poll, to carry the basket with
some necessaries to the place, as she was coming after
her, they intending to iron the clothes. Poll accordingly
went, set down the basket, came back, went and dressed
herself all clean, short calico gown, &c., said she was »
going to school, but presently after, the negro woman,
Dinah, came to look for her, her mistress having mis-
trusted she had a mind to play truant. This was about
nine; but madam took her walk, but where, she is not
come back to tell.

16. I arose before six, as I was much concerned to
see my wife so afflicted on the bad conduct, as before,
of her girl, Poll, who is not yet returned, but is:skulking
and running about town. This, I understand, was the

 

t See entry of October 3d.
Sept. 1775] of the American Revolution. 43

practice of her mother, who, for many years before the
death, was a constant plague to my wife, [and] who left
her this girl as a legacy, and who, by report, as well as
by my own knowledge for almost three years, has been
always so, down tothis time...... About eignt, word was
brought that Poll was just taken by sister Lynn, near
the market, and brought to their house. A messenger
was immediately despatched for [her,] as she could not
be found before, although a number of times they had
been hunting her. Brought home, I suppose, about ten.

18. As I went down town, called at [the] Coffee
House, an express being arrived from Ticonderoga ......
Thence to my son’s, and spent some time with Samuel
and John Adams ; from there, I called at Christopher
Gadsden’s lodgings, spent some little time with him;
from there to the place and drank balm tea with my
wife. Came home about dark, and spent the evening
there.

1g. Some of our militia, in number 5 with
wagons, money, and coarse clothing, set out for the
camp, near Boston, commanded by Major Cooks and

Capt. Cowperthwaite...... Attwo, I went to [the] manu-
factory by invitation, to consult with some of the mana-
gers respecting the employment of three, (it’s said) com-
plete spinners on the machine and cotton weavers, &c.
&c.

20. Past three went to the place, where Samuel
Adams, Governor Ward, John Adams and Christopher
Gadsden and son came, drank coffee, and spent the
afternoon in free conversation.

21. Went to the manufactory, where was a full board
of managers. Business went on with temper and good
humor, as Mr. Tillbury was absent.

25. Past ten, went to meet [the] sub-committee at
[the] Coffee House, where fifteen of the vendue masters
attended, and were qualified agreeably to the resolve
made by [the] Committee.

 

 
44 Christopher Marshall's Diary [SEPtT. 1775

27. Past eleven, went to [the] Committee Room, at
[the] Coffee House ; from there, went with last night’s
resolves to the Congress at the State House, in company
with John Benezet.

28. About one, went down to [the] wharf to see the
gondolas sail by, the delegates being aboard, with a great
number of others. Two of them, about Masters’
wharf, each carried away a mast.

Octoser 1. From New York, of Sept. 28th, ‘There
is a report in town that two thousand Canadians have
posted themselves between St. John’s and Montreal, to
cut off the communication between the town and
Carlton’s garrison.”

2. After breakfast, went to [the] State House. Elec-
tion began past ten.

3. Yesterday were chosen the following persons,
Representatives for this county, Joseph Parker, 3077
votes ; John Dickinson, 3122 ; Michael Hillegas, 3111;
George Gray, 3107; Thomas Potts, 3103; Samuel
Mills, 3098 ; Robert Morris, 1882; Jonathan Roberts,
1700. Sheriffs, William Dewees, 2985; John Bull,
1602. Coroners, Robert Jewell, 2213; William Moul-
der, 1602. Past three, I went to [the] State House.
Election for two burgesses then-about was begun. I
stayed there till near five. ...... N. B. Samuel Powell
was elected Mayor this day in the room of Samuel
Rhoads.

4. Yesterday were elected Burgesses for this City,
Benjamin Franklin, 775 votes; Thomas Mifflin, 724
VOLES. veeeee This afternoon, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas
Lynch and Benjamin Harrison, three of the delegates,
set out for Boston, being appointed to the service of
consulting and advising with the gentlemen in the Pro-
vincial army. ...... This day arrived, Ship Aurora, Capt.
Réed, from London, as did the Ship Clementine, Capt.
Brown, from Scotland, and Ship King of Prussia, Capt.
Potts, from Rotterdam. The two last with passengers.
Oct.1775]| of the American Revolution. as

6. About six, was called to [the] Committee Room,
where were twenty-nine members, some of whom by
information had been down to Chester after some letters
which they were informed were going to England, in
the possession of Christopher Carter, who had been
partner with Spikeman, in Market Street, which
said person they found, and then recovered [the letters]
by threats of detaining and bringing him up to town, and
after recovering said letters, in two parcels, one of them
directed to Thomas Corbyn, and the other to Mrs.
McCalla, and taking his qualification to the whole of
them, and of whom and by whom he received them,
they then discharged him, and brought the letters, which
were now read, and as they appeared to be base and
cruel invectives against the liberties of America, and
calculated by wicked men to inflame the minds of the
people in England against the Colonies in general, it was
directed that three of the authors be immediately taken
into custody, which was immediately put into practice
by securing Dr. Kearsley, James Brooks, and Leonard
Snowden (a Quaker), brewer in Pemberton Street, and
they were confined under a guard in the State House
until next morning. A seal was also put on the Doctor’s
desk, and a guard placed at his house. All this done
by eleven o’clock. N.B. James Brooks was taken up
at the Doctor’s, and Snowden at the Doctor’s street
door.

7. Notices called the Committee to meet at ten.
According I went and met them, there being about
seventy members. After some time being met, report
was made that there was reason to apprehend that there
was a great number of inimical letters on board the snow
Patty, bound to London, upon which a sub-committee
was sent down in a pilot boat to examine and bring them
all up that were suspected, and also all persons on board
that were suspected. This being done, a resolve was
brought in by three of the Committee of Safety from

4

 
46 Christopher Marshall’s Diary [Oct. 1775

the Congress, dated the sixth instant, ordering that all
suspected persons that were found to act inimical to the
rights and liberties of America that fell under our dis-
cussing and notice, should by us be delivered over for
trial of their offences to the Committee of Safety, they.
only being invested with that power and not we —we
having no right to hear or determine any case of that
kind.

This produced a warm debate for some time, and, at
length, upon motion seconded, whether the present papers,
relating to Kearsley, Brooks, Snowden and Ordale
(Minister of Burlington in the Jerseys), should, bya
Committee appointed, be carried to the Committee of
Safety for their sole judgment and determination, the
same motion was carried by a majority of the whole,
except one and myself. Past two, the Committee broke
up.
8. About two, was brought to town, Christopher
Carter with a number of letters from on board the brig
Black Prince. He was put into prison, where the three
before mentioned? were sent by the Committee of
Safety, last night, till further examination.

g. Went at ten o’clock to the Committee at the
Philosophical ; stayed till twelve, in which meeting,
fifteen members were chosen to assist the’ Committee of
Safety in the trials of Dr. Kearsley, Leonard Snowden,
J. Brooks, [and] Christopher Carter, whose trials then
came on before the Committee of Safety and those fif-
teen members, at the Lodge Room, and continued till
just dark before finished ...... N. B. The four persons
before mentioned were conveyed from prison and back
there again by a guard of associators, not less than fitty,
with drums, fifes, &c., &c.

10. Dr. Young called at my house, requesting me to
endeavor to collect a small supply for Mrs. Cleamuns, 4
woman driven from Boston with several children, whom

1 Kearsley, Brooks, and Snowden.
 
Oct. 1775] of the American Revolution. 47

they purposed to send and settle for the present amongst
a set of his friends near Albany, if a small contribution
could be made here for her, so as to convey her there,
and to help her a little at first settling down. I accord-
_ingly set out and waited upon some who threw in their
mites.
. Past ten, 1 went out collecting for Mrs. Clea-
Sins and collected, yesterday and to-day, with my own
mite, the sum of £3 2s. 6d. which I paid unto her-
Self: wees . Ship , Capt. Robison, arrived from Lon-
don, brought account that Richard Penn was arrived at
London, who carried the Congress’s petition to the
King, but that it was not delivered when he sailed, but
was to be in a few days after.

12. At six went to the manufactory; stayed there
till near nine. We were pleasant and agreeable, as
sundry humorsome spirits were present. ...... For sun-
dry pieces of news, see Evening Post, Numb. 113.

14. Took a walk down town and spent some time,
viewing two of the gondolas. ...... We have had many
fears for a day or two past, respecting a piece of news
from Boston, how that on the fourth instant, had sailed
from there, a fleet, consisting of one sixty-four, and one
twenty-gun ship, two sloops of eighteen guns, and two
transports, with six hundred men —their destination a
profound secret, but that they had taken on board two
mortars and four howitzers, with other artillery fitting for
bombardment of a town. This, we thought, might be
to visit us.

17. Near six, went to [the] Committee Room
(Society Hall) ; came away past nine. In that time a
petition from the privates, requesting this Committee’s
assistance respecting the General Association recom-
mended by the last Assembly and adopted by the Con-
gress. Upon motion, a Committee of nine were
appointed to meet to-morrow, consider and prepare a
draught by way of petition to the Assembly, now sitting,

 
48 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Oct. 1775

to enforce that resolve, but first to present it to this
Committee, who are to meet the nineteenth, at this
room, to consider the contents. At said time, a motion
that a petition be also presented to the Assembly, pray.
ing them to take the saltpetre works into their care,
The same was then written, read and approved of, signed
by George Clymer, Chairman, and delivered to Joseph
Parker, to present to-morrow.

18. Near twelve, went to the Committee Room, at
the Coffee House, being on the committee for settling
the conditions of security for vessels taking provisions
from one colony to another.

19. Near six, I went to [the] Committee Room at
[the] Society’s Hall, where news was brought by ——
West, of the Jerseys, that a Transport ship was stranded
at Brigantine Beach, near Egg Harbor, that some of
the men had come on shore, said she was from Boston,
and that, on her stranding, they had thrown all her gun-
powder and small arms overboard. Now as this account
was imperfect, the committee proposed sending an ex-
press directly, but Major Cox and Captain Ash propos-
ing to go, if agreeable, their proposal was readily accepted
of, and although it rained hard, and [was] very dark, yet
they intended to set off immediately, in order to send
back a true account, and if needful, to stay and assist
that part of the country.

20. James Cannon visited me this morning, respect-
ing a petition the Committee of privates intended to send
to the Assembly. I gave as my judgment that no time
should be lost, as I was apprehensive that the Assembly
might soon adjourn, in order to prevent any application
to them respecting a General Militia Law.

24. Near six this morning, Dr. Kearsley and James
Brooks, under a guard of eight of the Light Horse, left
this City for the different jails allotted them in this Pro-
vince. ...... To Ashton’s Ferry, as fifteen, called recruits
of Gage’s army, that were on board the ship stranded in
Oct. 1775] of the American Revolution. 49

the Jerseys were brought, under an escort of the Jersey
militia, and delivered to ours here, who took them to
our prison, ...... Past two, went and met part of [the]
Com mittee at [the] Coffee House ; from there went in
a body to Carpenters’ Hall, in order to attend the funeral
of Peyton Randolph (who had departed suddenly, after
dinner, last First Day, at the country house of Richard
Hills); then proceeded to Christ’s Church, where a
sermon was preached by Jacob Duché; then to Church
Burial Ground.

25. At three, went to [the] Committee at Society
Hall, being on the appointment of twelve members, to
hear and examine Captain Hastings, and the mate of the
ship Rachel and Francis, which was stranded at Brigan-
tine Beach on her voyage from Boston to New York,
respecting her cargo.

28. About three, went down town; called at John
Lynn’s; from there to Benja. Marshall’s; stayed till
near six in company with John Hancock and lady,
Samuel and John Adams, [Thomas] Cushing, [Eliphalet]
Dyer, Treat Paine, [John] Langdon, Silas Deane, and
another delegate not known to me; drank coffee there ;
from thence, through the rain to the manufactory, by
appointment, to consider a memorial to present to the
Assembly.

29. Near six in the evening, went to meet the Com-
mittee at the Philosophical Hall, being called to attend
by ticket from the Chairman, in order to consider a
‘“* Memorial presented by the People called Quakers” on
the twenty-seventh instant, to the Assembly now sitting.
This Committee accordingly met (present seventy-two
members) and, without one dissenting member, agreed
that the said Memorial should be counteracted. Agree-
ably thereto, a Committee of seven members, to wit,
McKean, Clymer, Smith, Jones, Delany, Wilcox and
Matlack, were appointed to prepare a draught for that
purpose, to be brought to this Committee to-morrow
50 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Oct. 1775

evening at six o’clock, for their approbation, in order to
be presented to the Assembly the thirty-first instant, in
the morning.

30. At six, went to meet [the] Committee at [the]
Philosophical Hall, by ticket, where the Remonstrance
to the Assembly in opposition to the one presented by
the Friends, was read and approved of by the whole body
that was there met, being seventy~four members, and
we were ordered to meet in a body at this house, and so
proceed to present it tothe Assembly to-morrow morning
at nine o’clock.

34. Just before nine, went to meet the Committee at
the Philosophical Hall. At ten, went, two by two,
being sixty-six in number, to the State House. Our
chairman, George Clymer, and Mr. McKean presented
our Petition to the Speaker of the House, who ordered
it to be read while we were all present, which was done
accordingly.

Novemper 1. Near twelve took a walk to [the]
Committee Room at [the] Coffee House ; came back
near one, having come to a resolution by the sub-com-
mittee then met to request the Chairman to call the
Committee this evening, in order to know why the arms
ordered to be made last June, were not done, nor yet set
about, and strictly to inquire who is guilty of that omis-
SION. ...... Yesterday arrived the King’s Proclamation,
dated London, 23d of August, 1775, wherein he has
declared all the Colonies to be in open rebellion, and
therein includes all his subjects within his realm tht
hold or maintain any correspondence with us by any
ways. This day, authenticated accounts were brought
of the burning and destroying of the town of Falmouth,’
consisting of between three and four hundred houses, by
the man-of-war, which, it’s said, fired three thousand balls
into it, which set it a fire.

3. Account just brought by express, of the surrender

™ Now Portland, Maine.
Nov. 1775] of the American Revolution. 1

of Fort Chamblee to Major Brown, on the Fourteenth
of October, in which was a great quantity of ammuni-
tion, provisions, warlike stores, &c., with the colors of
the Seventh Regiment or Royal Scotch Fusileers, which
were brought to the Congress.

6. Near five, son Benjamin accompanied me to Col.
Hancock’s lodgings, in order to see the ensigns or colors
taken at Fort Chamblee; found him and his lady at
home, spent an hour or two with him very agreeably.

7. Came back at one. News just brought, by the
way of Fairfield, of the taking of St. John’s Fort by
storm, with the loss of two hundred Provincials.

13. This morning, set out from this city for Canada,
Robert Treat Paine, Thomas Lynch [and] Philip Liv-
ingston.

15. Yesterday [an] express arrived, with the account
of the surrender of the Fort of St. John’s, on the Third
instant.

17. Account just brought of four vessels’ being just
taken by our friends at the eastward ; one ship loaded
with wood and hay, two with live stock, viz., cattle,
sheep, hogs, geese, turkeys, ducks, &c., and some hay.
One was a brig stranded, out of which were taken to
the camp, one hundred and eighteen pipes of Madeira
wine. It’s said that this belonged to Philadelphia.

21. Incompany with Sampson Levy, Thomas Combs,
and my son Benjamin, we viewed the inside of the new
prison ;* thence into Chestnut Street, to view the ar-
rival of Lady Washington, who was on her journey to
Cambridge, toher husband. She was escorted into the City
from Schuylkill Ferry, by the Colonel and other officers,
and light infantry of the Second Battalion, and the com-
pany of Light Horse, &c.

24. After dinner, as I had heard some threats thrown
out, that if the ball assembled this night, as it was pro-

™ Corner of Walnut and Sixth Streets.
52 Christopher Marshalls Diary (Nov. 1775

posed, they presumed that the New Tavein would cut
but a poor figure to morrow morning, these fears of some
commotion’s being made that would be very disagreea-
ble at this melancholy time, in disturbing the peace of
the City, I concluded, if possible, to prevent, in order
to which, I went to Col. Hancock’s lodgings, and find-
ing he was not come from Congress, and the time grew
short, being three o’clock, I walked up to the State
House, in expectation of meeting him. That failing, I
requested the door-keeper to call Samuel Adams, which
he accordingly did, and he came. I then informed him
of the account received of a ball, that was to be held
this evening, and where, and that Mrs. Washington and
Col. Hancock’s wife were to be present, and as such
meetings appeared to be contrary to the Eighth Resolve
of Congress, I therefore requested he would give my
respects to Col. Hancock, desire him to wait on Lady
Washington to request her not to attend or go this even-
ing. This he promised. Thence I went and met the
Committee at the Philosophical Hall, which was large and
respectable, being called together for this purpose only to
consider the propriety of this meeting or ball’s being held
this evening in this city, at the New Tavern, where,
after due aud mature consideration, it was then con-
cluded, there being but one dissenting voice (Sharp
Delany), that there should be no such meeting held, not
only this evening, but in future, while these troublesome
times continued, and a Committee was appointed, imme-
diately to go to inform the directors of this meeting, not
to proceed any further in this affair, and also to wait upon
Lady Washington, expressing this Committee’s great
regard and affection to her, requesting her to accept of
their grateful acknowledgment and respect, due to her
on account of her near connection with our worthy and
brave General, now exposed in the field of battle in de-
fence of our rights and liberties, and request and desire
her not tograce that company, to which, we are informed,
Nov. 1775] of the American Revolution. 53

she has an invitation this evening, &c., &c. Came home
near six. After I drank coffee, I went down to Samuel
Adams’s lodgings, where was Col. Dyer. Spent some
time pleasantly, until Col. Harrison came to rebuke
Samuel Adams for using his influence for the stopping
of this entertainment, which he declared was legal, just
and laudable. Many arguments were used by all pre-
sent to convince him of the impropriety at this time, but
all to no effect ; so, as he came out of humor, he so
returned, to appearance.

25. At half past eleven, went tothe Committee Room
at the Coffee House; came away near two. At this
time, Major Bayard, one of the four gentlemen appointed
to wait on Lady Washington, reported that they had
acted agreeably to directions, that the lady received them
with great politeness, thanked the Committee for their
kind care and regard in giving such timely notice, re-
questing her best compliments to be returned to them for
their care and regard, and to assure them that their sen-
timents on this occasion, were perfectly agreeable unto
her own.

27. About ten, Lady Washington, attended by the
troop of horse, two companies of light infantry, &c., &c.,
left this City, on her journey to the camp, at Cambridge.

30. Near nine, called by invitation at Paul Fooks’s,
he having illuminated for the taking of Montreal.

DeceMBER 10. As to public occurrences, I refer to
the weekly papers which I take, and [as] to what passes
worthy of notice in sub-committee, the minutes of that
board will relate, as will the minutes of the General
Committee, and the minutes of the American Manufac-
tory, to which records I refer the inquisitive. I ac-
knowledge now, the receiving, a few days past, sundry
presents from my friend Paul Fooks, viz., a neat window-
blind for my library room, two quarts of old French
brandy, and a plate of choice red herrings.

21. Within a few days past, arrived several small

5
54 Christopher Marshall's Diary [DEc.1775

 

cargoes of gunpowder, Capt. , fifteen hundred weight;
Captain Walter Stevens, six hundred and eighty pounds,
forty-nine muskets, thirteen silver handled hangers ; two
schooners, Rebecca, Captain Farey, the Ranger, Capt.
Cruse, both from Eustatia, twenty-three hundred pounds
of powder in fourteen half barrels, and sixty-six quarter
barrels, twenty-four neat swivel guns, and one hogs-
head of different sized pistols. ...... Near four, went to
meet some of [the] Committee members at Major Mor-
gan’s, in order to see to settle the price for some powder,
and the twenty-four swivel guns.

23. Lent Dr. Young an octavo volume, Salmon’s
Collection and Paraphrase, on the Works of the Philosophers,
Geber and Hermas, No. 97.

26. For public news, see Dunlap’s General Advertiser,
Numb. 218.

2g. After dinner (half after one), went to the Carpen-
ters’ Hall to meet as many of the subscribers to the
American Manufactory of Wool, Cotton, Flax, &c.,as
were pleased to attend, in order to settle sundry affairs
relating to the said company. Came away from there
about six.

30. For public occurrences, see Pennsylvania Ledger,
Numb. 49.

31. Sundry pieces of news last night in the Evening
Post, Numb. 147.

776.

January 3. News brought to-day of a skirmish be-
tween the Pennsylvanians and the Connecticut people*
in which Jesse Lukens was killed.

6. At four, went to meet [the] Committee at [the
Philosophical Hall (per notice sent), The business was
to enquire respecting the conduct of Parson Smith and
Tench F....., they having, as reported, spoken and
acted very disrespectfully of the Congress and all our

*In the Wyoming country, then claimed by both provinces.
Jan. 1776] of the American Revolution. 55

proceedings. John M...... » who was [present] and had
given notice of said Smith’s conduct, being called upon,
used such equivocal and unmeaning expressions, beneath
the dignity of a member of society, much less a member
of this Committee and of Safety, in order to exculpate
the said Smith, that no hold could, at present, be taken
of him. The other was put off till next Third [day]
evening, and six members appointed to make enquiry
respecting his and other persons’ proceedings in the pro-
secuting of the contestat Wyoming ...... News brought
this evening of three tons of gunpowder arrived at Ege
Harbor or Cape May, thirty-nine tons near the camp,.
and six tons at New York.

7. It’s said, an express arrived from Rhode Island on
the Fifth instant to the Monthly Meeting of Friends in
this City, the contents of which has induced their mem-
bers to sit pretty constant for these two days past. What
they may hatch or bring forth, Time will make manifest.
By yesterday’s post, [a] letter from [the] camp before
Quebec, dated [the] sixth of last month, gives an account
that Gen. Montgomery had joined Col. Arnold with
some artillery and about three thousand men; that our
men were in high spirits, and were now well clothed with
the regimentals destined for the seventh and twenty-sixth
regiments, which were taken at Fort St. John’s; that
they were making preparations to attack the enemy, who
are in close garrison, but, it’s thought, could not hold
out long, as they intended, after they had summoned
them to surrender and they refused, immediately to en-
deavor to take it by a general storm. See Evening Post,
Numb, 150.

8. This morning arrived, via New York, the King’s
Speech to both houses of Parliament, 27th of October,
17753 also, account of three hundred large barrels of
gunpowder landed not far from New York to the East-
ward ...... This afternoon, news came of the Schooner,
Charming Polly’s arrival at Chester, with sixty tons of
56 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Jan. 1776

saltpetre and Sloop Trial with one thousand pounds of
powder.

g. At breakfast, I was visited by Paul Fooks’s house-
keeper, who informed that their boy, Neal, had heard
his sister Rosanna Thompson, who lived at [Richard]
Bache’s, [say] that James Brattle,servant man to James
Duane, one of [the New] York delegates, was employed
by Governor Tryon, to collect and send him all the news
he could find, on board the Asia, for which he should
be well rewarded and also be preferred to some post, in
consequence of which, he had written to him, and in
particular the day our fleet sailed with their number, &c.
On this information, I called upon some of our Com-
mittee at [the] Coffee House. Joseph Dean went with
me, but could gain nothing. Wereturned. Then John
Bayard went with me to Joseph Reed’s: he not at home;
thence to see him at [the] Committee of Safety: not
there ; thence to[the] Court House; found him. After
taking his advice, went to Hall’s* Printing Office ; took
[Richard] Bache home with us; called his maid; exam-
ined her. She seemed confounded, but, on the whole,
denied it. From thence to [the] Coffee House, where
consulting Major Cox, he joined us two. We went to
[the] State House; called out Mr. Duane ; informed
him ; he seemed confounded ; requested us to attend him
to his house. We did. He called his man, examined
him, took him up stairs and made search, all to no pur-
pose. We then went, took him with us to Paul Fooks’s;
examined the boy who persisted. We brought the boy
back to the Duane’s lodgings ; sent for the young woman,
who, upon seeing her brother, confessed that what he
had said was true. James was called and interrogated,
but all to no purpose. Then Major Cox and Mr. Duane
took him up stairs again, and while they were employed
in that business, he slipped down stairs, out through the

1 Hall was first the partner, afterwards the successor of Franklin, in the
printing business,
Jan. 1776] of the American Revolution. 57

yard, and [they] have seen no more of him. Major
Bayard and myself waited for them in the parlor. Thus
he escaped.

13. Went to Bell’s; bought a pampblet called Cym-
mon Sense.

15. By the New York Post, which arrived Seventh
Day night, at nine o’clock, account that Admiral Shul-
dam was arrived, and five hundred fresh troops at Boston,
from Ireland, The regiments were the fifty-fifth and
seventeenth ; that two regiments had gone to Halifax,
and two had pushed into the River St. Lawrence to try
for Quebec. An account, by a deserter from Boston,
on the Third instant, was that a fleet consisting of nine
transports, with three hundred and sixty men, was ready
to sail under convoy of the Scarborough and Fowey men-
of-war, with two bomb vessels and flat bottomed boats,
said to be for Newport, Long Island, or Virginia; and
that five thousand militia had joined General Washington,
and taken the places of those soldiers who would not
stay beyond their time of service; that they were good
troops, and the whole army impatient for an opportunity
of action.

17, Near seven, Christopher Gadsden, and son came
to take their leave, they being to embark for South
Carolina to-morrow.

18. Yesterday arrived an account of our forces’ at-
tempting to take Quebec, but repulsed with the loss of
Gen. Montgomery, and some more officers of note, upon
which the Provincial troops were immediately drawn off,
but as the accounts at present remain uncertain as to the
particulars, we are impatiently waiting for substantial ac-
counts from that quarter.

20. In the evening, met a few friends of America at
Fountain Tavern, in Chestnut Street, in order to consult
and consider of proper persons to be elected Committee
men at the next election in this City for that purpose,
as the time of this Committee expires the Sixteenth of
58 Christopher Marshall s Diary [Jan. 1776

next month. From there, I visited some of the delegates,
with Silas Deane, Col. Floyer, and the two new ones
from Connecticut.

22. About nine, I went to meet [the] Committee at
[the] Philosophical Hall, by summons, in order to answer
the request of Congress, which was to make application
to the inhabitants of this City and Liberties, for a number
of blankets to enable the battalions who are under orders
to march for Canada, as none were to be purchased in
the stores. This request was immediately complied
with, and the members formed themselves into companies
accordingly and set out on the business.

23. Cold morning. Snow fell in the night. Went
past eleven to [the] Committee Room ; came home
before one; took a walk to the barracks, as Capt.
Dorsey’s company marched out of town with their
baggage this forenoon. ...... Near six, went to [the]
Committee Room at [the] Philosophical Hall. Came
away about nine. It was there concluded to break the
lock that F...... and Sons had put upon their store door,
take out their goods and sell them to-morrow at public
vendue, the which I would have the Committee of
Safety do, but it was overruled.

24. After dinner took a walk down town to see our
floating battery, man-of-war, &c.; came home; then
went to John Bayard’s vendue.

25. Past nine, went to [the] Committee Room, at
[the] Philosophical Hall, by notices, in order to consider
of ways and means to provide arms for some of the
marching companies for Quebec.

26. Went to [the] Committee Room at [the] Philo-
sophical Hall, by call per ticket ; left it at twelve, it being
to consult who should be nominated as Burgess, in the
room of Thomas Mifflin, at camp. Two were proposed,
viz., Joseph Reed and George Clymer, but the first was,
by vote, carried to be put. ...... At , went to the
State House with my ticket.

 
Jan. 1776] of the American Revolution. 59

27. Joseph Reed, our Chairman, [was] elected yester-
day one of our Burgesses, in the room of Thomas
Mifflin, resigned.

28. Notwithstanding the severe cold weather for
some days past, yet several companies of our First
Battalion have marched from town for Canada. By the
Post, last evening, we learn that two large transports,
laden with provisions and ammunition, bound for Boston
from England, are taken and carried into Newburyport.

30. After five, went to the Committee Room, Philo-
sophical Hall; came away past nine. ...... At this
meeting, complaint was made against John Drinker,
hatter, for refusing taking Continental money, who,
being sent for, acknowledged he did, and that in point
of conscience, he refused it, upon which he was to be
censured agreeably to the resolve of Congress published
[January rth, 1776], but to be referred for one week,
in order for him to consider well of it.t

31. Near six, went to [the] Committee Roomat [the]
Philosophical Hall, being called by ticket. At this
meeting, Thomas and Fisher were sent for, upona
. complaint of their refusing the Continental Money, to
which complaint they made no objection, by acknow-
ledging the complaint to be just and true, and said that
from conscience’s sake, they could not take it in future ;
upon which they were ordered to bé censured in the
public papers next week.

Fesruary 2. After dinner, spent some time writing
something by way of Address to the Congress, to be
laid before the sub-committee, this evening, for approba-
tion, at the Coffee House Room. ..... . Went and spent
till near nine in conversation with Samuel Adams.

 

™ Congress ordained that persons refusing to receive the Continental Bill®
of Credit, or who should obstruct and discourage the currency and circula-
tion thereof, should, on conviction, be deemed, published and treated as
enemies of the country, and be precluded from all trade or intercourse with
the inhabitants of the Colonies.
60 Christopher Marshall's Diary [FEB. 1776

3. At eleven, went to Thomas Lawrence’s; signed
the Remonstrance, to have it presented to Congress, but
as they had adjourned to Monday, it was referred to be
presented then. This morning, Capt. Mason arrived in
town, having left his brig, loaded with arms, ammunition
[and] saltpetre, off the Cape.

6. News brought of General Clinton’s arrival at Go-
vernor’s Island, near New York, with six hundred men
and two men-of-war, and also of General Lee at New
York, with fifteen hundred men.

13. After dinner, I went to the State House Yard to
see the volunteers for New York turn out of each of
the four battalions of the Associators.

15. This afternoon, came account of Gen. Clinton
with the transports’ sailing from New York and the
Narrows. This prevented our Battalion of Volunteers
from going hence to New York,

16. Past six, went to [the] State House; gave my
vote for Committee men.

19. Near ten, went to [the] Philosophical [Hall];
met the Committee; went from there to [the] State
House. Past eleven, joined and went in procession with
Congress, Assembly, Committee of Safety, Corporation,
&c., to the Calvanist Church in Race Street, where a
funeral sermon was delivered by Dr. Smith, on the death
of Gen. Montgomery.

22. Paid 3d. poor tax for the Northern Liberties.

23. Past one, went to son Charles’s and dined with
Governors Hopkins and Ward, Silas Deane, Col. Lewis,
Mr. Brown, Badcock, Paul Fooks, and a stranger.
After dinner, spent the afternoon in conversation ; drank
coffee there; I then went to Col. Hancock’s lodgings ;
stayed some time with him and his spouse. IJ then went
and met the Managers of the Prison Society at Armi-
tage’s came away past nine.

* The Society for alleviating the miseries of prisoners.
Fes. 1776 | of the American Revolution. 61

26. Half past eight, went to [the] Coffee House by
appointment from [the] General Committee ; met Hoar,
Mead, and Matlack ; after agreeing upon [a] Memorial
to Congress, went with [it] to James Searle’s, he being
one appointed ; found him at home poorly. After all
signing the Remonstrance, the three before mentioned
and myself waited upon Col. Hancock and delivered it
to him, to present to Congress. ...... Took a walk to
see the battalions. ...... Past seven, went to Samuel and
John Adams’s lodgings ; stayed till past nine.

28. Went to [the] Committee Room at [the] Philo-
sophical Hall and met Committee, by ticket, in order to
procure a Convention to be called, the which, after some
debates, was agreed to, but the mode of doing it was re-
ferred to a meeting to be called to-morrow evening.

29. At past five, went to the Committee Room, Phi-
losophical Hall; came away past eight; at which the
time for the Convention’s being called was concluded,
viz., the Second of April next, to meet in this City.

Marcu 2. To [the] State House, they being choosing
a Burgess in the room of B. Franklin.t

4. Spent the afternoon at home, chiefly writing till
five o’clock, when [I] went to meet [the] Committee at
[the] Philosophical Hall (called by notices), in order to
take into consideration the Report of the Committee of
Correspondence respecting the propriety of suspending
the calling of the Provincial Convention for a few days
in order to see the event of sundry petitions now before
the House of Assembly. Accordingly, the suspension
was agreed to.

5. My wife rose early in order to attend her servants
at the place. Fine pleasant morning, but gloomy wind,
southwardly. Breakfasted alone. Visited by William
Clifton and William Bradford; invited to attend the
sub-committee at ten this forenoon, at [the] Coffee

 

t David Rittenhouse was elected.
62 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Mar. 1776

House, in order to consider of the powder, saltpetre and
arms brought yesterday in brig Hannah, Capt. James
Neale, from Holland.

6. Near seven, went to the Committee Roon, called
by ticket to consider means to prevent the high prices
of sundry kinds of goods, viz., Rum, Sugar, Molasses,
Coffee, Pepper, Salt, Cocoa, Chocolate, &c. Came
home past ten, after passing sundry resolves.

g. After five, went to [the] Coffee House ; stayed
there till after the fight of Carson and Price in the
street, first with sticks, then with fists, but parted. Past
seven, the fire-flat was set fire to, which answered the
purpose to admiration of the persons present, which were
a great number collected on that occasion before the
Coffee House and down tothe wharf. From thence
went to the Committee Room at Philosophical Hall,
called by notices to consult and consider the most expe-
ditious way to collect hard money to send to Canada.
The Committee, taking it into consideration, concluded
to meet in each several district next Second Day at nine,
and there appoint sub-committees to go through the City
and try what sum they can exchange Continental money
for into gold and silver for that service. From there,
walked down Market Street to Front, and found the
raft still burning. It was said it burned till one in the
morning. ‘This afternoon came to town, the Prussian
General, as he is called, from the camp.

13. After dinner, wentto Dr. Young’s. Stayed there
hearing him read a piece as answer to Common Sense,
called Plain Truth, but very far from coming up to the
title. ...... Examined Cassandra’s answer to Cato’s two
letters in Hall and Seller’s Gazette this week, No. 2464."

15. Paid Bright, 3s. tod. for lamp and watch
tax. Past five, went to James Cannon’s. Drank

 

 

t The Essays of Cassandra, which, I learn, were highly esteemed, were
written by James Cannon.
Mar. 1776] of the American Revolution. 63

coffee there with Timothy Matlack; stayed in conver-
sation til] near seven. (Dr. Smith said these words in
the presence of James Davidson, Timothy Matlack and
Cannon — That Great Britain would mortgage Ame-
rica for as much money as would enable her to conquer
it.)

17. For sundry pieces of material news, see Evening
Post, No. 180.

18. After dinner, went down to Samuel and John
Adams’s lodgings; not at home; I left there with the
maid the works of George Stonehouse, neatly bound and
lettered, viz., Universal Restitution, Scripture Doctrine,
&%c., Universal Restitution further defended, &c., Christ's
Temptations Real Facts, &c., asa present. From there
[ went and visited Governor Ward, in the small pox. ..... j
Near seven, went by appointment to meet eleven of the
sub-committee, who with me had before valued, at
Jacob Winey’s six hundred and ninety-four guns, bayo-
nets, gunpowder, &c., the which said Winey now ob-
jected to, when after hearing his objections we confirmed
our former settlement, to wit, that, the Committee of
Secrecy pay the sum of £3 155. per piece, when they are
put in proper order by the Commissary, and buy the can-
non powder, at £17 10s. per cwt., provided upon trial
it be good. The charge of repairing was what Winey

- objected to, being £80 5s.

20. Went at nine o’clock to meet a Committee by
appointment, to draw a Remonstrance to the Assembly,
requesting to rescind their directions to our delegates.*......
Then went to Pau] Fooks’s: stayed some time there
with General Baron De Weldke, the Prussian. ......
Near seven, went to [the] Committee Room, Philo-
sophical Hall, called there by summons; came away
about nine. At this meeting, Benjamin Sharpless Tan-
ner was complained of [for] refusing the Continental
Money. He was sent for, and acknowledged the charge.

tSee postea, note to June 8th.
64 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Manr. 1776

He was requested to think and give his final answer:
whether he would recant or no, at our next meeting,

23. Down town to see the Province Ship launched,

24. For public occurrences, see Evening Post, Numb.
183.

oe This morning, about two o’clock, departed my
honored and worthy friend, Governor Ward, by the
small pox, which he bore with manly and great patience,
His loss will be deplored by all the true friends of liberty
in these colonies, who knew his merits. ...... Dined at
home with Thomas Paine. ...... We hear, that on the
seventeenth instant, about nine in the forenoon, the
Ministerial army evacuated Boston, and that the United
Colonies are in actual possession of the town, and that
they [the British] have left effects by their sudden de-
parture to between Thirty and Forty Thousand Pounds,

27. At three, went to [the] Committee Room at
[the] Philosophical, being appointed to meet there in
order to go in a body to the funeral of Gov. Ward from
his late lodgings in Lodge Alley. We went there and
accompanied the corpse to the new building in Arch
Street, where an excellent discourse, suitable to the oc-
casion, was delivered by Samuel Stileman. After ser-
vice, the corpse, in same procession, was carried to the
Baptist Meeting House, in which he was interred.

28. News brought of the defeat of the Ministerial
party in North Carolina. See Pennsylvania Journal.

31. A complete relation of the taking possession of
Boston is in the Evening Post, Numb. 186.

AprIL 1. About three, went to James Cannon’s.
Spent good part of this afternoon and evening till eight
there, in conversation with Thomas Paine, Dr. Young,
James Wigdon and Timothy Matlack. Came away
about eight, by the cry of “Fire”; went home; thence
up town where the malt house, and new front house of
Robert Hare was in flames. Went with Col. Rober-
deau to the powder magazine, where a number of us
ApriIL 1776] of the American Revolution. 65

attended with an engine, which played upon the magazine
and other huildings adjacent for fear of sparks.

5. Dined at home with James Cannon. We then
went to Paine’s ; stayed some time ; thence Cannon and
I went to Dr. Young’s; not at home. We went up to
Kensington ; found him and several friends there at work
on board the frigate building by Messrs. Eyre. We
joined them in assisting what we could till night. Then
came home.

6. Near two, set off for Kensington, in order to assist
with a number of fellow citizens in getting the lower
deck beams on board the frigate building by Messrs.
Eyre. I presume there came not short of one hundred,
who stayed till they were all put on board (in which
were included three parts of the Light Infantry of First
Battalion, who came in warlike array), Came away
just at dark.

. Near seven, went to [the] Committe Room at
{the] Philosophical Hall; came away before ten; at
which meeting, Townsend Spikeman attending, owned
he refused and could not take the Continental money.
He refusing to appeal, his case was ordered to be pub-
lished.

11. After dinner, went to Kensington, where a number
of inhabitants met, in order to assist in getting the lower
deck beams in the ship that was building for man-of-war,
by Bruce and Company.

16. News confirmed of our fleet’s arrival at New
London, and of thearrival of Gen. Washington at New
York. Some particulars, See in Evening Post, Numb.
IO 3. acne Near seven, went to [the] Committee Room
at [the] Philosophical Hall ; came home past ten, Great
debate about rescinding the prices some time past affixed
to sundry articles by the Committee. ‘This debate arose
from a Remonstrance, now presented by sundry citizens.

18. Near seven, went to [the] Committee Room at
[the] Philosophical Hall; called by summons, where
66 Christopher Marshall s Diary [APRIL 17°

the rights and powers of the Committee were discuss
and prove to be invested in them by the votes of Cc
gress and the call and nomination of the people at lar,
and that the regulations they had entered into were w
founded. Yet in order to promote peace and harmo
at this time, a vote was passed (contrary to mine a
many others’ present approbation) that a Remonstran
be sent to Congress requesting them to explain sor
former Resolves. A Committee was appointed for tk
purpose, to draught it and bring it to the next meeti
for approbation. At this meeting, after Committee w
over, many stayed and appointed sixteen members pr
sent to confer with the Committee of Privates and t
Patriotic Society, respecting the candidates for Burgess
on the First of May next. Agreed to meet to-morrc
evening.

1g..Near seven, went to William Thorn’s schc
room, Videll’s Alley; met a number of persons a
pointed to consult upon persons proper to be returned
four Burgesses from this City, on the First of Ma
Came away past nine, having adjourned to seven t
morrow evening at same place. I was chosen Chairma
J. Cannon, Secretary.

20, Went thence to James Cannon’s. Past seve
went with him to William Thorn’s school room, as |
appointment last night. Came away about ten.

21. Many, I understand, were the private meetin;
of those called moderate men (or those who are for r
conciliation with Great Britain upon the best terms sl
will give us, but by all means to be reconciled to or wit
her), in order to consult and have such men carried f
Burgesses at the Election (First of May) as will be su
to promote, to accept and adopt all such measure
These are the schemes that are now ardently pursue
by those men.

23. Near eight, I went with J. B. Smith to Cc
Hancock’s, to deliver a Remonstrance from the. Con
AprRiL 1776] of the American Revolution. 67

mittee to Congress (we being appointed for that service),
the which he received very politely and promised to
perform and favor us with the result of Congress
thereon.

25. Went to Jacob Schriner’s; met sundry persons
there ; went thence to the sign of Rotterdam in Third
Street ; stayed till the ticket was settled for Inspectors,
and three persons to put into practice the Resolve of
Assembly for disarming Non-Associators. ...... Thence,
tomeet the Committee at William Thorn’s school room,
where we concluded and fixed the ticket for four Bur-
gesses, viz., George Clymer, Col. Roberdeau, Owen
Biddle [and] Frederick Kuhl, but to be kept a secret
from the public till after our next meeting on Second
Day night, at that place [at] seven o’clock.

27. Past two, went to Kensington, where a number
of persons, not much short of one hundred and fifty,
were collected, in order to get the upper deck beams
into both the frigates building there. The same was
completed, without any accident’s happening, by six in
the evening. I then came away with Frederick, Kuhl,
James Davidson and James Cannon, to whose house I
went and drank coffee.

28. After supper, Joseph Lecond and myself took a
walk down to Plumstead’s wharf, in order to see what
readiness the two ships of war were in, as they were
under sailing orders, occasioned by an express, arrived
about three this afternoon, who left Lewistown about
six last night, sent by land from Henry Fisher, giving an
account that the man-of-war, the Roebuck, pursuing a
vessel, had, that afternoon, run ashore on the Brandy-
wine [shoals] and was then, to appearance, fast. The
vessels were nigh ready, as we learned, and would sail
in the morning.

May 1. At nine, A.M., went to William Thorn’s
school room by appointment ; from thence to my sons’ ;
thence to [the] Coffee House and so home ; from there
68 Christopher Marshall's Diary [May 1776

down to [the] drawbridge ; thence to the State House ;
stayed till one ; went in company with Thomas Paine
and dined at son Christopher’s. Went back to the
State House; engaged till past five; then went with James
Cannon to his house ; drank coffee there ; then we re-
turned to the State House; stayed till eight ; then I
came home, eat supper and went back. Stayed till past
ten, the Sheriff having proclaimed to close the poll in
half an hour. This has been one of the sharpest con-
tests, yet peaceable, that has been for a number of years,
except some small disturbance among the Dutch, oc-
casioned by some unwarrantable expressions of Joseph
Swift, viz., that except they were naturalized, they had
no more right toa vote than a Negro or Indian; and
also, past six, the Sheriff, without any notice to the pub-
lic, closed the poll and adjourned till nine to-morrow and
shut the doors. ‘This alarmed the people, who imme-
diately resented it, few to the Sheriff and to the doors
and obliged him again to open the doors and continue
the poll till the time above prefixed. I think it may be
said with propriety that the Quakers, Papists, Church,
Allen family, with all the Proprietory party, were never
seemingly so happily united as at this election, notwith-
standing Friends’ former protestation and declaration of
never joining with that party since the club or knock-
down Election. (Oh! tell it not in Gath, nor publish
it in the streets of Askalon, how the testimony is trampled
upon!) About midnight, casting up the poll, it turned
out thus, viz., Samuel Howell, 941 ; Andrew Allen,
923; George Clymer, 923; Alexander Wilcox, 921;
Thomas Willing, g11; Frederick Kuhl, go4 ; Owen
Biddle, 903; and Daniel Roberdeau, 890. '

4. Took a walk alone, down to the old fort, viewing
the preparations making along the bank of our river, viz.

tIt thus appears that the Tories and Moderates elected three of their
candidates, Messrs. Howell, Allen and Wilcox, the Whigs but one, Mr.
Clymer.
May 1776] of the American Revolution. 69

fire boats, building frigates, cheveaux de frises, &c. ......
Post from New York this morning. For news, see
Evening Post, Numb. 201. This day, were executed on
our commons, William Bales and James Jones, for street
robbery, and John Woodward for the murder of his wife.

5. This day arrived the Brig Lexington from her cruise
of weeks ; she having carried away her foremast in
being chased by two King’s ships for eight hours, who
were convoy to [the] fleet of soldiers (where bound was
uncertain). Upon this loss, he prudently returned, passed
the man-of-war at our capes, who fired one gun at him,
which he returned as he passed her. It’s said a French
vessel with twenty-four tons of saltpetre [and] thirteen
tons of powder, from Port Orient, hearing of the man-
of-war at our capes, put into Ege Harbor, and is there
safe secured by our people.

6. About twelve, alarmed by account of the men-of-
war’s coming up. Our alarm gun was fired, the flag
hoisted ; sundries much alarmed. ...... News just pub-
lished of forty-five thousand English and Foreign Troops
expected to be sent into America.

8. Near two, went to [the] Coffee House; the City
alarmed with hearing a great number of heavy cannons
firing down the river. ‘The drums beat to arms, and a
number of volunteers went down in boats in order to
assist, as the report was that the Roebuck, of forty, and
the Liverpool of twenty-eight guns, with tenders, were
got above New Castle, standing up the river.

g. After dinner, went to [the] Coffee House, where
various reports were circulated, how that the Roebuck
ran aground, &c., that upon the whole, it appeared that
little damage has been sustained on our side, but as no
express has arrived this day, we are in suspense. Near
five, I went and drank coffee at James Cannon’s; after-
wards he and I took a walk to the State House Yard.
There, we heard the fight was renewed by the constant
discharge of heavy cannon.

6

 
70 Christopher Marshalls Diary [May 1776

10. Various accounts of the affair down the river,
between the men of war and our gondolas, but nothing
that’s certain, save our men conducted themselves
valiantly, and obliged the men-of-war to fall down
below New Castle, being handled very roughly.

11. Little further accounts from below, but agreed
that no person was killed or wounded by the enemy,
that our officers of six of the gondolas have done their
duty with credit, both officers and men having distin-
guished themselves nobly and gained great reputation,
The others not showing the same bravery and resolu-
tion, I hope will be enquired strictly into. Great num-
bers of families have moved out of town this last week.

13. Then back to James Cannon’s. Stayed there till
past ten, in company with Paul Fooks, Thomas Paine,
Dr. Rush, Benjamin Harbeson, Timothy Matlack,
James Cannon, &c. Appointed to call upon sundry
other persons, to meet to-morrow night, at Burnside’s
school-room at eight, to take in consideration and to
concert a plan necessary to be adopted on the meeting
of our Assembly, next Second Day. ...... This afternoon,
Col. Thomas Mifflin, in company with his wife and
attendants, arrived in town from New York.

14. Went to James Cannon’s; spent some time in
[the] College Yard with him and a person from Cum-
berland county, respecting public affairs. ...... At eight,
went with Paul Fooks [and] Thomas Paine to Burn-
side’s school room. Met several there agreeably to
appointment. Agreed to draw up [the] heads of a Pro-
test to be brought to-morrow night for approbation ......
This day came an account, via New York that “the
Assembly of Rhode Island in their May sessions have
passed an Act absolving the inhabitants of that colony
from their allegiance to the King of Great Britain.”

15. Part of several pieces of the men-of-war, beat of
by our gondolas the other day, was brought to the Coffee
House this day. ...... Past seven, went and met a large
May 1776] of the American Revolution. as

number of persons at the Philosophical, by appointment
(Col. McKean in the chair), where was debated the
resolve of Congress of the fifteenth instant, respecting
the taking up and forming new governments in the
different colonies. Adjourned, past ten, till three to-
morrow at said place.

16. At ten, went to [the] Committee at [the] Philo-
sophical Hall, by appointment, to consider what may be
necessary respecting the Quakers on the next Fast Day.
The same was maturely considered, and upon the whole,
a handbill was ordered to be printed and dispersed, as
also to be published in the Evening Past, Numb. 296,
for all people to refrain from treating any Friend on
that day, who should open their shops, with any kind of
ill treatment whatever. ...... At four, to the Philosophi-
cal Hall, to meet a number of persons, to consider what
steps might be necessary to take, on the dissolution of
government, as published this day. It was concluded to
call a convention with speed ; to protest against the pre-
sent Assembly’s doing any business in their House
until the sense of the Province was taken in that Con-
vention to be called, &c., with the mode and manner of
doing these several things by or on next Second Day.
Then adjourned to Seventh Day morning next, at six
o’clock. ...... Dispersed a number of handbills, as pub-
lished this day. ...... It’s said by a letter from New
York, that our people had possessed and destroyed part
of the lower town of Quebec and made a breach in the
walls of the upper town, about the Twenty-third of last
month,

17. This day is what was appointed for the Fast to be
kept through this Continent. Our neighborhood ex-
tremely quiet, observant and composed, in compliance
with the resolve of the Honorable Congress, yet there
was some noise in some few other parts of the City. ......
Account just brought that one of our small vessels, called
the Congress, has taken a prize, carried her into Sandy
72 Christopher Marshall’ s Diary [May 1776

Puxton in Virginia, with three hundred half-joes, and
that the Commissioners and the Hessians are arrived at
Halifax.

18. About nine, the New York post came, brought
account by letter from Albany that they had account
dated the Fifteenth instant, that our forces raised the
siege of Quebec upon the appearance of four men-of-
war, leaving all their provisions, a number of cannon and
two hundred sick and wounded men. ...... Went about
seven to [the] Committee Room at [the] Philosophical
Hall s-.ssec Came away past nine. The call of this
meeting was to consider a letter from Joshua F...... and
Sons, respecting a load of saltpetre lodged in the Com-
mittees’ store, it being shipped contrary to resolve of
Congress in Dec. 1774, but as their letter now wasa
Jesuitical contrivance to impose upon the country and
deceive the Committee, a true state of the case was or-
dered to be published. A request was brought to this
Committee, from a large company of the City and
Liberties, that a general call be made of the inhabitants
of the City and Liberties, to meet next Monday at nine
o’clock forenoon at the State House, in order to take the
sense of the people respecting the resolve of Congress of
the Fifteenth instant, the which, after debate, was agreed
to, only five dissenting voices.*

20. At ten, went to [the] Coffee House, thence to
[the] State House Yard, where, it was computed, Four
thousand people were met, notwithstanding the rain, and
then, sundry resolves were passed unanimously except

On the Tenth of May, 1776, it was Resolved by Congress to recom-
mend to the several Assemblies and Conventions of the United Colonies,
where no Government sufficient to the exigencies of their affairs had been
established, to adopt such a government, as should, in the opinion of the
Representatives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and safety of
their constituents in particular and of America in general. A preamble to
this Resolution, agreed to on the Fifteenth of May, stated the intention
to be, totally to suppress the exercise of every kind of authority under the

British Crown.
May 1776] of the American Revolution. 75

one, and there was one dissenting voice, to wit, Isaac
Gray. Near twelve, all was completed quietly and
peaceably. ..... . Went to [the] Committee Room at
[the] Philosophical Hall, where were confirmed the re-
solves at the State House, and directions, with proper
persons appointed to go with the said resolves to the
different counties.

22. N. B. Yesterday, arrived in town Major General
Gates from New York.

24. Yesterday, about two o’clock P. M., came into
[town] from New York, General Washington, as did
his lady, the day before. Past ten, went to meet [the]
Committee at [the] Philosophical Hall, called by notices.
Here was an Address to Congress concluded on, in an-
swer to the Remonstrance that was, or is intended to be,
sent from the Assembly, to counteract our proceedings
last Second Day at the State House. This was to be
delivered as soon as their Remonstrance was read in
Congress. This paper or Remonstrance of their’s was
carried by numbers, two by two, into almost all parts of
the town to be signed by all (tag, longtail and bob), and
also sent into the country, and much promoted by the
Quakers. See the copy in Evening Post, Numb. 209.

25. Thence to James Cannon’s, who was gone out
this morning with Tim. Matlack, Benjamin Harbeson,
Lieutenant Chambers [and] William Miles to meet
sundry county members at Norrington: this after-
noon, ..... . Account arrived by express of our privateer
Franklin’s taking and carrying into Boston a store ship
of three hundred tons, having seventy-five tons of gun-
powder, one thousand stand of arms, &c., &c. See
Evening Post, Numb. 210.

26. Sundry material advices from England were pub-
lished in Pennsylvania Fournal, No. 1746.

27. Past two took a walk on the commons to see the

tThen in Philadelphia county, now in the county of Montgomery, which
was formed in 1784, from the North Western part of Philadelphia county.
74 Christopher Marshall's Diary [May 1776

review of sundry battalions of militia and the recruits,
which were drawn up regularly with the troop of horse
and train of artillery. “The Generals were Washington
(chief), Gates and Mifflin, with the Congress, members
of Assembly, a number of clergymen, officers, &c., and
a vast concourse of people, with between twenty and
thirty of the Indians of the six nations.

28. Past seven, went to the Philosophical Hall and
met the Committee there. Joshua F...... and Sons’
letter to us, respecting salt, was now referred to Con-
gress for their determination. Three letters were
appointed to be written by Committees appointed, viz.,
one to Cumberland county, one to Philadelphia county,
Committees in answer to their’s, one to the Managers
of the Hospital respecting Thomas F......’s being elected
Manager.

30. After dinner, went to James Cannon’s. Stopped
by the way by Humphrey Marshall. Spent near an hour
with him in the street, with two or three of the House
of Assembly, on the state of the times. ...... Dr. Young,
being returned from Yorktown, came there to see
ME. .... Heard his declaration of his expedition, read
his letters from the Committee."

31. Past seven, went tothe Committee Room at [the]
Philosophical Hall; came away past nine, having ap-
pointed a Committee to settle the price of salt, find the
quantity, &c. Also had sundry letters read from Com-
mittee of Yorktown and Lancaster. Went from there
to James Cannon’s, found a select company of friends
of the liberties of America. Stayed and supped.

June 1. Thence to meet [the] Committee at [the]
Philosophical Hall, where the prices of salt and teas
were settled for the present, and a determination to.
support the resolve of Congress, dated May 25th, at all

 

*Dr. Young appears to have been one of the gentlemen sent into the
different counties with the resolves of the town meeting of May 2oth.
Yorktown or York is the county town of York county, Penn.
June 1776] of the American Revolution. 75

hazards. A resolution was come to for presenting a
Memorial to the County Court, requesting them to
adjourn till the sense of the Province was taken.

2. Visited this forenoon by Paul Fooks, who gave a
relation of their meeting last night with seven of the
Captains of the Gondolas by appointment, to which I
had been invited, and [a] relation of Captain Mugford’s

death. See Evening Post, Numb. 213. ...... In the
evening came Robert Whitehill, member for Cumber-
land, Paul Fooks, John Payne, ...... who stayed and
supped.

3. Went to [the] Committee Room at [the] Philo-
sophical Hall, past nine, being by notices, to hear the
Memorial read, that was ordered to be prepared to present
to the Magistrates of the County Court to be held this
day. The same was read and approved of, and Col.
McKean was requested to present it. From there,
sundry of us went to [the] Court House; thence I went
to [the] Committee Room at [the] Coffee House, where
two vessels with drygoods and some military stores, oil
and sugar, were entered, one from St. Martin’s, one
from Hispaniola.

4. To [the] State House, in order to hear the ex-
amination of [the] Committee of Safety and the captains
of [the] Gondolas before the Assembly.

5. This morning, General Washington, General
Mifflin, Gates, &c., with their Aids de camp, left this
city for New York. Past three, I went to Paul Fooks’s.
He went with me on the commons, where the Third
and the Shirt Battalions ' were exercising.

6. This day arrived, it’s said, at Capt. Craig’s, in
this City, from on board the Privateers Congress and
Chance at Egg Harbor, Twenty-two Thousand, Four
Hundred and Twenty Dollars [and] one hundred and
eighty-seven pounds of plate, taken by them from three
Jamaica ships, those Privateers had taken.

* Probably so called from wearing hunting shirts.
76 Christopher Marshall's Diary [June 1776

8. This day, fresh instructions were given by our
Assembly to their delegates in Congress, Yeas 31, Nays
12." Sundry pieces of intelligence see in Evening Past,
Numb. 216. This afternoon, came up to town, the
ship Juno, Capt Sam]. Marston, being one of the prizes
taken by two of our Privateers. She was bound from
Jamaica to London, with rum, sugar, molasses, &c.

10. Near twelve, went to [the] Committee Room,
at [the] Coffee House, where we entered Sloop Sally,
from Saint Eustatia, with one thousand and twenty
bushels of salt. Came away about one. Just about
this time, part of the Fourth Battalion seized a Jew, for
mal-practice, cursing the Congress, declaring his willing-
ness to fight against them, &c., &c., but upon their
treating him roughly [he] excused himself by informing
against Arthur Thomas, a skinner, who, he said, in-
structed him in those points. Now, as this Thomas
was one [who] had been frequently complained of ever
since Dr. Kearley’s affair, and with whom it’s said, he
now corresponds, the mob flew to his house. Not
finding him as he ran away on their appearance, they
wreaked their vengeance on his house, furniture, cash,

* These fresh instructions rescinded those given in the previous Novem-
ber (to dissent from and utterly reject any proposition that might lead to
a separation from Great Britain), and authorized them to “concur with the
other Delegates in Congress, in forming such farther compacts between
the United Colonies, concluding such treaties with foreign Kingdoms and
States, and in adopting such other measures as may be judged necessary for
promoting the liberty, safety and interest of America, reserving to the
people of this colony the sole and exclusive right of regulating the internal
government and police of the same.”

The concluding paragraph of these instructions is as follows:

“The happiness of these colonies has, during the whole course of this
fatal controversy, been our first wish: their reconciliation with Great Britain
our next. Ardently have we prayed for the accomplishment of both.
But, if we must renounce the one or the other, we humbly trust in the
mercies of the Supreme Governor of the Universe, that we shall not stand
condemned before his throne, if our choice is determined by that overruling
law of self-preservation, which his divine wisdom has thought fit to im-
plant in the hearts of his creatures.”
June 1776] of the American Revolution. a9

skins, breeches, &c., &c., &c. «2... Down to where the
First Battalion exercised; stayed till the resolves of
Congress, Fifteenth of May, and the resolves made the
Twentieth at the State House were read, then [it was]
proposed whether they should support them at all hazards.
The same was agreed to unanimously, except two officers
in the Foot, two officers in the [Light] Infantry and
about twenty-three privates in the [Light] Infantry.
From thence to the Second Battalion, where the same
was read and agreed to by all except two privates. The
same I understand was done by Col. McKean’s and
Col. Matlack’s [Battalions] to a man, this day.

12. Past seven, to Committee at Philosophical Hall,
called upon special business, viz. to settle the number of
members to meet the country members on the Con-
ference to be begun [the] Eighteenth instant.

13. Rose this morning soon, a Committee of five
being appointed to meet at seven at [the] Coffee House
in order to pick out twenty-five members to be returned
to the General Committee to serve in Conference.

14. Yesterday an express came from Harry Fisher
of anumerous body of Tories assembled in Sussex
County,? who were intrenching and had cut off the com-
munication by land to Dover. ...... Powder and ball
were sent from here under escort of a company of Col.
Matlack’s Battalion. It’s thought this trick of the
Tories was concerted in this place in order to give dis-
turbance and break our measures, but they will find, I
hope, that the pit they dug, they themselves will fall
WMG. sana en At James Davidson’s till past seven. ‘Then
went to [the] Committee Room, where the appoint-
ment for the twenty-five members was settled by ballot,
who were to attend the Conference as Deputies from
this City and Liberties on the Eighteenth instant. The
persons were, B, Franklin, Thomas McKean, S. Delany,

 

*In the State of Delaware.

7
78 Christopher Marshall’s Diary [June 1776

John Cox, John Bayard, G. Schlosser, C. Ludwig, J,
B. Smith, James Milligan, B. Loxley, C. Marshall,
Senior, Joseph Moulder, F. Gurney, T. Matlack, J.
Schriner, J. Deane, J. Barge, Dr. Rush, S. C. Morris,
William Coates, S. Brewster, J. Blewer, William
Robinson, G. Goodwin, William Lowman.

15. Yesterday, the members of the Assembly, to the
number of thirty-three, adjourned to August the Twenty-
sixth, sundry country members being gone out of town.

17. Went to [the] Committee Room at [the] Philo-
sophical Hall, at eight [A.M.] in order to consider the
mode of opening the Conference, to be held to-morrow
in this City by the Delegates appointed from the different
Counties. Some proceedings proposed, but referred till
to-morrow morning to be fully concluded. ...... Went
to [the] sign of [the] Harp and Crown, Third street,
being one appointed by [the] Committee to meet and
consult with the Captains of the Gondolas respecting
their complaints and intentions of resigning their com-
missions.

18. Met [the] Committee at [the] Philosophical
Hall, agreed upon the mode to open the Conference at
ten this morning, but to meet at nine in order to in-
troduce some of the country members, who are strangers,
Returned home till nine ; then went, as agreed, to meet
the Delegates from the different counties at Carpenter's
Hall, where Thomas McKean was chosen President,
Joseph Hart, Vice-President, Jonathan B. Smith and
Samuel Cadwalader Morris, Secretaries.? Adjourned
till three P.M. ...... Past three, to Carpenter’s Hall,
but as [the] Chester and Northumberland delegates were
not arrived, adjourned till nine to-morrow morning. ....+
Past seven, to [the] Committee Room, came away near

t The writer of the Diary.

2 For the minutes of the Provincial Conference, see the volume on the
Convention of Pennsylvania, published in 1825, at Harrisburg, by Joha
S. Weistling, page 35 to page 45.
June 1776] of the American Revolution. 79

ten. Agreed at the meeting that George Bryan take
upon him the collectorship, as per resolve of Assembly,
May Account was brought of Thomas Light-
foot, Myng, and two or three others, who were
called to an account at Germantown by the populace
for speaking and acting inimical to the Congress and.
American liberty in general.

25..Went to meet the delegates at Carpenter’s Hall.
Broke up and finished the conference past one.t Went
and dined with several of the Country and City mem~
bers, with General Wooster, his Aide de Camp, &c.,
at the sign of the Indian Queen.

27. Yesterday morning, Capt. McCutcheon was exa-
mined by our Committee on the information of James
Steward, the Pilot, and by them sent to [the] Committee
of Safety, who committed him to prison for his attempt-
ing to engage him for fifteen shillings sterling per day to
go and pilot the Asia from the Narrows into our river.

28. The declaration agreed in conference to be taken
by those elected to sit in Convention? is highly censured,
and as it’s represented, and not unjustly, that I strenu-
ously supported it, I am blamed, and was buffeted and
extremely maltreated by sundry of my friends, as I
thought, and who, I believed, were really religious per-
sons and loved our Lord Jesus Christ, but now declare
that no such Belief or Confession is necessary, in form-

 

 

1 The Provincial Conference, besides calling a Convention “ for the ex-
press purpose of forming a new Government in the Province on the au-
thority of the People only,” made provision for raising 4500 militia in
obedience to resolutions of Congress of the Third and Fourth of June 1776,
for establishing a Flying Camp in the middle colonies.— See Weistling’s
Pennsylvania Conventions, page 43.

-?0n the Twenty-first of June the Provincial Conference ‘* Resolved
that no person elected to serve as a Member of Convention shall take his
seat or give his vote until he shall have made and subscribed the following
declaration, I do profess faith in God the Father and in Jesus
Christ, his Eternal Son, the true God, and in the Holy Spirit, one God,
blessed for evermore ; and do acknowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old
and New Testament to be given by Divine Inspiration.

 

 
80 Christopher Marshall's Diary [June 1776

ing the new government. But their behavior don’t
affect me, so as to alter my judgment in looking upon
such a Confession to be essentially necessary and con-
venient.

30. Sundry pieces of news are circulated about town,
viz., that six or seven sail of men-of-war [are] at our
capes with a large store ship, intending to proceed up
our river; that the brig , Capt. Newman, a Pri-
vateer, lately from this City, was taken going out of our
capes ; that General Howe, with sixty sail of vessels,
was arrived at Sandy Hook and had landed a troop of
horse ; that Governor Franklin of the Jerseys was sent
prisoner to Hartford in Connecticut ; that most or all
of our forces were killed and taken in Canada ; the re-
mains were arrived at Crown Point; that the Quakers
in England had gotten a security and indemnification
from the crown for all their approved friends’ estates in
America.

_. Jury 1. Information was received from » a comb
maker, of not less than four different clubs of Tories in
this City, that meet frequently. Sundry names were
also mentioned of some that attended those clubs. The
four places mentioned were, one at Widow Ball’s, Lom-
bard Street, one at [the] sign of [the] Pennsylvania
Farmer, kept by Price, another at Jones’s beer house on
the dock, and one at the sign of the King’s arms. Past
ten, went to[the] Coffee House ; thence to [the] Court
House ; the trial of the ships Juno and , which, I
am informed, were both condemned. The said Jury in-
sisted that the King’s Arms in [the] Court Room should
be taken down. ‘The same, I am informed, was done.’

2. Past seven, went to Paul Fooks’s; spent some
time with him (who says he is a relation to the present
Chevalier, Charles) and the Engineer, who is going to
build a grand battery and fort of thirty-six heavy cannon

 

 

 

t The Historical Society of Pennsylvania has in its possession the Eng-
lish Arms painted on wooa in the time of Queen Anne.
Jury 1776] of the American Revolution. 81

at Billingsport. ..... . Past seven, to [the] Committee
Room at [the] Philosophical [Hall]; none been there ;
went to John Lynn’s; stayed till near eight ; then re-
turned; broke up past ten. At this meeting, six besides
myself, were appointed a Committee of Secrecy to exa-
mine all inimical and suspected persons that come to
their knowledge. ...... This day, the Continental Con-
gress declared the United States Free and Independent
States.*

3. Near nine [P. M.] went to meet the Committee
of Privates with others at Thorne’s school room, where
three speakers, viz., James Cannon, Timothy Matlack
[and] Dr. Young flourished away on the necessity of
choosing eight persons to be proposed to the people for
their concurrence in electing them next Second Day for
our representatives in Convention. The speakers expa-
tiated greatly upon the qualifications they should be
possessed of, viz., great learning, knowledge in our his-
tory, law, mathematics, &c., and a perfect acquaintance
with the laws, manners, trade, constitution and polity of
all nations, men of independent fortunes, steady in their
integrity, zeal and uprightness to the determination and
result of Congress in their opposition to the tyranny of
Great Britain. Sundry names were proposed, out of
which eight were collected to lay before the meeting to-
morrow evening,— Joseph Moulder in the chair.

4. Accounts from New York are, that, Friday last,
one of General Washington’s guard was executed ina
field near that City for mutiny and conspiracy, he being
one of those who had formed a plot to assassinate the
staff officers, blowing up the magazines and securing the
passes of the town on the arrival of the Tyrant George
the Third’s fleet before this City. It’s said that the
number of transports from Halifax now arrived at Sandy
Hook, amounts to one hundred and thirteen sail. It’s

 

See Appendix (D.)
82 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Jury 1776

thought General Howe’s also in the fleet; that our
troops from different parts of the country on their way
and there arrived will amount soon to Twenty- five thou-
sand men. ...... To the Committee Room at Philosophi-
cal Hall ; came away past eleven [P.M.] An express
was sent off from this Committee near ten o’clock by
request of a Committee of Congress, with a letter to the
meeting of officers at Lancaster, in order to request them
to expedite the six thousand men appointed to compose
the Flying Camp, and to march directly for Brunswick
in the Jerseys, the place appointed for the rendezvous of
those troops. ‘The said Committee of Congress re-
quested this Committee to meet a Committee of the
members of New York, Jerseys, Lower Counties, offi-
cers of the Five Batalions and Safety, at seven to-morrow
morning, at [the] State House, to take into consideration
what may be necessary to be done in this critical situa-
tion. It’s said that through the vigilance.of our breth-
ren to the Eastward, seven transports with Scotch rebels
(soldiers) are taken and secured safely. See Evening
Post, Numb. 227.

6. Past ten, I went with Jacob Schriner, Boehm,
Kuhl [and] Leamington to collect awnings to make tents
for the militia, going into the Jerseys ; finished our dis-
trict by oneo’clock. ...... Near eight, went to committee,
Philosophical Hall, where eight members were voted for
and carried by majority, some of whom I have no objec-
tion to, but would not rise, nor agree to support at the
election some others. Agreed that the Declaration of
Independence be declared at the State House next
Second Day. At[the] same time, the King’s arms there
are to be taken down by nine Associators, here appointed,
who are to convey it to a pile of casks erected upon the
commons, for the purpose of a bonfire, and the arms

placed onthetop. This * being Election day, I opposed

This is, the next Second Day (Monday).
Juty 1776] of the American Revolution. 83

the motion, only by having this put off till next day,
fearing it would interrupt the Election, but the motion
was carried by a majority.

8. Warm sunshine morning. At eleven, went and
met [the] Committee of Inspection at [the] Philosophical
Hall; went from there in a body to the lodge; joined
the Committee of Safety (as called) ; went in a body to
[the] State House Yard, where, in the presence of a
great concourse of people, the Declaration of Independ-
ence was read by John Nixon. The company declared
their approbation by three repeated huzzas. “The King’s
Arms were taken down in the Court Room, State
House [at the] same time. From there, some of us
went to B. Armitage’s tavern; stayed till one. I went
and dined at Paul Fooks’s ; lay down there after dinner
till five. Then he and the French Engineer went with
me on the commons, where the same was proclaimed at
each of the five Battalions. ...... This day, the eight
members for this City, and the eight members for this
County, to serve in Convention, were elected very
quietly at the State House.* Fine starlight, pleasant
evening. There were bonfires, ringing bells, with other
great demonstrations of joy upon the unanimity and
agreement of the declaration.

10. For sundry pieces of intelligence, See Pennsylvania
Fournal, Numb. 1753. Dined at home alone, as my
wife was at the place. Past five, went and called at
John Lynn’s; thence to Benj. Harbeson’s about the
soldier’s camp kettles ; thence to James Cannon’s ; drank
coffee there; stayed till past nine. There were John
Adams, Paul Fooks, Dr. Young, Timothy Matlack,

 

* For the City of Philadelphia: Benjamin Franklin, Frederick Kuhl,
Owen Biddle, George Clymer, Timothy Matlack, James Cannon, George
Schlosser, David Rittenhouse. :

For the County of Philadelphia: Frederick Antis, Henry Hill, Robert
Loller, Joseph Blewer, John Bull, Thomas Potts, Edward Bartholomew.

William Coates.
84 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Jury 1776

&c. Thence home. Starlight and pleasant. There
was a small gust this afternoon; blew hard, but little
rain or thunder. (No Poll)

11. Went this morning with Benja. Harbeson to Col.
Cox’s store ; ordered twenty four-gallon iron pots to
William Rush’s work shop to have bales put to them,
to send for the use of our forces going into the Jerseys.
Yesterday, several companies went from here by water
to Trenton.

12. Past six, ] went downto Mulberry wharf. Num-
bers of militia going upwards, as many have done this
morning for Trenton.

14. Yesterday, came to town, about eighty prisoners,
taken at St. John’s on their way, it’s said, to Cumberland
County. Three or four companies of militia gone off
this morning for Trenton. Sixteen shallops, with Mary-
land troops, going to Trenton, amounting, it’s said, to
eleven hundred. ‘Two or three companies arrived from
Cumberland County; rest till to-morrow ; going to
Trenton. The whole, it’s said, in high spirits.

15. Past three, took a walk to the State House;
thence to the causeway leading to Kensington. ......
More of the militia, with the artillery, went for Trenton
this day, and Col. Montgomery’s men from Chester came
to town and used part of [the] College as barracks.

17. Past eight, I went to Benja. Harbeson’s; we went
[and] called upon Captain Davis, then we waited upon
Gen. Roberdeau, as by appointment at [the] Committee
last night, respecting troops to be left to secure this City
in the militia’s absence.

18. Account that our troops were marched yesterday
from Trenton to Woodbridge, and that the men-of-war
and tenders that passed New York up North River were
roughly handled by our forts. It’s said, they had above
forty men killed. ...... Col. Roberdeau took his leave of
me, going to set out for camp, about seven. (This night
our girl was brought home. I suppose she was hunted
out, as it’s said, and found by Ruth, down Passyunk Road.
Juty 1776] of the American Revolution. 85

Her mistress was delighted upon her return, but I know
of nobody else, in house or out. 1 have nothing to say
in the affair, as I know of nothing that would distress
my wife so much as for me to refuse or forbid her being
taken into the house.)

19. Near twelve, John Payne called and took his
leave of me, being going to camp as Secretary to Gen.
Roberdeau. Several companies of Col. Montgomery’s
Battalion from Chester left this City last night, to pro-
ceedto Trenton on their way to camp. This day came
letters to Congress from Gen. Lee at South Carolina,
giving an account of the defeat of Gen. Clinton and the
fleet in Charleston, June 18th, last. See Evening Post,
Numb. 234.

20. I went to wait upon Capt. Peters, some com-
plaint being made to me as Chairman of [the] Com-
mittee, of a company of negroes, that meet by the bar-
racks, in order to get a guard from him to attend some
of the members this evening to try to apprehend some
of them. ...... Waited on and acquainted some of the
Committee that a guard would be ordered to attend them
if wanted and called for. ...... The gentlemen appointed
this day, in Convention, for Provincial Delegates in
Congress, were B. Franklin, votes, 78 ; Robert Morris,
743; James Wilson, 74; John Morton, 71; George
Ross, 77; Col. James Smith, 56; Benja. Rush, 61;
George Taylor, 34.

21. Sundry more troops went out of this City yester-
day for camp in the Jerseys. ...... Between twelve
and two this day, two companies of our Artillery, with
field pieces and baggage wagons, went out of town, as
also went twelve shallop loads of the troops from Mary-
land, with fair wind and tide for the Jerseys, and one
company of Battalion came to town from Carlisle
[and] went.to our barracks. ;

23. This day, the Convention chose and appointed
the following persons as Committee or Council of Safety,

 
86 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Jury 1776

viz., Samuel Morris, Sen., Samuel Howell, Merchant,
David Rittenhouse, Samuel Morris, ux., Thomas
Wharton, Fun., Joseph Blewer, Owen Biddle, James
Cannon, Tim. Matlack, Jonat. B. Smith, Nathaniel
Falconer, Frederick Kuhl, Henry Keppele, un., George
Gray, Samuel Mifflin, John Bull, Henry Wynkoop,
Benja. Bartholomew, John Hubley, Michael Swope,
Daniel Hunter, William Lyon, Peter Rhoad, Daniel
Epsey, John Weitzel [and] John Moore ; a poor set
for that important post at this time."

24. For sundry pieces of news, See Pennsylvania
‘fournal, Numb. 1755. Sundry papers to write and en-
dorse for different persons from this City and from [the]
Committee of Coecil County, Maryland, who were
going to the Northward.

25.1 was called up by Jacob Schriner and Philip
Boehm, to consider what steps will be necessary to take
in order to apprehend a company of negroes and whites,
it’s said to the number of thirty or forty, who meet in the
night near one Clynn’s in Camptown,? near the barracks,
After some consideration, it’s concluded that some persons
in that neighborhood keep watch, and when they are
met, come and give information to Schriner or to Boehm,
who are to go to the main guard at [the] State House,
for a file of their men, who have orders to attend when
called upon such occasions. Near twelve, called upon
to consult at [the] Committee Room at [the] Coffee
House, measures to be taken respecting Mrs. Arrall,
who left this City this morning, it’s said, for New York.
There being great reason to suspect that she is carrying
on an intrigue between our enemies here and aboard the
fleet, it was thereupon agreed by the members met, to
send an express to overtake her at Princeton, to-night,
and bring her and her papers back, the which was done.

1 Mr. Marshall must be understood to speak of the Committee as an
unit ; several of the persons here named being his particular friends.

2 Part of Kensington formerly bore this name. Kensington now com-
poses a great part of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth wards of Philadel phia,
Jury 1776] of the American Revolution. 87

26. Called out of bed early, as some of our Committee
got information last night that Mrs. Arrall, the person
sent after by express, was not gone, but was to go in the
coach this morning. Four of them attended, waited till
she got inthe coach, then requested her to walk into the
house and to have her bundle brought in. They ac-
cordingly detained her and brought her to my house.
Sundry of the Committee being called, she was examined,
her bundle also, but no letters found. Upon the whole
it appeared she had been a little unguarded in conversa-
tion, and had no concern with Henry Shaff in the package
of cambrics and lawns, found at his lodgings; upon
which she was discharged, about ten. ...... This afternoon,
came to town and passed by our door to the barracks,
two companies of clever fellows, one from [the] back
parts of Lancaster, the other from York County, [under]
Co]. William Rankin. It’s said that three or four
shallops left this City to-day, with troops for the Grand
Army at Amboy, Elizabeth Town, &c.

27. Waited upon by sundry gentlemen going to the
Northward. Gave a pass to John Spear, of Baltimore,
on the recommendation of Brigadier General James
Ewing and Col. Bartram Galbraith.

28. Wrote two passes, one for the Rev. Henry Muh-
lenburgh, Yun., and one for John Gartley, both having
a desire to go to New York.

29. About nine, wrote four passes ; for Henry Wood-
row, for Gabriel Springer, William Hemphill [and] John
Stow: these three last of Wilmington, New Castle
County, on the strong recommendation of Andrew
Tybout ; the first by a written recommendation of sun-
dry of his neighbors in the Northern Liberties.

30. Three or four companies of militia came to town
yesterday from [the] back parts of Cumberland, York,
and Lancaster Counties ; went to barracks.

31. Gave a pass to John Caruthers, he going to join
88 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Avuc. 1776

the army for three weeks, the time allowed for the
masters to be absent from College duties.

i;Aucust 1, News to-day of the ship (sent out
by Congress), ’s being in the river, from Marseilles in
France, with ten tons [of ] gunpowder, one hundred and
eleven stand of arms, thirty-seven and a half tons of lead
[and] one tierce of flints.

2. Yesterday, Arthur Thomas was brought to town,
under a guard from Bucks County, he and his son (who
made his escape), being, on information, concerned in
helping Kerchland to make his escape out of prison,
The information was given by Hale in Lombard
Street, who was employed and did procure horses for
him to go off with. Account last night was, that the
Congress, Privateer, Captain Craig, of this port, has
taken and brought into Ege Harbor a brig from Nevis,
It’s said to be worth near Twenty Thousand Pounds.

5. Waited on by Capt. Hysham, Capt. Simpson, and
John Leamington, who had thrown the twelve of
Green Tea, as directed last Committee night, into [the]
Delaware; upon which, I copied the resolve, with
direction to the printers to publish it and the affair in
next newspapers.

7. Yesterday, arrived here, the ship Friendship, Capt.
McCoy, of four hundred tons, sent in by the Reprisal,
loaded with sugar, rum, &c., bound from Granada for
London.

8. This day, came to town, the King’s Speech, dated
23d of May (also, near nine, our Poll returned home
from her cruise).

10. Wrote a discharge for William Carstins, servant
to Speigel (Barber surgeon), confined in [the] work-
house, for .which, as there is a dispute between this

 

 

 

 

 

! The teachers of Philadelphia appear to have been distinguished for their
patriotism. We may add the name of Mr, Caruthers, about to spend the
August holidays in camp, to those of Charles Thomson, James Cannon,
and James Davidson.
Ave. 1776] of the American Revolution. 89

master and the former, Speigel gave bond to me, in be-
half of [the] Committee, for this man’s appearance when
a proper Judicatory is settled.

11. Several shallops, with troops for the camp, went
from town yesterday, as [others] did also this morning

[at] flood.

15. Sundry vessels left this City with the flood with
troops for the camp.

15. Every day this week, numbers of soldiers going
to the camp.

17. Yesterday being the expiration of the time of the
Committee of Inspection and observation, the Com-
mittee, in obedience to the resolve of Convention of the
Ninth instant, concluded still to act, agreeably to the
said resolve.* See Evening Post, No. 244.

18. Yesterday were published three resolves of Con-
gress respecting the return of the Associators from the
campin New Jersey, without leave. See Evening Post,
Num. 246. The same was printed in handbills. ......
About two o’clock, about eleven or twelve sail of shal-
lops, with soldiers for camp, went past.

24. This evening were published, the Messrs. She-
well, for breaking the rules of Congress and Committee.
For that and some pieces of news, see the Evening Post,
Numb. 249.

26. Came home past nine. Moonlight and pleasant.
I met part of the First Battalion of Philadelphia Militia,
just returned from camp in the Jerseys. ...... Yesterday,
came to town, several companies of forces from the
back counties, from Maryland, &c.

27. Past eleven, the Second Battalion came to
town, ...... Past seven, went to[the] Committee Room,

tThe term was extended upon the ground that the Associators, who
composed a great majority of the Electors, might be absent at camp at the
expiration of the Committee’s year, and it would be highly inexpedient that
the City or Counties should be without Committees, or that they should be
partially elected.
go Christopher Marshall's Diary [Auc. 1776

Philosophical Hall ; came home past ten. ...... [At] this
meeting, Samuel G...... was sent for, to answer for his
not producing satisfaction respecting two chests [of]
green tea, which refusal he still persisted in, and as he
had treated those members who before waited on him
with great violence and contempt, and called the Com-
mittee, robbers, and that he would prove them so, &c.,
&c., the same six members were to wait on [the] Com-
mittee of Safety to-morrow morning. ...... Third and
Fifth Battalions come and coming from camp.

29. My wife rose early to visit the wharves for wood ;
all bare. One vessel with twenty-three cords of hickory
and oak just sold before she came, altogether for twenty-
nine shillings for hickory, twenty shillings for oak. ......
An account brought of an engagement between our forces
on Long Island and the enemy, in which our forces
repulsed them, but many [were] killed on both sides ;
General Sullivan and Lord Sterling among the missing.
See Evening Post, Numb. 251.

30. My wife rose early to visit the wharves on account
of winter’s wood, ...... Yesterday, went from here a great
number of troops for Trenton, on their way to the camp.
It’s said near three thousand.

31. I rose past six, as our folks began to get in their
winter’s fire wood and were piling in the yard, as also
my customers came soon this morning about salt, passes,

disputes, &c , &c., &c. ..... Paid £10 for eleven anda
half cords of oak fire wood. Paid for hauling, carrying,
and piling, 42s. rodd....... News brought to-day of

our forces upon Long Island’s taking away all their guns,
stores, &c., except some large ones, which they spiked,
and left the Island in good order and went to New York;
Lord Sterling and General Sullivan prisoners. The
enemy lost two Generals, supposed to be killed, as our
people knew nothing of them when the flag came to
enquire.

SEPTEMBER 2. At nine, went to [the] Committee
Sept. 1776] of the American Revolution. gI

Room, Philosophical Hall; came home past twelve,

been fixing the quantity of salt to be sold to each county,

ge what was Messrs. Shewell and Joshua Fisher and
ons’.

3. At seven[P.M.] went to [the] Committee Room,
Philosophical Hall; came home near ten. ...... At this
meeting [it was] proposed to call an election for [a] new
Committee for this City and Liberties, and reduced the
number to fifty. :

4. Yesterday, high words passed at [the] Coffee
House, William Allen, Jr., declaring that he would shed
his blood in opposition to Independency, and Col. John
Bayard, in the support of Independency. Allen’s be-
havior was such that William Bradford immediately
complained to Samuel Morris, Jr., as a member of the
Commitee of Safety, of the abuse offered by Allen to
the public.

5. For public occurrences, See Pennsylvania “fournal,
No. 1761. :

7. It was said yesterday by Livingston, that
three members of Congress, viz., Benjamin Franklin,
John Adams [and] Edward Rutledge [had gone] as
Deputies to Gen. or Lord Howe, to hear what he had
to propose to the Congress. Gen. Sullivan left this
City yesterday, to return agreeably to his parole with
Gen. or Lord Howe. Yesterday arrived a Bermudian
vessel wich twenty-five hundred bushels of salt.

8. It’s said that two more vessels are just come in with
salt ; quantity, it’s said, two thousand bushels.

g. A number of the troops, it’s said, from the coun-
ry, went out of town yesterday. Those gentlemen,
delegates, mentioned to go out on the Seventh, to con-
verse with Lord’and General Howe, did not go till this
morning. It was General Sullivan that went then-
abouts, from this City.

10. For sundry public occurrences, see Dunlap’s Gen-
ral Advertiser, Numb. 255.

 
92 Christopher Marshalls Diary [Sept. 1776

11. Yesterday was published the proposed Plan or
Frame of Government for the Commonwealth or State
of Pennsylvania (Printed for consideration), in twelve
small pages, folio, containing forty-nine Sections. For
particulars of the engagement in South Carolina, see
Pennsylvania Gazette, Numb. 2490.

13. As I stand informed, Samuel Morris, the Elder,
resigned his office of Councillor of State, and as there
were three before, who had not qualified, the Conven-
tion appointed four new members, viz., John Bayard,
John Cox, Francis Gurney and Cad. Samuel Morris. ......
Went to [the] Committee Room at Philosophical Hall,
where William Wild appeared in support of his Memo-
rial. Upon being interrogated respecting the money,
[which,] he had said belonged to the merchants in Eng-
land, he now declared otherwise, and that the whole sum
was his own private property, and in order to prove that,
said his letter and cash books would show it, which he
could fetch in one quarter of an hour, if requested.
Upon this he was desired to fetch them, and the Com-
mittee would wait. In about that space of time he re-
turned and declared he had destroyed his letter and cash
book and every other book, about ten days ago, which
might publicly bring his employers into trouble. Re-
ferred to next meeting.

14. Past, or near, six, 1 went to Col. Hancock’s to
report William Wild’s conduct, being requested to do
so, by some members of Committee.

15. Yesterday, Paul Fooks gave at [the] wharf,
twenty-five shillings per cord for oak wood; took three
cords, and paid two shillings and six pence per cord [for]
hauling. ‘This he told me last night. Yesterday was
published an Ordinance for punishing persons guilty of
certain offences, particularly by speaking or writing against
the United American States, in order to obstruct, or
oppose, or endeavor so to do, the measures carrying on
by the United States for the defence and support of the
Sept. 1776] of the American Revolution. 93

freedom and independence of such States, and also, an
Ordinance to compel debtors in certain cases to give
security to their creditors. See Evening Post, Numb.
258, with sundry pieces of public occurrences. Several
companies have arrived in town this week, of stout able
bodied men, from the lower counties, the back parts of
this Province and some from Virginia. Also a number
of recruits in this town set out for the camp to join the
main army.

17. Went to [the] Committee Room, Philosophical
Hall; came away past nine, having passed a vote to
break up this Committee entirely, except eight members
to settle Committee’s accounts, and the six members
that were appointed to see the salt for each county set-
tled. William Wild’s money was lodged in Hazlehurst’s
possession, and Samuel G...... ’s tea to be put into the
hands of [the] Committee of Safety. ...... This day, ac-
counts arrived that the enemy had taken possession of
New York on the Fifteenth instant. See Pennsylvania
Fournal, Numb. 1763.

18. Accounts published to-day of the conference be-
tween Lord Howe and the three gentlemen sent by order
of Congress, and also an account that the enemy were
in possession of New York, but no particulars. There
is also an Ordinance for rendering the burden of the
Associators and Non Associators, in the defence of this
Stafe, as nearly equal as may be. Pennsylvania Gazette,
Numb. 2491.

1g. Accounts brought to-day of a skirmish, above
New York, with the Forty Second Regiment, a Battalion
of Light Infantry and three Companies of Jagers or
German Riflemen, whom, after a smart engagement,
our people drove under cover of the men-of-war’s guns in
East River.

23. By letters by post from camp at Harlem, we hear
that a fire broke out last Friday evening in New York,
which has destroyed a number of houses and two churches,

8
94 Christopher Marshalls Diary [SEPt. 1776

it is said. For sundry pieces of news, &c., raising eighty
battalions in the States, the proportion and method of
procedure, counties, &c., the Declaration of the Dela-
ware State in Convention, &c., the gentlemen appointed
in the government of the State of New Jersey, &c., See
D. General Advertiser, Numb. 257, &c.

28. Dined at home with our Miller that supplies us
with flour. ...... This day were published, three resolves,
by the majority of the Assemblymen now met, dated
[the] Twenty-sixth instant, against the proceedings of
the Convention now sitting. See Evening Post, Numb,
264, where is also the time, mode and form of election
in this Province, fixed by Convention, same day. It’s
said that before the then members of Assembly (being
twenty-six) broke up, fourteen against twelve passed a
vote for the sum of Five Hundred, or a Thousand
Pounds, to be paid our late Governor. The order was
immediately drawn, signed by Morton, Speaker, sent and
the cash received.

30. This afternoon came to town General Mifflin, L.
Colonel Penrose and Major Williams, from camp above
New York.

OcrogBer 1. Account to-day of a great fire at Basse-
terre, in St. Kitts, which, with hurricane, chiefly de-
stroyed the town. Particulars not yet come to hand,
Since come ; see particulars [in the] Pennsylvania Ffour-
nal, Numb. 1769.

2. Accounts of a great number of prizes’ being taken
by our friends to the Eastward and arrived safe into
port ; also a report that General Arnold had lately de-
stroyed most of the enemies’ boats at the North and
Lake Champlaine, and made prisoners of six hundred
English, Scotch and Hessian soldiers, on a small island
on the lake. See Pennsylvania Fournal, Numb. 1765,
Evening Post, Numb. 265.

4. Accounts brought that election was held in Chester
and Bucks Counties, for Assemblymen, Sheriffs, Coro-
Oct. 1776] of the American Revolution. 95

ners, be on the First instant, and that some day this
week, Joseph Fox and John Reynolds refused to take
the Continental Money for large sums due them by
bond, mortgage, &c., as it’s said. Of Fox’s, a record
was made by Paul Fooks, from the person that tendered
him £240 before two witnesses, due on mortgage.

7. Son Charles came to invite [me] to dine at his
house to-day with some friends from Boston, but having
an invitation from the owners of sloops Congress and
Chance on the Fifth, to dine with them at James Byrne’s
this day, I went near two, where were betweeen sixty
and seventy persons. I came away before six. ...... A
vessel arrived this day from Surinam with some powder,
lead, some stands of arms and some woolen cloths, mo-
lasses, &c. ; a vessel from Bermudas, with salt. Arrived
this day, his Excellency General Lee from the Southward.

10. Prize ship in the river from Jamaica, with three
hundred and ten hogsheads [of] Sugar, ninety casks or
puncheons of spirits. She is called the Thetis, Capt.
May, taken by [the] General Montgomery Privateer,
Captain Hamilton. Also a private brig from St. Mar-
tin’s arrived yesterday. It’s said that General Lee left
this City to-day for the army near New York, and that
another reinforcement arrived last week from England,
at Sandy Hook, consisting of Burgoyne’s Light Horse
Two thousand Hessians and one thousand British troops
are on Staten Island. An account, also, from the West
Indies of an insurrection of the negroes in the Island
Jamaica, and that martial law was declared. See Penn-
syluania Gazette, Numb. 2494.

11. A severe Satire, by way of Dialogue, published
in the Evening Post, Numb. 269, on the proposed plan
or frame of government of this Province.* Also a Re-
solve of Congress of the Third instant for borrowing
Five Millions of Continental Dollars for the use of the
United States, at [an] annual interest of four per cent.

 

See a defence of it inthe Evening Post, No. 279, November 2, 1776.
96 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Oct. 1776

12. By letter [through] yesterday Evening’s Past, Paul
Fooks received from Nantz, in Old France, from Mons,
Permel, that he had loaded two vessels for Virginia with
blankets, coarse cloths, linen, arms, ammunition, &c.,
also two of [the] same commodities for Rhode Island,
and that he had another (besides this, that brought this
letter, both loaded with the some commodities) that sail
ina few days, which, I hope, will all arrive safe. I
think this letter was dated Third [of] August. Two
vessels with salt arrived within these two days past, and
yet it’s said some are selling it at Three Dollars per
bushel (so inhuman are some of our citizens to poor
people). ...... A wonderful Ordinance published in Even-
ing Post, Numb. 270, inviting all masters of vessels, com-
ing with salt to sell it to them for fifteen shillings per
bushel. O rare Council of Safety |

13. About eleven o’clock last night alarmed by cry
of fire, which proved to be just above Pool’s Bridge,
near the Magazine, in a baker’s shop, but it was soon
extinguished. ...... The prize ship, coming through the
chevaux-de-frize, got hurt, so that they were obliged to
unload and keep the pumps going till arrived in town,
then ran her ashore at Hodge’s wharf and were busy un-
loading her cargo this day on the said wharves.

14. Took a walk to the place, stopping as we went
to view part of the First Battalion exercise, this being,
it’s said, the last field day they are to have, as per
Act of Assembly, for this year. ...... Two more vessels,
it’s said, with cargoes of salt. Various pieces of news
circulating, but little to be depended upon except that
the King’s troops have entirely abandoned Staten Island,
but where gone, or the reason is not known by the pub-
lic. Major Keppelé, just come home from Elizabeth-
‘Town Point, which he left this morning, said he was on
the island.

16. Yesterday arrived the Continental Schooner
Wasp, Captain Baldwin; brought with her a large
Oct. 1776] of the American Revolution. 97

Guinea ship bound from Jamaica for Liverpool, having
on board three hundred and five hogsheads of Sugar,
fifty-one puncheons of rum and other goods. Letter
from Harlem, where our companies [are] of the
Thirteenth instant, says most of Howe’s forces are got
about six miles above King’s Bridge, and were landed in
order if possible to surround our camp, so that a general
engagement may be hourly expected to be heard of.
For further occurrences, see Pennsylvania “fournal,
Numb. 1767.

17. Another vessel, it’s said, arrived yesterday with
~ twenty-five bushels of salt from Bermudas. ...... Past six,
went to Philosophical Hall, being called there by invita-
tion in printed tickets; where met a large number of
respectable citizens in order to consider of a mode to
set aside sundry improper and unconstitutional rules laid
down by the late Convention, in what they call their
Plan or Frame of Government, where after sundry de-
liberate proposals, some amendments were agreed to,
nemine c. d. and ordered immediately to be printed with
the reasons that induced this company to make such
alterations, to be published immediately for the pe-
rusal and approbation of the whole State at large, and
that a general town meeting be held at the State House
in this City, next Monday afternoon, the proceedings of
which to be printed and immediately transmitted to all
the, Counties in the State. ‘The whole of the meeting
was conducted with great order and solemnity, and
broke up past ten, in great union.

18. Sundry pieces of news from about New York,
but none confirmed, but that our people had landed
upon Staten Island, and a heavy firing of small arms had
ensued on last Third Day, and as all the Hessians had
not left the Island, it was supposed to be an engage-
ment betwixt them and the party of our army that went
over. A person who left Head Quarters last Second
Day, says that the detachment from Gen. Howe’s
98 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Oct. 1776

army that landed at Frog’s Point, had been attacked by
a party of Gen. Washington’s, who obliged them to re-
treat under cover of their ships, and that another de-
tachment had also been beat off and prevented from
landing on the, banks of the North River. ...... This
day, thirty-three Tories were brought from New York,
and lodged in our New Jail.

1g. After breakfast, Anthony Benezet came to pay a
friendly visit. We held conversation for near an hour,
on religion and politics.

20. Inthe Evening Post, Numb. 273, is this remarka-
ble extract of a letter, dated Dominica, Sept. —, viz.,
“Capt. Stout, of Antigua, told us that he had heard
from Taylor and Bell of that island, that a house that
does the government business there had poisoned two
kegs of rum, which they shipped in the Creighton, Capt.
Ross, and directed for Gen. Howe, in hopes that if the
ship should be taken, the Americans would send those
to the camp, on supposing them of an uncommon good
quality.” What a diabolical project! He had it from
their own mouth! Oh, dreadful !

21. To [the] Coffee House, where I stayed and saw
fifteen prisoners (taken on Staten Island last week, viz.,
eight Hessians and seven English soldiers) come on
shore. Thence to State House Yard, where it’s thought
about fifteen hundred people assembled, in order to de-
liberate on the change of sundry matters contained in
Form of Government, settled in the late Convention.
Col. Bayard being seated in the chair, [we] proceeded
to business, which was conducted with prudence and
decency till dark ; then adjourned till nine to-morrow
morning. Chief speakers, against [the] Convention,
were Col. McKean and Col. Dickinson ; for the Con-
vention, James Cannon, Timothy Matlack, Dr. Young
and Col. Smith of York County.

22. Went to the State House, as was appointed last
night, where came on the consideration of the Resolves
Oct. 1776] of the American Revolution. 99

as begun yesterday, the which, after being maturely con-
sidered and put, were carried by a large majority, except
the oath appointed to be taken by “every elector before
he could be suffered to give in his vote for Assembly,
This was entirely set aside as it then stood. Committees
were then appointed to go to each county, to carry the
proceedings and request their concurrence &c, The
meeting then broke up peaceably. ...... On the Twenty-
first, arrived a schooner with twelve hundred bushels of
salt [it’s said]. The Twenty-second, was sent in here
the Brig Sherburne, Capt. Burnell, with five hundred
and eighty-three barrels of oil, being a prize to Brig
Hancock, Capt. Newman. An account of an engage-
ment onthe lakes, the Eleventh instant, and as the
enemy were vastly superior, our people retreated to
Crown Point. See particulars, Pennsylvania Fournal,
Numb. 1758.

25. Near twelve, I went to John Lynn’s by desire of
Major Keppele, who, upon account of his late marriage
had requested sundry persons to come visit, drink punch,
wine, eat gammon, &c., &c. ....+ An account of a large
ship from London to Quebec, loaded with Indian goods,
viz., duffields, strouds, blankets, ammunition, &c., &c.,
taken by one of the Eastern privateers, and said ship
was arrived at Providence.

25. Near three took a walk to Camping town, where
was to be a meeting for [the] Northern and Southern
Districts, to consider how to carry on the election on
the Fifth [of] next month. Sundries met and agreed
amicably.

26. Received this morning of John Nixon, by the
hands of George Lehman, £353. 25. 6d., on account of
the Committee of Inspection and Observation for this
City and Liberties.

27. About one this morning, alarmed by the cry of
fire, which proved to be the Prize Ship sent in here by
the Privateer Wasp, which entirely consumed the same
100 = Christopher Marshall's Diary [Ocr. 1776

with her valuable cargo of sugar, rum, &c., &c. A
number of valuable prizes appear to be taken by our
cruisers and safe arrived in sundry ports to the Eastward,
among which are a ship and a snow, both bound to New
York, loaded with 56,896 [weight of] bread, 8020
[weight of] pork, 256 bushels [ of ] peas, 257 bushels [of]
oatmeal, 16,000 weight [of] beef, 12,064 weight [of]
flour, 4101 weight of raisins, 165 gallons of oil, 507
gallons of vinegar, 3500 gallons of spirits, 460 dozen
candles ; these aboard the snow ; ship, same sorts, but
more in quantity. See Evening Post, Numb. 267, where
is the following extract of a letter from Fort Lee, dated
26th instant, viz., ‘‘ A deserter at head quarters informs,
that the loss of the enemy on Friday last, must have been
seven or eight hundred; that in the cannonade after the
battle, General Howe had his leg very dangerously
shattered by a ball, which killed a soldier who stood near
him, Last night, a party of rangers, under the command
of Major Rogers, having advanced towards Mareneck,
were attacked and defeated by a party of our forces,

thirty-six were taken prisoners and the number of the |,,;:

slain is supposed to be greater, since sixty arms and as

many blankets were found upon the field. As the corps

are composed of Tories, this victory is the more glorious,
Our army is in high spirits, having outflanked the
enemy.”

30. Yesterday arrived a Brig, being a prize, it’s said,
to [the] Hancock Privateer. Account also of some
vessels of the enemy’s attacking Fort Washington on
the 28th, but repulsed with great damage unto two of
the men-of-war.

31. Past six, I went to [the] Coffee House, being
invited by letter to meet sundry of our citizens to appoint
Inspectors and to think of six suitable persons to represent
this City in General Assembly. This meeting was con-
ducted with great unanimity and concord, and the pro-
ceedings referred to a larger meeting to-morrow evening |
Oct. 1776] of the American Revolution. Iol

at [the] Philosophical Hall. ...... To-day, were launched
two ships of war, at Kensington.

Novemeer I. Sundry pieces of news and intelligence
are inthe Evening Post, Numb. 278. ...... Past six, went
to [the] Philosophical Hall, called by notices. Met
about forty. Iwas appointed Chairman, but after some
conversation on the intent of the meeting, it was con-
cluded, as so few attended, to refer the full discussion of
affairs respecting the appointment of six members of
Assembly for this City till to-morrow evening, at this
place, in hopes a larger company would attend.

2. Transcript from Order of Council of Safety, dated
[the] Thirty-first [of] October last, viz: ‘* Complaint
having been made to this Council by Christopher Elliot,
that John Baldwin, of this City, Cordwainer, had refused
to receive in payment the Continental Bills of Credit,
issued by order of Congress, thereupon, the said John
Baldwin was ordered to appear before this Board, and
being informed of said complaint, did acknowledge that
he had refused to receive the said Bills of Credit in

_payment. The Council urged the pernicious and de-
structive tendency of such conduct, and requested him
to reconsider it, allowing him several days to form his
judgment and fix his final resolution. This day, agree-
ably to notice given him, he again appeared before the
Council and declared that he was determined not to
receive the said Bills in payment, whereupon, Resolved
that the said John Baldwin is an ‘ Enemy to his country,
and precluded from all trade and intercourse with the
inhabitants of these States :’ Resolved that the said John
Baldwin be committed to jail, there to remain without
bail or mainprise until he shall be released by order of
this Council, or some other person lawfully authorized
so to do: Ordered that these proceedings be made pub-
hes wasses Went to the Philosophical Hall, as appointed,
where a large [and] respectable number of citizens were
met, and also the following gentlemen were scratched for,

9
102 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Nov. 1776

as members to be voted for on the Fifth instant as Assem-
blymen in this State for this City, viz., George Clymer,
Robert Morris, John Cadwalader, John Bayard, Michael
Shubart, Peter Chevalier ; but some altercation happen- —
ing, and P. C. declining, Joseph Parker was chosen by
voice. Broke up past nine, but, upon motion, it was re-
solved to answer the request of the contrary party by
appointing seven members to hear what they had to say,
and draw up the proceedings of this evening and have
them printed in handbills and distributed through the City,
before or on Election Day, signed by Samuel Howell,
Chairman for this evening. ...... (No news from camp
as yet.)

5. Went past nine to the State House, being appointed
one of the Judges to superintend and conduct the Elec-
tion, as is usual. Continued there till near two next
morning, whereall matters in general were conducted with
great harmony and concord in the house ; two or three
small buffetings, I heard about the door in the street, but
soon went over. Upon casting up the votes, they turned
out thus: For Joseph Parker, 682; for George Clymer,
413; for Robert Morris, 410; for Samuel Morris, Jr.,
407; for John Bayard, 397; for Michael Shubart, 393.
These six were the elected members. ‘Those six follow-
ing had votes, each, viz., David Rittenhouse, 278;
Timothy Matlack, 268; Jonathan B. Smith, 273;
Jacob Schriner, 269; Thomas Wharton, Junior, 268;
Joseph Parker, as above, he being chosen by both parties.
Votes “ For No Councillors,” 406; ‘* For Councillors,”
211.

6. The members chosen for [the] County of Phila-
delphia, yesterday, were, Robert Know, 523; John
Dickinson, 419; George Gray, 419; T. Potts, 407;
Isaac Hughs, 282; Frederick Antis, 275. ‘‘ For No
Councillors,” 370; ‘ For Councillors,” 133. Sheriff
was William Masters, by [a] large majority. For Coro-
ner, Robert Jewel. For sundry pieces of material intelli-
gences, see Pennsylvania ‘fournal, Numb. 1770.
Nov. 1776] of the American Revolution. 103

8. Past six, went to the Philosophical Hall; called
there by notices, to consider a Set of Instructions to be
handed to a Town Meeting, which was concluded to be
called on Third Day next, nine o’clock, forenoon, at
the State House, there to settle them, in order to have
ready to present to the members of this City and County
at their meeting in General Assembly on the Nineteenth
instant. Broke up about nine.

10. A report prevails to-day that on the twenty-eighth,
there were killed in that skirmish, of our Enemy, one
Colonel, eight officers, and a number of privates ; and
that thirty Hessian Chasseurs came over to our side,
and brought with them a three-pounder brass piece ; and
that Gen. Howe had drawn off Ten Thousand of his
troops, in order to pass at Dobbs’s Ferry, and so pene-
trate through the Jerseys to this City, and that Howe’s
troops had indiscriminately plundered on Long Island
both Whigs and Tories, in particular, Samuel Notting-
ham, a noted Quaker Preacher and Rapelja, who
now lies himself in confinement for Toryism, in Con-
necticut Government.

13. For sundry pieces of public occurrences, see Penn-
syluania Journal, Numb. 1771.

14. News to-day of Guy Carlton’s leaving Crown
Point, on the Second [of] October, and returning to
Canada ; also of the enemy’s leaving their lines at York
Island and embarking, it’s said, in three or four hundred
sail of transports; left Sandy Hook, steering for the
Southward, and, it’s expected, to pay a visit to this City.
See Evening Post, Numb. 284.

15. Handbills were published last night by order of
Congress and Council of Safety, requesting the inhabit-

 

 

2 The Constitution of September, 1775, secured to the people of Penn-
sylvania “ The Right of Instruction” in the following words, Chapter I,
Section 16, The Declaration of Rights. ‘That the people have a right to
assemble together to consult for their common good, to instruct their Repre-
sentatives, and to apply to the Legislature for redress of grievances by address,
petition, or remonstrance.”
104 Christopher Marshall s Diary [Nov. 1776

ants of this State to put themselves in a martial array,
and march by companies and parts of companies, as they
could be ready, and march with the utmost expedition
to this City.

16. Past three, went below the Swedes’ Church to the
launching of one of the galleys called the stabs
No news respecting the enemy.

18. Account spread to-day of Gen. Howe’s taking
Fort Washington, last Seventh Day, in the afternoon,
but this is not credited but by our enemies, and the
timorous and faint-hearted amongst us.

20. The reduction of Fort Washington is confirmed
by intelligence received by Congress. For this and
other pieces of occurrences, see Pennsylvania Fournal,
Numb. 1772.

21. Visited this morning by Frederick Kuhl, on ac-
count of Capt. Moebale, a Danish Officer, in order to
intercede with Col. Hancock for a Captaincy in the
Marines.

22. News last night of Sykes’s new brig, and, it’s said,
two other provision vessels, taken and carried into New
York by our British enemies. Four or five sea vessels
came up to-day ; there is some salt in one of them. ......
Express just brought account of the enemy’s taking Fort
Lee on the Twenty-First instant, by surprise, our peo-
ple being careless. ...... One of those sea vessels, arrived
this forenoon, it’s said, is a large ship, a Prize from the
Montgomery Privateer, but from where did not learn.

23. This was also the stormy day, raised through
James West.

26. On the twenty-fourth was brought in, a Prize,
the Ship lately commanded by Samuel Richardson. She
was taken on her voyage from Barbadoes to Liverpool,
by the Continental Sloop Independence, Capt. Young 5
was mounted with four guns and had on board Twenty
Thousand [Dollars], two tons and a half of ivory, one
hundred bars of iron.

 
Nov. 1776] of the American Revolution. 105

27. News to-day is, that the enemy intends to make
a push for Philadelphia. It’s said, part of their force is
embarked, either to go up the Delaware and make their
attack at both sidesat once, or else to amuse the Southern
States and prevent their sending any assistance to Phil-
adelphia. See Pennsylvania Fournal, Numb. 1773.

28. This morning a large and respectable company
met at the State House to consider the present alarming
affairs of the State. It’s said General Mifflin spoke ani-
matedly pleasing, which gave great satisfaction.

30. No news from camp this day, as I could learn,
but there is an account of two very valuable prizes’ being
carried into some port to the Eastward.

DecemBER 2. This City alarmed with the news of
Howe’s army’s being at Brunswick, proceeding for this
place. Drums beat: a martial appearance: the shops
shut: and all business except preparing to disappoint our
enemies laid aside. I went to [the] Coffee House;
then to children’s; then home; then back to the Coffee
House and other parts of the City; then home; dined
there. Our people then began to pack up some things,
wearing and bedding, to send tothe place. After dinner,
I went to [the] State House; conversed with Jacobs,
Speaker of Assembly, with Robert Whitehill, J. Dickin-
son, Gen. Mifflin, &c. To [the] Coffee House; then
home; drank tea; then downtown. Accounts brought
that General Lee was near our army with ten thousand
men. Various but great appearances of our people’s
zeal. Came home near nine; then went down again as
far as the children’s. Some gondolas gone up for
Trenton and some companies marched,

3. One gondola just gone past for Trenton; some
troops in motion; after dinner ...... [The] Light Horse
and some of the Militia went out of town. Numbers of
families loading wagons with their furniture, &c., taking
them out of town. ..... . Drank tea at home ; then wen
wit h a number of deeds to son Christopher’s ; put the
106 Christopher Marshalls Diary [Dec. 1776

into his iron chest. ...... No news to be depended upon
this day.

4. Great numbers [of] people moving, and militia,
with Proctor’s company and two field pieces, wagons,
&c. No news to be depended upon but that one hun-
dred and fifty sail of vessels left New York last First
Day, but not known by us whither, and that General
Lee, with ten thousand men, was within a few miles of
the regulars.

5. After dinner, went in company with Paul Fooks,
Thomas Smith, and Leonard Keassler, a begging for
old clothes for the naked soldiers coming from camp.
In the evening, sent for by Council of Safety. I waited
on them. It was to request I would join with some
other citizens in providing necessaries for the sick and
needy soldiers returning from the camp. I readily
agreed.

6. Dined at home; afterwards went in [the] chair
with my son to the Bettering House, having sent some
of the sick there, in order to provide for their recep-
tion; thence to sundry places in the City, as the sick
came in very fast this day.

7. To sundry places with some of my brethren, to
place the returning soldiers in separate houses and send
the very sick and weak to the Bettering House ;_ provid-
ing also fire wood and straw with sundries at the different
places.

8. Went to our office, appointed in Richard Willing’s
house, in Second Street; came home to dinner ; then
went back to the said place in order to provide and give
necessary directions for the sick soldiers, &c. News
brought of General Howe’s intentions of bringing his
army by land through the Jerseys to this City. Martial
Law declared, and Gen. Putnam constituted chief ruler
in this Province.*

See Appendix (E.)
Dec. 1776] of the American Revolution. 107

g. All shops ordered to be shut; the Militia to march
into the Jerseys ; all in hurry and confusion ; News that
Gen. Howe is on his march; attend at our office the
sick soldiers, &c.

10. Our people in confusion, of all ranks, sending all
their goods out of towninto the country. News brought
that our army had sent their heavy baggage from Trenton
[to] this side of the river; the enemy advancing in great
order, and was at Brunswick. This day, attended fore-
noon and afternoon [at] the aforesaid office. Great
numbers of sick soldiers arriving into the town.

11. Further accounts of the rapid progress of Gen.
Howe. Our Congress leaves this City for Baltimore.
The militia going out fast for Trenton: streets full of
wagons, going out with goods.

12. News that Howe’s Light Horse were at Princeton,
and that Gen. Washington, with all his troops, had come
over [the] Delaware. Attended forenoon and afternoon
at [the] office; numbers of sick soldiers arriving. ......
We sent one wagon load of household goods to the
Trap, as did my sons to a place near.

13. Accounts of Howe’s army’s coming into Trenton,
and part of them going [to] and received into Burlington
by the Friends there. The Friends here moved but
little of their goods, as they seem to be satisfied that if
Gen. Howe should take this City, as many here imagined
that he would, their goods and property would be safe ;
other people still sending their goods.

14. Alarming and fresh accounts of Howe’s near
approach ; people hurrying out of town.

15. Accounts that Howe’s troops had attempted to
cross our river, at several places and several times, but
always repulsed, so that he could not effect it. Our
troops increasing and in high spirits.

16. Much the same as yesterday, except an account
that Gen. Lee was taken prisoner through treachery.

17. Accounts that Howe’s army were returning back
108 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Dec. 1776

to Brunswick, and that many of our citizens were in
his camp, having deserted over to him.

18. Great numbers of the Country Militia coming in
to go to join Gen. Washington’s army. ...... News that
our army intended to cross at Trenton into the Jerseys.

19. Numbers of Country Militia coming into town,
A large number of our troops left this City to join some
in the Jerseys, in order to pursue and attack a number
of Hessian troops, who, it’s said, had come as far as
Moorestown, this side of Mount Holly, in the Jerseys.
It’s said that the Generals Sullivan and Gates had joined
General Washington’s army, and that the enemy were
fortifying Bordentown.

20. Waited on Gen. Putnam respecting firewood’s
being cut for the soldiery, as little came now by
water. ...... No news stirring to be depended on.

21. Past nine, went to our office, thence I waited
upon Gen. Putnam ; then back to the office ; past twelve,
waited upon [the] Council of Safety, respecting their
sending hands to cut firewood for the troops in and
about the city. ...... News brought that a ship from Eng-
land, mounting eighteen guns, having fifty-odd officers
and two Generals sent to replace all officers here in
America that were Parliament men, who were sent for
home, was taken by , Capt. , one of our Con-
tinental ships and carried into Great numbers of
our Country Militia are daily arriving in this City. This
day the American Crisis, No. 1, written by T. Paine,
was published.

22. No news I heard to day from camp (nor no ac-
count of Poll as yet).

23. With Dr. Allison to College, some of the Country
Militia being quartered ‘there. ...... Yesterday, it’s said,
the Brig Andrew Doria, arrived from Saint Eustatia,
with goods on account of Congress. It’s said she has
taken two or three prizes, not arrived; that she ran
through the several men-of-war now lying in our Capes.

 

 

 

a
Dec. 1776] of the American Revolution. 10g

25. This day, numbers of men came in from [the]
back counties, and a detachment of Three Thousand,
with Gen. Putnam, was agreed upon to leave this City
and pass into the Jerseys to-morrow morning. The
men were in high spirits.

26. Waited upon General Putnam respecting some
orders for sick soldiers; thence to [the] Council of
Safety, on account of the Commissary’s refusing to grant
rations to poor sick soldiers, coming to town without
their officers.

27. News brought this day of our troops under Gen.
Washington’s attacking Trenton yesterday morning,
having beat the enemy and drove them out of town; and
that this day were landed in this Province from thence,
Nine Hundred and eighteen Hessians ; one Colonel, twc
Lieut. Colonels, Three Majors, Four Captains, Eight
Lieutenants, Twelve Ensigns, Two Surgeon’s mates,
Ninety-nine Sergeants, Twenty-five drummers, nine
musicians, five servants, seven hundred and forty-five
privates; One thousand stand of arms, and six brass
field pieces, twelve six and four pounders, three standards,
&c., with all the ammunition for the six brass field
pieces.

28. To [the] Council of Safety, in order to procure
wood for the Associator’s wives, gone to camp. Got
an order for Wm. Coats, tanner, to supply them. ......
The news of yesterday confirmed, and that our militia
crossed the river into the Jerseys yesterday, and that the
Hessian prisoners are expected from Newtown, Bucks
County, into this City to-morrow. This morning,
Capt. Proctor’s company, with two field pieces, ammu-
nition and baggage, left this City for head quarters in
Bucks County or elsewhere, as did some hundreds of
country militia. It’s said Three Thousand went for
camp yesterday, headed by Gen. Putnam, all in high
spirits and warm clothing.

30. Near eleven, the Hessian prisoners, to the amount
110 Christopher Marshall's Diary (Dec. 1776

of nine hundred, arrived in this City, and made a poor,
despicable appearance. Numbers of the militia, with
three field pieces, crossed our river from this City to-day,
and many of the prisoners taken on Long Island, returned
to this City very poorly and weak. It’s said they were
allowed but half allowance by Gen. Howe during their
imprisonment.

31. More of our poor prisoners coming into town. ......
More Hessian prisoners, with the officers, came to town
this evening from the Jerseys.

Lea?

January 1. More Hessians and their officers, with
many of their wounded, brought to town this day and
evening.

2. A number of sick soldiers arrived from New York,
being discharged by Gen. Howe, after a tedious imprison-
ment, being starved by the enemy. ...... To the office
after presenting, by request, to [the] Council of Safety,
a petition to them respecting a testimony put forth by
the meeting of sufferings, the twentieth [of] last month,
signed by J.... P....

3. News flying about of an engagement between our
forces and those of the enemy at Trenton. This raises
the spirits of the Tory party, who are in great expecta-
tion of Howe’s success. Published this day the Resolve
of Congress and Council of Safety, respecting the es-
tablishing of the Continental Currency.

4. The news of the day, and confirmed by express,
it’s said, just arrived at nine at night, is that Gen.
Washington occupied part of Trenton, and Howe the
other with the main body of the British army. Our
General being informed of Gen. Howe’s advancing with
four thousand men, went privately at midnight in order
to intercept Howe, and meeting with him at Maidenhead,
Jan. 1777] of the American Revolution. II

an engagement ensued early in the morning, when the
enemy, standing a smart fire for half an hour, gave way,
when Gen. Washington pursued them to Princeton,
when the Fortieth Regiment took refuge in the College,
which our General summoned to surrender, or else he
would fire the building and burn them in it ; upon which
they all surrendered. They likewise took three hun-
dred prisoners on the road with eight field pieces, &c.
He also sent off two brigades to the relief of that part of
his army he left behind him to amuse the main body of
the enemy at Trenton, which decamped as soon as they
heard of Gen. Washington’s victory, and filed off
towards Pennytown. Thanks to God for this victory !

5. Yesterday Gen. Putnam left this city for the camp
with five hundred men, and Gen. Irving is to have com-
mand of this city in his absence. It’s further said that
Gen. Washington is appointed sole dictator for the space
of six months.

7. The gondolas returned to this city, and brought
some Tory prisoners with them, taken in the Jerseys.
It was the severe freezing upwards that brought the gon-
dolas down.

g. This afternoon, were brought to town, between
seventy and eighty English prisoners (among whom it’s
said were some of their Light Horse), who were sent to
our new prison.

to. It’s said that Col. Scott has taken sixty or seventy
Highlanders with a great many baggage-wagons, and that
part of Col. Smith’s riflemen had taken twenty-seven
Tories (killed seven) with four baggage-wagons loaded
with plunder, part of which, to the value of Seven or
Eight Hundred Pounds’ worth, they sold at Burlington
yesterday. The remainder was brought this day to the
city with the prisoners.

12. This morning all the officers and soldiers belong-
ing both to the Continental army [and] the troops of
this State or militia (Col. Fleming’s Regiment from Vir-
112 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Jan. 1779

ginia excepted) now in this city, were, by order from
the General yesterday, to assemble in the barrack-yard
at ten o’clock, with their arms and accoutrements, under
pain of being severely punished for neglect. The troops
are to draw three days’ provisions this day, which are to
be immediately cooked. For what end this manceuvre
is intended, is a profound secret to the public. By
accounts from the Jerseys, we hear that a body of militia
of that State, under Gen. Maxwell, attacked and defeated
one Regiment of Highlanders, and one of Hessian troops,
at Spank’s town on this day was a week.

13. Anumber of Hessians, Waldeckers, &c., prisoners,
came to town this evening.

14. A number of sick soldiers coming in. Visited
to-day by Dr. Shippen, Jr., who being chief physician
for the army here, proposed the taking of the sick sol-
diers from the sundry houses in this city, where they are
now placed, into the House of Employment to-morrow,
This proposal I communicated to the Council of Safety
(who had requested me to take charge of the sick soldiers
about a month past), in order for their determination,
but received no answer this evening, as they were very
busy. =

To the Treasurer Nesbit’s and Co. Received
Five Hundred Pounds, by order of [the] Committee of
Safety, for the relief of the sick soldiers.

16. This morning marched out the Virginia Ninth
Regiment for the Camp. ...... Just come to town...
a number of Light Horse from Virginia. I counted
with officers seventy men, well accoutred. About noon
was brought to town, a number of prisoners. ...... This
afternoon, was buried from the City Tavern, Gen.
Mercer (who died in Princeton of the wounds received
there the third instant) with all the honors of war, on
the south side of Christ Church Yard, his body having
been brought to town the Fifteenth instant for that pur-
pose.”

3 His body now lies in Laurel Hill Cemeterv.
Jan. 1777] of the American Revolution. 113

17. After breakfast, went to the office, where the
members present last night, met and agreed to send two
members with our application to the Council of Safety.
The members were Thomas Leach and William Ball,
who brought for answer to us that we should proceed
in our appointment as before, without paying any regard
to Dr. Wm. Shippen’s notices, &c,., upon which we
resumed our former care and regard to the sick soldiers
and prisoners. This forenoon, Capt. Wm. Shippen was
interred with military honors in St. Peter’s Church
Yard, he being killed in the engagement the third instant,
with Gen. Mercer, and brought to this city with him
to be buried here with his family. ...... Set to cut some
sheets of Continental money as I had done some evenings
before, for the convenience of having cash to defray [the]
expenses of the office, and to supply, in part, the wants
of the wives of the Associators of Captains Bower’s and
Brewster’s companies, now in the Jerseys.

18. This day sundry troops left the city for the camp;
also it’s said that fourteen hundred militia men arrived
in this city from Maryland and our back counties, as did
a number of sick soldiers from New York. Yesterday
was published the second number of the American Crisis
by Common Sense, author of the first. Sundry pieces
of news to-day, but none to be depended upon from the
camp, except that Gen. Washington had his headquarters
at Morristown, and Gen. Sullivan with his advanced
guard at Chatham, about five miles distance, and that
Gen. Howe was at Amboy and the heights of Brunswick
with his army, and had sent Gen. Lee* prisoner with a
very strong guard, consisting of all his light-horse and
infantry from the latter to the former, three days ago.

19. This week past, went out of this city, three or
four companies of the Virginia light-horse, commanded
by sundry captains, for our camp at Morristown.

 

*Gen. Charles Lee.
114 Christopher Marshall s Diary [Jan. 1777

20. A number of the militia came to the city to-day
from [the] country, as did some, say two companies, of
light-horse from Virginia. In the evening were brought
thirteen Tories, it’s said from Crosswick’s in the Jerseys,
under a guard.

21. Deal of floating ice in the river so as to prevent
the plunder of a number of Tories in the Jerseys (part
of which, it’s said, to the amount of thirty-seven wagons,
is arrived at Wm. Cooper’s ferry, &c.), from being
brought over to this city. ...... It’s said that several
hundred soldiers arrived in town from the lower parts of
this Province and Maryland, and that several more Tories
are brought in this day from the Jerseys, among whom
is Col. Charles Read.*

22. About twelve came into town from Morristown
inthe Jerseys, the Second Battalion of City Militia,
commanded by Col. Bayard, with their baggage wagons,
BCs sc aeves A number of troops from the back parts came
to town this day, it’s said, eight hundred; as did also
Gen. Thomas Mifflin from the camp. It is said that
Gen. McDougall, with a detachment of about fifteen
hundred New Englandmen, has taken possession of Fort
Washington. The number of [the] garrison who are
prisoners of war is trifling, but the military stores are
considerable.

23. Accounts from the army are that within these
three or four days, there have been several skirmishes in
the East Jerseys, in which our troops have always beat
the enemy. About three miles up the Raritan from
Brunswick, a party of our army attacked a large body
of the enemy and took near six hundred head of cattle,
upwards of fifty wagons, fifty or sixty butts and casks of
oil, and a number of English horses of the dray breed,
which were so emaciated that they were scarce able to
walk.

* From the twenty-first of January to the early part of April, Mr. Mar-
shall was confined to his house by a severe attack of illness.
Jan. 1777] of the American Revolution. 115

24. Last evening, came from the camp, the Light
Infantry of [the] First Battalion of City Militia, also
were brought the remains of Ensign Antony Morris,
Junr., who was killed at Princeton, bravely supporting
the cause of Liberty and Freedom ; buried this afternoon
in Friends’ burial groundin a very heavy shower of rain,
and without military honors, it being the request of his
relations to the General that he should be so interred.
This morning, came to town, three or four of our field
pieces with thetrain. In the afternoon also arrived from
twenty to twenty-five of our City Light Horse, being
dismissed from camp with the thanks of Gen. Wash-
ington, as part of the Virginians had joined him, and one
company of the said corps arrived in this city yesterday ”
on their way to Gen. Washington’s camp. ...... It is
again asserted for a fact that New York was taken last
Thursday night by the Continental army.

25. Great quantities of backwoodsmen coming to town
this day ; so many that with what were here before, an
order was issued for the billeting of them in the non-
associators’ houses, which was put into execution in our
part of the City. This day, some companies of troops
left this City for the Jerseys, as yesterday did the Vir-
ginia Light Horse for the camp. ‘This afternoon was
interred in the [old Presbyterian] burial ground [Col.
John Haselet of the Lower Counties] with military
honors, attended, it’s said, by great numbers of people
of different ranks. This afternoon, set out for Easton,
the Commissioners appointed to confer with the different
tribes of Indians to be assembled there, on a treaty.

28. N.B. The Lottery for these States began selling
their tickets this day for the First Class.

30. The accounts of the cruelty and wantonness of
our enemies, the English, could scarcely be believed,
were they not authenticated by proper witnesses ; another
instance of which is the news of the day, that being in
possession of Rhode Island (a town of about seven hund-
116 Christopher Marshall's Diary (Jan. 1777

red houses), and which made no resistance, yet after
plundering the inhabitants indiscriminately, Tory and
Whig, [they] set it on fire and consumed it. Further
particulars expected.

Fesruary 1. This day was published the King of
Britain’s Speech to both Houses of his Parliament, dated
October 21st, 1776 (No Poll). For public occurrences,
see Evening Post, Numb. 308.

4. This day was published the Law of our Assembly
enforcing the Continental Currency and the Bills of
Credit emitted by Resolves of the late Assembly, mak-
ing them a legal tender, and for other purposes therein
mentioned.

6. The news of the day, as I am informed, is the
electing of five members by our Assembly to represent
this State in Congress. “The gentlemen elected were
Dr. Franklin, Robert Morris, William Moore, Jonathan
B. Smith and Gen. Roberdeau.

7. A number of troops from the back counties, Mary-
land, &c., which were placed in Non-Associators’ houses
in different proportions, as to the fitness of their houses.

1g. Account is that six or seven sail of trading vessels
are in the river, amongst which [are] two from [the]
French West Indies with sundry passengers, &c. ; one
a prize from our Privateer Rattlesnake.

20. Thomas Salter came and paid me, as I think, a
religious visit, as our conversation turned upon that point
calmly and soberly till near dusk.

21. On the Fourteenth instant, the following persons
were elected at the State House, Thomas Wharton, Jr.,
Councillor, and Col. Bull, Col. Moore, Major Lollar
and Col. Coates, members of Assembly for Philadelphia
County. It’s said the Hon. John M’Kinley is appointed
Governorand Commander-in-chief inthe Delaware State.

22. Gen. Farmoah, French officer, came to town
some days past, and amongst other things informed P.
Fooks, that some days past Gen. Howe sent a flag to
Fes. 1777 | of the American Revolution. 117

Gen, Washington, proposing a cessation of arms for
three months. Gen. Washington answered he could
not grant it, as he was prepared and ready to receive him
in battle, when he pleased.

23. I am informed that yesterday afternoon Major
Studies and near sixty-six Tories were brought from the
Jerseys into this City, under a strong guard (some of
them in irons) and confined in the New Jail. Our As-
sembly have appointed James Wilson, Delegate to
Congress in addition to our members, and George Cly-
mer as Delegate in the stead of Wm. Moore, who
resigned.

27. This day, it’s said, were brought to this City, six
brass field pieces with their proper appendages, that
were taken from the Hessians at Trenton in Decem-
ber last.

Marcu 3 to 7. I was severely handled by a pleu-
ritic pain in my right, side. This continued both day
and night for the whole of this week. I was blooded,
blistered on my side, some nights could not lie down,
but obliged to sit up all night, yetto the praise of God be
it spoken, his Good Spirit wonderfully assisted me under
this grievous affliction, so that I comforted myself in the
heavenly support, I now witnessed to be daily adminis-
tered. Blessed be thy name, Amen,

9 to 21. Exceeding weak, so that I was scarcely
able at times to read. I was generally more or less
visited every day by numbers of acquaintances, but in
particular by Whitehill, Bonham, Thorn, Foster, and
also by Paul Fooks, this being the first of his going out.
Thus I have been visited by this disorder, which brought
me on through length of time down to this day by weak-
ness, so low, that death appeared at times not far off,
yet through the mercy of our great God, and through
the vigilance, industry and care of my wife (who really
has been and is a blessing unto me) I still live, to his
eternal praise, in hopes I may dedicate the remainder of

10
118 Christopher Marshall s Diary [Mar. 1777

life unto his honor and praise, who has thus preserved
me, to whom be glory now and forever more, Amen,

31. This day was hanged Molesworth, being con-
victed of treasonable practices against this State.*

Apri 7. Eat breakfast soon, as my wife was getting
ready to go a journey with my son Christopher as far as
Lancaster, in order to view a house and lot that were
to be sold by Col. Cox, in order for me and my family
to remove there as I am so poorly in my health, and to
be out of the difficulties, should this City be invaded, as
I was not capable of rendering any assistance. They
went on horseback about eleven o’clock.

13. Account came of Ship [Morris] from France’s
being chased by three men-of-war for a whole day:
[The Captain] finding he could not get clear ran her
aground and blew her up, after securing all her papers
and crew. But Captain Anderson himself staying too
long was lost with the ship, [Account by] express
from Lewistown to-day, that left it yesterday, of the
Roebuck and two other ships’ standing up the Bay. By
an order of Congress in conjunction with [the] board ot
war, a number of persons in each ward were appointed
and went upon duty this day through this City to take
account of all provisions of every sort, with rum, wine,
sugar, spirits, &c.

14. Ihad my books that I sent to College last fall,
brought home this day. It’s said that nine men-of-war
are in the river,

16. Near five came Paul Fooks, Dr. Phyle and Col.
John Cox, who brought the Deeds for the house in
Lancaster, and executed his to me, for which | then
paid him, he then promising to acknowledge the same
with his wife, when she came to town, of which he de-
sired those gentlemen to take notice and remember this
his promise. ~

June 6. Paid John Whitehill £48 for hauling five

See the Life of Gen. Foseph Reed, for a full account of this person.
June 1777] of the American Revolution. 11g

loads of goods to Lancaster; two from Philadelphia,
three from the Trap.

g. This afternoon severe thunder struck the steeple
of Christ Church ; carried away some parts of the orna-
ments of the Crown on the top of the rods.

16, All this day at Benjamin’s ...... Kitty and Charles
both gone to town on the news of the enemy’s march-
ing from Brunswick in two divisions, &c.

27. Arrived at our bouse in Lancaster near seven. I
was really tired, the road so hilly and stony, and I being
so poorly.

Jury 11. Sundry ‘Philadelphians, who moved here
last winter to live, have returned back with their families
this week ; not pleased.

13. We have had some difficulties to encounter here,
as the people here have taken offence against the Phila-
delphians, who some of them, have not behaved pru-
dently, so that at last the country folks would scarcely
bring them anything to market. But I’m in hopes, as
some are gone and some more going, that the harmony
that once subsisted will return fagain. I’ve not been
able to get a load of hay or of wood, as yet, nor pasture
for my horse. Had not my wife bought a load in the
spring, and we sent some bushels of oats stowed in our
bacon, he must have suffered, but we have a lot adjoin-
ing to us; though small, it serves to turn him in just to
stretch his legs. A bushel of bran or shorts can’t be
procured, but [I] am in hopes after harvest, we shall
get supplied, as I intend to visit some of the farmers. I
just give this note by way of memento, to remember
some of our difficulties. Yet I must say that the peo-
ple of note, that I have had the pleasure of seeing and
conversing with, have behaved extremely polite and
kind to me, and some of the females have come and
visited my wife and more have promised.

14. I went this morning and visited several of our
Philadelphia friends, and at the same time in company
120 Christopher Marshall s Diary [Juty 1777

with our friend George Schlosser, reminded them, as well
as some of our Lancaster friends, whom we visited, of
the distress poor Dr. Young (deceased)’s family was left
in, most of whom, to their honor be it remembered, gave
me what they thought proper, in order for me to remit
it for their relief, the which I accepted and kindly
thanked them on the family’s behalf. ...... This day,
Dr. Kennedy sent me two wagon loads of firewood, he
calls them cords. I let him have two entirely new Oc-
tavo volumes of Brooks’s Practice of Physick, for which
he is to pay me when I settle for this wood and what
more he brings me.

26. At breakfast, received an affectionate letter from
son Christopher, giving particular account of the situa-
tion ofall their families. ‘The account afforded us comfort
and satisfaction. In it [he] informed [me that] brown
sugars were raised in town to £30 per hundred, request-
ing that if I could at 4s. per lb. I would get one hundred
weight ; on which I went to town, but the news of the
prices had reached some here. However, I got, after
traversing about, a neat hundred at 4s. per pound, and
thirty pounds extraordinary at 5s. per pound.

2g. After dinner, went to visit sundry town’s people,
also to hear what news from Philadelphia, as several
persons from there this day or two past had reported that
Gen. Howe with the English fleet was expected there
daily, nay, that the fleet was really in the Delaware river.
These reports gave great uneasiness respecting our friends
there, but I could find nothing further as no express
here was yet arrived.

30. There has been for these two weeks past in agi-
tation by the friends of the States of America in this
place, a planin order to form a Society under the name
of the Civil Society, in order to assist the present plan
of government, whereby each member will be called
upon to take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance or
leave the State. This meets great opposition from a
Jury 1777] of the American Revolution. 121

Junto, who call themselves Moderate men, and [main-
tain] that no man should be compelled to be honest.

31. Advice by express yesterday from Philadelphia,
was that one division of the enemy’s fleet was seen off
our capes, steering for them; that Congress had de-
manded Four Thousand Militia from the States to join
the Continental Army, which was marching towards
Philadelphia in three divisions, one by Reading, one by
Trenton ferry, but the main body with Gen. Washing-
ton to Corryell’s ferry, to join as occasionally,

Aucust 1. I afterwards spent some time in religious
conversation with a Menonist Preacher at Dr. Neff’s.
In the afternoon I was visited by another named Benja.
Ereson, Jr., who brought me their Confession of Faith
to peruse. ...... No news of any moment by the post
last night, except that the enemy was seen off the Capes,
that Philadelphia was pretty quiet, and the Militia all
ready to turn out. Brown Sugar at 7s. per pound. ......
News that some of the enemy’s ships were got to Reedy
Island ; whether true or not remains doubtful.

2. Just heard from [a] passenger in the Stage Wagon
arrived last night, who left Philadelphia Fifth Day morn-
ing,’ that the alarm guns were fired as they came away,
and the citizens in great hurry and bustle. ...... Express
arrived to-day for six hundred wagons to go directly for
Philadelphia, and for the Lieutenant of the County to
have the militia ready for marching, as two hundred and
fifty sail of vessels were seen off our Light House,
standing in for the Capes.

3. It’s said that news is come from Philadelphia that
Howe’s fleet has entirely:left the Bay, and gone they
don’t know where.

4. Came back before dinner. I was much disturbed
after I came, our girl Poll driving her same stroke of
impudence as when she was in Philadelphia, and her

‘Thursday, July 31st. The Stage Wagon was two days traveling
sixty miles.
122 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Avc. 1777

mistress so hoodwinked by her as not to see it, which
gave me much uneasiness, and which I am determined
hot to put up with.

5. No news but that in short, the Enemy on the
Thirty-first was off our Capes, but suddenly moved
away ; that Gen. Washington with some of his troops
was in Philadelphia, but most of them at Germantown
and the Falls ; the militia in motion in order to give the
enemy, if they came up the river, which had been sus-
pected, a warm reception; every thing of clothing and
eatables extremely dear. In the evening I went down
into town; learned that the County Court was opened
this day in a very regular manner, and the business con-
ducted decently.

8. Our Court broke up yesterday with great decorum.

14. News from Pittsburgh by express this day from
Gen. Hand, that the fort was like to be invested by three,
thousand Canadians, Indians, Regulars, &c., and that
we had but eighty men in [the] fort, and about eight
hundred could be collected soon.

15. To writing, being engaged at times for this week
past in correcting the Annals of the Brethren at Ephrata,
left with me by Peter Miller and Obed when here to
visit me.

20. I gave to James Cannon, to carry to the Widow
Young, the donations I collected in this place, which,
with my own, amounted to Seventeen Pounds, six
shillings.

21. I wasat Dr. Neff’s, where James Webb, a mason,
came for some medicine, who related that about four
years ago, about six in the morning, he saw in the sky
before the door the likeness of a great snake without a
head, who shaking his tail made all about there to tremble,
and that at [the] same time fiery balls were seen to fly
about at Germantown. This he interpreted was our

See Appendix F.
Ave. 1777] of the American Revolution. 123

present war, which we carried on without any head, and
so we should come tonothing. This afternoon I finished
my correcting of the manuscript .or History of the
Brethren at Ephrata, containing four hundred and eighty-
eight quarto pages. N. B. The said Webb asserted
that our present Assembly were not regularly chosen, as
they were voted in by a parcel of soldiery and apprentice
boys ; therefore, their laws were not worth regarding.

‘22. Went and agreed with Joseph Walter, the barber,
to call and shave me twice a week at thirty-six shillings
a Year. ws. This day, it’s said, that Capt. McCullough
has taken upon him to examine all strangers passing
through here respecting taking the test, which several
complied with and took the same, but John Hollings-
head refused, for which he was committed to the Jail of
Lancaster. No news yet from Howe.

23. By express last night the militia on their march
down were countermanded, on account of the Indians’
breaking in on the frontiers. ...... In the evening came
George Schlosser and Benja. Harbeson, who brought
account of the defeat of Lieut. Col. Bern by Gen. Stark
on the sixteenth instant, who commanded a body of
mostly militia, who wholly routed his army and took a
great number of prisoners. For particulars, see Penn-
syluania Fournal, Numb. 1804.

24. Sent our negro woman and girl Poll to Friends’
Meeting. Wife and I stayed at home to keep the boys
out of the orchard. After dinner I took a walk with
Capt. Markoe to the barracks; stayed there till the
English, Scotch and Irish prisoners, to the number of
two hundred, marched out under a strong guard to
Reading.

25. To [the] barrack; waited till our division of
Hessian prisoners, consisting of three hundred and forty-
five, marched out under a strong guard (with some
women and baggage wagons, as the prisoners yesterday
had done), for Lebanon.
124 Christopher Marshall's Diary | Auc. 1777

26. News that Gen. Washington, with half his army
and light horse, passed through Philadelphia [on] First
Day morning, on their way for Wilmington, and that
Howe, with his fleet, was seen off Eagle Point, but had
not landed. On First Day morning [the] bellman went
round this town, calling upon the inhabitants that had
Hessian prisoners, to take them to the barracks and
receive receipts for them, but very few obeyed.

27. News this morning is that Howe has landed his
men about eight miles from the Head of Elk. It’s said
that he sent one of his men to this town for a Hessian
man and woman, by name; that he found them last
night, and they three set out for his camp this morning.
This made some people here uneasy, as they were not
sent after, but as no horse could be found, Capt. Markoe
lent his horse, without bridle and saddle. (It’s from him
I had this relation this morning.) A parcel of Hessian
prisoners sent off this day under guard for Lebanon.

28. News brought that the persons sent after, the
Captain and the man, were overtaken and brought back.
I then went into town just as Samuel Henry, William
Atlee [and] Michael Hubley, were going to the prison
to examine them. These gentlemen invited Capt.
Markoe and myself to attend them, which we did, when
on the examination, both Hewey, the pretended
officer, and Wood, pleaded innocency, and as
their examination was written and the reasons for appre-
hending them also, the which was immediately sent to
Gen. Washington at head quarters, their trial was post-
poned till an answer comes from the General, and they
were ordered in the mean time to be confined apart.

29. Yesterday there went from this town under guard,
three hundred and sixty-five Hessian prisoners for Car-
lisle and adjacent places.

30. A great stir this morning in town, occasioned by
some [men] of Col. White, of the Georgia Regiment's
robbing him last night. They were pursued and taken.
Ave. 1777] of the American Revolution. 125

Part of the cash was recovered, but his trunk, with all
his papers, more money, his commission, &c., not to be
found, though searched after all this day. ...... In the
evening we again went into town to hear news, but none
for certain, but that the enemy was in possession of
Ccecil Court House and Head of Elk; that our army
was at Christiana, but that our Light Horse had been
down to visit them, had a skirmish and taken some few
prisoners,

31. News of the day, little; that Howe was getting
his men on shore at Elk ; that thirty deserters had come
over to us; that in some skirmishes, our people had
taken about forty prisoners ; that Gen. Washington was
at Wilmington. ..... . No further news, but that a number
of wagons, with the Congress materials of printing, press,
types, &c., were just arrived from Baltimore.

SEPTEMBER 6, This afternoon, the two thieves, who
stole Col. White’s cash and trunk, were marched about
a mile and a half out of town, in order, it’s said, to be
hanged, but upon the Colonel’s lady’s intercession, it’s
said, they were pardoned from death, but received two
or three hundred lashes each, well laid on their backs
and buttocks. A great number of spectators, it’s said,
were assembled.

8. News came yesterday of a conspiracy amongst
some of the garrison of Fort Pitt, in conjunction with
some of the settlers on Red Creek, to deliver up the fort
to the commander of Detroit, who with some Indians,
was invited to come; but this discovery has, it’s to be
hoped, baffled their hellish scheme.

10. Received two letters from Ed. Milne, covering
newspapers and Remonstrance of sundry Quakers and
other disaffected persons to the United States of America,
to the Congress and to the President and Council of this
State, one of them signed by three or four, the other by
twenty-one. A written list was also handed about, con-
taining the names of forty persons. News from the

11
126 = Christopher Marshall's Diary [Srpvt. 1777

army, viz: that Howe was advanced to New Garden,!
and had taken a number of cattle.

11. News was that the enemy advanced towards the
Concord road to Philadelphia; that part of our army
was gone to Chad’s Ford; that several deserters were
gone for Philadelphia; some, very few, come here;
that some of the Virginia forces coming to our assist-
ance had crossed [the] Susquenannah to the amount of
one thousand; others on the road. From Fort Pitt
that one or two persons were apprehended, coming there
from Detroit, on one of them were found some papers,
particularly one with the list of names of those in the
fort and in the neighborhood, who had declared their
allegiance to George the Third. One of the persons,
by the name Wm. Gallaher, formerly a pedler, had
made his escape, for whom a reward of six hundred
dollars is offered.

12. I went into town, an alarm being spread that
some of Howe’s Light Horse had been seen at Pequea
Church, about eighteen miles from Lancaster. This
set sundry people (by report) to pack up their goods and
some sent them out of town into the country. As there
were so many flying reports and no certainty, a subscrip-
tion was proposed and carried immediately into execu-
tion, for hiring three men to go as express to where the
army was, to bring certain accounts, which was imme-
diately put in practice, and three were dispatched. ......
Met Col. Calbreth, who was just come from Philadel-
phia. By him learned that the news in the morning was
the lie of the day, ashe had traveled the road and saw none
of the enemy, nor had they been there where reported.
He had with him a Proclamation published by the Execu-
tive Council, inviting all persons to assist against the
commonenemy. ‘This was read at Major Wertz’s where
many of us were collected.

t Chester County, Pa.
SEPT. 1777] of the American Revolution. 1249

13. Came home in the evening. Just then, came to
his family, Capt. Markoe, who was present at the en-
gagement on the eleventh instant, near to Concord Meet-
ing or Chad’s ford, between, as he computes, three
thousand of our troops under the Generals Maxwell,
Sullivan and Sterling, and eight thousand of the enemy,
which began in the afternoon and continued until dark,
in which great numbers were slain on both sides, but
that our people behaved most gallantly, until ordered to
retreat, as the ground would not admit of our troops’
coming to a general engagement, as the enemy were in
possessién of an eminence that overawed our camp, so
they rested for the night. The loss on either side was
not as yet ascertained.

15 Election this day for Burgesses for this borough,
when Henry Dehaff and George Ross, were chosen.
News of the day is that the Friends sent out of town? as
prisoners were stopped at Pottsgrove by the Pottses there,
and they would not suffer them to proceed any further,
upon which a company of militia was ordered from
Reading to take them in charge and convey them to
their destined post. It’s said that Gen. Putnam, with
three thousand men, was expected to have been at
Philadelphia yesterday; that Gen. Smallwood with his
forces, near two thousand, was at Nottingham meeting
house yesterday, and was there to be joined by some
more forces from the Eastern Shore; that three thou-
sand Jersey forces were to cross [the] Delware at
Cooper’s ferry, this day.

17. Near twelve, express arrived from camp; brought
account that in the action last week, our people had be-
tween four and five hundred men killed and wounded ;
that our enemy, the English, had near two thousand
killed and wounded, nine hundred of which were killed
in the action; that we had not one-half of our people
engaged, but that the enemy had treble our numbers, and

—_

t Philadelphia.
128 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Szpt. 1779

the flower of their army, yet our people held them
in play till dark, retreated about six hundred yards, and
lost seven or eight field pieces; that they were in no
wise intimidated but in high spirits, eagerly longing for a
fair opportunity. It’s said they have been joined since
by four thousand troops, but from where could not learn,
It’s further said that four or five hundred volunteers
from Virginia, were at Yorktown" yesterday, on their
march to join Gen. Washington’s army. It’s also said
that James Rankin, who ran away last week from his
habitation in York county on account of his being ac-
cused of forming a scheme to destroy all our magazines
of ammunition, arms, tents, baggage, provisions, &c., in
Lancaster, Carlisle, York, Reading, &c., was taken
about sixteen miles from our enemies’ camp, and se-
cured, but where I could not learn.

19. No post come ; supposed to be prevented by the
enemy on the road, as it’s said, they were near Downings-
town, and our army near French Creek, yesterday.
This morning numbers of people came out on the hill
near our place, in order, it’s said, to hear the firing of
the cannon between our people and the enemy, but I
could not say that I heard any. ...... After dinner, went
into town; saw two companies [of] Lancaster militia
march forward towards the camp. One of our expresses
came in; brought a letter dated at Red Lion, yesterday,
two o’clock, A.M., giving account that the enemy were
on full march for Philadelphia, and that they intended to
follow them ina few minutes, so that an engagement
may be hourly expected.

20. It’s wonderful to hear and to see the progress and
fertility of the lying spirit, that moves about in and
through the different classes of men in this place, attended
with such twistings, windings and turnings, that it seems
impossible to fix any truth upon them. ...... Two letters
from son Christopher and his daughter, letting us know

2 York, Pa.
SEPT. 1777] of the American Revolution. 129

that they were all well, but much terrified as the enemy
were pushing that way towards Swedes’ Ford, and that
Gen. Washington had sent into their neighborhood and
the Trap, about eight hundred wagons with stores and
sick soldiers, &c., and [they] were then momently ex-
pecting to hear the dismal sound of cannon, and were
also at a loss what they should do on these momentous
occasions. ..... . We sat late, conversing on these melan-
choly times. .

a1. Near five, came and stood for some considerable
time at [the] corner of B ...... ’s house, the said B ......
and James W ..... . Sen’r, in a strong and zealous con-
versation. “The nearness of, and the harmony of, their
two spirits, I was surprised with. The zeal that ani-
mated them was powerful and strong; gestures and
Motions, various and frequent ; love and attraction by
shaking and holding hands was conspicuous. Upon the
whole, I was satisfied by their behavior that they were,
though different in the principles of religion, by the out-
ward profession, yet now animated by one spirit — the
same that would enslave and reduce the freedom of
America.

22. News of the day is that the enemy have formed
a design to surround and take prisoners Gen. Wayne’s
Brigade. For that purpose, about one in the morning
of the Twenty-first instant, a number of them without
noise till they entered our lines, then setting up a pro-
digious hideous noise, attacked our people with swords
and bayonets ; andas our people were some sleeping and
off their guard, they were thrown into confusion, yet
made a good retreat, losing neither cannon nor baggage.
It’s said that we had about one hundred killed, wounded
and taken prisoners, and that the enemy suffered equally
with us, notwithstanding their number and the surprise. *

23. Just after dark visited by Col. Ross, who said he

 

This has since been known as the Paol Massacre.
130 Christopher Marshall s Diary [Sept. 1777

had slept at my son’s [the] night before last ; that they
were all well, but in trouble as the enemy were as nigh
to them as six miles; that they had no time to write,
as they were sending some of their valuable goods further
into the country, viz: over Oley Hills.?

25. Visited by Capt. Hervey, who came to enquire
after news, but none was stirring but the lie of yesterda
(as [had heard), which was that Howe had crossed [the]
Schuylkill and entered Philadelphia, the twenty-third
instant, without any opposition; nay further, that the
City was all in flames. This, Mrs. Taggert told me, a
man had said before her door yesterday. Thus are
many of the people in this place imposed upon. ......
Came into town President Hancock, and some others of
the Delegates.

26. News of the day was that Howe was got into
Philadelphia ; then, no; then he had crossed Schuylkill;
then that he had returned back ; so that there was noth-
ing to be depended upon.

28. News of the day is that three thousand of Howe’s
army, under G'. Cornwallis, entered Philadelphia last
sixth day, in the afternoon.

29. Took leave of sundry of the Congress, who were
setting off for Yorktown. ...... Many of the inhabitants
of Philadelphia came to-day and yesterday to this place,
as did our President or Governor, the Executive Council
and the members of Assembly, who met here this day
in the Court House. News of the day is that Gen.
Burgoyne and his army are defeated,” himself wounded,
and Ticonderoga retaken; that part of Gen. Howe's
army encamped on the commons facing the Bettering
House ;3 that Gen. Cornwallis had made his head

t Berks County, Pa. .

2 Burgoyne was defeated on the 19th of September. He intrenched him-
self on the following day, and was finally defeated and compelled to sur-
render on the 7th of October. :

3This building stood upon the square between Spruce and Pine and
Tenth and Eleventh Streets. It was taken down about forty years since.
SEPT. 1777] of the American Revolution. 131

quarters at Widow Norris’s. The remainder of the
British army encamped along the road to Germantown,
and ours were behind them.

30. News of the day is that last seventh day, four men
of war came to anchor off our fort,’ in order to take it,
and the cheveaux de frise, but were repulsed so as to
leave their anchors behind them, and get away as fast
as they could, being much mauled, &c., by the fort.? ©

Ocroper 1. It’s said that Major Miller, with a party
of men, had made an excursion from our army to the
Rising Sun on [the] Germantown Road. On return,
met some Hessian troops, engaged them, killed nine
[and] brought off six prisoners with their accoutrements.

2. Went into town with Col. McKean, who had
just called at our house. I visited sundry Delegates and
Assemblymen in Lancaster, having a desire that in con-
junction with [the] Executive Council and the Assem-
bly, some good regulations might be made here in order
for our protection and for our comfortable living here. ..... ,
R. Whitehill, Dr. Phyle and self, took a walk to view
a number of Virginians encamped upon the com-
mons, ...... thence into the main street near the prison.
Met a large number of prisoners just brought into town
from Bethlehem, going to-morrow for Virginia.

3. Spent some time in conversation with sundry per-
sons, respecting a Dutchman called Motchs, who
said he came from Philadelphia, had a printed pass from
G'. Howe, yet the Magistrates here, with the President
and Executive Council, all suffered him to pass on his
journey to York, and then to Philadelphia, ashe said. ......
Three or four hundred Virginians left this place to-day.

4. News of the morning is that [James] Brooks (the
conspirator with Dr. Kearsley), who has been long con-
fined in this jail, made his escape last night, and this day

‘Caleb Johnson, a Friend and inhabitant of this place,

7 Fort Mifflin.
192 Christopher Marshalls Diary [Oct. 1777

was examined before the Council and sent to the prison,
as being privy and accessory to his escape. ...... News
of the day, to be depended upon, was that the day before
G'. Howe entered Philadelphia, being the twenty-fifth
[of] last month, a number of Tories, said to amount to
four or five hundred, went out in parade to Germantown,
returned and triumphed through the streets all the night,
taking, securing and sending to prison all they could find
that they looked upon or termed friends to the Free
States of America, amongst whom, was and is the parson,
Jacob Duché. My son Benja. writes on the First
instant, that most of the Generals were viewing the hill
near his house, in order, if occasion [required] to make
a stand; that they were moving down, and that part of
our army and scouts were at Germantown; and that
the Generals, Read and Cadwalader, being out ona
scout the thirtieth [of] last month, called at the house
of Thomas Lewsley,' a miller, who not knowing them,
told them that those two Generals were but a little way
from there, and that if they (as he took them for two of
[the] British Light Horse) would pursue, they might
easily take them, for which end he gave them a very
fine horse, which they brought away. My son on [the]
back of his letter, dated First instant, says, just nowa
British Light Horse [man] passed here a prisoner, taken
last night with despatches of consequence to G'. Howe,
and is sent with them to G'. Washington.

5. Viewed part of [the] Virginia Battalion, with col-
ors flying, wagons, &c., marching for camp, and I am
informed that a division of three hundred took the same
route yesterday, via Reading. ...... About noon, another
party of Virginians, amounting to near three hundred,
with wagons, passed through here on their march to the
camp.

6. Went into town; spent chief [part] of the after-

1 Thomas Livezey, resided on the Wissahiccon Creek in Roxborough
Township at ‘ Livezey’s Mill.”
Oct. 1777] of the American Revolution. £33

noon there in conversation, respecting public occurrences,
as the express had just come in; brought account of a
parcel of our army’s moving in three divisions last Sixth
Day night, eight or nine miles, and [that they] attacked
our enemy near five next morning near Chestnut Hill ;
threw them into disorder and drove their grenadiers with
others into Germantown, where they took refuge in
churches, houses and meetings, with their cannon (of
which our people had brought none with them) and as
the main body of the enemy advanced our little party
retreated back to their former ground in good order,
taking one piece of cannon with them, and all their
wounded. Accounts say that we had killed, wounded
and prisoners on our side about four hundred, and that
the enemy had nearly fifteen hundred in killed, wounded
and prisoners.

7. About twelve o’clock, marched out under a guard
of one hundred and twenty militia men, one hundred and
twenty-three prisoners of English, Scotch and new levies,
for Virginia, with baggage wagons, &c. ...... The ac-
count it’s said, to-day brought from Philadelphia by some
of the Friends from their Yearly Meeting, of the engage-
ment last Seventh Day, is that we had two thousand
men killed, wounded and taken prisoners, and that our
enemies suffered in the same proportion; further, that
our late Governor, John Penn, is appointed Governor,
and Andrew Allen, Lieut. Governor. Between two or
three hundred Virginians marched through this town to-
day for our camp. ...... Came to town, this evening, a
company of Light Horse from North Carolina, near
upon fifty, with their wagons, &c.; put up their horses
at the Continental stables.

8. In my son’s letter are many instances of the wanton
cruelty they exercised in his neighborhood, amongst
which is the burning of the house where Col. Reed did
live, the house where Thompson kept tavern, with every
thing in it, all the hay at Col. Bull’s, fifteen hundred
134 Christopher Marshall's Diary (Oct. 1777

bushels of wheat, with other grain, his powder mill and
iron works; destroyed all the fences for some miles,
with the Indian corn and buckwheat, emptied feather
beds, destroyed furniture, cut books to pieces at Col.
Bayard’s ; at one place emptied some feather beds, and
put a cask of yellow ochre, cask of Spanish Brown [and]
cask of linseed oil, and mixed them all together. So
brutal and cruel are all their steps marked, it would be
tiresome tracing them with a pen. ...... Yesterday, after
many day’s waiting, a sufficient number of members of
Assembly met, so that they have made a House and en-
tered upon public business.

11. News of the day is that the slaughter in Howe’s
army this day week was very great ; that the Generals
Agnew, Grant and Erskine, are among the slain, and
another General officer badly wounded ; these, by report,
were principal officers in Howe’s army ; that on the Eighth
instant, Washington’s army being refreshed marched
downwards to Philadelphia, and that he was reinforced
with four thousand men from the Northward, besides a
number of Virginians, within the space of eight or ten
days, so that an engagement may be hourly expected.
Our Council and House of Assembly continue still sitting
here, as does the Congress at York.

52. News of the day is variously represented, viz:
that our army was got to within nineteen miles of Phila-
delphia ; that Gen. Lee was exchanged (for Prescott) ;
was expected soon to be at camp; that Sam!. Shoemaker
acted as Mayor of Philadelphia, and had publicly declared
in the Market Place, in order to inform the inhabitants
by order of Gen'. Howe, that Congress money should
not be received in any payments; that sundry of the
English troops had repassed [the] Schuylkill, but for
what intent, it was not known; that Gen. Putnam had
retreated from Fishkill, as Burgoyne had received a
supply of troops.

13. News just come, via Reading, that Fort Mont-
Oct. 1777] of the American Revolution. 135

gomery was taken by the enemy, with all its stores, and
five hundred men made prisoners, and witha loss to them
of one thousand men killed; that they had burned two
frigates that were unfinished in the North River. After
dinner, Gen. De Kalb set out for the camp. The As-
sembly broke up this day, having completed their session,
having first appointed twelve Commissioners to act in
conjunction with the President and Council, during [the]
recess of the Assembly, and to the end of next session,
unless ordered otherwise by the next Assembly. ...... In
the above Commission, I was appointed one, but upon
being informed, I went and requested another might be
put in my room, which after some altercation was not
granted nor put they any other in my place, as the law
had been already passed for that purpose.

14. I went into town, this being Election Day, as
appointed by the Constitution. The following gentle-
men were elected in Lancaster, viz: Wm. .Brown,
Alexander Lowery, Philip Mastiler, James Anderson,
John McMullen[and] Ludwick Lauman, The election
was conducted with great order and sobriety. ...... News
was that our. enemies had erected [a] small battery on
Province Island, which our gondolas destroyed, took
fifty-four prisoners, and one hundred muskets, two
officers, a captain and lieutenant, with the cannon that
they had mounted.

15. Bought this day (for and per order of my son
Charles), of Adam Zantzinger, fifty-six pounds of
Muscovado sugar, for which I paid him nine shillings
per Ib. ...... News of the day is, it’s said, an express
about noon, on its way to Congress, who also had
despatches to our President and Council, giving them
information of the total rout of Burgoyne’s army ; great
numbers of them slain, say three hundred, as many
taken prisoners, with all their tents, baggage, &c., with
two twelve and six six-pounders, brass guns, and that
they were in full pursuit of the runaways; Generals
Clinton and Arnold, both wounded, but not mortally.
I 46 Christopher Marshalls Diary [Oct. 1777

By report of several, a most prodigious heavy firing was
heard yesterday, great part of the day, account of which
is impatiently expected by the honest hearts.

16. I am informed that yesterday were brought to this
jail, three or four persons from Chester County, two of
them named Hunter, who, by receipts found upon them,
appear to have been as suppliers of Howe’s army with
sheep, cattle, &c. The others are called Temple, who
appear to have been concerned as directors of the roads
to Howe’s army, and informing against sundry persons
to him as good friends to the United States, and other
inimical practices.

17. News by express from [the] Northward, confirms
the above intelligence, and adds that it was Burgoyne’s
Aide-de-camp [who] was taken prisoner, with most of
the Artillery officers and head officers of the Grenadiers
with the O. Mr. General, anda number of inferior
officers. Among the slainisGen'. Frazer. It’s further
said that the taking of Fort Montgomery cost abundance
of blood on both sides. On the English side, were slain
Gen, Camphiel, Major Stillé, Major Grant, Capt.
Steward, with many other officers; and that our forts
on [the] Delaware hold out bravely, the men in high
spirits on the fifteenth instant.

18. News of the day is that some of our militia under
Gen’. Smallwood and Potter, had taken a large drove of
cattle near Chester, that was driven for the use of Howe’s
army ; that the enemy had entirely evacuated Wilming-
ton; that our river was yet in our possession, although
daily cannonaded by the enemy’s shipping, but as bravely
repulsed ; that Lord Howe ina sixty gun ship was ar-
rived at Chester ; that provisions were very scarce and
dear in Philadelphia ; beef three shillings and nine pence*
a pound, butter seven shillings and six pence,” no money
passing but hard and Pennsylvania old money ; that full

« Fifty Cents.
2 One Dollar.
Oct. 1777] of the American Revolution. 137

confirmation of Gen. Burgoyne’s defeat was brought
this day to Congress from Gen. Gates, who was then in
full pursuit of his flying army; that numbers of them
came into us with heavy complaints against Burgoyne’s
behavior, and that he had written a polite letter to Gen.
Gates, requesting him to take care of his hospital.

20. By letter from son Benja. by the express, is a full
account of the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne and his whole
army to Gen, Gates, on the Fourteenth instant; to
march out on the Fifteenth to a place appointed, with
the honors of war, there to ground their arms, and then
as prisoners to be sent to Massachusetts Government.
On the Eighteenth a feu de joie was fired in our camp
on this glorious acquisition ; at the same time an alarm
was that the enemy under Howe was in motion to attack
our army, who received the news with great joy and
moved with great alacrity to receive them. It was re-
marked that when Gen. Washington received the ac-
count of Burgoyne’s defeat, he stood silent for some
small time. ...... As it was rainy weather, we all went
to bed past eight. Wind blew fresh and stormy. Near
nine, alarmed by Timothy Matlack, who came to inform
me that an express [had] just arrived in town with the
news of Howe’s quitting Philadelphia, and that Gen.
Washington was in full pursuit of his army.* ‘This was
joyful news indeed. I then went to bed, but had not
lain long when Major Wertz came with boy, candle
and lantern, on the same errand. I then arose and
conversed till he went away; then to bed. Not long
there before Robert Taggert came with his lantern.
After he was gone, I went to bed. Not being easy,
Dr. Phyle arose. We dressed ourselves, went into
town; met with many heartily rejoicing ; then to Jor-
den’s ; stayed in large company till near twelve; then
home in the rain to bed, before one.

 

* This news was premature.
138 Christopher Marshall’s Diary [Oct. 1777

21. In the evening went into town, having first pre-
pared our front windows with conveniency of fixing
candles for the illumination this night, on account of
Gen. Burgoyne’s defeat. A further account came this
evening, and was read in the Court House room, where
the principal inhabitants (with many others, strangers,
&c)., were collected to spend the evening in [a] kind of
festivity on the occasion, which was conducted with
great sobriety and prudence. ...... There were many
patriotic healths drunk, and a cold collation. The part
of the battalion under arms, that were in the borough,
paraded the streets, fired a feu de joie, with many ma-
noeuvres; drums, fifes, playing in the room. I came
away witha great many others about nine; fine pleasant
night, but cool, The account read was that the prison-
ers were, first, Lieut. Gen. Burgoyne, seven Brigadier
Generals, two Majors, two Lieutenant Colonels, a num-
ber of captains and inferior officers, five thousand privates,
fifteen thousand stand of arms, forty pieces of brass:
cannon, ammunition, tents, all their baggage, &c. No
further account from Philadelphia to be depended upon.

22. This afternoon, were brought to town via Read-
ing, thirty English and five Hessian prisoners, taken in
the last skirmish at Germantown, brought by some of
the militia and lodged in the jail, also three light horse
and four jagers, who were out on a scout, who were
also confined with the other prisoners. It’s further said
that a very heavy cannonade was heard on the outside
of this town, most part of this afternoon.

23. Gur neighbors this morning remarked a constant
heavy firing all this forenoon, which was distinctly heard
near twelve. I listened and heard a heavy firing from
E. S. E., as I apprehended it, to be platoon or broadside
firing. There are just brought to town from Chester
County, about forty of the men that were wounded in
that affair on the Brandywine (in seven wagons). .....-
Almost constantly engaged in my mind respecting the
Oct. 1777] of the American Revolution. 139

situation of our good friends, relations and associates in
Philadelphia, whose distress from the Tories I com-
miserate. :

25. News of the day, it’s said, is by two expresses,
one the confirmation of Gen. Burgoyne’s defeat ; the
other that twelve hundred Hessian Grenadiers, under
the command of Count Dunop, and sundry other princi-
pal officers crossed [the] Delaware at Cooper’s ferry,
marched through Haddonfield down to Redbank, from
there attacked our fort, nay, it’s said, some got over the
abattis, but were repulsed with a great number slain,
many wounded, among which the above named officers,
who were taken prisoners, and one hundred and eighty
others (and twelve brass cannon), the rest dispersed ;
and that our fleet had bravely repulsed the men-of-war,
and that our fire rafts had set three of their men-of-war
on fire, and two were thereby blown up and destroyed.
One of said vessels, it’s said, was the August, sixty-four
gun ship, and the other the Apollo. ‘This day was
published a Proclamation, reciting part of an Act passed
the Thirteenth instant, constituting a Council of Safety,
and vesting the same with certain powers. The persons
so named in said Act were John Bayard, Jonathan Ser-
geant, Jonathan B. Smith, David Rittenhouse, Joseph
Gardiner, Robert Whitehill, James Cannon and Wm.
Henry of Lancaster. This day was published an
Address from [the] said Council of Safety, to the inhab-
itants of Pennsylvania, dated at Lancaster the Twenty-
third instant.

27. It’s said that five hundred militia men marched
this day for camp, notwithstanding the heavy rain, which
continued till bed time.

29. News to-day but little. It’s said that our brave
fellows still keep our fort and cheveaux de frise ; that
our army is on the Skippack road, near Morris’s mill.
Letter from Reading to Col. Morgan says, that Dr.
Potts wrote to his wife, confirming the defeat of Bur-
140 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Oct. 1777

goyne’s army ; that the person who brought said Potts’s
letter, writes that he saw Burgoyne with ‘several Gene-
als and other officers at Albany, as he passed through
there.

30. This day I paid Conrad Wold £117 for one hun-
dred and seventeen gallons of whiskey, ordered by my
son Christopher and Thomas Rees, and sent them,
emai News of the day, as reported by Wm. Young,
servant to Robt. Erwine. He says he left Philadelphia
last Saturday ; that our enemies report that they lost one
thousand killed, besides a number wounded, at their
attack at Redbank; the inhabitants in Philadelphia in
great distress for provisions, as the soldiers seized all
that was in the market, and were also seizing and taking
away out of people’s cellars and yards all their firewood ;
that the defence on the river was maintained with great
vigor, having destroyed three of our enemies ships, viz:
sixty-four, thirty-four and twenty-eight gun vessels ; that
Gen. Howe had a bridge at Ogden’s ferry, was fortifying
this side [of the] Schuylkill, and for that purpose had
two thousand men there.

31. The news of the day is that the particulars of the
surrender of Burgoyne and his army were gone by ex-
press to Congress last night, but the account was not
vet returned, though several accounts were handed about,
but none authenticated. ...... An invitation made by the
President at Major Wertz’s, to which was invited
scarcely any other but a parcel of Tories in this place,
some of them inhabitants, and some who reside here
from Philadelphia. Poor Dr. Phyle and some of his
principles, were not counted worthy to taste of the dain-
ties, and thereby they escaped being intoxicated and
made drunk, and next day sick, &c.

Novemper I. After breakfast, I was engaged good part
of the day in patching and mending the old out house,
at this place, through the want of workmen, obliges me
to be a jack of all trades, as the saying is, and good at
none.
Nov. 1777] of the American Revolution. 141

2. I received a letter by the post, from my son Benja.,
dated yesterday, giving an account that both his and his
brother’s family were well, and had not, and hoped
should not have, cause to remove from their present
habitations by our enemies, as they were now in the en-
virons of Philadelphia ; that there had been no firing on
the river since the two ships were blown up, and that
Gen. Washington had sent off a train and company of
Artillery with three hundred men to reinforce the fort
at Redbank (yesterday) ; that they had for several days
the most violent storm of wind and rain scarcely known ;
that the creeks were so risen that the water was up
within a foot of Thomas Rees’s parlor floor, &c., in
which time of rain our poor soldiers suffered excessively
by the storm, but were now recruited and in high spirits,
and, it’s thought, would move downwards to-day or to-
morrow ; that the poor inhabitants of Philadelphia are in
a dreadful situation for the want of provisions and fire-
wood, and it’s said that the gallery-men have got upa
number (thirty) of cannon and other things out of the
wreck of the ships, 8c.

5. Afterwards went into town, as our Quarter Sessions
began yesterday, and were conducted with great order
and decorum. ‘This day, came to town on their way
to York, the Generals Sterling and Mifflin. ...... News
of the day is, by letter from Dr. Shippen at Reading to
Thomas Smith here, that last First Day, the ship Eagle
of sixty-four guns attacked our gondolas, but ran aground,
on which our people boarded her, got her off and took
her, and also that they had taken fourteen boat loads of
Provisions and other goods, going to Howe’s army, and
that our people had retaken Rhode Island, and made
eight hundred prisoners, with their stores and ammuni-
tion, &c. Sundry of our new Assembly came to town
yesterday and to-day, but not sufficient to make up a
house to do business.

6. Ihave been favored with [the] sight of [a] copy

12
142 Christopher Marshall’s Diary [Nov. 1777

of Jacob Duché’s letter to Gen. Washington, which the
General transmitted to Congress. It’s dated [the]
eighth of last month, the which contains a panegyric
upon himself, an applause of the General, then proceeds
to the most illiberal, scurrilous, and invective language
against the Congress [and] the supporters of the United
States in every department of government, then proposes
a total surrender of our all into the hands of Howe, and
the other Commissioners that were formerly appointed
by the King and Council ; then calls upon Gen, Wash-
ington to pronounce this at the head of his army, as the
only means that can be taken to preserve all America
from utter ruin and devastation, and thereby the General
would alone be the deliverer and savior of his country,
&c. &c. &c. Yesterday came Mary Brown’s son, who
came the night before from near Germantown ; told me
that he had seen his mother and Mrs. Owen there, who
had come out of Philadelphia just before on parole, to
procure some provisions, which, they said, were very
scarce and dear in the city. Mrs. Owen told him to
tell me, when he saw me, that the enemy had destroyed
all my fence round the garden, at [the] country seat,
put soldiers into that house and my dwelling house in
town, and that Paul Fooks had taken away all my books
out of my house before they took possession, and had
them carried to his own dwelling house, and being found
there, as if his own property, &c.

8. Newsto-day corresponds how that Gen. Cornwallis,
with a number of his army attacked Red Bank, the sixth
instant, where he was repulsed. His loss in killed,
wounded, and prisoners amounts, it’s said, to six hundred.

1o. A number of militia marched through this town
for Gen. Washington’s camp, as did likewise, it’s said,
near seven hundred on their return from camp to Virginia,
their times being expired. The accounts from Phila-
delphia are very distressing, on the many exercises the
Whig inhabitants have to encounter with, being much
Nov. 1777] of the American Revolution. 143

pinched for wood and provisions, besides the inhuman
behavior of the Tory crew in that City. Account is
brought that two spies were detected in Red Bank fort,
and were hanged immediately, one of which confessed
the fact ; said they were employed by Sam’, Shoemaker,
Paul Reeves and Sam!. Garrigus, Se., to procure inform-
ation.

11. News of the day is that Col. Morgan’s Regiment
of riflemen was arrived at Gen. Washington’s camp, and
that part of Gen. Gates’s army had crossed North River,
at Fishkill, and may be expected to join our army ina
few days, and that Gen. Clinton’s army was expected
to join Gen. Howe’s.

13. It’s said that eight hundred Continentals and
three hundred of the militia from Virginia, are now on
their march to join our General Washington, besides
five or six hundred from North Carolina, and Cumber-
land County militia, just now passing by to head quarters.
This [day] came to town and encamped in the woods
near Conestoga Creek, Two hundred Continental troops
from North Carolina, on their march to Gen. Washing-
ton’s camp. .

14. News of the day is that Col. Morgan’s Riflemen
were sent down to Tinicum Island; that Gen. Gates,
with his army, had crossed at Corryel’s ferry ; that several
of our people, of the prisoners under Gen. Howe, that
were confined in Philadelphia, had perished for want of
nourishment, provisions being so scarce and Howe so
cruel unto our people. This day some companies of
militia men came into this town, on their way to join
Gen. Washington.

17. News of the day is that six thousand blankets,
with watch coats, shoes and stockings, were arrived from
the eastward at our camp. It’s further said, that three
thousand of Gen. Putnam’s division crossed at Dunks’s
ferry last week on their way to Gen. Washington’s camp ;
that Dr. Kearsley, prisoner at Carlisle, died there some
144 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Nov. 1777

time last week, and was buried in their church, which dis-
gusted many of the Church party in that place, so that
they declared against going to that church any more.

18. News of the day is that Fort Mifflin was evacuated
after removing the guns and stores, last Seventh Day
night ; and that Elizabeth Shipley, a public Friend, who
fled from Howe’s army, at Wilmington, said these fol-
lowing words just before she died, ‘“* Hold out Americans,
hold out Americans, your cause is good, and God will
give you your country.”

20. Breakfasted with our standing family, James
Davidson, who was going to set off on account of [the]
Executive and Council of Safety, in order to examine
their salt works in the Jerseys, and also to purchase salt
in that State for the use of this State, if to be got on
moderate terms.

21. I went to town, in company with Robert White-
hill, to Council Chamber, where John Brown of Philada.
was sent a prisoner from Congress, who, by his own
confession, said at the request of Thomas Willing, he
had received orders from Gen. Howe, to propose to
some members of Congress, that if they would rescind
Independency, he would withdraw his fleet and army,
would put the States into the situation they were in [in]
seventeen hundred and sixty-three, and grant them more
than they have asked, and would establish the paper
currency. With this verbal message, he said he came,
by desire of Thos. Willing, and communicated the same
to Robert Morris. The Council, having considered
maturely the nature of the offence, unanimously agreed
to commit him to the common jail of this county, under
strict confinement, for the present. ...... Yesterday, our
Assembly made a House [and] proceeded to business,
after choosing James M‘Lean, Speaker. This morning
they, with the Council, elected Thomas Wharton, Presi-
dent, and George Bryan, Vice President, for the en-

suing year,
Nov. 1777] of the American Revolution. 145

22. About half after seven, before I arose, hearing a
great noise like an empty wagon going over a gutter.
When Robert Whitenill arose, he asked if I had heard
the earthquake ; he said it made the house shake to the
foundation. The same was felt by Dr. Phyle. As they
lay up stairs, and we below, they felt the shock more
sensibly. “This was felt by many, whom I heard talking
of it in town. ...... News of the day, that Gen. Corn-
wallis, on the sixteenth, with three thousand British and
Hessian troops, marched from Philadelphia to Chester,
there went on board [a] transport (having crossed [the]
Schuylkill at [the] middle ferry); on the Eighteenth,
went to Billingsport, disembarked the Nineteenth and
proceeded to attack Red Bank Fort ; that Col. Procter,
with artillery, had gone down to Province Island, and
Gen. Greene, with three thousand of our troops, was to
cross some days past, at Bristol. Potatoes in Philadel-
phia, at sixteen shillings a bushel, beef seven shillings and
six pence per pound, and a chicken at ten shillings, so
great is their distress.

23. News to-day that the English Ambassador, Stor-
mont, had left Paris. On his arrival in England, stocks
fell fifteen per cent; that the King of Prussia had or-
dered the Port of Embden to be open for American
privateers.

24. News of the day is that Gen. Burgoyne’s troops
had mutinied on their march, so that the guards were
obliged to fire on them, killed several, which obliged the
test to be still and quiet. Near forty Light Horse came
in from Virginia, on their way to head quarters.

26. News of the day is that [the] fort on Red Bank
was evacuated on the approach of Gen. Cornwallis, with
his forces ; that our people destroyed great part of our
fleet, fire rafts, floating battery, &c. ; that the enemy
had burnt Woodbury, but that our gondolas had passed
the City and got up the river ; that the enemy had burnt
Isaac Norris’s house, Jonathan Mifflin’s, Peel Hall, and
146 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Nov. 1777

sundry other houses ; that they had also destroyed Spring
Garden ; that provisions still continued scarce and dear
in the City ; [that] our people, who are prisoners, are
cruelly used ; that part of Gen. Gates’s forces had arrived
at camp.

27. Past four, 1 went by appointment of Council, in
company with Col. Bayard, to confer with the clothier
General respecting the clothing of the troops of this
State ; then returned to Council. Came home at dusk.
sSaaaie News to-day is that the Generals Washington,
Sullivan, and some others had crossed [the] Schuylkill
last Third Day ona reconnoitering over a bridge they
had near Spring Mill; that last Second Day a heavy
firing was heard, which, by report, was an engagement
in the Jerseys between our forces there and the enemy,
but was not decided as both maintained their ground in
order to renew the fight next morning, ...... that our
out-scouts near Fair Hill, had attacked and driven the
enemy’s pickets into the City; waited in hopes they
would have been succored, and so have brought ona
general engagement, as our army was ready to have en-
gaged, had the enemy come out, but they contented
themselves with remaining in their lines.

30. This morning James Young, Esq., set out for
camp, on a commission from the President and Council,
he, with Col. Bayard, being appointed to enquire into
the complaints made that the troops of this State are in
a ragged condition, while the other troops are well equip-
ped; also to see sundry clothes distributed amongst them
that are in real want, from a parcel now collecting in
this county, some of which are sent and more going, and
also to make a true report to Council of the state of our
army, and of the reasons of the complaints made respect-
ing the scarcity of provisions.

DeEcEMBER 2. Yesterday were read in Council, the
Thirteen Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union
of the United States; also a letter from Robert Morris
Dec. 1777] of the American Revolution. 147

to the President and Council, requesting the enlargement
of John Brown, and proposing to be his security in any
sum that they should require. The same was put to
vote, and carried unanimously that he should still be re-
tained a prisoner.

3. A letter was read in Council from G. Wood of
Bedford County, dated [the] eighteenth of last month,
giving an account of the inroads of the Indians in that
quarter, which had so distressed them that numbers of
the inhabitants had fled from their habitations. Account
[that ] seventeen thousand blanketsare arrived in Virginia.

4. After dinner I carried a few lines written to the
Speaker of the House of Assembly, signifying my inten-
tions of resigning my seat in the Committee of Safety.
Now the doing [of | this arose from an information R.
Whitehill gave me at dinner, that the House in his ab-
sence this forenoon had passed a Resolve that they would
desire the President and Council immediately to dissolve
the Council of Safety. This was what induced me to
take the start of them, and decline in time.

5. Baron De Holtzendorff’s Aide-de-camp; come
from camp, but brought no news except that he thought
that our troops were to go soon into winter quarters. ......
The beginning of this week, three Delegates, viz:
[Elbridge] Gerry, Jones and Robert Morris, set out by
order of Congress to head-quarters, in order to consult
only with Gen, Washington, on the present critical
affairs of the army, the commissaries and other officers,
&e.

6. Visited early by Col. Roberdeau. Stayed in solid
conversation till past ten. Gave him Seventeen hun-
dred and five Dollars, left me by my sons Christopher
and Charles, in order to get them changed by Congress,
if suitable and convenient, for the same number of Dol-
lars, these having been defaced by lying in a damp
place, which entirely took away all the names and
numbers that were done with red ink.
-

148 Christopher Marshall's Diary | Dxc. 1777

7. News of the day, it’s said, is that an express passed
through this town to Congress with despatches that
Gen. Howe left Philadelphia [on the] Fourth instant at
eleven at night, with his army, consisting of ten thousand
men, marched towards Germantown, attacked and drove
[in] our picket guard, which being reinforced, returned,
drove their advanced guard back, killed near twenty,
amongst which, a Brigadier General, Captain, &c. ;
took sixteen prisoners; that we lost Gen. Irvin, who
was wounded and taken prisoner, one Colonel, one
Captain, twelve or fourteen privates killed, and main-
tained our post that night; that next day a general en-
gagement, it was thought, was unavoidable, as the two
armies lay in sight of each other; and that the enemy
had burnt Beggar’s town in their front.

8. Then came Norton Pryor, who brought a letter
from son Charles, giving account ...... that both armies
were in sight of each other, Howe’s occupying German-
town, and Washington’s Chestnut Hill, Whitemarsh,
&c. (He and horse stayed all night, as he, after trial,
could find no entertainment in the town.) Spent the
evening in conversation respecting the difficulties attend-
ing our friends in and about Philadelphia, till near ten.

10. Yesterday, about noon, came into town, from
the Northward, about four hundred soldiers of the regi-
ment of Col. , in order to be innoculated for the
small pox; went into barracks. They brought with
them, it’s said, about one hundred English prisoners that
had been taken at different times.

11. News of the day, it’s said, is that Gen. Howe,
after giving out in Philada., that he was going with his
army to drive Gen. Washington and his army over the
Blue Mountains, after marching his whole army up to
Chestnut Hill and staying there some days, last First
Day night decamped and returned to Philada. on the
Second Day, leaving behind him about two hundred of
his men, in slain and taken prisoners. It’s said they

 
Dec. 1777] of the American Revolution. 149

have pillaged and carried with them everything that
came in their way that was portable and of any value,
besides burning [and] destroying many houses and effects,
also taking with them, by force, all the boys they could
lay their hands on, above the age of ten years. Thus,
this time, has the great boaster succeeded in this vain-
glorious expedition, to the eternal shame of him and of
all his boasting Tory friends. It’s said that last week,
Joseph Galloway was proclaimed in Philada. Governor
of this Province, by the knot of Tories there; that
John Hall, cooper, is to be tried for his life for cursing
George the Third, as is Robert Riché for writing to
Gen. Washington (some say it was to Riché’s wife)
giving them an account of the fortifying of the City, &c.
By some letters intercepted, there appears to be a com-
bination between the Friends sent into Virginia by the
President and Council and some inhabitants of Lan-
caster, in order to depreciate the Continental currency.
Some of the letters are from Owen Jones, Jr., to John
Mercer, Matthias Slough and Matthias Graeff. This
discovery has obliged the Board of War to send all the
canst prisoners to Staunton in Augusta County, and

wen Jones to close confinement, without the use of
pen, ink and paper, except in presence of the Lieutenant
of the County or his deputy, and the other Friends to
the same restriction, unless they take an affirmation that
they will neither act, speak, nor write anything that is
against the Independency of the United States of America.

12. News of the day is that Gen. Howe is come out
again from Philadelphia, with his army ; crossed [the]
Schuylkill at Middle Ferry, marched up Lancaster Road
to the Sorrel Horse, thirteen miles from the City, and
there rested yesterday.

13, Some people pretended to have heard a firing of
cannon this morning. ...... This is a strange age and
place, in which I now dwell, because nothing can be
had cheap but lies, falsehood, and slanderous accusation.

13
150 Christopher Marshall s Diary (Dec. 1777

Love and Charity, the badge of Christianity, is not so
much as named amongst them.

14. Near twelve, came to pay mea visit the French
Engineer, Baraset De Kermorvan, who came by my son
Christopher’s from camp, and is going to York Town,
He brought me a letter from him of the twelfth instant,
that gave us an agreeable account that all their family
were in good health, but to counterbalance, mentioned
that they had met with fearful alarms since the enemy
left town, it’s said with their whole army, in order to
attack Washington’s army at Chestnut Hill, but are now
returned to town, finding his army too strong in that
situation to engage him. ‘This, Howe was informed of
by a deserter from Col. Proctor’s Regiment of Artillery ;
that they had ‘taken in with them some cattle, and it’s
reported, a quantity of forage, although our people pur-
sued them; and, by a person since come out of town,
who says that twenty-five wagons, with killed and
wounded, were brought in.

15. Upon the rumor yesterday of Gen, Howe’s army’s
being on the Lancaster Road, it’s said that the papers
and records belonging to the Executive Council were
packed up and sent by wagons to York Town; it’s said
that the English army is returned into Philadelphia and
that our army is on this side of [the] Schuylkill. Our
Assembly continues sitting here. It’s said that a spirited
letter is penned by them to send to Congress to-morrow,
respecting the report of our troops’ going into winter
quarters, as the enemy are attempting to, and does,
ravage the country for a number of miles’ extent around
Philada.

16. The circumstances of affairs of [a] public nature
make a very gloomy appearance. Our City, with its
virtuous inhabitants that could not escape, in the hands
of cruel taskmasters; the country around ravaged,
stripped and destroyed, with houses, barns, &c., burnt
and levelled with the ground by the same band of ban-
Dec. 1777] of the American Revolution. 151

ditti worse than savages ; no priests nor prophets, but
such as are delineated by Jeremiah in his Lamentations.
The thoughts of these things, and having my children
with their lovely offspring in the very jaws of these ene-
mies, afflict me sorely, break my peace and disturb my
est, but here I must stop, because the Lord is good and
does not afflict willingly. The cause is of our side; we
have grossly offended; yet spare us, O Lord my God
Spare thy people and bless thine inheritance, for Jesus
Christ’s sake.

20. Also came James Davidson, who brought me
from Gen. Roberdeau the Continental Bills of Exchange
for what he took from me of said specie, being defaced
with the damp.

21, No news of any moment to be depended upon,
except General orders from head quarters, encouraging
the army to build huts and to content themselves where
they are now.

22. In [the] afternoon, returned the three men and
two wagons from York Town, as went last. ‘They
called to get some sustenance, as they could get none on
the road from York Town till here. After refreshing
themselves, they set out for home just at dusk.

25. Yesterday came to this town from York, Gen.
Conway, on his way down to head quarters, and also to
propose two Brigadier Generals in the room of Gen,
Potter [and] Gen. Armstrong, who propose to go from
the army unto their own homes. No company dined
with us to-day, except Dr. Phyle, one of our standing
family. We hada good roast turkey, plain pudding,
and minced pies.

26, This evening Col. Proctor called, drank tea,
stayed some time, giving a relation of the sufferings of
the back inhabitants, through the inroads now making
by the Indians and the soldiery from Fort Detroit.

27. I spent the evening at home examining part of
[the] History of Ephrata, brought me by Peter Miller
152 Christopher Marshall's Diary [DEc. 1777

for my inspection and correction, ‘There appears to be
no kind of news to be depended upon, but as for lies,
this place is really pregnant and brings forth abundance
daily, I might safely say, hourly. Caleb Johnston, that
was sent to prison for aiding and assisting [James]
Brooks to get out of our prison, as it’s said, is just re-
leased from confinement.

28. Our affairs wear a very gloomy aspect. Great
part of our army gone into winter quarters ; those in
camp wanting breeches, shoes, stockings, [and] blankets,
and by accounts brought yesterday, were in want of flour,
yet being in the land of plenty ; our farmers having their
barns and barracks full of grain; hundreds of barrels of
flour lying on the banks of the Susquehannah perishing
for want of care in securing it from the weather, and
from the danger of being carried away, if a freshet should
happen in the river; fifty wagon loads of cloths and
ready made clothes for the soldiery in the Clothier Gen-
eral’s store in Lancaster (this I say from the demand
made by John Mease to the President a few days past,
when the enemy was expected to be coming this way,
for this number of wagons to take away these stores) ;
our enemies revelling in balls, attended with every de-
gree of luxury and excess in the City; rioting and wan-
tonly using our houses, utensils and furniture ; all this
[and] a numberless number-of other abuses we endure
from that handful of banditti, to the amount of six or
seven thousand men, headed by that monster of rapine,
Gen. Howe. Add to this their frequent excursions
round about for twenty miles together, destroying and
burning what they please, pillaging, plundering men and
women, stealing boys above ten years old, deflowering
virgins, driving into the City for their use, droves of
cattle, sheep [and] hogs; poultry, butter, meal, meat,
cider, furniture and clothing of all kinds, loaded upon
our own horses. All this is done in the view of our
Generals and our army, who are careless of us, but care-
Dec. 1777] of the American Revolution. 153

fully consulting where they shall go to spend the winter
in jollity, gaming and carousing. O tell not this in
France or Spain! Publish it not in the streets of London,
Liverpool or Bristol, lest the uncircumcised there should
rejoice, and shouting for joy, say “¢ America is ours, for
the rebels are dismayed and afraid to fight us any longer !
O Americans, where is now your virtue? O-.Wash-
ington, where is your courage?” ...... News to-day is
that Co]. Bull, on the twenty-fifth instant, made an ex-
cursion into Fourth street in Philadelphia, with two
thousand militia [and] alarmed the City by firing off
some pieces of cannon into the air, whereby ’some of the
balls fell about Christ Church, He then made a good
retreat back to his station, without the loss of one man.
It’s further said that it alarmed Gen. Howe, who was
then at Darby, so that he and his army posted imme-
diately with all speed back to the City. It’s further
added that Gen. Howe has ordered all the fire buckets
that can be found in the City to be put aboard his fleet.

2g. It’s said that Gen. Sullivan, on the retreat of Gen.
Howe’s army on Christmas Day from Darby, on the
alarm given by Cols. Bull, Antis and (in three
divisions, instead of one under Col. Bull as above, but
all militia), took thirteen provision wagons loaded from
the enemy. ...... Visited in the evening by Dr. Yeard-
well, who told me they had made a hospital at Ephrata,
in which were near two hundred and forty-seven sick
and wounded men.

31. Visited by Jedediah Snowden and Benja. Harbe-
son, for me to sign a petition they were carrying about,
for the purpose of requesting the Assembly to call out
the whole force of this State, immediately, while there
is a prospect of this severe cold weather’s lasting, in order
to attack Gen. Howe in and out of our City, and thereby
entirely ruin his army, and rid the Colonies of such cruel
monsters. I then went to writing or, more properly,
correcting the Annals of Ephrata, and so continued till
bed time, near eleven o’clock.

 
154 Christopher Marshalls Diary [Jan. 1778

1778.

January 1. Fine clear sunshine morning, and pleasant
for the season, and still continues to freeze hard. Wind
but little at southerly. Thus has the morning of our
new year been ushered in. God grant that this serenity
may be a happy presage of that longed for peace and
tranquility that is promised in thescriptures, that ‘‘ nation
shall not arise against nation, neither shall they learn war
any more.” ..... Finished correcting the Annals of Ephrata.

2. Our Assembly, since they received the petition of
the thirty-first, are busily employed in conjunction with
the Executive Council, in taking proper steps in order to
grant the prayer of such petition. It’s said that two
Committees are appointed, one to prepare a Bill adequate
to the Prayer, the other to draw up a spirited Remon-
strance to send to Congress with the Petition and their
Resolve ; these to be sent by express. It’s said that
fifteen wagon-loads of ready-made clothes for the Vir-
ginia troops came and stay in town to-night. To-
morrow they proceed for our camp. It’s further said
that ten other wagons loaded with [the] same commodity
are come in here, going for our camp, but I could not
learn from what port they came. It’s said that our
camp ? looks as large as Philadelphia, most of their huts
being built, laid out in streets and are very warm, and it’s
said they seem quite contented to rest there and let Howe
keep the city for this winter, but Iam in hopes they will
be mistakeri, as our Assembly and Executive Council are
determined to call out the strength of this State, “and
therewith make a bold push, and their resolutions, I hope,

« The prayer of this petition was that the Assembly should ‘call out the
whole force of this State [Pennsylvania] immediately, while there isa
prospect of this severe weather’s lasting, in order to attack Gen, Howe in
and out of our City [Philadelphia] and thereby entirely ruin his army, and
rid the colonies of such cruel monsters.” Diary for December 31, 1777:

2 At Valley Forge.
Jan. 1778] of the American Revolution. 155

will be attended with the blessings of Heaven, the con-
sent and approbation of Congress, joined with the zeal,
fortitude and courage of Gen. Washington and his brave
army.
fd Before breakfast fed the horse, bridled and saddled
[it] to lend to Mr, MsLean, Speaker, who was setting
out for home, as the Assembly had adjourned to the
Eighteenth of next month (Feb’). His horse, he
said, was about a mile from town. So he took a little
boy with him to bring the horse back. Then came
Vanchamp,who wasalso setting out for his home. ......
News that a brig from New York, driven ashore with
the ice above Wilmington Creek, was boarded by Col.
Smallwood and his men. She mounted twelve guns,
but lay uponone side. The Colonel brought two pieces
of cannon with him. It’s said, before he boarded, a
boat full of men and officers put off for the Jersey shore
and got away. After our people’s firing a few shots, the
vessel struck her colors. It’s said they found and
brought from aboard her between fifty and sixty men,
forty ladies, complete suits of clothes for four regiments,
eight thousand seven hundred and fifty stand of arms in
three hundred and fifty chests, twenty-five in each chest,
the baggage for the officers of four regiments, a great
quantity of clothes not made up, twelve pieces of cannon
with carriages, some hogsheads of spirits, sugar, raisins,
currants, oranges, several casks of wine, a quantity of
bageage for different officers, ladies, &c., &c., &c., &e. 5
that a number of the goods were landed at Wilmington,
4. Soon after came Wm. Atlee’s son and daughter,
enquiring for the doctor. He was just gone out. The
request was that he would go to our neighbor’s house to
take care of an English prisoner (but he turns out to be
one of the new raised levies in [New] Jersey) that they
had sent there to be nursed, he being very poorly, and
his name was Mrs. Atlee’s maiden name, and this had
induced her to take so much care of him. A poor ex-

 
156 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Jan. 1778

cuse when at this same time there are near upon two or
three hundred of our State’s soldiers in the greatest dis-
tress and extremity for real want of common necessaries,
even the want of a little straw to lie upon. O poor
Pennsylvania ! how art thou fallen, so that thy very sons,
who are daily maintained and nourished by thy posts of
profit, are the very men that prey upon thy bowels, and
who, under the show of friendship, are making deeper
and ghastlier wounds than either Gen. Howe, the head
of monsters and brutes, was, is, or ever will be able to
make: for this reason [that] they come, as an army of
banditti and savages, to steal, kill and murder, but you
false, base and atrocious enemies, wound, steal [from]
and murder your best friends, supporters and benefactors,
even those who have raised and lifted many of you up
from poverty and contempt. Yet this is now your re-
ward to them, acting the cruelest of deceit and hypocrisy,
in the same strain and in the same line, actuated by the
same spirit as Judas of old, “‘ and forthwith he came to
Jesus and said Hail Master, and kissed him.” Matthew,
26:49. Mark, 14:45. O ye false sons of Pennsyl-
vania, be ye alarmed and look and behold the dreadful
precipice over which you are standing! Cease now
while mercy is yet stretched out to you by the Almighty
hand of Love, who sees and marks out all your hidden
works of darkness. Now is your appointed time, now
is your day of salvation, the which if overlooked your
master in iniquity, whom you now so zealously and fer-
vently serve, will, in the end, leave and forsake you, as
he did your forerunner in hypocrisy and deceit, in which
you have greatly exceeded him. Read his destiny as tt
stands upon record, as an example to all the betrayers of
God and their country. Matthew, 27: 3, 4, 5
5. Various thoughts ran through my mind during this
engagement, as being entirely alone, and as the times
bear such a melancholy aspect and as the expectation of
the poor inhabitants of the City returning to their habit-
Jan. 1778] of the American Revolution. 157

ations is now quite over, as our army is now gone into
winter quarters, this makes their schemes to be all abor-
tive, therefore blessed shall all those be who have their
minds retired and fixed upon God alone, for these will
have peace in the most violent commotions that nature
can be agitated with, as their wills are subjected to the
will of our heavenly Father. This is the state my soul
longs to be an inhabitant of.

6. Spent some time in conversation with Capt. Markoe,
John Hubley and some others on the affairs of the times,
which appear very gloomy. By accounts from the City,
Howe lives there in great plenty. None of our people
attempt to molest them. By two women who left the
City [it is reported that] they have a great concourse of
market folks from Bucks County, who attend the mar-
kets constantly ; that this day week fifty or sixty men
went inside of their works at Kensington, and after some
time returned back without any interruption from the
sentinels, they appearing to be very careless and not
under any apprehension from our army ; they further
said that three topsail vessels were set ashore by the ice
between Gloucester and Cooper’s Ferry, that it is said
the Jersey people had pillaged what they could and then
set them on fire ; that during this time there was a con-
stant fire from the City and Kensington upon the people,
but had not heard whether they had killed any or not.

As I have, in this Memorandum, taken scarcely any
notice of my wife’s employment, it might appear as if
her engagements were very trifling, the which is not the
case but the reverse, and to do her that justice which
her services deserve by entering them minutely would
take up most of my time, for this genuine reason how
that, from early in the morning till late at night, she is
constantly employed in the affairs of the family, which

 

* On Monday, January sth, 1778, the celebrated ‘¢ Battle of the Kegs ”
was fought.
158 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Jan. 1778

for some months has been very large, for besides the
addition to our family in the house [is] a constant resort
of comers and goers who seldom go away with dry lips
and hungry bellies. This calls for her constant attend-
ance not only to provide, but also to attend at getting
prepared in the kitchen, baking our own bread and pies,
meat, &c., but also on the table. Her cleanliness about
the house, her attendance in the orchard, cutting and
drying apples, of which several bushels have been pro-
cured, add to which her making of cider without tools,
for the constant drink of the family, her seeing all our
washing done, and her fine clothes and my shirts, the
which are all smoothed by her, add to this her making
of twenty large cheeses, and that from one cow, and
daily using milk and cream, besides her sewing, knitting,
&c. Thus she looketh well to the ways of her house-
hold, and eateth not the bread of idleness, yea, she also
stretcheth out her hand and she reacheth out her hand to
her needy friends and neighbors. I think she has not
been above four times, since her residence has been here,
to visit her neighbors, nor through mercy has she been
sick for any time, but has at all times been ready, in any
affliction to me or my family, as a faithful nurse and
attendant, both day and night, so that I can in great
truth take the words of the wise man and apply them
truly to my case, ‘‘ Who can find a virtuous woman?
for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her
husband doth safely trust in her. She will do him good
and not evil all the days of her life. Many daughters
have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.”
Proverbs 31: 10, I1, 12, 29. ...... Dr. Phyle and I then
finished correcting the Annals of Ephrata. ...... News
of the day is various and whether true or not is uncer-
tain. From South Carolina, it’s said that a sloop is
arrived there which had been bound from Granada to
New York with seventy puncheons of rum and six
hogsheads of sugar brought in by the mate and crew
Jan. 1778] of the American Revolution. 159

who had confined the captain ; that [by] Messrs. Otis
and Andrews of Boston, agents for purchasing clothing
for continental troops, upwards of five thousand suits
with shoes, stockings, shirts, &c., have been procured
and are now on their way to camp. This with the other
supplies from Virginia and other quarters, gives a pleas-
ing prospect of seeing our whole army completely clothed
in a small time.

7. After tea, came George Bryan and Dr. Rush;
spent the evening ; near nine they went away. ...... Dr.
Phyle gave my wife to-day twelve pounds of powdered
loaf sugar of the Barbadoes kind. He sent, some days
past, by William Bell, to deliver to my son Charles for
him to convey to the Doctor’s wife in Philadelphia, if
practicable, four half Joes. He purchased them in

‘Lancaster. He said he paid twelve Pounds apiece for
them.

By the conversation with those gentlemen to night,
there appears to be a general murmur in the people,
about the City and Country, against the weak conduct
of Gen. Washington. His slackness and remissness in
the army are so conspicuous that a general langor must
-ensue, except that some heroicaction takes place speedily,
but it’s thought by me that G. W. must be the man to
put such a scheme into practice. Notwithstanding, a
cry begins to be raised for a Gates, a Conway, a De
Kalb, a Lee, but those men can’t attain it. Such is the
present concern of fluctuating minds.

8. While alone, the care of our Heavenly Father
presented itself to my view in this that notwithstanding
his judgments are visibly over this land and that although
we the inhabitants do not learn righteousness, yet he is
daily guarding and blessing us, an instance of which
appeared to the view of my mind, respecting the capture
of the brig run ashore near Wilmington, related in Dun-
lap’s newspaper of yesterday, wherein amongst the many
things enumerated are three hundred and fifty chests of
160 Christopher Marshalls Diary [J an. 1778

arms, with twenty-five stands in each (is eighty-seven
hundred and fifty), clothing for four regiments with the
baggage belonging to the officers of four regiments, &c.,
&c. These appeared to me to have been ordered by
Gen. Howe, in order to be ready for the troops of Gen,
Burgoyne, for which, transports, it’s said, are sent, under
the pretense of carrying those troops for England, but
instead thereof to fetch them into Philadelphia, as, by
our enemy’s behavior, it seems that no faith, respect-
ing the law of nations, is to be kept with rebels. Thus
has Providence again assisted us in a wonderful manner
and defeated this deep laid scheme of our inveterate
enemy, for which merciful favor my soul bless the
Lord our God. Amen.

g. I was visited by Dr. Newman, who arrived in town
last night from Pittsburgh. He brings an account that
the Indians in that quarter are pretty still during this
cold weather, but are expected to be troublesome when
the spring approaches. He says it’s [a] fine country for
provisions of all kinds, wild fowls, beasts and fish in great
plenty, vast quantities of what’s called sea coals for firing
to be had with very little labor, but for all those blessings
a monstrous spirit of infidelity and profaneness reigns
through every department of men in those parts; for
which reasons, the blessings intended by Providence for
our good, we prostitute to base purposes, so as to make
them to bea curse....... This evening wrote a few linesto
James Davidson to desire him to come and attend Council
[the] beginning of next week. ...... One hundred and
fifty Virginia Continental troops, it’s said, went through
here for the camp, this day.

10. Soon after came Capt. Markoe, who said that
John Benezet was just come to town, who had left Gen.
Gates yesterday at Nazareth, who informed him that the
Canadians had risen and taken all Gen. Burgoyne’s bag:
gage and the officers with theirs amounting, it’s said, to
one hundred and fifty thousand pounds ; the officers kept
Jan. 1778] of the American Revolution. 161

 

prisoners. By letter to Young from his wife’s
relations up [the] North River, it appears that an Eng-
lish twenty-eight gun frigate (it’s thought the Mercury)
going up the said river ran upon the cheveaux de frise
there and [in] about five minutes she sank and every
soul perished that was aboard.

11, This day arrived here from camp Col. Hartly and
his battalion ordered for Yorktown,

12. After dinner received letter from Paul Fooks,
dated twenty-fourth December, giving an account of the
hardships he sustained during the space of ten weeks he
was as a prisoner in his own house [in] Philadelphia ;
that he had been but about three days out, was poorly
and weak at Thomas Reese’s house.

14. News is that Gen. Gates went to Congress
yesterday.

15. This day came to town Col. Morgan of the Rifle
Battalion, going home to see his family. Many Con-
tinental troops in town, getting sundry clothes-in order
togo tothe camp. ...... Just thereupon came Joseph
Robins, French starch-maker, from Philadelphia. We
then drank tea, while he gave a wretched description of
poor Philadelphia, the destruction that has attended the
diferent interests there, as well as some account of the
havoc made of some of mine that he knew of. He had
brought some of Humphreys’s newspapers’ with him. 1
set to peruse some of them which are so replete with
lies and falsehoods that I am really astonished.

17. My mind seems anxiously concerned on account
of our distressed friends and acquaintance, with our
brave Gen. Washington, as he and his army are now
obliged to encounter all the inclemency of this cold
weather, as they with him are living out in the woods
with slender covering ; our poor friends in town, many
of them in want of fuel and other necessaries, while our

 

*The Public Ledger. It expired May 28, 1778.
162 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Jan. 1778

internal enemies, under the protection of that savage
monster Howe, are revelling in luxury, dissipation and
drunkenness, without any feelings for the distress of their
(once happy) bleeding country. Here I must stop, as
the theme is too melancholy and distressing. ...... Yes-
terday was sent to prison by order of President and
Council Dingee, of Chester county, for refusing to
take the oath of allegiance, nor would he give security
for his upright walking and good conduct.

18. News is that the Jersey people have destroyed
thirteen sail of English vessels that were put on shore
in different places in our river by the ice, and plundered
as many of them as they could before they burned them.

19. News to-day that a vessel is arrived at Carolina
from France. The captain brought the letters, but upon
the letters to Congress trom Franklin being opened, they
were all a blank. In his to his son-in-law, Bache, he
refers him for news to the members of Congress, as
there he was very particular. “This makes it to be pre-
sumed that the messenger in France had suffered the
letters to be taken away and those substituted in the
room of them. Time will disclose this fraud and by
whom it wastransacted. It’s said that Thomas Willing,
with some others in town, had purchased a parcel of
blankets for our prisoners there, but before they would
deliver them applied to Gen. Howe, acquainting him of
their intention. He sent them for answer not to send
them any, as they should receive no such donations but
what were sent directly from Gen. Washington to them
for their use. This message and answer, I understand,
are transmitted to Gen. Washington. What his judg-
ment on this singular affair is, has not yet transpired, as
I have heard.

21, News to-day is that the plan formed by Assembly
and President, sent to Congress for their concurrence,
is adopted; sent by them to Gen. Washington, 1s ap-
proved of and to be carried into execution as fast as
possible.

 
Jan. 1778] of the American Revolution. 163

22. This is a wonderful place for variety of sentiments
and behavior. You may speak and converse with some,
whose sweet countenances will tell you that you are
highly agreeable to them while you talk to them in their
way, but change the discourse by asking them to spare
you some hay, oats for horse, wheat, rye, wood, butter,
cider for yourselves, &c., &c., to be paid for in Congress
money; or that the English army is likely to be defeated
and our people to get the victory, oh! then, their serene
countenances are all overcast, a lowering cloud spreads
all over their horizon; they have nothing to say, nay
scarcely to bid you farewell. I went into town to Wm.
Henry’s. While there [arrived] Hugh Hughes, wagoner
from Philadelphia, who came with ten other wagons and
three officers, as commissioners, with clothing for the
English prisoners. These are permitted to travel where
they please without any control, and to pay for what
they purchase with Congress money, but our poor
wagoners must not enter with provisions into Philadel-
phia without a guard and that at night, and brought back
directly [the] same way ; our Commissary with twenty-
five head of cattle, taken in with a guard and not suffered
to have a receipt for them, nor suffered even to shake
hands with some of his acquaintances, nor to purchase
anything but with hard money. The wagoner was John
Moyer ; the Commissary with the cattle, John Chandler.
O poor Pennsylvania, how you are imposed upon and
suffer your children to be made dupes. Hugh Hughes,
as above, was detected in passing forty-five shilling bills
counterfeited, sundry being found on him, and was sent
to our prison by Wm. Henry. No doubt some of the
officers have of the same money.

25. After dinner came back into town the eleven
wagons with baggage that, it’s said, was sent a few days
post by Gen. Howe from Philadelphia, for the use of his
people who are prisoners in this state, and which ar-
tived here a few days ago and left it the day before, but
164 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Jan. 1778

by order from [the] Board of War they were sent after,
the goods put into our stores, the wagons and horses
sent to [the] Continental stables, the officers under re-
strictions at Jordan’s, the wagoners and some prisoners
sent to prison and the women to ramble about the
town. ...... It’s said that John Brown is now discharged
from prison, but not to go five miles from Manheim,
and £500 security for his good behavior.*

26. Just passed by near a dozen light horse, who had
been at York, going to head quarters. Yesterday one
hundred and fifty Virginians came into town.

28. News is that the December mail was arrived at
Philadelphia, but that Howe would not suffer any of the
letters to be delivered. - It’s said Lord Chatham is at
[the] head of affairs at London and that Gen. Howe has
ordered all the shipping in [the] Delaware to be got
ready for sea; that flour in Philadelphia was £5 per
hundred in hard money, beef two shillings and six pence
per lb.: fire wood [oak] £4 per cord, and other necessaries
such as eatables, in proportion ; great quantities of dry
goods, but all to be paid for in hard money, but none to
be taken out after being bought except by stealth.

29. After dinner went down to John Dunlap’s for the
Supplement to the Pennsylvania Packet, it containing
the Resolves of Congress relating to the acts of retalia-
tion upon Gen. Howe’s prisoners agreeably to the usage
that our people who are prisoners with Howe receive. ......
Passed through this town from camp to Yorktown this’
day, Gen, Conway and the Marquis de la Fayette.

30. A person from York brought sundry letters from,
I apprehend, some of our Tory Friends there and [in]
Virginia to be forwarded, but upon conversation, he
took them to some more suitable person to have them
sent. By him was learned that John Parish and Isaac

1 John Brown was an emissary from General Howe. See the Colonial
Records, vol. 11, pages 344 to 348 and the Pennsylvania Archives, vol. 6,
pages 25, 30, 36 and 45.
Jan. 1778] of the American Revolution. 165

Zane the Elder with two or three other Friends were
then at York with the Congress, soliciting the discharge
of the Friends that were sent away by the President and
Council of Safety into Virginia, but their request was
not complied with when he came away, but they were
politely received.

1. Last night was a grand ball or entertainment,
kept at the house [of] William Ross, the tavern keeper,
which [it] is said was very brilliant, at which, it’s said,
were above one hundred men and women assembled,
dressed in all their gaiety: cold collation with wine,
punch, sweet cakes, &c., music, dancing, singing, &c.,
held till four this morning. Who were the principals
in the promoting or in the expenses I did not learn, but
{neither ] the President nor any of his family was there,
but Gen. Mifflin was. Account is brought that Mon-
sieur Pliarne was drowned a few days ago, attempting to
cross the River Potomac. He was a pleasant agreeable
young gentleman. He visited our family here about
three weeks ago.

Frpruary 1. My wife with me is much concerned
respecting son Benja. as he was so poorly by the accounts
the twenty-third, since which we [have] heard nothing
from that quarter. This makes it more difficult for us,
and the more especially as last night near ten o’clock,
my wife went up stairs to a closet in [the] front room.
When she came down she says, I believe Benny is dead.
asked why? She said that she was shuddered when
she went into [the] room respecting him, and had not
been thinking of him but saw nothing. Now it is to be
noted that she is not of a timorous disposition, so that
she can go any way or stay in the house all night alone,
being under no fear of apparitions. Just as we sat down
to dinner, came Jacob Baker. When I saw him I was
struck, I asked him no questions, but to sit down and
dine. I wanted none. My heart was full. After
dinner he gave me two letters from my two sons, which

14
166 Christopher Marshall's Diary [F Ex. 1778

gave me an account of his illness and of his departure;
that without sighs or groan [he] departed this life about
six o’clock on the evening of the twenty-ninth of last
month. Thus I have lived to hear of the departure of
my first born in the year of his age, and who will
be much lamented not only by his own connections to
whom he was near and dear, but also by his acquaintances,
which were very numerous, occasioned by his kindness
and hospitality, which was very large.

5. My wife said at breakfast that before she came to
bed last night, coming from [the] kitchen, she heard a
most hard and uncommon noise in the elements, which
appeared like the ice when [it ] breaks up in the river. ......
My mind keeps thoughtful on the death of my son.
Sometimes, I’m, as it were, satisfied ; then a damp comes
over and carries it away ; so that I find nothing can
settle or secure peace but an entire resignation to the
divine will without any reserve.

6. Yesterday morning went from here, who came [the]
evening before from York, the Marquis de La Fayette,
who was going forward for Canada.

8. Some time past an Address was sent from the
prisoners who were sent by [the] Committee of Safety
into Virginia, to the Congress and also to the President
and Council, the which was brought and presented by
Alexander White, the lawyer of Winchester. He de-
livered one to the Congress at Yorktown, the other he
came with to Lancaster. They prayed that they might
not only be kept from being sent farther into Virginia to
a place called Staunton, but that they might be permitted
to return home to enjoy that liberty [of] which they are
unjustly deprived. It was set forth in the said memorials
that they were willing to engage not to give any infor-
mation of zny kind that came to their knowledge. The
Council referred the matter wholly to Congress. They,
after many debates, had not determined, so that after
some days waiting Alexander White returned without
Fes. 1778 | of the American Revolution. 167

an answer. Whether any has yet been obtained, I’ve
not learned. Account brought yesterday, that Wm.
Coates and two other officers were taken prisoners near
Abington by some of Howe’s parties.

g. The roads [are] almost impassible, so that I’m
afraid I shan’t hear from my family at this distance, nor
how our friends in and near Philadelphia fare. These
thoughts give us much uneasiness upon theiraccoumts. .....
News to-day is that Dr. Franklin was assassinated in France
by a person who had concealed himself in his lodging
room, but not wounded so as to be mortal, but was
thought to be so by the perpetrator.

10. It’s said that last night was a ball kept at Ross’s,
as before, carousing, music, &c., till near five this morning,
then [they |went a sleighing, &c. This ball, it’s said, was at
the expenses of Henry Kepler Jr. ...... Two companies:
of militia from Cumberland County passed through this
town to-day for head quarters.

14. My tender wife keeps diligently engaged and looks
upon every Philadelphian that comes to see us as a person
suffering in a righteous cause and entitled to partake in
some degree of our hospitality, the which she administers
with her labor and attendance with great freedom and
alacrity. This is a great encouragement to me.

15. Sat down to reading and writing. Upon opening
the Bible, the twenty-third [chapter] of Jeremiah pre-
sented. Upon reading I could not help taking notice of
the similarity of that day with ours, the nearness of con-
nexion between the behavior of their called Priests and
Prophets with all those called Ministers, Preachers, Pro-
phets in this our day. Visited by Tho® Urie, one of the
Council. He brought me a book written by Thomas
Blackwell entitled Schema Sacra, printed by Francis
Bailey, Lancaster, 1776, the tenor of which is for erect-
ing and establishing the doctrine of absolute predestination.
By my promise I was necessitated to read part of it, the
which small doing soon convinced me that it would be
time unprofitably spent to read the whole, so I laid it by.
168 Christopher Marshall's Diary | Fes. 1778

16. It’s said that accounts from Philadelphia are that
the enemy has unpaved the streets, and that the Hessians
were embarked on board the ships; that sundry of our
soldiers who had deserted and come into the city, Howe
had ordered ropes round their necks, whipped them round
the city and then turned them out; that John Allen is
dead, also that two hearty whigs had died in prison, viz.,
Robert Eastburn and John Hall, the cooper.

18. An account of a fray at Pequea between some
Virginia officers and our militia officers, in which a Vir-
ginian was killed, upon which Col. Boyd came to town
this day and surrendered himself up. Several Assembly-
men came to town this day.

1g. I have often had to remember what David said
that blessed is he whose God is the Lord and whose
hope is in the Lord his God. Children can easily forget
their parents, but the Lord never forgets his children
(allmen).

21. In conversation with R. Whitehill, sympathising
and lamenting the distressed state of this province, through
the ill conduct and mismanagement of our chief officers
in public stations, the indelicate and profane conduct of
the inferiors in every other department, the atrociousness
of their public and private behavior, with the total
neglect of religion, discipline and good order. These
are the sappings that will undermine, and without a
speedy return to the opposites in the course of virtues
and heroic actions, we shall soon fall into irretrievable
ruin and desolation. ...... It’s said that eleven prisoners
were brought to town yesterday from head quarters;
that many of our soldiers die in the different hospitals
and also at camp. ...... Last night was a grand ball, this
being the third held in town lately, notwithstanding the
grievous sufferings that this state lies under and labors
with. Last night, I understand, there was in Lancaster
what is called a brilliant ball, to which assembled a great
number of fops, fools, &c., of both sexes, old and young.
Fes. 1778] of the American Revolution. 169

It was kept at the house of Major Wertz, formerly a
tailor who, some time past, and many others there met,
made a pretense to religion and to be the followers of a
crucified Jesus, but are declaring now by their wanton
behavior that they will not have him to reign.

23. News, it’s said, is brought that Gen. Howe gives
from Forty to Sixty hard Dollars for every Committee-
man or officer in the state brought to him. Thus are
we insulted by a parcel of poltroons, whom we are able
either to take or to drive out of the country, would we
but play the part of honest, upright men unto our country
and our families. O Pennsylvania, where is your zeal,
integrity, honor and heroism?

24. Eleven prisoners brought into town.

25. I set about sorting some books that Paul Fooks
brought up with his. ...... Paul Fooks gives us man
affecting accounts of the inhabitants of Philadelphia.
Account brought that the Tories had taken from New-
town in Bucks County, in conjunction with Howe’s
Light Horse, the clothes and the workmen making them
of Stewart’s and carried them to Philadelphia. It’s said
by some come from Philadelphia that one hundred
guineas, some say one hundred and fifty, were proffered
for apprehending me and bringing me into the city.
This account is sent mein order to prevent me from
going any way within the enemy’s reach, as they are
a enraged against me through my friends, the Tory
class.

26. Sundry Friends visited the Assembly yesterday
and to-day.

27. News is that there are now in Philadelphia one
hundred and twenty-one new stores, amongst which is
one kept by an Englishman, one by an Irishman, one by
an American, the remainder, being one hundred and
eighteen, by Scotchmen or Tories from Virginia; Gen.

ayne is gone with his brigade and four pieces of can-
non into Billingsport, and that Gen. Greene has taken
170 Christopher Marshall's Diary [FE. 1778

between the lines on [the] Schuylkill and Chester County
four hundred horses and taken them to camp.

Marcu 1. Visited by Thomas Urie, Councillor ;
stayed some time in conversation. It’s to be remem-
bered that those gentlemen who visit my apartment are
worthy of double honor, because they generally deliver
the sentiments of the department they belong unto, and
sometimes listen to the sage advice given to them, which,
I presume, often proves of singular advantage to them in
their future conduct, as words of truth convey knowledge
to the honest-hearted, and I have known sundry persons
cried up as great wits in public affairs and councils, yet
they themselves have been governed and ruled by foolish
servants, and some men who have been applauded for
their cunning, yet have been perpetually cheated. Few
are qualified for Statesmen and Councillors, notwithstand-
ing they may be called to that station. eFor this reason
some men under the notions of weeding out prejudices,
eradicate religion, virtue and common honesty.

4. Last Sixth Day another Ball or Assembly in Lan-
caster, where, it’s said, cards were played at a hundred
dollarsagame. President*there. Opoor Pennsylvania!

6. It’s said that the people who keep the ball in Lan-
caster allow the Hessian band of music Fifteen Pounds
for each night’s attendance. This, James Davidson
told me he was able to prove and make good, if called
upon.

7. Accounts to-day are that Gen. Wayne, in the
Jerseys, attacked a foraging party of Gen. Howe’s
there, killed several, took a number of prisoners, two
hundred and fifty head of cattle, which, with three hun-
dred head he had collected, he sent unto Head Quarters;
that our General, Washington, had ordered one
Worrall, a spy, condemned by Court Martial, to be
hanged, which was done.

* Thomas Wharton.
Mar. 1778] of the American Revolution. 191

8. Arose early in order to serve the horse, as Robert
Whitehill was going to ride him to Tobias Miller’s,
where his own horse was, in order to ride him to York-
town, he being appointed with John McClean to wait
upon Congress in order to confer and lay some matters
before them from the Assembly and the Executive
Council.

g. Breakfasted with us Fooks, Thorne [and] Payne.
Came Hermon Husbands with a plan of his projection,
respecting the sinking of our paper currency by a gene-
ral tax, which, after his reading and considering, we ad-
vised him to lay aside for the present. ...... A French
spy from Philadelphia brought under a file of musque-
teers by Capt. Lang to be examined by Paul Fooks.

10. My wife’s pain in [the] face much better. This
gives me fresh spirits as her constant assiduity and pains
are very extraordinary, and her tender regard and care
of me are beyond description. “To which may be added
[that] her kind, humane and Christian behavior, unto
all that fall under her notice, is worthy of remembrance
particularly ; her daily and painful labor in the kitchen,
providing necessaries for the hungry, her care for their
sweet and comfortable lodging, her tender and com-
passionate hand in procuring and applying suitable medi-
cines, such as she can procure for inward or outward
maladies. So that the afflicted of every kind that come
under her notice meet with al! the ease, relief, and com-
fort that’s in her power or her reach to administer, for
which I hope and am sure the great Lord of the House-
hold will fully reward her in due time.

11. It’s said that Susannah Lightfoot and Val-
entine, two women Friends, sent word yesterday to
our Assembly, sitting in Lancaster, that they had a
message to them from Heaven. This day near eleven
in [the] forenoon, the House adjourned and attended in
[the] Court Room to hear her, but I’m informed [it]
_ had but little effect and weight with them.
172 Christopher Marshall's Diary | Mar. 1778

12. Hermon Husbands said news came to Assembly
esterday that the inhabitants on the sides of our river
Delaaie had, within [a] few days past, taken three
ships bound up to Philadelphia. One of them mounted
ten guns. They were loaded with rum, sugar, dry goods,
ammunition, some soldiers and wheat flour. It’s said
those boats were commanded by Capt. Barry. ......
Several Committees of Assembly out on various bills
this day. Great assortment of sundry goods brought into
this place a few days past from several places, the per-
sons paying no regard to the law requiring them to take
out permits for selling, &c.

13. Yesterday a Court Martial was held here, where
four persons for being concerned in purchasing and steal-
ing horses for the enemy were tried ; one of them ac-
quitted, one to be imprisoned during the war, two to be
hanged on the sixteenth instant (this as I am informed).

16. This day about oné, the two persons condemned
at Court Martial last week were executed agreeably to
their sentence.

18. It’s said that Henry Marson and Wendal Myer,
the two men executed here this week, confessed at the
gallows that they were guilty of stealing and procuring
horses for Howe’s army. Last night, it’s said, forty of the
sailors taken by Capt. Barry in the vessels taken by him
near Reedy Island, came to this town under guard. See
the particular account of the affair in the Pennsylvania
Packet of this day. There is an account that a party
of riflemen has taken four wagon loads of sundry goods,
in which are four dozen silver table spoons, silver handled
knives and forks, fifteen hundred weight of hams, butter,
cheese, flour, with household furniture, &c., &c., [and]
sixteen fine horses within one mile of the Middle Ferry.
It’s thought they were loaded in York and Lancaster
Counties. Our people in the fray lost two men. It’s
said that Wm. Todd, the chairmaker of Philadelphia,
was brought to Lancaster this day by an officer of the
Mar. 1778] of the American Revolution. 173

Light Horse, on suspicion’ of passing counterfeit money,
but upon examination before [the] Town Major, he
proved of whom he had received it, upon which he was
discharged.

19. Yesterday, it’s said, news came that Howe had
sent away, in a parcel of his transports, near upon seven
thousand of his men. This I could not credit, yet that
piercing grief thus to be so long banished from my children,
city friends and relations caused some secret wishes that
it might prove true, because my still dwelling so far from
my connexions makes it a kind of banishment, which I
do-wish was happily removed by Howe’s being obliged
to abandon with his fugitives, either by flying for their
lives, or by their being happily‘made our prisoners.

20. Drank tea with us, Fooks, Whitehill, Thorne
{and} Ramsay. This last brought me [a] letter from
son Charles [dated the] nineteenth instant, letting me
know that the different branches of the families were
tolerably well; that daughter Sally was safely delivered
of a fine boy on the seventeenth instant near twenty
minutes past five o’clock in the morning. [They] have
called his name Benjamin after his poor father who was
the first fruit of mine and his dear mother’s social happi-
ness, whose memory ever will be sweet, pleasing and
agreeable to me, and whose sweet company I have de-
plored since she has been taken away, and although her
departure and loss has been wonderfully supplied and
made up to me by the present happy blessing sent me
by a kind Providence, yet I love and do revere her
memory which is still and will be to me precious.

22. Davidson bought and read the fifth Crisis just
published this day.

24. Near two hundred soldiers left our barracks for
camp. ...... News is to-day that the British have burnt
down great part of Germantown and that a number of
trading vessels are arrived to the Southward, with several
large ships with goods from France. Our house con-

1§
174 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Mar. 1778

tinues still to be much frequented by sundry persons from
different parts and many from Philad*. —«

25. Granted permit to Alexander Nelson to sell b
vendue twenty-two hundred and eighty pounds of Bohea
tea, being part of the estate of Wm. Leidiel, deceased. ......
I set about sundry jobs, at one of which [1] broke the
blade of a pocket knife, which at this time is a great loss,
as none are to be bought but at a monstrous price in this
place. ...... Yesterday and to-day, it’s said, came through
here on their way home to Cumberland County, where
they belong, thirteen companies of militia, their time
being completed at camp. The night before last and
last night balls for the gentlemen and ladies of Lancaster.

26. Visited by John Scotten, John Wigdon, Capt,
Price, Col. Clarke, Capt. Lang, James M*Lean [and]
William Duffield. Disputes ran high respecting the
supplement to the Test Act. Agreed to havea meeting
this evening in Lancaster, to reconsider it. Took a walk
towards Lancaster Court House to view the New Eng-
land trcops who were to march for head quarters, but
were obliged to postpone till to-morrow for want of
wagons, After I returned, came Capt. Markoe, Benj?
Harbison [and] Capt. Lang. Settled some preliminaries
they went to execute, in warning sundries to meet this
evening. ...... We went to Wm. Rose’s Tavern, where
we met some others to the number of thirteen. Spent
the time in free conversation till near ten.

28. Afgerwards came R. Taggert [and] B. Harbeson,
who brought the Petition from the Country to the As-
sembly respecting the supplement to the Test Act, for
me to sign, but upon consideration, it was thought most
convenient to write another on the same subject to be
signed by sundries in this borough, to be presented with
the other, upon which one was written, which I con-
cluded to show to sundry persons to-morrow morning
and take their judgments thereon.

29. Chris". Ludwick from Yorktown brought news
Mar. 1778] ofthe American Revolution. 175

from there that a gentleman of veracity declared that the
accounts from France were that the French, the Spanish,
the Prussian, and Polish Courts had all declared for the
Independency of America by declaring and acknowledg-
ing them, and that a Treaty of Commerce was concluded
by Dr. Franklin with the French Court for thirty years,
upon which the Doctor was received and acknowledged
at that Court as Ambassador from the Free and Inde-
pendent States of America, and that the ministry in Eng-
land was changed and Lord Chatham fixed in the place
of Lord North; that a forty gun ship was arrived at
New Haven loaded with woolens, linens, &c. I then
went into Lancaster and got the Petition signed by
many.

Apri, 1. News to-day that the Jersey militia had
surrounded fifteen hundred English troops near Salem
Creek, who had gone on shore to plunder, and that Capt.
Barry near Reedy Island had taken twelve boats belong~
ing to the English and some prisoners.

_ 2, Went to Lottery Office, took out three Lottery
Tickets, one for Paul Fooks, two for the four children
of Sally Marshall. These three were a present from
Blair M*Clenachan, for which he gave me the cash and
requested me to carry them through the different Classes,
with assurance that should they come out all blanks,
he would pay me the cash for renewing them. ......
ae: adjourned this afternoon till the thirteenth of

_ May.

_ 4. About eight o’clock waited upon Gen. Read at
Wm. Atlee’s. He there wrote a polite letter to Gen.
Washington on my application, in order to procure a
pass for daughter Patience to go into Philadelphia, to
secure sundries belonging to my three sons. ...... Then
came Capt. Lang. Went with him to Wm. Henry’s ;
was qualified to serve as one of the Commissioners on
the Forestalling Act. I then qualified Capt. Lang to
act as Commissioner in procuring sundry clothing for the
176 = Christopher Marshall's Diary [Aprit 1778

Army. ..... Some troops from Virginia came to town,
it’s said, this day going for camp.

5. Came to town, it’s said, Gen. Gates, Mifflin and
another officer, and it’s said that Gen. Lee? on his parole
is come to camp.

6. It’s said that thirty-five prisoners were brought to
town this day, one, the Lieutenant of the Roebuck, a
Captain, with sailors and marines.

7. About noon came into town Thos. M‘Kean, Chief
Judge, attended by Sheriff and sundry other gentlemen.
We then came home. Dined with us those that break-
fasted. Afterwards went to town, spent some time in
conversation with sundry persons. When Court opened,
went toCourt. Stayed while the Commissions of Thos.
M‘Kean as Chief Judge [and] William Augustus Atlee
as Second Judge were read, Magistrates [and] Constables
called [and the] Grand Jury qualified. Then M‘Kean
delivered an elegant and spirited charge on the nature of
our government, suitable to the circumstances of the
times.

8. I went into Court, where John Evans, Third Judge
had his commission read.

g. Went into town with Fooks; visited Gen. Lee,
going to Yorktown. Then went into Court, where
was burnt in the hand for manslaughter.

10. To-day and yesterday passed through this place
near upon five hundred men from Virginia going to the
camp.

12. This day Gen. Greene came to town from head-
quarters.

15. Breakfasted with us Fooks [and] Thorne. I
then paid the latter on account of the Council of Safety,
as per receipt in book, four hundred and five Pounds,
twelve shillings. I then went down to [the] barber’s,
got shaved by his wife, thence to [the] Court House,

 

™General Charles Lee, ‘“* The Englishman.”
ApriL 1778] of the American Revolution. Poy

where I was qualified as Grand Juryman for Philadelphia
and Chester Counties.

17. Marched through this town, with drums, fifes,
colors, wagons, &c., on their way to camp (without
stopping here) above four hundred Virginians under Col.
Smith.

18. I went, got shaved by the barber’s wife, from there
to Court, hearing the trial of [the] Boyds, &c. It’s said
that thirteen English deserters came to town this day ;
left Philadelphia last Second Day.

19, Paul [Fooks] set about packing sundry of his
things to go by the wagon to-morrow to Yorktown with
the Lottery wheels from Reading, which stop here to-day.

20. Paul Fooks set off this morning for Yorktown. ......
The prisoners tried last Seventh day and night, viz. Col.
and Capt. Boyd, James Wilson, Archibald Henderson
and Charles Caldwell, for the murder of Capt. Hammond
at Capt. Wallace’s the Seventeenth of February last,
after a long trial, were acquitted, and Skyles and Hastings
were runaway ; so not to be had this time. ...... A great
many counterfeit Continental bills passing of the Eight,
Six and Five Dollars Bills, neatly imitated.

21. This forenoon a company of soldiers that had
been sick here marched out of town for the camp.

25. Most of the Friends from Virginia came to town
thisday. I gave some of them an invitation to my house.

26. Our good friend in town, Grace Hastings, sent
my wife by daughter Patience one pound [of } fine Green
Tea and would not take any pay for it. Charles Darragh
brought it here yesterday which was very acceptable to
us, and this particular mark of esteem will not be readily
forgotten, it being the only present made to us by friend
or foe, relations or strangers. ‘Thanks be to His blessed
name, He has not left us without His daily blessings,
administered to us in this our exile, though with difficulty
sometimes in procuring, yet there has been and is a visi-
ble hand of help continually stretched out, so that we
178 — Christopher Marshall's Diary | Apri. 1778

have never wanted. May our souls ever reverently
bless and adore this glorous Deity.

27. Dull sunshine morning, yet warm. The cooing
doves in pleasing strain, to soothe their mates in plaintive
strain. The blackbird and the mockbird sing, to welcome
in the pleasing spring. They chirrup, hop, from tree to
tree. This raises thankfulness in me, to pay my God
in hymns of praise, with cheerful heart through humble
lays. Amen. ...... Then came Gen. De Kalb. He
took his leave, being ordered to camp. ...... By the
packet to Philadelphia, there is account of Lord North’s
Proposal to Parliament for passing an act to qualify
sundry commissioners to come to America to treat with
them upon conciliatory terms. ...... This evening the
friends who were brought to town from Virginia last
Seventh Day got a pass from [the] Executive Council to
pass unmolested to Pottsgrove, and then to act agreeably
to their own choice, for the present, in taking the test
or to go into Philadelphia at their risk.

30. News is brought that great part of New York is
burnt down, and that Gen. Amherst is arrived there;
that our army increases fast, being joined by six hundred
New England troops [a] few days past.

May 1. News from Yorktown that Gen. Lee is ex-
changed" and ordered to camp.

2. Yesterday afternoon arrived here Simeon Deane,
brother to Silas Deane, with expresses from the Court
of France, containing their declaration and acknowledg-
ment of our Independency, and ratifying a treaty of
alliance and friendship, acceding to us all the territories
in America that were claimedand enjoyed by the English,
unto which the king of Spain has acceded, &c. He left
France, it’s said, the Eighth of March in aTwenty-eight
twelve-pounder-gun frigate [of] three hundred men,
landed at Casco Bay, called at camp, had eight light-
horsemen to attend him, left Lancaster in two hours for

t For Gen. Prescott. This General Lee was Charles Lee.
May 1778] of the American Revolution. 179

Yorktown. ...... About half after one, died the negro
woman Dinah, without sigh or groan ; she had lain very
quiet fora day or two ; scarcely any pain, as she, I heard
say, told her mistress. She was between fifty and sixty
years of age. I was engaged part of this day in [the]
orchard and likewise in hunting out a proper person to
lay out the negro woman, as all the poor women here
are rich in imagination, so that it was with difficulty one
could be procured at any rate.

3. Some trouble to get persons to put [the] negro
woman into her coffin. Oh! what a wretched place is
here! full of religious profession, but not a grain of love
or charity, except in words, in the generality of the Ger-
man inhabitants. ...... Buried Dinah, having yesterday
invited the negroes in Lancaster toattend the funeral. ......
Then came Capt. Lang and Col. Gurney ; said that
Generals Gates and Mifflin were come from York to
Lancaster [and] had brought a copy of the preliminaries
settled with France to be published.

6. By accounts received, about seven days before
Simeon Deane -sailed from France for this continent
there sailed from Quiberon Bay in France for America,
four sixty-four and four thirty-six gun ships, French,
three American frigates with eight large deep-loaded
transports for this continent, having, it’s said, forty thou-
sand suits of clothes complete for ourarmy. The other
parts of their loading are a variety of goods for the use
of the public, for sale.

10. Received a letter from son Charles giving account
that all the different families were well. In [the] letter,
is mention made that Lydia Darrah came out on the
Sixth from Philadelphia. Little news, but that Howe
was there then; that the English troops were cutting
down very fast the wood in the Jerseys opposite Phila-
delphia for the transports, as also for fear that the Ame-
ticans might come there and have the advantage of the
woods to cover them. ...... Accounts are, as brought
180 Christopher Marshall s Diary | May 1778

yesterday, that, a few days past, about three or four
hundred of our militia, under General Lacey, near the
Crooked Billet were surprised by seven or eight hundred
English Light Horse and Foot, when after a close and
sharp engagement our people gave way. [They] lost,
killed, wounded and taken prisoners to the number of
thirty. It’s said that some of the wounded had eight
or ten stabs with [the] bayonet and [were] badly cut
with broadswords, and, what is worse, that the English
threw some of those wounded into a parcel of buckwheat
straw and then set it on fire. Oh the monsters! Oh
the human shapes worse than brutes !

11. Past eleven, by invitation to Thomas Cuthbert’s
(batter) to eat gammon [and] drink punch, his wife
being delivered of a fine boy a few days past. Re-
turned home by twelve. News is that four thousand
troops from Virginia are actually on the road, going for
camp. Nine wagon-loads are arrived at Lancaster,
loaded with linens of different kinds. By letter it’s said
that sugars are fallen at Baltimore from fifty to twenty-
five per hundred weight, spirits from three pounds to
twenty-five shillings per gallon and coffee to five shillings
per pound; that a fine vessel mounting twenty-six guns
with men in proportion was fitted out at Antigua to
cruise and take the Philadelphia Rattlesnake. They
met and engaged each other for seven glasses, when the
ship struck and was carried in with a brig taken by the
Rattlesnake ; carried into Martinico. Visited by Timothy
Matlack to enquire for news, but as he never communi-
cates or tells me any, I am grown as saucy, for I never
ask him for any, he being too great a man. News just
brought that the English in thirty-six flat bottomed
boats went up the river near Trenton and burnt all our
vessels that were lying there. Some say that the whole
of our fleet was sur‘c by our people so that they could
not burn then.t| A number of men marched from here

The whole continenta! fleet was burnt. The state fleet, having been sunk,
was saved.
May 1778] of the American Revolution. 181

this day for camp. ...... This evening the Court House
was illuminated and some pieces of brass cannon fired a
loyal salute of thirteen guns besides small arms, bonfires,
&c., on account of the alliance concluded with France.

13. News came this day from head quarters that war
[is] declared by England against France. This was
told in Lancaster by Capt. Jackson of Philadelphia, who
lett head quarters yesterday about noon. ...... Several
of our Assemblymen came to town this afternoon.

16. I must say that the little that I do really tires and
fatigues me. What formerly was scarcely a play is now
aburden. However, I and my wife, who has a large
share of labor in and about the house, have our choice:
that is, either to do the necessaries or to leave them
undone, as there is no person, white or black, male or
female, old or young, to be had at any price, as we can
find, and I have taken a good deal of pains on that
head. ...... A parcel of English prisoners sent off this
morning into Virginia. ...... The officers that ran away
and some privates [were] retaken and brought into the
borough and closely confined ...... By account from
George Schlosser, in a letter from his daughter at Bus-
tleton, it was seven of our wounded prisoners that
the English burnt some days past near the Crooked
Billet.

17. Beautiful, pleasant morning, [a] little cloudy
there having fallen in the night a refreshing shower.
Our orchard and garden refreshed, the trees luxurious,
the vegetables green, the sprightly birds skipping, chirp-
ing and singing praises to the Giver. ...... With thanks
to God for his kind favor in thus refreshing nature and
blessing us, I retired to my little room as usual. I then
received the York-town paper brought by Mr. Bullock,
sent me by my old friend Paul Fooks. ...... I and wife
took [a] walk, spent some time in [the] orchard and
garden. They were both pleasant after last night’s rain.

*Sunday.
182 Christopher Marshall's Diary | May 1778

We were alone, as our Poll directly after dinner took
her walk and was not returned. So we served [the]
creatures, milked, made tea and drank it by ourselves,
Spent the evening alone. I went to bed by ten, My
wife sat up till near twelve, waiting for Poll, but no
Poll.

19. News this morning is that the French fleet, con-
sisting of six men of war, three of our frigates and eight
merchant vessels were safely arrived at Boston some
days past. ...... News just brought me by Col. Davis,
then came James Reed who confirmed it, that [the] ex-
press just come says that the English at Philadelphia
had embarked,' and that our army was gone down to
take possession yesterday. We eagerly wait for the
confirmation,

22. The news is a confirmation of the French fleet
with some American frigates and eight or ten sail of
merchantmen having arrived at Boston; that the Mar-
quis de La Fayette with three thousand men marched
towards Chestnut Hill, that six or seven thousand of the
English came out in order to take the whole; that our
people made a retreat without the loss of one man; that
twelve English Light Horse came over to them; six
more were taken by our people, and it’s said, that our
Indians killed and scalped the last parcel, and further
that whilst the English army marched after tne Marquis
de la Fayette, the remainder marched into the Jerseys
in order to be ready when the army returned to cross
[the] Delaware also and make a forced march for New
Yorks sso In the evening had some conversation with
several of our Assembly respecting petitions being sent to
them to take the Abjuration out of the Test of Allegiance
and Fidelity. One of them was from the Moravian
[minister ], one from Tho’ Barton, minister of the Church
of England in this borough, both of which were rejected.

23. Visited by George Schlosser; brought account

1 This report was premature.
May 1778] of the American Revolution. 183

that Thomas Wharton, our President, died last night of
an inflammation, it’s said, in his head ; been complaining
for eight or ten days past. Breakfasted by ourselves ;
then to conversation with the Moravian minister from
Bethlehem on the abjuration of George the Third, but
he seemed to be fixed that he could not, nor would not,
do it, let the consequence be as it may.

24. Preparations making, it’s said, at [the] Court
House for a grand interment of President Wharton this
afternoon at the Lutheran Church, It’s said the vestry
of that church gave an invitation and permission to be
buried there, which the vestry of the English Church
neglected, and the Friends were not applied unto for
leave to be buried in their ground.* ...... In the afternoon,
went to the burial of President Thomas Wharton, at-
tended with military honors to the Lutheran church.

25. Came to town and encamped this side [of the]
ferry, between four and five hundred troops from Virginia.

28. Visited by Tho’. Smith, who [had] received [a]
letter from Col. Cox that left camp last night. The
purport was that Gen. Howe had put all his cannon,
artillery, baggage, women and children on board his fleet,
except four wagons for each regiment, as it was thought
the army intended to make a push across the Jerseys for
Amboy. Further accounts [are] hourly expected. It’s
further said by an officer from Wilmington that a sixty-
gun ship came down, sent ashore to Gen. Smallwood an
officer requesting him to surrender the place or else [he]
would demolish it. Gen. Smallwood returned for answer,
he would defend it to the last man. [He] immediately
dispatched [a] messenger to Gen. Washington who imme-
diately ordered him and all his forces to come to camp,
and he was apprised of Gen. Howe’s manceuvre, upon
which they marched for camp immediately. It’s further
said, by undoubted authority, that Spain has acceded and

 

* Mr. Wharton’s family were Quakers ; his father was one of the persons
sent from Philadelphia into Virginia.
184 Christopher Marshall's Diary [May 1778

declared us independent. ...... Drank tea with us Christo-
pher Ludwick ;’ left camp this morning ; said the army
was almost ready to march, which was expected in a few
days, as they were waiting upon the movements of Gen,
Howe’s army ; that old Christopher Sower? was prisoner
at camp. ‘Those who took him had shaved and painted ~
him.

29. C. Ludwick told me that our Indians at camp had
killed three officers by mistake owing to their being
dressed in the English officers’ uniform. (So much for
fashion.)

June 1. Visited by Topham, the potter, who has got
released from a nineteen months’ imprisonment in New
York and Long Island. ...... It’s said that two vessels
are arrived at Baltimore from Martinico, in twenty-one
days ; that they have an account that war was actually
declared at Port Royal in Jamaica, against France. It’s
to be remembered that the above news was freely com-
municated to me by Timothy Matlack, which being so
contrary to his constant practice, I make this memoran-
dum in order that I may not forget this singular act of
his friendship.

2. Spent some time with Councillor James Adgar.
He informed me that Parson Barton had petitioned
Council for leave to sell his estate and leave the State
agreeably to the Act in that case made and provided,
which, he presumed, would be granted him. ...... Visited
by Chrisley Musselman; stayed some time in conversa-
tion respecting the Test required to be taken by all the
male white inhabitants of this State above the age of
eighteen years. Dr. Neff and son John took it last
evening.

3. News just come to Tho*. Smith from Col. Cox [at]

Ludwick was baker to the American army. In his will, he made

provision for founding charity schools.
2 Sower or Sauer was a German printer in Germantown.

attainted for treason to the American government.

He was
June 1778] of the American Revolution. 185

head quarters that the army of Britain were strengthening
their lines in Philadelphia ; yet, nevertheless, that a great
number of vessels had fallen down the river, and that
three of their regiments actually crossed into the Jerseys
yesterday at Cooper’s ferry.

4. A very heavy fog. I arose by four, as my wife
had been up some time at work, cleaning house, and as
she could not rest upon account of Poll’s not being yet
returned. This girl’s frolics always afflict her mistress,
so that to me it’s plain, if she does not mend or her
mistress grieve less for her, that it will shorten Mrs.
Marshall’s life considerably ; besides, our house wears a
quite different face when Miss Poll is in it (although all
the good she does is not worth half the salt she eats).
As her presence gives pleasure to her mistress, this gives
joy to all in the house, so that, in fact, she is the cause
of peace or uneasiness in our house. I received a Jetter
by James Searles from Paul Fooks, letting me know that
since he wrote his of the second instant, Congress had
sent for him and appointed him their interpreter with a
salary of One Hundred Dollars per month. ...... A day
or two past, Thomas Barton, Missionary, petitioned
Council for leave to sell his estate and to remove out of
this state, which was granted under the limitations con-
tained in the said Act. ...... Twenty-five prisoners,
brought from camp, came here, it’s said, to-day.

5. Just going past nine wagons loaded with provisions
for camp from Carlisle. ...... In the evening came Paul

‘Fooks and his boy in [the] wagon from Yorktown.

6. Arose early. Sent Paul’s boy to G. Schlosser’s,
who was to buy us [a] quarter [of] meat of [the] Phila-
delphia butcher, and as the market is soon over and G,
§. an early riser, he did it to oblige us, and he purchased
alovely hind quarter of veal, weight seventeen pounds
at two shillings, for which we were highly obliged to
iti, sisi P. F. breakfasted with us. He then went to
[the] Lottery Office, where the managers attend, settling
186 Christopher Marshall's Diary [June 1778

the Prize list for the press. ...... News of this day by
William Cox of Philadelphia and letter from Dr. Shippen
to the President,' is, it’s said that Col. Loring? came out
with flag on the fifth to Col. Morgan of the Riflemen
and let them know that Gen. Clinton intended to evac-
uate the city; that therefore an exchange of prisoners
should be immediately made. Upon this Mr. Boudinot
was sent into town, and, by his letter out, it appeared
they intended for New York, and that the city might
be clear of the enemy by First day next.

8. After [I had] gone to bed, came [an] express with
a letter requesting I would send to the President of Con-
gress, Henry Laurens, the particulars I had relating to
the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne, with the list of prisoners,
stores &c., the which I complied with, sending [a] copy
of what I had on that subject back by the said express.

g. It’s said that the Commissioners from England are
arrived at Philadelphia. This, it’s said, has retarded the
English troops from evacuating Philadelphia, but that
there is a large detachment with their flat bottomed boats
at Cooper’s Point in the Jerseys.

10. I arose pretty early, as my wife is much engaged,
having no person to assist her, nor will she agree to have
any body, except her beloved Poll is sent for to camp
and brought back. This I cannot agree to, so as to be
the acting person. If she does it herself, I don’t forbid
her, but for me to offer a reward for a common w....
to be brought to my house I cannot consent, so as to be
the active person. Here wife and I differ widely in
sentiments.

12. Wife and I set about our little concerns in our
little family ; as to the human species none but ourselves.
So that with this and the other little concerns we seem
to be fully employed for some time in several parts of

* Upon the death of Thomas Wharton, George Bryan succeeded to the

Presidency of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania.
2 The husband of Gen. Howe’s mistress, mentioned in the Battle of the

Kegs.
June 1778] of the American Revolution. 187

the day, but my poor wife almost constantly, and thus
she verifies that old saying that ‘‘ woman’s work is never
done.” ...... Dined with us Peter Swart and his wife;
had a good deal of conversation respecting taking the
test. A day or two past, it’s said, that ten of the Men-
onists were brought from [the] back part of this county
to this jail, refusing to take the test; committed by
Curtis Grieb.

13. Visited by John Carryle, a Menonist ; spent some
considerable time in religious and political conversation
respecting the test required to be taken throughout this
state. He went away seemingly pleased and satisfied.

14. Took a walk to view the Eighth Pennsylvania
Regiment marching through the town with their baggage
wagons, women, &c., for the back counties in order to
protect them from the incursions of the Indians there.

15. A good number of horses went through this place
for camp to-day.

16, Dined, Jane Cannon, Mrs. Callison, James David-
son and wife, several children. Came also Robert
Whitehill. All but [the] last mentioned set off after
dinner with two wagons with their goods for South Ca-
rolina. My dear wife was extremely hurried, having
nobody to assist her, yet she provided nobly for them
and dispatched them with great alacrity and satisfactions

17. Got this week’s newspapers; then I returned
home, read the news. News from Dr. Shippen from
Moor Hall of yesterday that the enemy might be expect-
ed to leave Philadelphia. ...... I sat for some time in
[the] orchard, reading Hartley on the Millenium.

18. Then to some other jobs; then into my room.
Iseem now soon tired ; ‘‘ the grasshopper seems to be
a burden.” ...... Timothy Matlack called, said the
Congress to a man had rejected the proposals made by
those conciliators from Britain, viz. the Earl of Carlisle
(with his three doxies), William Eden, Esq., Capt.
Johnstone Esq., formerly Governor of West Florida,
188 Christopher Marshall's Diary [June 1778

Lord Howe and Gen. Clinton, who, it is said, are arrived
at Philadelphia, as, it’s said, that Lord Cornwallis is also,
without any troops. A number of Hessian prisoners
marched from here this day to the number of four hun-
dred in order to be exchanged. Part of Col. Hartley’s
regiment from Yorktown marched through here for head
quarters to day, past eleven. News just brought that
eleven deserters came in from [the] city the sixteenth
instant; that the enemy’s baggage, they say, was princi-
pally gone on board ships, that an evacuation of the city
was hourly expected, and that the city was very sickly.

19. Past seven[A. M.] Timothy Matlack, just come,
says accounts are arrived that Capt. John M‘Lane,:
with about fifty light horse [and] one hundred of the
foot troops, took possession of Philadelphia. yesterday
morning [at] three o’clock. Further confirmation
hourly expected. ...... Past twelve, the morning news
[is] confirmed by letter to [the] President of Council
from Gen. Washington, letter from Col. Cox to Thomas
Smith, by expresses, &c. Benja. Harbison, ‘Thomas
Smith, John Dunlap with several others set off for
Philadelphia. ...... Signed some permits in order for my
setting out for Philadelphia. Dr. Phyle * waited upon
me, proferred his company in driving me in my chair to
Philadelphia. Agreed to set off as ‘soon as convenient.

20. Visited by Capt. Lang and Commissioner Craig.
We went together to see Capt. Markoe, who came from
Philada. He, being upon the lines, entered the city, on
the notice of the enemy’s being gone from there. He
confirms the account of M‘Lane’s taking possession of
it, as it was said, with this addition that the aforesaid
captain kept so close on their rear that he took sundry
prisoners? and some wagons, but as to the route the

1 A mistake for Capt. 4//en McLane, who commanded the American
advanced guard. :

2 Originally a German Redemptioner; the father of the late wealthy
Mrs. Stott of Philadelphia.

3 Col. Allen McLane stated that these prisoners were taken at the corner
of Ninth and South Streets.
June 1778] of the American Revolution. 189

enemy intended to take, any further than the Jerseys,
was not known.

21. Accounts just come that the Indians to the west-
ward are making sad havoc of the inhabitants.

22. Breakfasted with us G. Schlosser and Dr. Phyle.
We then set out for Philada., Dr. Phyle riding with me
in the chair; George Schlosser and his son-in-law in a
chair; Timothy Matlack and daughter in another ;
Daniel Wistar by himself in a four-wheeled carriage.
Baited at [the] sign of [the] hat ; then proceeded to the
sign of [the] wagon; dined there; from there they
went to [the] sign of the white horse; the Doctor with
me to John Jacobs’s (where was David Rittenhouse) ;
drank tea and soon went to bed.

23. Got up soon, but so likely for rain, we stayed
breakfast ; then set off for town near eight. Stopped at

[the] Union, at [the] Black Horse, baited. ...... Set off
for the city. Within a mile or two was presented a
poor prospect, houses ruined and destroyed, fields of fine
corn without fences, &c. We crossed the bridge at the
middle ferry. I put up [the] chair at Charles’s stable,
horse at Stephen Collins’s (whose little son attended him
while I stayed in town), drank tea and slept at Capt.
Timmon’s.

24. Rose early ; sauntered about; breakfasted at
Stephen Collins’s ; dined at John Lynn’s; attended at
Coffee House; then viewing the desolation, with the
dirt, filth, stench and flies in and about town, scarcely
credible. There was a large quantity, but some very
ordinary meat in market, great quantities of vegetables
and some fish. .

25. Took a walk by myself to our once rural, beautiful
Place (near barracks) now nothing but wanton desolation
and destruction, that struck me with horror and detesta-
tion of the promoters and executors of such horrid deeds.

y mind was so pained I soon returned into the city.
——

‘At Market street, where there was a floating bridge.

16
190 Christopher Marshalls Diary [June 1778

26. Breakfasted and dined at Stephen Collins’s with
my children. In the interval, engaged in viewing some
of our and others’ houses with wonder and amazement
on the scenes of malice and wanton cruelty, yet my late
dwelling house was not so bad as many others, yet grief
seized me in beholding the ruins, viz., houses quite de-
molished, of which ours near [the] Bettering House [was]
quite gone with the brick-walls, chimneys, &c., the doors,
cases, windows and cases, etc., either destroyed or car-
ried away entirely.

27. Set out for the country near eight, in compdny
with son Charles, his wife, Nancy Parrish, Daughter
Sally and her daughter Hannah, Dr. Phyle, etc., in dif-
ferent chairs. Stopped at Levering’s ;* at Plymouth’
burial-ground, viewed the grave of my dear Benny;
stopped a few miles farther by the side of [a] house, for
the horses to rest, it was so melting hot. (It’s said that
some horses died on the road with the heat.) Got to
Sally’s past four, drank tea and the Doctor and I supped
and slept there.

Jury 1. Near nine returned Thomas Rees from town ;
said he had been twelve hours coming, occasioned by the
heat ; that near four hundred Hessian deserters with
English prisoners were just brought into the city.

2. Wm. Henry and wife called ; showed [a] copy
of [a] letter from Gen. Washington to Gen. Arnold
giving an account that an engagement was last Monday
near Monmouth Court House in Jersey, where our army
beat the English grand army off their ground and en-
camped upon it that night, in which time the English
made so silent and forced [a] march that they were six
miles ahead next morning. Many killed on both sides
and many perished with the heat.

4. It’s said that seventy deserters came to Philadel-
phia this day.

™In Roxborough Township, Philadelphia County, still existing.

21 n Montgomery County, Philadelphia.
oa

Juty 1778] of the American Revolution. 191

7. After dinner Charles and wife went home with
Sally in order to see whether proper or no for Sally to
move her family to town, as they had made an hospital
of the Presbyterian meeting-house facing her.

8. It’s said that thirty-nine English grenadiers came
ina body to Gen. Washington’s camp.

15. I arose early. We breakfasted. My horse in
chair; son Christopher on his horse, with his overseer
on another (Joseph Thomas). After my taking a very
solemn and affectionate farewell of my dear children, and
their sweet lovely offspring, we set out. The overseer
accompanied us over the Schuylkill and then returned
home. We proceeded on (through several miles [of ]
badly cut roads by the wagons last winter and spring).
Near eleven reached John Jacobs’s, who kindly received
and entertained us. After dinner (David Rittenhouse
dined with us. He was going with a wagon load of his
goods from Lancaster to Philadelphia), about two, we set
out ; stopped at [the] sign of [the] ship (met with Jacob
Deitrick and his wife, going from Philadelphia to his
house at Lancaster, with whom we kept company till
we got home very agreeably). Near thirty-eight mile
stone, waited till some wagons that were behind came
up with us, as we were creditably informed that sundry
persons had been stopped and robbed thereabouts, but we
were preserved. We reached [the] sign of the wagon,
where we rested and stayed all night. Fine starlight,
here we slept with our great coats on top of the bed
clothes.

16, We arose early, geared our horses, with the friend
and his wife and proceeded to Hopkins’s Tavern (sixteen
‘miles from Lancaster) ; breakfasted plentifully, being
both clean and good (the people having some compla-
cency attending them) ; set off for Lancaster, where we
arrived safe (but I was really tired, though I had rode
Kitty’s horse from the wagon to Hopkins’s) and was
very heartily and kindly received by my dear and most
192 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Jury 1778

affectionate wife. Yesterday we met with many persons
and their families moving into Philadelphia; the same
to-day, with a great number of women, children, cattle
and horses (but few men) who, they said, were driven
away from their settlements on the North East branch
of the Susquehannah by the Indians, supported by the
garrisons of Detroit [and] Niagara, and who are joined
by numbers of the Tories and disaffected party in those
parts. The sight was truly affecting and distressing to
me (and I have great cause to praise and to adore Infinite
Wisdom who has been so graciously pleased to preserve
me and my tender families in so wonderful a manner.
May the solid sense of such gracious mercies never
leave me but live and remain with thankful praises in
my soul forever and forevermore ! Amen).

17. We arose early, being a fine morning. Mamma
got breakfast for son Christopher, who set off for home
by five o’clock, after taking an affectionate leave of us,
and our recommending him to the kind and providential
care of our great Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.

18. Some Continental troops came into the borough
this day. People from the back woods come down and
coming in great numbers so that the county of North-
umberland? will be laid quite waste by the English and
savage barbarians, except the Almighty in his goodness
prevent. ..... We then sat down, my wife and I very
comfortably ; drank a dish of tea with great satisfaction.
John and wife with their child came [and] received their
portion, as did a poor little girl, who, with her father,
mother and two more children, fled for their lives and
brought little else with them from [the] back woods.
[To] these we gave the key of [the] house [which]
Thomas Smith moved from, in order to cover them for
awhile from the inclemency of the weather, and to
partake of some small hospitality.

* This county at that time extended to the northern boundary of Penn-
sylvania, embracing territory now divided into sixteen counties.
Juty 1778] of the American Revolution. 193

1g. Col. Hartley’s Regiment marched through here
on their route for the back woods. Accounts of heavy
firing last Sixth Day near New York. No particulars.

21. My dear wife meets with but little respite all
day, that proverb being verified that ‘* woman’s work is
never done.” ...... It seems a little discouraging to have
no help about us, besides living in a neighborhood of
lumps of mortality, formed in shape of men and women,
but so unpolished, so hoggish and selfish, that no good,
kind sociability makes any impression upon their boorish
nature. ...... News that fourteen sail of large and small
prizes are sent into Ege Harbor [and] Morris River*
by the French fleet off Sandy Hook.

22, Visited by James Farran [a] poor man and family,
fled from [the] back woods. ...... Visited by William
Bonham, who, with his wife, brother and family, was
driven away from their homes in the back woods. ......
Then dined, my wife, as usual, sending some portion to
the afflicted and distressed. I then, after dinner, visited
Mrs. Bonham and children at Robt. Taggert’s.

-24. This morning, it’s said, there passed through here
near two hundred head of cattle ; and about one hundred
and fifty horses stopped here, for the use of the Light
Horse. These came from Virginia,

26. Fine sunshine; clear, pleasant morning. I arose
past seven; wind eastwardly. I took my walk in [the]
orchard and observed the little concerns on our rural
plantation. A general stillness now from the noise of
drums, fifes, &c.2 The little birds, with their mates,
chirping from tree to tree; the fruits and vegetables,
plenty and gay; the harvest got in, having been blest
with fine crops of grass and grain, and fine weather.
Thus has kind Heaven blest and [is] blessing us! Oh!
saith my soul, that a universal hymn of praise and thanks-
giving may arise and spread in and over our soul to our

 

* Maurice River in the southern part of New Jersey was probably meant-
? This was Sunday, and the soldiers had removed from Lancaster.
194 Christopher Marshalls Diary [Jury 1778

great and blessed Benefactor! Amen. In [the] after-
noon I went to the Dutch Presbyterian Meeting House,
where a suitable and good discourse was delivered on this
text, Cor. ii, Chap. 4: 17, by one Fifer, minister of the
Church of England living at Frederickstown or Freder-
icksburgh, I did not learn [which]. Returned with Ed.
Shippen, who pressed me to stop at his house, and drank
[a] glass of beer of his own brewing. ...... After drinking
tea, past seven, took [a] walk to Robert Taggert’s, from
there to the above mentioned meeting house, where the
aforesaid parson preached to [a] large collection of people
on this text, Eccles. 12: 1, which held till past nine.

27. Account brought that our Poll was living in York-
town at a tavern kept by Rob. Dunn. ...... Drank tea ;
half after seven, went to the aforementioned meeting,
The said person that officiated last night preached on this
text, Deut. 32: 29.

28. I went into town; spent some time in conversa-
tion with sundry persons at Wm. Henry’s store on the
news of the day, that is, that another French fleet of
seventeen sail of the lineis arrived off Sandy Hook ; have
taken a number of prizes; that provisions at New York
were exceeding scarce ; at Philada. very plenty and the
prices moderate.

30. Passed forward to Wm. Henry’s store, met sundry
Lancasterians there, where was read the Third Day’s
Philada. newspaper, in which is said under the Boston head
that the French fleet under Admiral d’ Estaing was gone to
Rhode Island ; had taken twenty-seven sail of English
vessels ; whether part of the Cork provision fleet or not,
was not told. ...... I went and borrowed Capt. Hervey’s
horse for Charles to ride with my wife to-morrow to
Yorktown in order to find her Poll, as she was informed
that she lived at one Robt. Dunn’s, who kept tavern
there.

31. Fine pleasant morning. My wife rose near four ;
I near five; sent for Capt. Hervey’s horse. Charles

 
Jury 1778] of the American Revolution. 195

fed them, saddled them ; eat his own breakfast as my
wife could not eat anything (as indeed her daily fatigue
is quite too much and, at present, no help, as I can find,
is to be had, which gives me great uneasiness, yet I have
some hopes that the Good Hand will open some way to
relieve us, though at present I see none). They got
equipped and set off from here about six o’clock.

Aucust 1. Visited this morning by Adam Zantzinger,
but brought no new news. ...... Near three, afternoon,
my wife returned with Charles and Poll, that she found
at Yorktown. ...... Afterwards came R. Taggert and
B. Harbison, who by a person just come into town,,
brought account of an engagement between our army
and the English, on the thirtieth, at the White Plains,
when the latter left three thousand killed and wounded
on the field of battle, but no further particulars. Many
people in and around Lancaster speak of a very heavy
firing of cannon being heard the same day by them and
others.

6. Spent some time in conversation with some of the
Justices and Assemblymen respecting the Menonists in
prison in order for their enlargement and respecting the
signing of two petitions that were intended to be pre-
sented to the Assembly.

g. Soon after came Ed. Milne from Philad., brought
me a letter (and newspapers from son Christopher with
six papers of the patent snuff) giving me an account of
the health of their families, &c. He also brought a
letter (and two newspapers) from Father Paul,* request-
ing I would send him his clothes, books and sundries
that he had left here. ...... We drank tea; then Ed.
Milne went away into town to enquire after the wagon
to carry away a large trunk of plate he had sent here in
the spring for security, with P. Fooks’s goods.

12, News of the day is that there has been, last week,
a great fire at New York, in which, it’s said, one hund-

™ Fooks.
196 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Auc. 1778

red and thirty houses were consumed with two of the
principal King’s stores, with all their contents. It’s
further said that many of the inhabitants, engaged in
endeavoring to save the dwelling houses, were by the
English and Tories cursed as damned rebels and many
of them cast into the flames and there perished ; it’s
further said that a large English magazine-ship, near
New York, was blown up about the same time. The
same officer who tells this says he left the city of
Philada. yesterday ; saw an officer from head quarters
just arrived there, who said, an express arrived as he
came away, with the account of the surrender of Rhode
Island to the French Admiral, who had landed four
thousand of his troops on the island, to codperate with
ourarmy. ‘Thus stands the report for the present. _ It’s
said that a Dutch and Spanish ship is arrived at Balti-
more, loaded with merchant’s goods.

16. Arose early, eat breakfast; then went in our
chair to Dr. Kennedy’s. Sent Charles back with [the]
chair ; stayed till the Dr.’s carriage was ready, in which
with his negro man (past nine) we set out for Philada.
Stopped at the sign of the Hart; served horses; then
proceeded ; stopped on [the] road ; eat some gammon,
drank some toddy ; so went forward through a heavy
rain to the sign of [the] Wagon, not much wet, as the
carriage had a very good covering. I slept here, or, I
would say, lodged.

17. Got up early, fed horses and set off in company
with Capt. Nicholas Brown Seabrook of Richmond
Town, of Henrico County in Virginia (in a sulky without
any covering. Sohetraveled yesterday with us). I paid
for Dr. and self twenty-five shillings and ten pence (the
Dr. brought oats with him), Near where Capt. Fitz?
the robber infested, we were joined by one man and two
women on horseback, who seeing us coming, waited in

1 See an interesting account of this celebrated freebooter in Mr. Lewis's
History of Chester County, ;
Avo. 1778] of the American Revolution. 197

order to have our company over those hills. Hereabouts
the rain abated. We rode on to Capt. Weed’s at
Downing Town, where we fed ourselves and horses.
Afterwards set off and stopped at Ed. Jacobs’s tavern
near [the] White Horse, where we dined; from there
to the tavern near [the Sixteen Miles stone, where we
lodged. In the night Dr. Kennedy was taken violently
ill with purging and vomiting. Capt. Seabrook, self and
negro man assisted, as the people of the house gave
themselves no concern.

18. In the morning early the Capt. set off fortown. I
waited till near ten (he, the Dr. being so poorly). We
rode to the Widow Miller’s; there we dined and fed
horses (here I paid for Dr. and self twenty-seven shillings,
at Ed. Jacobs’s twenty-eight shillings). Then set off
and arrived at Philad* near five. The Dr. put up at the
Indian Queen.? I lodged at son Charles’s house (the
Dr. so tired that he could not walk downthere). Drank
tea at Timothy Matlack’s ; went to see Paul Fooks;
not to be found; so I went to bed early.

24. Rose early. Wenfto D. Rittenhouse to get him
to change some old money for a poor honest man.
_ Breakfasted there. Weather cold; wind northwardly.

-From there to J*. Jones, whom we had left in our house,
to search for sundry goods taken away, viz., fine iron
grate, Scotch stove, corner cupboard with glass doors,
all the iron backs, cranes, etc., etc., etc. Visited at
Blair M*Clenachan’s [and] Dr. Chovet’s. I was then
waited upon by the aforementioned Spanish gentleman?
and the chaplain to him and the French Ambassador,3
with whom I went and dined.

26. Received [a] letter from James Cannon, with
account of his wife and James Davidson’s family’s arrival
at Charleston, South Carolina, the twenty-sixth [of]
July, all well.

 

T At or near the south east corner of Fourth and Market Streets.
> Don Juan de Meralles, the Spanish Ambassador.
3M. Gerard.
198 Christopher Marshall s Diary | Auc. 1778

27. Sent son’s cart and horse to Dr. Chovet’s and
brought what books he had saved of mine at two trips to
son’s shop; left them up stairs there. ...... Went and
drank tea with Parson Duché, his father, mother and
wife ; then to son’s, where Jona' Sergeant came [and]
requested [leave] to give up our house he had taken, to
which I consented (as it was not grand enough for him).
Went to Grace Hastings’s, who had spoken before and
wanted it for a gentleman named Tim’ Pickering.

28. got up early. Walked to Campingtown in quest
of my cupboard, but found none; to Wm. Rush’s for
my cranes, but none there. Breakfasted at Grace Has-
tings’s ; let the gentleman have my house on the same
conditions [on which] Sergeant had taken it, viz: at
Fifty Pounds per year, and to repair it fit and tenant-
able.

SEPTEMBER 2. Then to Coffee House; waited till
Lieutenants Lyons, Ford and Wilson and John Wilson,
gunner, were brought on board two government vessels
off Market Street wharf, where the two first suffered the
law and the other two [were] #eprieved.t. The number
of spectators was very great; from [the] end of the
market house, where I stood upon a bench.

5. Near nine set off; reached Levering’s ; ted horse
and [had] some drink for John F. and self; paid eight
shillings and three pence ; then proceeded to Charles’s,
where we got safe near four.

11. Just after came Major Loxley; brought [a] letter
from town to my sons in which was mentioned that a
gentleman from Lancaster had called at their house to
look for me, who said that my wife was very ill; had
kept her bed for three days. “This gave me great concern
and I immediately concluded for home. .

12. I got up at four [in the] morning. Cloudy with
small rain. We got breakfast, the horses served, the

1 They had deserted to the enemy during the.attack upon Fort Mifflin.
See the Colonial Records and Pennsylvania Archives,
Sept. 1778] of the American Revolution. 199

phaton madeready. Kitty went with me and took John
Darragh to be as company on his return. We set off
near six. Rained pretty smartly till after we had passed
[the] Schuylkill, then moderated. Proceeded over [the]
bridge at French Creek; cameto Potts’s; fed our horses ;
then proceeded and reached Jones’s tavern, where we
dined [and] fed our horses (cost twenty-five shillings) ;
then set forward ; reached Capt. Reese’s tavern at [the]
Blue Ball by dusk. Here we took up our residence for
the night. Upon the whole, we had middling good
weather, yet both we and horses were tired as the roads
were so exceedingly hilly and stony, I think longer and
worse than the great road is over the Valley Hills. We
scarcely met any travelers on this road, but saw plenty
of squirrels. We drank coffee for supper and slept in
our great coats, stockings, &c., for fear of fleas and bugs.

13. We rose early, fed our horses ; I paid [the] reck-
oning, thirty-eight shillings and ten pence. Set off for
Lancaster, passed through New Holland, in which were
many but indifferent and some good houses, built in the
Dutch fashion, on both sides of one long continued
street. . The men, women and children seemed to be
plenty, mostly Germans and of the middling sort. The
roads here were in general good, fine woodland and many
fine plantations, with a great quantity of wild pigeons
and squirrels, regaling themselves in the fields and in the
woods, with some flocks of partridges. We reached
Lancaster past ten ; found my wife abed and very poorly,
yet nevertheless she arose. Polly got us breakfast of
good coffee, gammon, &c., of which we partook cheer-
fully, as we had by that time got a good appetite. ......
Just at dinner time came John M‘Lean, Robert White-
hill and William Duffield on their way home from the
Assembly at Philad*., which had broke up on the
eleventh. They stayed and dined ; then set off for their
tespective houses. After dinner my son Kitty prepared
and set off for home with John Darragh, taking the
200 = Christopher Marshall's Diary [Szpv. 1778

candles that I had bought for him. In the chair-box
by him I put P. Fooks’s warming-pan and Cunningham’s
book on Bills of Exchange and the Deeds, Mortgage,
Bond and Judgment of Rob‘. Taylor, as the man had
requested me to send them in order that he might dis-
charge the debt.

16. I paid unto Daniel Stricker, Collector of [the]
Continental Tax, Ten Pounds fifteen shillings and nine
pence.

18. Mamma seems quite cheerful and will be indus-
trious, for all that I can say or do; the reason is her girl
Poll is a very ordinary lazy hussey.

19. Spoke to a person just come from Philadelphia,
who said the news there was that war wasactually declared
between the French and English.

22. I received [a] letter from P. F. dated [the] nine-
teenth. The news is that war against Great Britain
was declared at Martinique the fourteenth of August;
that the courts of Spain and Portugal had ordered all
British ships out of their ports in the space of six days
or to be seized; that the British fleet that was cruising
off Boston is returned to Sandy Hook; that the Packet
was arrived and brought orders for the Commissioners
to return home, and to the fleet and army to evacuate
New York, but [it] was not said where they were to go
[as it] was not known, but some think, and it’s probable,
they will go to Halifaxandthe West Indies. Ten regi-
ments, it’s said, will goto Jamaica. It’s further said
that a large ship mounting twenty-two guns has been
allotted to the Tories and is now full of men, women
and children of that tribe bound to Halifax..

24. News to-day is that the English fleet has left New
York and Sandy Hook.

OcrosER 3. This morning, I presume, Parson Barton
moved off the last of his effects, in two covered wagons.

This morning and last night came to town, it’s said,

Scotch, English [and] Hessian prisoners,

 

about
Oct. 1778] of the American Revolution. 201

who stayed to recruit themselves on their march to the
Eastward from Virginia to be exchanged. They had
not the appearance of our poor emaciated countrymen,
discharged by the English tyrants. Ours were reduced
to the utmost extremity ; those, hearty, plump and fat,
with wagons to carry their baggage, women and children ;
ours so stripped as hardly [to have] rags to cover them,
So disproportionate are those circumstances, but Heaven,’
Thope, will protect us from their future cruelty and
barbarity.

5. It’s said by private hand that there are fifteen or
sixteen sail of vessels with salt in [the] Delaware river,
some of them from France, &c.; that John Roberts,
miller, was tried for High Treason and convicted, as was
Abraham Carlisle, carpenter.

6. Past one, the English, Irish and Dutch prisoners
marched out of town to go where they are to be
exchanged.

g. Accounts from Philadelphia are that the Friends
took up the body of Molesworth in the night time [and]
transported it somewhere, but the public are not satisfied
and say it should have been done in the day in a public
manner.? It’s said they have taken him out of one hole
and put him into another in the same ground. It’s
thought to have been the greatest and largest yearly
meeting for a long time past.

13. Accounts from town are that a number of English
landed at Morris? river and Egg harbor last week and
destroyed several vessels, rigging, cargoes, &c., with a
good deal of other mischief and then decamped ; that
Abraham Carlisle was put into the dungeon.

14. It’s said that John Roberts, miller, is condemned
and confined in the dungeon.

 

* James Molesworth was hung for High Treason. His offence consisted
in endeavoring to hire men to pilot the British fleet up the Delaware.
See the Life of General Joseph Reed, Pennsylvania Archives, vol. 5,
Pages 270 to 282, Colonial Records of Pa., vol. 11, page 197, and Dunlap’s
Newspaper.

? Maurice?
202 Christopher Marshall's Diary [ Oct. 1778

15. Paid Shaffer Five Dollars for bringing a barrel of
sugar from Philadelphia some time past. Paid seven
shillings and six pence to [the] stageman for sundry
pamphlets from Stephen Collins entitled / Serious Ad-
dress to the Quakers.

17. We arose early ; breakfasted. Wife got ready
against the wagon came, in which went Wm. Bonham’s
wife, three children and servant girl, with some of his
furniture, my wife and Wertz’s sister-in-law for Philad*.
Set off about half after ten [in the] forenoon. Bonham
rode on horseback, as he had three cattle to drive, and
another horse led at the tail of the wagon.

20. Just heard that on First Day, about twelve o’clock

noon, my wife and her companions were all safe and
brisk at “the Wagon.” This, Rob‘. Taggert said, he
had from Judge Atlee who saw and conversed with
them. ,
21. Fine delightful morning. JI got up early, yet our
Poll was gone. This is her trade, morning, noon and
night, or any time of the day for hours together. I talk
and advise her but all to no purpose. It would not be
a small sum that would induce me to encounter with the
difficulty, but my desire of keeping her until her mistress
returns keeps up my care and attention.

22. (Poll behaves herself exceeding well this morning.)
Charles sent every morning since Mrs. went away to the
baker’s for three sixpenny loaves of bread. ...... Had fire
made in [the] lodging room. There I supped and
Charles and I spent the evening till near nine. Miss
Poll out all this time. I sent Charles to hunt for her
and also to enquire of the neighbors, but no intelligence
to be got; so we fastened house, kitchen, &c., [and]
went to bed.

23. Cloudy. I roused Charles up by day light.
Found Miss Poll in the straw-house. She came into
the kitchen ; talked away that she could not go out at
night, but that she must be locked out. If that’s the
Oct. 1778] of the American Revolution. 203

case, she told them that she would pick up her clothes
and go quite away; that she would not be so served,
as her Mistress did not hinder her staying out when she
pleased, and the kitchen door to be opened for her when
she came home and knocked. The negro woman told
me, as well as she could, what she said. I then went
and picked up her clothes that I could find. I asked
her how she could behave herself so towards me when
I had conducted myself so easy towards her, even so as
to suffer her to sit at table and eat with me. This had
no effect upon her. She rather inclined to think that
she had not offended and had done nothing but what her
mistress indulged her in. I told her before Betty it was
not worth my while to lick her, though she really deserv-
ed it for her present impudence, but to remember I had
taken all her clothes I could find except what she had on,
which I intended to keep; that if she went away, Charles
with the horse should follow her and bring her back and
that I would send the bellman round the borough of
Lancaster to cry her as a runaway servant wicked girl,
with a reward for apprehending her.

24. I arose early to send to B. Landiss’s for butter ;
got [the] horse fed; just them came Catty ; brought
two pounds [of] butter, I kept her to breakfast ; paid
her twenty-four shillings for this time and the last. I
also sent by her to give her master one Moyadore, one
English guinea and one English shilling to pay him for

‘the load of first crop hay that he sent me while [I was]
in Philadelphia.

27. Charles arose near daybreak and I soon after, in
order to find my nightly and daily plague, as she took
her walk again last evening. Charles found her. We
turned her up stairs to refresh herself with sleep.

29. After breakfast let our Poll down stairs, where
she has been kept since her last frolic.

30. Fastened Poll up stairs last night ; let her be
about [the] house this morning, pretty handy.
204 Christopher Marshall s Diary [Ocrt. 1778

31. I arose early as I have done for some time. Did
I not, they would lie till nine o’clock, as some of them
have done.

NovemBeER 2. I think that my old enemy Satan is
much concerned in the conduct and behavior of that
poor unfortunate girl, in the first place to bewitch her so
after the men that she seems to have no rest when away
from them, the which must in the end, except grace pre-
vent, prove her utter ruin : in the second place he knows
that her actions give me much anxiety and indeed at times
raise my anger so that I have said what should have been
avoided, but I for the future hope to be move upon my
guard and thereby frustrate him in his attempts

5. Breakfasted ; then to picking some apples left in
[the] orchard, as the wind blew so fresh and I had turned
[the] cow into the orchard, for as she was in such fine
order I was apprehensive some of our ordinary butchers
might make too free and take her totheir homes. I pre-
sume that yesterday while I was [at the] burial, some

persons got into the orchard and took away most of my .....

pears though not fully ripe and I had kept them there to
ripen.

6. News brought last night that John Roberts and
Abraham Carlisle were executed [on the] fourth instant.

8. Spent part of [the] forenoon in conversation with
Levy Marks, who called to see me and kindly invited me
to come and dine with him, and this I should remark that
none of my friends in Lancaster have paid me that com-
pliment since my wife went to Philadelphia but himself,
and with whom I dined the day after she went from
here. ...... Our house has been pretty quiet these two or
three days that I have kept Poll up stairs.

10. About eight my wife came home in [the] wagon
to the door,

1g. Little to be done but to eat, drink, make fires and
sit by them, except my wife who keeps constantly em-
ployed in providing, directing and doing for self and
Nov. 1778| of the American Revolution. 205

family, so that she is both the first and the last where
there is any thing to be done of labor and care.

20. I saw yesterday’s paper just come from Phila-
delphia, that gave an account in a letter from Boston that
in a late storm onthe third instant the Somerset man-of-
war of sixty-four guns was lost to the southward of Cape
‘Cod, forty men drowned and five hundred made prisoners
and then on the road to Boston; further that for ten
days before fifteen English men of war had been cruising
in that latitude, supposed to be Commodore Byron’s fleet
looking out for the French fleet at Boston, [which] ex-
pected to sail but did not till the fourth, the day after the
storm. Another letter from Elizabethtown, of the
eleventh, says that one seventy-four gun and two other
large men-of-war were seen going up to New York,
having lost all their masts, &c.

21. After dinner took [a] walk to the barracks to see
part of Col. Bland’s regiment of light-horse going to
their homes in Virginia.

24. ToWm. Henry’s store ; stayed sometime hearing
that Sebastian Graff and John Whitemore had assaulted
the sentry at Henry’s store, taken away his gun from
him and beat him.

29; Sundry recruits enlisted here marched for camp
this morning.

Decemper 1. This day, going down town I saw Wm.
Henry and , Commissary, go into a slaughter-
house. I followed. They were killing, by order of
[the] Commissary. The cattle were so young, little and
poor that Squire Henry with me concluded that if the
Commissary would sell them to farmers, or give them
away, it would be a saving to the country [of] the
butchers’ wages, the salt, the packer, and the casks, be-
sides the hauling, because after all that was done, the
meat was not good or fitto be eaten. Thus is our state
imposed upon, for the want of conscientious, upright
men’s being put into offices of such moment.

 

 
206 Christopher Marsball’s Diary [Dxc.-1778

2. Visited by Francis Bailey, [who] came to borrow
Saturday’s Dunlap’s paper to transcribe some articles into
his paper.

8. Visited by Capt. Pedro, who told us [the] news
from Philadelphia, that the French fleet under Count
D’Estaing had taken Halifax and released three thousand
of our people who were prisoners there; that Joseph
Reed, Esq., was elected President, and George Byron
Vice President of this state.

A great number of wagons have been about this
borough from different parts of this county. Nothing
for them to do, after waiting many days, so [they] re-
turned back. Some of those wagons came from thirty
to forty miles. Such fine work our Commissaries make,
being both ignorant and careless of their duty.

g. To Anthony Weltze [the] butcher’s ; there agreed
with Jacob Snyder, miller, for a fat hog to be delivered
some time ina month at four pence per pound hard
money. Borrowed two silver dollars from friend Weltze
and gave [them to] him for earnest. Coming here met
Esquires Hogg and Harrison, Assemblymen, going home,
the Assembly being adjourned on the fifth to the first
day of second month, February. Spent some time with
them. ...... [A] large drove of cattle went through here
this day for the camp.

11. I had a restless, painful night with my old dis-
order, head ache, noise in my head, &c. These exer-
cises are like the sounding of the trumpet, in order to
alarm us by letting us know that this is not our rest or
place of abode, but no other but as different stages or
removes to pass through in order to reach that happy
resting place where the wicked one shall cease to trouble
and where the soul that’s longing for Redemption will
find that blessed port and haven of rest that’s situate in
the presence of its beloved Jesus.

13. I went before dinner down town, it being reported
that Burgoyne’s army taken prisoners had crossed Con-
Dec. 1778] of the American Revolution. 207

nestoga Creek, but it was a mistake. Returned home,
wrote [a] letter to Paul Fooks, sent it and his floor-cloth
by Frederick Shaffer, who was going to Philada. with
his wagon, by whom my wife sent one barrel of cider
and one barrel of apples to Grace Hastings, she being so
exceedingly kind to my wife when she was last in
Philada. Spent [the] evening by ourselves. Our Poll
goes and comes where and when she pleases.

14. Went to the barracks. One division of Bur-
goyne’s troops, said to be seven hundred and eighty-one,
came to town. ...... James M°*Lean, from Philada.
going home, called; stayed [and] drank tea ; said [that]
flour in town [was] Nine Pounds per hundred weight,
beef, prime pieces, five shillings per pound, salt got
down to five pounds per bushel, but no news of any
moment stirring.

15. The division of the artillery, grenadiers and light
infantry, including Lieut. Col. Nulling’s detachment and
the Ninth Regiment, all British prisoners, amount to
seven hundred and eighty-one ; came to town yesterday,
marched out this morning. In [the] afternoon, came
to town the Second Division of British, consisting of the
Twentieth and Twenty-First Regiments, amounting to
Eight hundred and seventy-three with their women and
children, Came home to dinner; then walked to bar-
racks to see the troops come in.

16. Visited by an inhabitant of Lancaster, a tin man,
[who] brought home the things he had mended. Paid
him fifteen shillings. He stayed some time in religious
conversation.

17. Notwithstanding such heavy weather over head
and exceeding dirty under foot, Poll after breakfast went
- tosee the soldiers that came as prisoners belonging to
_ Burgoyne’s [army]; returned by two o’clock (fine and
dirty trull) ...... Yesterday came to town, the Third
Division of the British, consisting of the Twenty-
~ fourth, Forty-seventh and Sixty-second Regiments,
_ amounting to Nine bundred and twenty-three prisoners.
208 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Dec. 1778

1g. Kept Charles digging, he being very careful not
to work too hard nor too long at a time. ...... The
three divisions of English prisoners left the barracks this
morning to proceed on their journey. In [the] afternoon
came to the barracks the First Division of Germans,
consisting of the Dragoons, Battalion of the Grenadiers,
Regiment of Rhite and Regiment of Rush", amounting
to Nine hundred and forty-seven, besides women and

children. ...... A great many of the Dutch round Lan-
caster came in to-day, I presume to wait upon the German
prisoners.

20. The second division of Germans consists of the
Regiment of Speehts, Battalion of Hanoverians and
Hessian Artillery, amounting to Nine hundred and thirty-
five, besides women and children.

21. This morning the First Division of Germans
here marched away.

22. The divisions of Hessians or Germans set off
from our borough.

24. After breakfast went down town to Wm. Henry’s;
got qualified by him to act as Commissioner. I also
qualified Wm. Henry agreeably to the Act of [the]
General Assembly of this State, passed [the] Fifth
instant. From there by invitation to Bush’s house
to drink [a] glass of wine [and] eat sundries that were
provided to regale the principal inhabitants of the borough,
occasioned by his daughter’s being married last night to
Simon Solomon, shopkeeper.

26. Our trull returned this morning before I arose.
Her mistress gave her a good sound whipping. This
latter was a rarity. ...... A number of Col. White’s
Light Horse (said [to be] two hundred and fifty) came
to-day, it’s said, to be quartered this winter. A parcel
of the German prisoners returned back, as they could
not cross the Susquehannah for ice floating, etc.

28. This morning, one of the Light Horsemen re-
ceived forty-eight lashes, it’s said, in the barrack-yard,
for insulting one of the inhabitants. ...... James Farran
Dec. 1778] of the American Revolution. 209

came and spent part of [the] evening in his Astronomical
strain.

29. The Germans that returned back set out as the
river was frozen hard.

o. After dinner, my wife, James Farran and wife
with Charles [being] in my room, I read to them a
Thanksgiving Sermon, formerly preached by Dr. Sher-
lock before Queen Anne. Paid two shillings and six
pence® for twopence worth of yeast.

Ey 7 oe

January 1. The Dutch kept firing guns last night
and to-day, it being, it’s said, customary.

2. IT had all our little jobs to do, as our man Charles
without any notice, was, he said, for setting out for
Baltimore. I accordingly paid him his wages for five
months at Four Pounds per month, which amounted to
Twenty Pounds. Paid him the balance due to make
upthat sum. He then took his clothes [and] walked
‘off without bidding me or any one about [the] house
farewell.

6. Visited by Major Count Montford ; drank tea
with [us]; just come from Philada; brought several

- letters and newspapers from Paul Fooks, dated Dec. 20,
24: Jan. 3; one from James Cannon dated November
22d; one from Thomas Hale.

7, About ten, our Miss Trull appeared in the kitchen.
Thad been engaged serving creatures and mending [the]
front fence where she and the dog had broken to come
in and go out at, at times.

8. Gave [a] sharp charge to our Poll for her mons-
trous behavior.

g. Visited by Major Montford. Lent [the] first and
second volumes of the History of Sumatra during the
sieges of Amurath ist, 2d & 3d, and a volume entitled

| Gentleman’s Calling by the Author of the Whole Duty of
Man, ...... Our Poll stayed at home all this day. 1

. can’t remember when it was so before.

*In Continental money.
210 Christopher Marshalls Diary [Jan. 1779

10. One of my neighbors, James Farran, told me
his girl had been for flour, the price Eight Pounds, and
at [the] same time, most or all of last year’s crop not
yet threshed. It appears to me that our rulers are only
engaged about matters of public dispute respecting them-
selves and some few individuals, at [the] same time
neglecting the public utility and prosperity of the State
in general; thus are we now situated. ...... As Poll had
behaved tolerably yesterday, she had, upon asking her
mistress, her best clothes to go to church, as she said.
While we were eating part of [a] good roast turkey for
dinner, and had given her a good portion, she dressed
herself and packed up all her clothes, new and old, clean
and dirty, took them with her and away she went and
[we] have seen no more of her, as yet.

13. Yesterday afternoon Dr. K...... rode up to my
door, asked in his polite way how I and my family did?
was there anything he could serve me with he had? I
thanked him, told him when | wanted, I might call upon |
him ; invited him in, but he was ina hurry with his
man. So I got shut of his blarney.

21. Wheat, ten dollars per bushel ; Flour from eight
pounds to nine pounds per bushel. ...... [Paid] half a
crown for fourpence worth of yeast ; two shillings and
sixpence for a sixpenny broom.?

23. It’s said that about seven this morning there was
an exceeding great redness in the sky ; then appeared a
large rainbow, that seemingly reached from north to
south and remained for some time. Last night came
Robert Whitehill ; stayed some time in political conver-
sation ; said “that the people in Cumberland and York
counties were generally displeased with our Assembly
for their taking upon them to call a Convention at this
ime, and are preparing a Memorial that will be signed
by some one thousand, to be sent down against their
next meeting in opposition to their proceedings on that

t These payments were in Continental money.
Jan. 1779] of the American Revolution. BUT

and some other of their actions.” He further said “that
the feast or entertainment given by the House on the
election of Gen. Reed for President of this state cost
Two Thousand Three Hundred and Five Pounds and
fifteen shillings, Seventy Pounds of which was spent by
the three members, viz, Robert Morris, Gen. Mifflin
and Jonathan Potts who were appointed to get the same
prepared and met two nights for that purpose at the City
tavern.”

24. Last week was brought here President Reed’s
Proclamation for the discharge of all those persons
throughout the State confined in prison (they first pay-
ing all prison fees incurred by their confinement) for
their pertinaciously refusing to take the several oaths
or affirmations required by the laws of this State, dated
Philada. 29th Dec’. 1778, Signed Joseph Reed, Presi-
dent. Spent this day at home. Inthe afternoon, visited
by James Farran, my poor neighbor, yet a sensible
man, but talks abundance on the affairs of England, his
native country, where he made some figure in astronomy,
of which he has a complete knowledge, as appears from
letters and some pieces he published in the Leicester
newspapers on that subject.

26. Gen. Phillips, second in command to Burgoyne,
in town, going after his fellow prisoners to Virginia.

FEBRUARY 4. A report just come, [it is] said, from
Philada., that the enemy had landed near Elizabeth
Town and that Gen. Washington had left Philadelphia
last Third Day in order to join the army and had ordered
all his officers immediately to repair to their different
posts.

5. Two men stood in [the] pillory this morning
(horse stealing).

8. News of the day is that Gen. Arnold has left
Philada., and gone over to the English."

‘This rumor is very remarkable. Arnold went over in September,
1780, nineteen months afterwards.
212 Céristopher Marshall's Diary [FB. 1779

g. News that Capt. Lang carried [a] parcel of shirts,
as Commissary to our camp, but they proved to be so
little (it’s said but two and a half yards in [a] shirt) that
they returned him the shirts and all, to return back as a
cheat to the public.

11. Took a walk with R. Taggert to see Col.
White’s regiment of Light Horse exercise.

13. News from Philada. is, by report, that Col.
Bannister of Virginia is detected in Virginia with a
large sum of counterfeit money concealed, and those
[whose] names [zre] here following are said to be con-
cerned with him in that affair; that he (Bannister) is in
jail there in irons. Whether this be founded in fact, I
can’t say: (viz.) Col. Edward Walker, Charles Wil-
liamson, Capt. Ephraim Leipels, Churchill, Anderson,
Sterling, Harris, Thomas Woodford, Samuel Morgan,
Henry Wright, Joseph Bond, Horvlet Williamson,
Drewry Bordge, [and] Benj. Alfrund.? Account just
brought that a Spanish vessel with dispatches from the
Havanna is arrived at Philada.

14. To Righteousness my spirits raise
And quicken with thy life and love,
That I may walk here to Thy praise
And after live with Thee above.
Grant I in glory may appear
Clad with our Resurrection vest,
When thou shalt lead thy flock most dear
Ur to the mansions of the blest.

15. Heard Seventh Day’s paper read. No news,
but disputes between Gen. Arnold and proceedings of
Council and a second letter in support [of the] resolve
of Congress respecting taking the sense of the people to
have a new Convention. ..... It’s said that one hundred
Continental Dollars are given for one half-Joe. ......
Delivered James Lang One Thousand Dollars remitted
me some time past for public services.

20. It’s said that half-joes within these few days have
fallen from Twenty-Four to Eighteen and sundry goods
lowered fifty per cent in Philad*.

t This was a British story. See the Bland Papers.
Fes. 1779| of the Américan Revioution. 213

22. After encountering with violent headache, towards
morning I got a little sleep ; took [a] pinch of Patent
snuff which purged my head greatly. ...... Visited by
Co]. Clark, going home from Philada., he could not
stay, as he had heard his family were poorly. Scarcely
any news stirring, but a spirit of dissension amongst the
people, blaming and traducing, he said, [the] President,
Speaker of the House, &c.

26, Last evening a drove of several hundred head of
fine cattle went through here towards our camp. Just
received [a] letter from daughter Sally, with some garden
seeds, Thursday’s newspaper and [a] pamphlet entitled
‘Consideration on the mode and terms of a Treaty of
Peace with America. London, printed 1778. Phila-
delphia, reprinted by Hall and Sellers, 1779 ;” also [a]
letter from P. Barker, mentioning part of [the] news
said to be come from Congress, viz : that the Spaniards
have acceded to the Independency of America and
[are] to assist France with thirty sail of [the] line of
battle ships and to lend the United States of America
Thirty Millions of silver dollars, and that the Dutch
have agreed to supply the Americans with a considerable
loan to be guaranteed by France, &c., &c.

Marcu 1. Yesterday came Pame Palasky’s' Regi-
ment of Light Horse and Yager Infantry. Last night
a quarrel ensued between some of them and Col. White’s
Light Horsemen, but was soon quelled, yet some of the
men were wounded, but not dangerously.

3. No news stirring that I heard except [that] Pal-
asky’s Regiment of Light Horse and Yagers went out
of town for the southward —a parcel of thieving fellows.

7. Be it remembered that my good wife constantly
milks the cow night and morning, and, besides her daily
house work, makes us cheeses, besides supplying our
family with plenty of good cream and two poor families
with milk. Here is prudence and industry.

 

*Pulasky ?
18
214 Christopher Marshalls Diary [Mar. 1779

11. Yesterday nine of Col. White’s Light Horsemen
were whipped at [the] Continental stable and barracks,
it’s said for mutiny, because their provisions were not
good, and their pay detained for some months.

27. It’s said, by packet to New York, “the States of
Holland have agreed to lend the Independent States of
America One Million of Money.” ...... Yesterday and
to-day, it’s said that a number of ship carpenters came
here on their march to Middletown, Pittsburgh, &c., in
order to build some kind of vessels on the lakes fur the
ready transportation of troops into the Indian country,
Detroit, &c.

Apri 8. Some Assemblymen passed through here
to-day on their way home, as the Assembly broke up
[on] the Fifth; adjourned to the Thirteenth [of]
August.

10. Visited by Capt. Joy, going to Virginia. With
him saw the Act of Assembly dated April, 1779, crying
down the use of hard money in the purchasing of any
kind of commodities in this State.

11. News brought to-day by one Berry, who, he
said, left Philadelphia [on] Fifth day last, that Proclama-
tion was made by order of Gen. Washington, for such
of the inhabitants as would not assist in defending the
city, immediately to leave it, as the English army was
expected to be there; that numbers, upon that, were
moving their effects out of the city, and he among the
rest was come away. ...... Antony,? with John Jones,
went to Quaker’s meeting today, where Antony preached,
as he called it, although he was requested to desist, but
would not, so they by consent broke up the meeting
sooner than they would have done, as he would not obey
James Webb, who ordered or desired him to be silent
and not to disturb them.

17. Visited by Dr. Newman who said a number of

? Antony Taborro, a new servant who came to Mr. Marshall on the
tenth of April from his son’s.
ApriL 1779 | of the American Revolution. 215

pistols from Philadelphia were carried through here
yesterday for Col. Hartley’s regiment at Shamokin, and
that the honest inhabitants in Philadelphia were much

displeased at the acquittal of G...... and §...... as their
behavior had been so atrocious while the enemy were
in the city.

20. News from Philadelphia that eight or ten vessels
were arrived from [the] West Indies with sundry kinds
of dry goods, &c.

21. Gen. Lee,’ it’s said, with his dogs and doxey went
through here for Virginia [on] Second Day. Gen.
McIntosh passed through here [on the] same day for
[the] back woods. News to-day that sugar was fallen
in Philadelphia to fifteen shillings per pound, coffee to
thirteen shillings within these few days. ...... I’m told
half a Joe sold for Sixty Pounds to-day.

23. Fine clover, now black ; peaches, cherries, many
of the garden vegetables all killed. We cut off the tops
of our peas to see whether they will put forth afresh.
I fear our apples have suffered greatly: their beauty is
exceedingly marred. O Lord, thou givest and at thy
pleasure takest away. Blessed be thy name. Visited
by Charles Hall, to whom I gave papers relating to the
Constitutional Society, to take to a meeting of many of
the inhabitants of this county, who are to meet this day.

24. Visited by Philip Thomas (carpenter in this
borough), I think the most sensible, resigned Christian I
have conversed with in this place; stayed some time.
Lent [him a] book called The Everlasting Gospel.

25. Visited by Charles Hall, who has just received
[a] letter from Squires Thorne and Masterlett, acknow-
ledging the receipt of our Constitutional Letter and their
approbation of the proposal made them of calling a meet-
ing in their neighborhood this week, the result of which
they would communicate as soon as possible afterwards.

May 1. News that the Indians have killed twenty-

 

* General Charles Lee.
216 Christopher Marshall’s Diary [May 1779

three persons and taken one of our Assemblymen prisoner
above Sunbury. Delaware Indians came here this
day on their way to visit Congress and the French Am-
bassador at Philad*.

2. Just before breakfast received a letter of [the]
twenty-sixth with two newspapers from Paul Fooks. ......
Paul’s letter says ‘ This morning [the] French Ambassa-
dor and Mr. Moralez,? escorted with our Light Horse,
set off to pay a visit to our worthy Gen. Washington at
camp. A French frigate is arrived at Boston. The
express arrived this morning after the ambassador’s de-
parture with the packets and is gone after him. It’s
said that this vessel has had only eighteen days’ passage.

3. News is that [a] very large ship [bound] from
Jamaica to London came to Philada. [on] Seventh Day
morning, prize to Capt. Douglass. After dinner took
[a] walk by myself and attended upon the exercise per-
formed by the Light Horsemen. ‘There were a great
number of spectators.

4. News came yesterday confirming the account of
the seven prizes being arrived at Boston. [They]
found, it’s said, on board the Jasoh, one cask of sundries
and in specie forty thousand English guineas.

6. After dinner took [a] walk down the streets ; very
quiet, it being the fast day appointed by Congress. ......
In the evening came son Kitty with the carriage.

8. Arose early; breakfasted half after five ; set off
in Kitty’s carriage with him. Reached Hopkins’s
tavern; baited [the] horses ; proceeded from there to
the sign of [the] Ship; (we eat some victuals we had
with us on the road as we came along) baited the horses
there. About four P.M. set off; crossed [the] Schuyl-
kill about dusk, reached Kitty’s soon after dark, pretty.
well tired.

10. Set off for town; reached there before night.

12. This day [a] prize brig arrived, taken by Capt

*Don Juan de Moralez, the Spanish envoy to the United States.

 
May 1779] of the American Revolution. 217

Collins with one hundred and sixty-three hogsheads of
molasses [and] some sugar.

15. Went and visited Wilson Peale’s pictures, a
curious collection

17. Saw our Poll, but [she] flew away, so could not
speak [to] her.

20. Col. Proctor’s regiment marched out of [the]
city for [the] back woods.

21. Signed [a] petition to Congress respecting our
Continental money.

22. Went to B. Harbison’s; went with him to the
Constitutional Society. After they adjourned, a number
of citizens being there voted me into the chair, where
[upon] sundry proposals were moved respecting our
present situation and a town meeting agreed to be called
next Third Day [at] four o’clock at [the] State House
Yard. Six persons were appointed to draw up an ad-
dress to be delivered. Near eleven, broke up.

24. In the evening, went to Nancy Clark’s, as the
militia, after being reviewed, marched by her door and
through part of the city to [the] Coffee House. Com-
puted Horse, Fort and Artillery [to] amount to three
thousand.

25. Took [a] walk to our late beautiful place, now
desolate ; to my old place in Moyamensing, where I
dined; returned ; Town Meeting in the State House
Yard; Daniel Roberdeau in the chair ; all as peaceable
as could be expected; drank tea at Charles’s with some
members of Congress. I omitted to mention my meet-
ing [a] few days past with sundry of our magistrates ‘and
requesting them to be out of the way, if possible, on this
day, on account of the meeting. The same I requested
of our President, Joseph Reed, for reasons J mentioned,
and they, I have good reason to think, complied with
my desire, for a town meeting was greatly in my mind
for some time, and I came from home with that inten-
tion, used all my influence to promote it and was happy
218 Christopher Marshall s Diary [May 1779

to see it completed so amicably. This paid me for all
my trouble, and I am in great hopes that it will be of
infinite advantage to the whole State. Amen.

27. Visited by Roberdeau, who went with me to
some of the Committee, complaining of the illegal pro-
ceedings of. Dean, who, being one of the Committee,
had, nevertheless, joined with some others in purchasing
a parcel of molasses just come, contrary to their own
resolutions, tor which transaction we requested he might
be expelled their board, in order to pacify the minds of
the public, who were irritated.

28. Accounts from Germantown that one thousand
bushels of wheat [were] seized in a mill near there, con-
cealed. Four or five wagons [were] stopped [and]
brought back to the city last night, loaded with rum,
sugar, tea, coffee, salt, &c., the invoices charged as rated
by [the] Committee, but advanced on casks, boxes, &c.,
as Fifteen Pounds per hogshead, barrels at Ten Pounds.
A schooner [was] brought back after gone from [the]
wharf, [it is] said with three hundred barrels of flour
covered over with street dirt. To such mean shifts are
the disaffected driven since the Committee has been
elected. Many suspected persons [have been] taken up
and sent to prison, in which number are Richard W.......
Thomas 6...... V5 Miveeess 5 Be His x , Levi H......,
&c., &c. Peter K...... n, had three and a half hogshead,
of rum seized this morning by the Collector, not being
entered. Flag of truce from Santa Cruz. Sundry
persons and goods came this day from Baltimore [for]
fear of the English. r

29. Visited, as I have been, I think, since in town
every day, by Paul Fooks, who shows me the utmost
kindness and respect in his power. Dr. Phyle came to
us at Charles’s ; says accounts from Charleston are that
the enemy were repulsed by our people so as to fly before
them, leaving fourteen hundred on the field killed and
wounded, This is great news, when fully authenticated.

 

 
May 1779] of the American Revolution. 219

30. Butter yesterday in market sold for Two to
Three Dollars per pound, meat of different kinds from four
shillings and six pence to ten shillings per pound, flour
(little in market) Twenty Pounds a hundred, green peas
from twenty shillings to twenty-five shillings the half peck,
radishes from two shillings and six pence to three shillings
and nine pence [a] bunch, good best spirits Seven Pounds
five shillings [the] single gallon, molasses, sold by [the]
hogshead, from Four Pounds to Four Pounds ten shillings
per gallon, oak wood at the wharf Sixteen Pounds per
cord, Hickory up to Twenty Pounds, house rent risen
from Fifty Pounds per year to Five Hundred Pounds,
from Eighty Pounds to One Thousand Pounds, Twelve
Hundred Pounds, &c.*

June 1. Went and paid Fox for two pairs of shoes,
one for self, one for negro woman, Fifty Dollars,

2. Paid Grace Hastings Eighty Dollars for two silk
handkerchiefs.

3. Paid Polly Garrigues Five Pounds five shillings for
wrist banding eight shirts and thread; paid Betsey Hallo-
way Five Pounds two shillings and six pence for hem-
ming six neck-cloths.

6. Having taken leave of my children, grand-children,
friends, &c., set off with Kitty in his carriage with grand-
daughter Hannah about six in [the] morning. We
reached Levering’s tavern, baited horses, proceeded for
Kitty’s, which we reached safely past twelve, thanks to our
Great Benefactor and Preserver. Found the family well.
When Providence meeting was over several Friends
came and dined; spent [the] afternoon; after tea went
away. They were pleasant and cheerful.

7. Just out of bed, received [a] letter from Dr. Phyle,
giving account of six French ships (four of them with
goods, two armed ships) arrived at Baltimore. Spent this
day walking, reading, &c., at Kitty’s. In [the] evening
came negro Moses from town; brought further account

*See Hazard’s Register, vol. 3, p 201.
220 Christopher Marshal’s Diary [JunE 1779

of the defeat of the English at Charleston, with this cir-
cumstance that the English were repulsed, returned to
the charge, such as to push bayonets, then beat off leav-
ing seven hundred on the field. It’s hoped this would
prove another Burgoyne, &c.

11. After dinner had horses and my things put into
.Kitty’s carriage and past three Charles and I, after taking
leave, set off for Lancaster. Reached John Jacobs’s
near sunset, where we stayed, supped and lodged, they
receiving us exceedingly kind and friendly.

12. Arose early, breakfasted, put on great coats, being
cool, wind northwardly, set off about six, reached the
sign [of the] Wagon, baited our horses, then proceeded
to the sign of the Hat, baited our horses, got a gill of
best spirits at both places with some water. Victuals
we brought with us ; stopped and eat on the road. We
then set off, reached my home in Lancaster near six.

14. Visited by sundry of my Lancaster neighbors ;
informed me of a town meeting they held the eleventh
instant, at which I was elected a member, requesting me
to act and to attend at the Court House this after-
noon, ...... At dinner, [came a] messenger requesting
my attendance at [the] Court House. ...... Eleven mem-
bers besides myself attended out of the fifteen chosen;
proceeded to the first business ; chose a chairman, which
unanimously fell to my share. We next proceeded to
settle [the] prices of eatables (excepting flesh and vege-
tables) on a similar plan with Philad* and as [there were]
some complaints respecting hard money, it was thought
proper to refer that and the prices affixed to a Town
Meeting to be held next Fourth Day.

16. To the Court House; took the chair by appoint-
ment at four, addressed the people, read the prices affixed
by [the] Committee, who then entered into sundry resolves
(as printed in the Lancaster newspaper, June 19th).
After the meeting was over, met in committee ; report
made by the chairman of the proceedings to the com-
June 1779] of the American Revolution. 221

mittee, who sent to the printer in order to have them
published. They adjourned to Second Day morning,
teno’clock.

18. After dinner met the Committee ; broke up, after
directing circular letters to be written to the ten Colonels
in this county enclosing the proceedings of the Town
meeting agreeably to the resolve. ...... Wrote [a] few
lines for Circular Letter, carried it to two of the gentle-
men appointed who approved of it and ordered it to be
copied [and] when the letters [were] completed [to]
bring them to me to be signed. While [ had been at
home, they told me that Lady Washington, accompanied
by sundry light horsemen and her menials, passed through
the borough on her return home. Returned home with
me Ed. Shippen, who for this week past has been pretty
closely engaged in reading Wm. Law’s works [with]
which I have furnished him (he says, to his great satisfac-
tion).

20. I wrote a few lines enclosing two German papers
{containing the] proceedings of the Committee in Phila-
delphia, received last night, requesting some of our
committee, if they thought proper, to fix them up under
the care of [a] sentry on Mr. Henry’s store door this
Morning.

26. We have long waited but yet have no official ac-
counts of the repulse of the enemy in their attack upon
Charleston, yet the accounts coming so many different
ways leaves no doubt of their defeat, with me, which is
related thus, that the enemy lost near one thousand men
in killed and wounded before the town; this happened
the eleventh of May, commanded by Gen. Provost, the
troops in the town commanded by Gen. Moultrie. The
enemy retreated up the neck, between Ashley and
Cooper rivers, It’s said that Gen. Pulaski, at the head
of his legion had reached Charleston a few days before
the enemy, and that, sallying briskly out of the lines,
[he] took one hundred and eighty of their advanced

19
222 Christopher Marshall's Diary [J unt 1779

guard, forty of whom, being Tories, were hanged for
attempting to rise during the attack upon the town, so
that by all information received, it’s expected the main
body must surrender themselves prisoners, though per-
haps the troops that retired to James Island might escape
away in their boats.

27. After breakfast, I planted a number of coxcombs
(although there is a number [of] two footed ones in and
about this borough).

28. After dinner went and met committee at their
room in[the] Court House. Sundry affairs were brought
before them, amongst the rest, a poor man complained
that John Hopson, a committee man, chosen but [who]
never attended, charged two shillings and six pence per
pound [more] for coftee than was stipulated. He, being
sent for, attended, confessed the fact and [said] that he
would sell no more without he was suffered to sell at his
price. The behavior of Hopson satisfied the whole com-
mittee that he was no more a friend to the country than
his interest led him, that being his ruling passion, it’s said.

Jury 4. Mamma went to meeting, where Antony
spoke and was forbid, but [it] had no effect. He ap-
peared to be most consumately bold and ignorant in his
way of speaking there, and about [the] house I’m obliged
in a stern manner to order him at times not to say one
word more, which kind of resolution, though disagreea-
ble, I am obliged to make use of in order to silence him.

5. After breakfast went into town, where preparation
was making for Col. Jacob Glotz’s regiment to march
about a mile out of town this afternoon, to celebrate the

nniversary of our Independence.? Notice of this wassent
me by billet this morning and [I was] afterwards waited.
on by the aforesaid Col. and George Hoffs with a polite
invitation to accompany them. Near two o’clock went
down to the Court House, where, after some little time,

* The Fourth of July fell on Sunday this year
JuLy 1779] of the American Revolution. a5

having joined Col, Jacob Glotz’s battalion of militia,
placing me at the head of [the] Committee who walked
two by two, then the corporation, the Colonels, one and
two, with their battalion, colors flying, drums, fifes and
band of music, [we] went in procession down Queen
street to a spacious piece of woodland, adjoining Con-
estoga Creek, with [a] fine spring, where, after some
time spent in sociable cheerfulness, the men having
’ grounded their arms, they then formed in order, where-
upon the following healths were drank, I being Toast
Master, viz :

ist. The true Independent and Sovereign States of
America.

ad. The Great Council of America.

3d. His most Christian Majesty, Louis 16th.

4th. His Excellency, Gen. Washington.

sth. The American Army and Navy, may they be
victorious and invincible.

6th. The Nations in Friendshlp and Alliance with
America.

7th. The American Ambassadors at Sovereign Courts.

8th. The Memory of the Officers and Soldiers who
have fallen in defense of Ameriea.

gth. Pennsylvania.

toth. May only those Americans enjoy freedom who
are ready to die for its defense.

ith, Liberty Triumphant.

12th. Confusion, Shame and Disgrace to our Enemies:
May the foes of America, slaves to tyranny, humble and
fall down before her.

13th. May the Rising states of America reach the
summit of human power and grandeur by enjoying every
blessing,

Each of these toasts was attended by a discharge of the
musketry that would have done honor to old veterans.
After which, they all returned under the same regularity,
walked through some of the principal streets and drew
224 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Jury 1779

up in front of [the] Court House where they discharged
three regular volleys of musketry [and] received every
man some cool drink. I then went into the front,
thanked the officers and privates, in the name of the
Committee, for their great zeal shown in the support of
the Freedom of Independency in general and for their
manly prudence, good conduct and sobriety on this
memorable occasion, for which they returned me their
hearty thanks. The Col. then dismissed them and they
deparated in great good humor, peace and harmony.
The Committee broke up and I returned home completely
tired, yet pleased with our conduct.

6. Last night, or rather this morning, I was awakened
by the sound of music. I got up, went to [the] front
door, found our band of music, [who] made an excuse
for their coming by saying they did it purely to show
their regard and respect they owed for my prudent and
good conduct shown to the Borough of Lancaster. I
thanked them very kindly, told them I had nothing else
at this unseasonable time. They answered it was all
they required, played a few more tunes, then retired,
exceedingly well pleased. I then went to bed, it being
about one o’clock.

In the morning, visited by Sundry of our Committee
men; informed me that the other company came in
about half an hour after ours broke up, behaved them-
selves as drunken madmen, cursed the Committee, called
them rebels and all the Whigs that took their parts,
paraded round the Court House, many of them, and
went to Reigart’s, suchas the G...... 8, EL. vases S Dlecta se ;
Zi siege a Brae at pale ahi Say ate and many others.
Some of our people got angry, by the repeated abuse and
kept as quiet as could be expected, though as some of
them were struck at, they returned the compliment, so
that a few blows passed and our people passed it by for
the time. What may ensue, I know not. Wrote a
few lines to be published respecting our proceedings on
yesterday.
Jury 1779] of the American Revolution. 356

7. Simon Levy, I heard, called upon B...... + [to
desire him] to ask his pardon for his ill behavior, which
Barton said he would not to the best man in the country,
upon which Levy down with [and] gave him what he
thought sufficient with promise to serve him so when-
ever he met him till he asks his pardon. Most of them
that offended Col. Glotz have acknowledged that they
were drunk and asked his pardon publicly.

8. Visited by , harnessmaker, who put [a] few
stitches in our chair-harness, &c. Paid him two shil-
lings and six pence. He stayed some time and spoke
feelingly of the inward work of Christ in the soul in order
to be the true Christian in deed and in truth. He departed
in a sweet frame of spirit.

g. Before breakfast, engaged in [the] garden with our
nonsuch gardener. Mammy weighed her cheese that she
has made this season, weighed eighty-eight pounds, be-
sides two that have been used in the family ; twenty-
four pounds of butter. John’s family have their milk
every day, besides some others who have a share and
our own cream twice a day, besides our cow, except at
her first calving, don’t give but between three quarts and
a gallun at milking, so that I can say no woman in point
of industry in these parts can equal her in the dairy.

13. Gave a certificate to Josiah Lockart, as Chair-
man of [the] Committee of Lancaster to Wm. Henry,
Chairman of [the] Committee in Philadelphia, in order
to permit him to bring up such goods as he may purchase
in Philadelphia. This afternoon, a negro man from
Cecil County, Maryland, preached in [the] orchard op-
posite toours. There were sundry people. They said
he spoke well for near an hour. Afterwards Antony
spoke, but the people left him and the boys were like to
be rude.

15. Visited this morning by Major Wertz and Simon
Snyder [who] brought Dunlap’s newspapers [of] June
agth and July 13th, containing the regulating resolves

 
226 Christopher Marshalls Diary [Juuy 1779

of our army, of [the] Boston and Philadelphia county
Committees, highly spirited and comprehensive. Ac-
count of three valuable prizes [brought] last week to
Philadelphia, one a vessel of one hundred and ninety
hogsheads of Jamaica spirits [and] six pipes of Madeira,
another of three hundred tons burden loaded with three
hundred hogsheads of molasses and sugar, the third with
rum, sugar, salt, &c. After dinner visited by Ludwick
Laughman, just come from Philadelphia. Brought a
letter from son Charles of [the] thirteenth instant, in-
forming they were all well, with some newspapers and
some papers from [the] Committee in Philadelphia.
Stayed some time in conversation. I distributed some
of the Philadelphia papers in order to inform our country
folks of their proceedings. ...... Gave certificate to John
Messencope, as Chairman of the Committee in the
borough to deliver to Wm. Henry, Chairman of the
Committee in Philadelphia, in order to permit him to
bring out such goods as he may purchase there in order
to sell here.

16. John Jones brought me word from Peter Mus-
selman that he could supply me with all my winter’s
fire wood. This, I think, is a favor from heaven, as
he is so upright a man, and will prevent my applying to
sundry self-righteous persons for that commodity, who
will take every advantage in ordinary wood and short
measure, besides looking that I am greatly indebted to
them for supplying me.

17 Visited by Wm. Henry; brought me [a] letter,
enclosing two or three newspapers from Paul Fooks,
dated the sixteenth ; stayed some time. He said that it
was said in Philada. that the French king had made a
present to the States of [a] forty-gun frigate which B.
Franklin called Poor Richard.?

* The name “ Le Bonhomme Richard,” was given by Paul Jones, he
having obtained the vessel by following a piece of advice in Poor Richard’s
Almanac ; ‘ If you wish your bu-izess done, go; if not, send.”
Juty 1779] of the American Revolution. a34

20. Account this day of Gen. Wayne’s taking the
English fortress at Stony Point, last Friday morning [at]
day-break by surprise, without firing a gun, with the loss
of four men only ; he himself wounded in the cheek.
The garrison consisted of five hundred men, Sixteen
pieces of cannon and a large quantity of baggage and
stores [were taken].

a1. Visited by Col. Glotz and Wilton Atkinson,
Esq., of Sunberry, to whom I gave sundry papers of the
proceedings of [the] Committees of Philada. and Lan-
caster in order for their government in forming Com-
mittees in Northumberland County. News of yesterday
confirmed through another channel with this circum-
stance that it was three o’clock in the morning. Our
people after securing [the] prisoners, turned the guns of
[the] fort upon the English shipping, which obliged
them to fall down the river.

23. News brought of the enemy’s burning the towns
of Fairfield, Bedford and East Haven.?

Aucust 1. [For] returns of the prisoners, baggage,
stores, ordinance, &c., at Stony Point, taken by Gen.
Wayne, see Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2563.

2. Came John Garrigues, Jr., said he ran away from
the British army near Charleston; had a pass from Gen.
Moultrie; supped and stayed all night.

3. After dinner, met [the] Committee at [the] Court
[House]; elected Chairman of the Committee by an
unanimous vote.

4. The officers, prisoners taken at Stoney Point, came
into the borough this morning.

6. Just going to bed, favored with Thursday’s news-
paper, sent by Major Wertz, by his son in the rain,
giving account of D’Estaing’s taking [Grenada], beating
the English fleet so that they were obliged to go to
different ports to refit. [The] French took in the fort

"In Connecticut.
228 Christopher Marshall’s Diary [Avuc. 1779

seven hundred men, [six] Colonels, [thirty-four] Cap-
tains, [three pairs of] Colors, [one hundred and two]
Cannons [sixteen] Mortars: obliged them to surrender
at discretion as they took [Grenada] by storm. This
paper contained [an] account that our friends carried the
election in Philad* for the Committee.

7. Wrote the rough draught of an Address to the In-
habitants of this County.

g. It’s told me that two fellows from New York were
detected at Small, the tavern-keeper’s, with large quan-
tities of counterfeit money, [it’s] said, Fifteen Thousand
Dollars, and committed to jail. There was a third,
but he escaped.

11. The two persons taken for passing counterfeit
bills, being pursued from the Jerseys, were taken away
in irons.

13. | was favored with four American Magazines,
[for] April, May, June [and] July from Robert Taggert;
took the pains and time to go through them.

14. News of the day is that Spain has declared these
States independent ; that a fleet of twenty-six men-of-
war had sailed from to Corunna; joined there by
twenty-four ships of the line; had taken on board twenty-
five thousand land forces ; had sailed for Ireland ; that
Ireland had revolted and the French had retaken Pon-
dicherry in the East Indies ; that a fleet had sailed from
for America, in which was a new Ambassador
coming in order to replace the one here, who was to
return home.

20. Roused out of bed by [a] person at [the] door,
with [a] letter from Paul Fooks, dated the seventeenth
with newspaper of that date, giving account of the
[arrival of the] new French Ambassador, Chevalier de
Luzerne, with his Secretary and John Adams Esq., late
Commissioner from the United States, in a French frigate
of thirty-two guns.

22. News is that Spain has declared us independent ;

 

 
Aus. 1779] of the American Revolution. 229

that war was declared at Porto Rico against England
[on] the fifteenth [of] July. [For] particulars of several
interesting pieces of intelligences, see Dunlap’s Adver-
tiser, Tuesday, August 17th instant.

23. Past five met [the] Committee, where John Moor
appeared, acknowledged that he acted impudently in
not coming when sent for in the morning and promised
to behave more prudently in future. This acknowledg-
ment was accepted and ordered to be published.

26. Buried my poor cat this morning, that was sick
sometime past. I set great store by her. ...... To Major
Wertz’s ; heard Tuesday’s Dunlap’s paper, August 24th,
read, giving account of Major Lee’s surprising the gar-
rison at Paulus Hook with four hundred men, and taking
the whole garrison, that were not killed or wounded,
prisoners, with the loss of about four or five, after a
march of eighty miles.

28. Visited by two English officers, prisoners, to
know if I would let them part of my house. I received
them politely yet let them’ know my sentiments so fully
that they will not make a fresh enquiry, [ think.

SEPTEMBER 4. To writing, after I had shaved myself,
which I had not done, I think, for twenty or thirty years
past, but our barber was got so impertinent and extor-
tionate it was time to try. Received [a] letter and
newspapers with [the] King of Spain’s Declaration
against England, from son Charles.

6. Near noon our Poll returned ;-came in [a] carriage

with some of Sam! Morris’s family, two brothers who,
she said, were going to York Town. It was that
Morris who had married Amos Strettle’s daughter (and
Samuel his brother). She was going with him,
_ 7+ Account just come from Gen, Sullivan of his giv-
Ing the Indians a defeat, that were under Butters and
Brant, near Chemung or Newtown, on the thirty-first
of last month.

8. Near nine, went to [the] Committee room ; came
230 © Christopher Marshall’s Diary[Sepr. 1779

away about twelve; came home, wrote [a] copy of [a]
circular letter to the ten Colonels; took it down; ap-
proved of; copies ordered to be written to send to them
by some of [the] members; finished and broke up the
County Committee by adjourning to the first Tuesday
in October next.

10. Walked to the Continental stable to view a parcel
of old wagon and cart wheels perishing there.

13. Gave mammy going to Philada. ninety dollars to
aear her expenses and John and Debby’s to Kitty’s.

16, Miss Poll arose with calling, past eight ; eat break-
fast ; dressed her head in tip-top fashion; went down
town to look out for passage; came back while I was
[at] Committee, took her things [and] was gone before
I returned from Committee past twelve.

19. In the evening came Dr. Neff, Ed. Shippen and
Rob‘ Taggert ; brought account of the French fleet under
Count D’Estaing being off Sandy Hook.

26. Antony went to meeting. ...... I kept engaged,
helping to cook [the] pot against master came home. I
may in some sense say so, as he gives himself no trouble
about the place. He comes and goes as he pleases. If
he is spoken to, it breaks his peace. He loves quietness
and stillness, yet he is all the while a talking, so that I’m
obliged to command him to be silent, and, with great
reluctance sometimes he will obey.

27. Letter from Charles of the twenty-fifth. ......
He adds, ‘‘] am just informed an express is arrived from
Georgia with account of the French fleet’s [having]
arrived there and that they were to make an attack on
Savannah. It is also reported that the Experiment of
fifty guns, commanded by Sir James Wallace, and several
other vessels were taken.

30. John Jones, just come, brought [a] letter of [the]
twenty-eighth, informing that Mammy was hearty and all
their families well, with deal of love.

Octoser 1. Antony keeps still pottering. While
quiet its bearable.
Oct. 1779] of the American Revolution. 231

3. Lent Robert Thornburgh a’ book entitled The
Marrow of Divinity by Thomas Boston. ...... Visited
by Robert Taggert ; brought yesterday’s paper, where
under the Boston head there was an account of the
English fleet’s being blockaded in Torbay by a fleet
of fifty-four ships of the line, French and Spaniards.

7. Letter from son Charles, with two newspapers.
His family poorly with colds ; Mammy brave and hearty ;
no news of her return but that there had been a great
disturbance in the city [on] Second Day afternoon, at
which several lives were lost. No further particulars.

g. Came Jacob Seachrist Jr. ; paid him One Hund-
ted Dollars tor three cords [of | oak wood, he brought
me.

16. Four Dollars fo: two loaves of bread.

17. Larose past seven ; had our gentleman to call down
stairs. I spoke to him for not serving the cow; ......
He began in his way of all’s being right, &c., &c. I
set about serving our family and let him, as in common,
do as he pleases. I think I have hired a plague to my
spirit, for, after all my resolutions to bear with his pride
and impertinence, I am overtaken and though I scold or
talk sharp to him, it answers no end. He is still the
same Antony ; as he says, complaisant, careful, industri-
ous, thoughtful, &c., so that, in his conceit, no person
can exceed him. In the evening came my wife in [the]
chair and son Charles [on] horseback.

22. Kept pottering about sundries ; Antony grunting
and stowing away a few potatoes.

26. After dinner, visited by Ludwick Lauman;
brought me the news of Count D’Estaing’s seizing most
of the English vessels in Carolina and Georgia, both men-
of-war and transports, with two Generals and a large
body of troops, and that Gen. Lincoln was gone to the
Savannah after the remainder, account of which [is] daily
expected. It’s said this engagement was obstinate for

two hours and forty minutes ; great numbers killed on
both sides,
232 Christopher Marshall’s Diary[ Nov. 1779

NovemBer 6. Paid Captain Pedree, Collector of
Tax, Fifty-seven Pounds, eight shillings, being State,
County and old man’s taxes.

11. Lent Judge Atlee, Belisarius; received Churchill’s
volume of Poems I had lent him some time ago,

24. To Wm. Henry’s, who was writing [a] letter to
the President of the State, acquainting him that he was
informed that John Mercer had purchased part of the
manor in this county that belongs to the Delaware In-
dians for the sum of Hundreds, hard money, of
the late Governor, Penn, who had obtained their Reserve
Deeds from the Sheriff of Lancaster in and about the
year ——, who had the remainder of that tribe then in
prison, from whom he received those Deeds.

25. Two letters from Paul Fooks. One of them of
[the] twenty-second says, ‘“‘I have just heard from [a]
member of Congress by advice from Martinique of the
combined fleet’s beating the English under Sir Charles
Hardy in the channel; took one ninety, two seventy-
four gun ships ; that twenty sail of French and Spanish"
men-of-war with one hundred transports had an engage-
ment with the English under Peter Parker in the West
Indies ; sunk four, took two men-of-war with them to
Martinique ; that Count D’Estaing was going home to
France in [a] frigate to be cured of his wound ; had left
five of his frigates for the protection of Charleston, with
the Experiment of fifty guns, three sloops of war [with]
copper bottoms [and a] twenty gun ship that came from
Liverpvol, with one of thirty-six guns from Glasgow.
These were his prizes. Some of his ships are come to
Chesapeake Bay to land some sick and wounded, take
in provisions and proceed after the rest of the fleet to
the Islands. News of yesterday, that government had
taken up at New York more than twenty-eight thousand
tons of transports, which are more than necessary to
carry every thing from there.”

 

¥ English in the original; a slip of the pen.
Dec. 1779] of the American Revolution. a5

DecEMBER 23. Gen. Gates went through here, going
home to his family in Virginia.

24. Came Robert Whitehill, stayed and dined. He
was going to Philadelphia. I requested him to use his
influence with the Trustees of [the] College, newly
chosen, to send an invitation to James Cannon [and]
James Davidson to return and become again tutors in
the College.

2g. Sent [a] letter to the Rev. Dr. Ewing, under
cover to Paul Fooks, to whom I wrote respecting the
same subject of getting J. Davidson and J. Cannon
places in the college of Philadelphia.

31. We went to bed ...... but not before we hada
fresh encounter with Antony, who had taken upon him

© (although I had before charged him not to concern him-
self with her, but if any thing was amiss to acquaint her
mistress therewith) to abuse the negro woman as she had
not made his bed, as he said, fit for himtolie in. J in-
terfered and desired him to go to bed and not disturb
the house. This rather inflamed him so that I took
him by the arm to put him up stairs. He started from
me, went out in the yard, said he would not be thus
abused ; he would not be insulted. I accordingly shut
the door. After a considerable space of time, he came
and requested I- would let him in. I did so and spoke
tohim to this purpose, Antony, thy behavior is such
that I cannot have thee about house, except thou wilt
behave thyself in another manner, and thou must re-
member that a good while since I ordered thee away
upon such an occasion, but thou, as now, promised to
behave better and saidst that thou wouldst be contented
to stay if I paid thee no wages, but would give thee
Some necessary clothes and what else I thought proper,
as thou didst not desire to go away from here. To this
he readily assented and said he was still of the same mind, ,
and he hoped he would in future be more still and quiet,
as that was the state he loved to live in and it was in
234 Christopher Marsball’s Diary [Dec. 1779

hopes to live so retired that he left my son Christopher’s
to come tnd live here. He said abundance in his way
on this topic. Upon the whole he went to bed still and
quiet, as we did to ours [it] being near twelve o’clock,
we being so disturbed and detained by him.

1780.

January 2. Near six, came Dr. John Morgan, in
order to get my testimony respecting Dr. William Ship-
pen Jr.’s conduct in Philad* when I with others had the
care of the sick soldiers, that had been prisoners at New
York, the flying camp, &c. Drank tea ; stayed all night.

. The Doctor went down town; came back with
Charles Hall Esq. who qualified me respecting some
transactions of our Committee in Philad? for sick soldiers,
some time past.

4. Came to town this day, a number of English pri-
soners under guard from Philadelphia. Most desperate
traveling through the snow.

5 Heard in Lancaster that Richard Penn’s fine house
in Market Street was burnt, where John Holker lived,
the second instant.

6. Favored with two newspapers sent me by-Ludwick
Lauman ...... giving account of the Spaniards’ actually
beseiging Gibraltar and having taken Pensacola and that
a fleet was sailed from Sandy Hook the twenty-third of
December of one hundred and forty sail, with six
thousand English troops, said to be for South Carolina ;
that Gen. Washington had detached from the grand
army a body of three thousand Virginia and North Car-
olina troops for the better defense of that important place,
and that a body of twenty-five hundred North Carolina
militia were preparing and a body of militia from Vir-
ginia, both going to [South] Carolina; and that: the
English were completely routed, lost four thousand, and
six thousand surrendered prisoners at discretion in the
Jan. 1780] of the American Revolution. 2x6

East Indies between Bengal and Poonah to an army of
the natives (Penna. Packet, Dec. 30th, and Jan. tst).

8. It’s said that the prisoners that came the other day
were sent away this morning.

10. Visited by Esq. Shippen ; stayed some time in con-
versation ; informed me that he just heard it reported in
Lancaster that [a] ship, it’s thought [the] Roebuck,* and
atwenty-gun frigate in the last storm there was, [were]
lost off Middletown Point, near Shrewsbury, and the
crews of which mostly escaped in boats to New York.
The forty-gun ship was driven ashore near Ege Harbor;
one hundred of the crew found dead on board, the re-
mainder, sixty in number, were happily relieved by the
generous Americans. P. Yournal, Num. 1321.

12. It’s said that part of two regiments of Virginians,
five hundred men with ten wagons, came to town this
day on their route to Carolina. Excessively bad roads
S snow, and cold with wind fresh [from the] North

est.

16, It’s said the five hundred troops of Col. Ball or
Hall that come the other day, marched this morning ;
would have gone yesterday but for [a] Court Martial’s
being held on three soldiers for robbing a man here, for
which they were whipped. ‘To-day arrived Col. Nevil’s
regiment of five hundred men, on the same route as the
others for Virginia and South Carolina. ...... We re-
quested Antony, if he went to meeting, not to attempt
to preach ; if he should, I expected they would pull him
out and probably duck him in the creek. He said that
he was not afraid of man, if his father bid him, but they
were blockheads. He did not go, but told [the] negro
woman, that they were wicked, bad people and he would
Pray no more for them.

18. Oak wood, [it is] said [sells for] Sixty Dollars
per load, and hickory, Eighty [Dollars], notwithstanding

as

"Tt was the Mermaid.— Ed.
236 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Jan. 1780

G. R. employs the Continental teams to haul it, for
which he don’t pay one single penny, either for the driver,
horses or wagons. O poor State of Pennsylvania.

21. Learned that there was a splendid Assembly last
night at [the] Court House, Lancaster ; twenty-one
ladies, double quantity of men, band of music, dancing,
singing, gaming, drinking, carousing, &c., &c. It’s said,
every subscriber is to pay Three Hundred Dollars, any
interloper of assembly nights admitted upon paying Thirty
Dollars, each night. Gen. Woodward with his attend-
ants left Lancaster yesterday on his journey to Virginia.

22. I went down to Wm. Henry’s store; stayed till
past twelve, in which time marched out of town Col.
Nevil’s regiment for Virginia, with six fine brass cannons
and a number of wagons. ...... Butter, one shilling per
pound hard money. ..... A set of Lancastrians sleighing
about ; went about three miles from town. A few days
past, it’s said, a company numbering thirteen, had a col-
lation, afternoonand evening. Their expenses amounted
to Four hundred and fifty Pounds. Jovial Times |

25. It’s said that yesterday came into town, the Third
Division of the Virginia troops, five hundred men, Col.
Guest, on their route for S Carolina.

28. Came Gasper Singer; brought a hog which
weighed one hundred and twenty-four pounds ; paid him
Three Pounds in gold; three bushels of Indian Corn;
paid him Thirty-six Pounds, paper money. He stayed,
dined with us. He tells that five of our soldiers that
went last week from here for Virginia died of cold on
the road,

Frsruary 2. Dined with us, William Bispham ;
bought of him three and a half yards [of ] yard-wide tow
linen; Paid him thirty-eight continental doliars ; lent him
the second volume in folio of Bishop Burnet’s History
of his own time.

11. Waited upon by Myner and Mercer, col-
lecting for repairing the engines and ladders. Gave them

 

 
Fes. 1780] of the American Revolution. 25

three Pounds. ...... Fine assembly and collation last
night.

"ta, After breakfast, I took [a] walk to [the] vendue
of Cornelius Land’s household goods, where they were
sold extravagantly, as per a specimen here annexed to
show that the people here in general set no store by our
Continental paper money ; viz.: A frying pan, Twenty-
five Pounds; A wood saw, Thirty-seven pounds, ten
shillings ; Three split bone handled knives, three ditto
forks, rusty, Twenty-two pounds, ten shillings; An old
mare of eleven years old for Eight hundred and five
pounds; One gallon stone bottle of the bead sort, Seven
Pounds, ten shillings ; one common razor without a case,
with hone for setting, Twenty Pounds; one pair of
common spectacles in case, Eighteen Pounds; small
Dutch looking-glass, six inches by four, no ornaments,
but worse by age, Eight Pounds, ten shillings ; fifty
sheaves of oats for Eighty Pounds ; an old eleven inch
square face eight-day clock, walnut case, Two hundred
and ten Pounds; an old straw-cutting knife, box, &c.,
Fifty Pounds; and so, in general, throughout the sale,
the which so amazed me that I told them it was high
time for a Bedlam to be built in Lancaster.

15. Last night, it’s said, there was a great entertain-
ment for the English officers (prisoners) at Peter Hof-
hager’s ; grand supper, with music, dancing, &c.

Marcu 1. Last night much disturbed by Antony,
who had got into one of his crazy fits, differing with the
negro woman. At these times he is very violent in his
Complaints to us, in order that I might punish the poor
« Creature, but, as latterly ’ve kept quiet in myself, he
tages terribly, uttering a number of the most out of the
way wicked expressions, yet not downright swearing, but
mammy says it [is] cursing in the Popish way. ...... A.
in tantrums all day. I lighted him to bed at night.

_ 3: Antony cleaned [the] stables; seemed disordered
in his mind; talked a good deal ; I gave him no answer.

20
238 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Mar. 1780

Mammy thinks he was calling for vengeance upon some
persons, but in the Popish dialect, being at [the] same
time, he thought, very devout and very holy.

6. News to-day, it’s said, is that the Irish have [beaten]
three thousand English soldiers in Ireland and all the
tories.

10. Past ten came into town two companies of light
horse, commanded by Capt? Shaffner and Markom. ......
It’s said there have been two balls this week for the
youth here, one at Slough’s, the other at Peter Hoffnager’s
and one for the elders at the Court House [on] Fifth
day night.

12. Accounts that the sick prisoners of Burgoyne’s
[army], above one hundred, were moved towards Vir-
ginia yesterday. ...... The light horse that came here afew
days past marched away this morning for S. Carolina,

13. [For]a remarkable piece of cruelty in the English,
see Dunlap’s Pennsylvania Packet, Thursday March gth,
1780. Quite [the] reverse treatment of the French,
see Pennsylvania Gazette, March 8th, Numb. 2593.

17. Hamilton, Purdies, Capt. Doyle and Thomas
Cuthbert bound over for assaulting a German that would
not acknowledge St. Patrick.

2g. Visited by Ludwick Lauman ; brought the re-
solves of Congress [and] the resolution of our Assembly,
respecting the depreciation of our money. ...... In [the]
evening came Robert Whitehill, Esq. ...... He informed
me [that] Dr. Cooper, Carter, and Wm. Story
were proscribed and banished the state; that James Da-
vidson and James Cannon were appointed to their former
tutorships in college and invited to return as speedily as
convenient.

31. News of the day that a French fleet, eight men-
of-war with convoy, was arrived at [the] Capes, with
[a] large quantity of goods fur the states ; that two Eng-
lish frigates were off our Capes, who put out to sea an
were chased by two French men of war. Confirmation

 
Mar. 1780] of the American Revolution. 239

expected. Gave One Hundred Dollars to Sus. Thorn-
berry to pay Caleb Johnson for writing [the] Deed of
[the] house on paper and Ten Dollars to pay Charles
Hall for his trouble [in] going three miles to have the
Deed acknowledged.

Aprit 12. After breakfast, went by my wife’s desire
to the drum-maker, to try to get two rims for cheese-
vats without bottoms. Returned without them, as he
had no stuff to make them of, nor would the farmers, he
said, sell him any timber without hard money, so must
remain idle in his business.

13. Visited by Ed. Shippen and Ludwick Lauman ;
spent some time in discourse on affairs of government ;
near dusk, took [a] walk to the barracks ; a company
of artillery just come from Philada., going to Fort Pitt.

15. It’s remarkable that two Whigs, namely Wm.
Henry and Ludwick Lauman, both brought up lately
gold from Philada. for the English officers, prisoners
here, and delivered it safe, gratis: the first one hundred
and fifty guineas, the latter, one hundred and seventeen
guineas.

22. It’s said that Congress passed [a] resolve on the
eighteenth that the holders of Loan Office certificates
shall sustain no loss thereon by any depreciation of the
bills loaned subsequent to the respective dates of the said
certificates ; further, that last week was brought into
Philada. Port, the Letter of marque ship Needham of
fourteen guns from Jamaica, bound to New York.
[The] cargo consists of four hundred and fifty hogs-
heads and thirty tierces of rum, taken by the sloop Active,
Capt. Day, belonging to Philada. ‘This day the first
tree in blossom, I’ve seen this season, was in Mercer’s
garden facing us, an apricot.

25. Visited by George Inglis, to whom I paid four
Pounds, ten shillings for the hatchet and chisel, i bought
at his vendue.

27. It’s said that the Assembly usually held here every
240 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Apri 1780

Fifth night is dissolved last week. ‘The excuse for it
was, that the weather was grown too warm for the ladies
to dance.

28. Just going to bed, past ten, came Dr. John Mor-
gan and the Under Sheriff, who had been after him to
Ephrata, having a writ against him in the suit of Dr.
Houston for slander of him, it’s said, in the time of the
flying camp. I proposed that if the officer would leave
him here, I would deliver him up in the morning, but
the Doctor chose to go down to Adam Reigart’s. So
they went away before eleven.

29. Returned to dinner. In the interim Dr. Morgan
called ; said he had been bailed for ten thousand [dollars]
by Col. Atlee ; thanked my wife for our civilities with
his compliments to me, he being just going to pursue the
cross-examination with Dr. Shippen in the sundry dif-
ferent places. At dinner, came Dr. Houston. By his
coming and conversation, I thought he was conscious
that his conduct with Morgan was censurable, which, in
conversation, I let him know was mine and many others’
judgment on this occasion, it appearing to them as a
scheme of Dr. Shippen to prevent his proceedings and
therefore altered the minds of sundry of Dr. Shippen’s
friends, who were in his favor and interest before this
action, being so glaring and fraught with malice and ill
will.

May 3. Came Col. Lowry and L. Lauman to advise
about forming [a] petition to our Assembly respecting the
resolve of Congress relating to the Congress money of
forty for one; having settled some preliminaries, re-
turned into town to consult some of the principal men.

4. [A] great holiday with the Dutch, called Ascension
Day. Near noon visited by Col. Lowry and L. Lauman;
got me to draw a petition to be signed by the people at
large in this county to the Assembly at their next sitting,
praying them to rescind the vote of Congress for suffer-
ing one silver dollar to be equal in paying taxes to forty
May 1780] of the American Revolution. 241

Continental, and also [praying for] their enacting to
strike the sum of one hundred thousand pounds in paper
currency and that one dollar of that be equal in value to
the silver dollar, I dined, then wrote [a] rough draught
which they soon called for and took with them to copy.

5. Served the creatures with scanty allowance and
poor cut straw scalded for the cow. Mammy milked
her; gets but little. A. cleaned [the] stable, but
little dung to what used to be. This gives me great
concern at present and uneasiness of mind on the poor
creature’s account. To this added A.’s impudent be-
havior would be too much for me were it not sweetened
by my dear wife’s moderation and consolation upon those
occasions ; as to the scarcity, we can’t prevent, and his
folly and insolence are not to be prevented except by
turning him out of doors, and this I a’n’t free to do, as
the poor creature bas no place to resortto. I bear with
his imperious conduct for the present. Whether he
takes the advantage of the scarcity of hands and thinks
we will bear with him sooner than turn him away and
have nobody, I can’t say, but I think he is afraid to try
the experiment by going away when I have ordered and
desired him to go and never to return.

6. Yesterday, it’s said, three men were whipped and
pilloried [and] one of them cropped; this day, two
whipped and pilloried; all of them, it’s said, for horse
stealing.

8. Took a walk near [the] magazine, our militia
companies being out to be reviewed ; near four hundred ;
no fire arms.

1o. Went down to court; spent some time ; a trial
of a person for [passing counterfeit money ; brought in
guilty ; three others from Virginia tried and acquitted, and
one ——Leech, who keeps tavern near the Gap, also
acquitted by the jury, though, it’s said, proof was strong
against him. Numbers of people are displeased with this
last verdict, as they say this is not the first time he has
been concerned in such base practices.
242 Christopher Marshall's Diary [May 1780

11. News to-day that our people in the Jerseys lay
in ambush for a party that came down from the English,
of which they had information, killed several and took
eighty prisoners ; that the Marquis de La Fayette in the
frigate 5a thirty gun ship, was arrived at Boston
from old France. In the afternoon, we were visited by
the three Judges, McKean, Atlee and Bryan with John
Smith, lawyer of Yorktown; stayed in conversation,
viewed our garden and drank tea.

12. Thomas Cuthbert, just come from [the] lower
counties,” said an express went through Wilmington last
Tuesday who informed that before he left Charleston a
sixty-four gun ship and two or three transports, in at-
tempting to go over the bar, struck ground, the tide
failed them, on which our people from some of the bat-
teries or fort beat them to pieces.

13. This wasa remarkable day forthe German men and
women bleeding at Chrisley Neff’s. So many came
that I presume he must work hard to bleed the whole.
Strange infatuation ! ;

15. I went nowhere from home this day although it’s
a very high holiday in this place, and as it was a most
pleasant, agreeable, fine day, numbers were diverting
themselves abrodd, some riding, some walking, others
playing long bullets, &c.

16. In the evening received [a] letter from my sons,
of the thirteenth, with three newspapers up to that time.
Under the Boston head, April 27th, saith ‘¢ Last Tues-
day, arrived at Salem a large letter of marque ship of
about twenty guns, having on board one thousand barrels
[of] pork and beef, seven hundred and fifty barrels of
flour, eight hundred firkins [of] butter and a quantity of
dry goods to the amount of fifteen thousand Pounds,
bound from London to New York. She is prize to the
ships Franklin and Jack.” Under the same head is said
“¢ Tuesday last arrived here Capt. Brown in twenty-four

 

1 Now the state of Delaware.
May 1780] of the American Revolution. 243

days from Guadaloupe, who brings advice that five sail
of the line had gone from Martinico to join eight Spanish
ships of equal rate at St. Domingo, whence, it is said,
they were going to Georgia.

18. It’s said that the Marquis de La Fayette arrived
at Philadelphia from Boston [on] the fifteenth. He left
France, the twentieth of March, Capt. Paul Jones,
with his squadron, was to sail in fifteen days after.

20. Pretty long conversation with Councillor Ham-
bright on the different and, as I apprehend, the impolitic
movements of our rulers in the affairs of government
and especially on the account of the depreciation.

27. Arose early ; breakfasted near six; took leave of
wife and set out; stopped at Wm. Bispham’s, fed our
horses; from thence to the sign of the Wagon, fed
horses there; proceeded to Downingstown, drank tea
there, fed horses ; from thence to the widow of John
Jacobs’s ; supped and stayed all night.

28. Breakfasted ; set out past six; rode to[the] sign
of [the] Buck; fed our horses; thence proceeded to
Philada., where we arrived near three. Roads very
dusty, weather very warm.

June 1. Visited by G. Schlosser, with whom I wen
to wait on the Commissioners at [the] Court House

' fespecting my taxes. ...... News that the ship Aurora

from this port [was] taken just as she was out of [the]
Capes by a frigate from, and carried into New York; a
vessel retaken by our people, the prisoners brought to
town,

2. To [the] Loan Office: received bills on France
for interest due, Four hundred and fourteen Dollars.
_ 5: To[the] Loan Office; received certificates for
Interest due Two Thousand Dollars, in cash Nineteen
anda half Dollars and two shillings and six pence, as
they complained they had no cash to pay off the interest
due on the former certificates. Poor encouragement to
us Whigs who had confided and trusted our all in the
244 Christopher Marshall's Diary [June 1780
public funds! ...... Paid R. Fleming, [for] cutting my

hair, shaving three times and setting two razors on the
hone, Sixteen Dollars. Five vessels arrived yesterday
from Port au Prince with sugars, coffee, molasses, cotton,
&c.

6. News that Charleston was in our possession [on]
the eighteenth [of ] May, brought by James Gray, the
rider, who came [from] but a few miles from there,
There came ten or eleven vessels, chiefly from St.
Eustatia, to-day. News in the afternoon that Charles-
ton surrendered [on] the twelfth [of] May ; this again
contradicted.

8. News brought by a delegate, its said, via Baltimore
that Charleston was safe [on] the nineteenth [at] four
P.M. ...... 4 report just spread that the ship ‘Iris was
taken by the ship Hermione and the privateer Trum
bellon.

g. News by express that the enemy landed in the
Jerseys near Springfield [on] the night of the seventh;
some horse, the others, foot; it’s said their numbers
from five to tenthousand. Skirmishing began with loss
on both sides. News again for certain, it’s said, that
Carolina was safe [on] the nineteenth of May ; that the
English had made no impression on the garrison of
Charleston.

10. Drums beating to call the militia; Major Lee’s
corps of light horse left this city for the camp last eve-
ning. ...... Dined with P. Fooks, Town Major? and
J’. Davidson at Col. Timothy Pickering’s. This morn-
ing. by proclamation of the President and Council,
martial law was declared, in consequence of which a
number of horses were pressed for the use of the army,
from those, first, who had not taken the test, viz: for
instance, Wm.A...... ’s two coach-horses, four from Jer.
W...... , three from Joshua H....., two from Sam!. E.....5
three from P...... > two from Wm. G...... , one from

+ Col Lewis Nicola.
June 1780] of the American Revolution. 245

John P...... , two from James P...... 5 &c., &c. News
again to-day that Charleston surrendered the eleventh
of May, but not believed; great anxiety amongst the
virtuous Whigs. A prize in the river to the Fair Ame-
rican, bound from London to New York.

11, This day arrived four French Ships, one of them
said to mount twenty-eight guns, one Polacre, two
other brigs, our own, with a prize brig and schooner.
It’s said that there are on board these ships seventeen
hundred hogsheads of sugar, besides rum, coffee, salt,
cotton, &c.; and that the English under Gen. Knyp-
hausen are fortifying themselves at Elizabeth Town.
A number of horses [were] sent off to-day for Gen.
Washington’s camp. It’s further said that account is
that the French have taken Barbadoes, beaten the
English fleet [and] killed Admiral Rodney, and that
the Spaniards have taken Gibralter.

12. Some prisoners, brought trom aboard the prize,
sent to prison. ...... Drank tea at G. Hastings’s; paid
her Three hundred and thirty-four Dollars for stuff for
petticoat and [a] small piece [of] blue worsted bind-
ing. ...... To [the] Coffee House, where was reading
Rivington’s newspaper, containing the capitulation of
Charleston, but, as this came through the Tory line and
[was] by force extorted from John Mercer, who, when
taxed about this paper, absolutely denied it until by con-
fronting him with Daniel Wistar and Owen Jones Jr.,
and by threats [they] recovered it from him, as was re-
lated to me by Paul Fooks, who was one of them that
attended him till delivered, numbers did not believe the
authenticity of it. :

_ The tax-gatherer having taken a pair of choice and-
Irons that Charles or his wife had lent to Wm. Brewer,
Thad to attend the having them restored. At first the
tax-patherer behaved, I apprehended, a little insolently,
but he, perceiving that [ intended to interest myself,
relinquished them, went and picked out a time-piece to

21
246 Christopher Marshall's Diary [June 1780

supply their place. As that was really Brewer’s property
and seemed to be almost his all, as he has, through his
persisting not to pay taxes, suffered most of his goods and
furniture to be taken from him and sold, and this, he
apprehends, is suffering for the testimony of truth, &c.,
and as I had received some money I went in the evening,
paid the collector the sum assessed, namely Ten Pounds,
and saved him his time-piece for another opportunity.

13. Strong dispute about Charleston,

14. Six or eight vessels said to come up from St.
Eustatia, St. Martins and Santa Cruz...... Visited to-
day, as I was once or twice before, by Samuel Hunting-
ton, President of Congress. ...... To [the] Coffee-House,
where accounts are brought that Gen. Lincoln’s first
Aide-de-camp wasarrived witha capitulation of Charleston
on the twelfth [of] May, with sundry circumstances
that attended that unfortunate transaction.t This unex-
pected account was to me and many others exceedingly
painful and grating, but so it was and must be borne
with. ...... It’s said an embargo was laid on to-day.

15. Breakfasted at Charles’s, but much chagrined with
the accounts of yesterday, as it seems to appear that our
General, Continental troops, ship’s stores, &«., were
given to Clinton in exchange for Charleston, in order to
save their houses [and] effects, [the loss of] which in case
of a storm and being overcome might be the conse-
quence, but as they did not intend to dispute with
Clinton any longer, the inhabitants and militia refused to
fight, which so enraged the General, as it’s said, that he
almost came to the resolution to fire upon them and force
his way with his troops, if practicable, but was overper-
suaded from such a rash attempt, as he would have both
them in the town and the English out to encounter with.
Under these perplexing, interesting circumstances, they
obliged him, the general, to capitulate, contrary to his

* It will be observed that he was a month and two days on the way.
June 1780] of the American Revolution. 247

judgment or intention, as his whole force of Continental
troops, by accounts, did not exceed fifteen or sixteen
hundred men ; and by letter of confidence to Dr. Phyle
from Gen. De Kalb, that came with the express from
Fredericksburg, [he] says that he ‘‘can find no faith,
dependence or virtue in the state of Virginia, but hope
that the French fleet and army will relieve us. For my
part, I expect a most fatiguing campaign, being now and
having been detained for the want of wagons, &c.”? It’s
said that the first four classes of the Philada., with four
classes of Bucks and Chester county militia, are ordered
to hold themselves in readiness to march. ...... Drank
tea at Christopher’s. Thomas Cuthbert [and] James
Cannon, with Lieut. Col. Tennant, Aide-de-camp to
Gen. Lincoln, came; spent some time in conversation
respecting Charleston.

16. News from the Jerseys that our army was well,
but wanted rum; that on the engagement, fourth day
was a week, our people had nothing but water to drink,
yet they had behaved well [having] taken sixteen pri-
soners [and] killed and wounded many. This I re-
ceived from Dr. Glentworth, who said he left head
quarters two days ago. Dined at Christopher’s, took
[a] walk to the wharf, as eight sail of small vessels,
prizes to the sloop Comet, were then in sight. _

17. It’s said that three prizes and [the| retaken brig
with load of tobacco came up last night; sent in by the
Holker. ...... [To the] Loan Office, got some bills on

‘Extract from a letter from Patrick Henry, Governor of Virginia, dated
1779, and to be found in the Memoir of Richard Henry Lee, volume 1,
page 195. “Public spirit seems to have taken its flight from Virginia.
It is too much the case; for the quota of our troops is not half made up,
and no shame seems to remain for completing it. Great bounties are offered,
but I fear the only effect will be to expose our State to contempt, for I be-
lieve no soldiers will enlist, especially in the Infantry. Can you credit it ?
No effort was made for supporting or restoring public credit! I pressed it
warmly upon some, but in vain. This is the reason you get no soldiers.
Let hot Congress rely upon Virginia for soldiers. I tell you my opinion,
they will not be got here until a different spirit prevails.”
248 Christopher Marshall's Diary [June 1780

France for interest due. ...... Patience and Betsey bought
fifty pounds of coffee [at] Eight Dollars per pound ;
sent it as their present to the collecting ladies for the
army.

19. News that Cornwallis had put two men on each
horse, a sufficient number who surprised a post of our
people to the amount of four hundred, massacred the
whole that fell into their bands without any mercy or
compassion; that Col. Washington and one or two
others made their escape. ...... Great murmurings
amongst the people in general, occasioned by the ill
conduct and management of ————respecting the de-
preciation of the money, heavy taxes,,militia fines,
enlisting men, dearness of commodities, through the
large quantities imported on which the greater prices are
affixed. Dined at Christopher’s. Charles went with
me to see after spirits, wine, coffee, salt, &c., and bought
none, as the great quantities just imported had raised
the prices considerably. Wonder of wonders, never
known before!

21. This day Lady Washington came to town from
camp; met by our Light Horse and escorted by them.

22. Account that Col. Knox is at Trenton with orders
to put the stores on board the flat-bottomed boats.
Three flags of truce at Chester, arrived from Charleston
with prisoners on their parole. Gen. Lincoln came up
to town. No women but one, it’s said, are come with
those vessels.

23. One pound of Souchong Tea, sent by Daughter
Sally as [a] present to Mammy cost two silver dollars.
sold to Cornelius Barns four French certificates, .

Dated June 17th Number 500 for 300 Dollars

 

oe ce tst oc 497 <4 300 oe

cc ce Ist ce 2153 ce 30 ee

ce ce Ist ce 2154 ce 30 oe
$660

at 46s for one, amounting to 30,360 Dollars.
June 1780] of the American Revolution. 249

This day forty English prisoners brought into town.

24. The City Light Horse set off for head quarters. .....
Arrived a vessel from Cales,* fifty days passage, said
that the French fleet for America had sailed. Came up
also a ship and brig, prizes to the Fair American, the
ship from Charleston to New York with the rigging,
anchors, guns, &c., of a sixty-four gun English ship that
was lost.

26. News of a skirmish at Springfield in the Jerseys
last Sixth Day. It’s said our people under Gen. Macks-
field withstood the British, came to push bayonets and
kept the field. Accounts from Virginia say that the
French fleet off Cape Hatterass fell in with the Russell
man-of-war of seventy-four guns, two frigates and twelve
transports with Hessian troops on board from Carolina
for Halifax; took the whole of them. ‘This news,
whether true or not, has made many long faces.

29. Drums beating for the militia to go out on the
commons. Yesterday our light horse returned to camp
and, it’s said, some of the Jersey militia, having been
dismissed by Gen. Washington for the present and re-
ceived his kind thanks, for that the English left the
Jerseys on their repulse at Springfield, after burning most
of the houses, and precipitately went off in the night
with their cannon, and that our people leveled their works
next morning. George Wallace, formerly a respectable
inhabitant of Philadelphia, now of or near [New]
Brunswick in the Jerseys, told me at the Coffee House
that a reputable neighbor of his, and who had been in
that affair, assured him that he counted nineteen wagons,
loaded with wounded and dead, carrying off in their
retreat, and many wounded got away as well as they
could, as no more wagons could be got, so that many
were left dead and wounded. Just brought in, fifteen
prisoners and four or five deserters. This day Lady

eee
‘Cadiz was formerly so spelled by the English, but probably Calais is
Meant.
250 Christopher Marshall's Diary [June 1780

Washington, with many, gentlemen and ladies, was
regaled in barges on our river, in viewing the wharves,
shipping, &c., whose various colors [were] displayedand
their decks and yards manned. Visited by Gen. Lincoln,
who was very solid and polite. He isa plain, familiar
man.

30. Thomas Pultney and wife came to town; said
they had seen my wife. She was bravely, busy in the
garden, &c. This was very agreeable for me to hear,
as they brought me abundance of love verbally. ...... I
took much pains to find pieces of green broad worsted
binding and at last completed it by thirty-six yards ; cost
me one hundred and forty Dollars.

Jury 1. Breakfasted at Charles’s; soon after came
Joseph Warner the elder (boat builder) who gave the
following relation, viz: “that this day week, in the
afternoon, his son Joseph, coming to town for him in a
horse chair, being near unto Coates’s brick yard, Wissa-
hicken road, there came on, he supposes what is calleda
whirlwind, which immediately took up horse, chair and
him in it, so high, he thinks ten feet, as that the top of
the chair being overturned with the horse came first to
the ground with the bottom of [the] chair uppermost,
and [they] were carried, he supposes, the space of one
hundred feet. The fall broke the chair, hurt the horse
badly, but the young man, his son, in the chair received
very little damage, except the fright this accident occa-
sioned.”” News of the day at ten o’clock a.m,, “‘ that
West Point was taken by the English three days ago ;*
that Gen. Cornwallis had conquered South Carolina as
far as Chatham [and] returned with great trophies to
Charleston ; that the French and Spanish fleets were
met by the English in the Channel, which had destroyed
both the French and Spanish, and in consequence of
which the states of America would be fully subdued by
the last days of next September,” &c., &c.

* A false report.
Juty 1780] of the American Revolution. 251

2. It’s said that Governor Rutledge and [the] late
President Laurens, of Charleston, arrived here by land.
They brought, it’s said, letters to Congress that Gen,
DeKalb, with seven thousand men, was on the march
for South Carolina. ...... Arrived a vessel from Boston
with continental sugar. From Baltimore by letter
[dated] St. Eustatia of the thirteenth of June [we learn]
that twelve Spanish ships of the line, with four of French
and twelve thousand land forces, were arrived at Mar-
tinico.

3. Paid Benj. Betterton one hundred and thirty Dol-
lars for [a] handsaw, drawing knife and some little
coopering.

4. Commencement began at [the] Philadelphia Col-
lege this forenoon, at which many attended. ...... This
being the anniversary of our freedom from English
bondage, sundry vessels saluted the town. ...... The
company of Artillery and Invalids’ Regiment marched
tothe State House, where the Congress, President of
the State and Council with a number of officers at-
tended ; bell ringing, guns firing till the evening and
until numbers were so drunk as to reel home. As my
sons had declined paying their quota for the raising [of ]
two men in their districts, and Capt. McLane calling, I
snatched up some money of theirs and paid him, being
Four hundred and eighty Pounds.

I queried why the City Vendue was not farmed out,
as it appears to be a valuable branch of business and, as
Pm informed by John Cling, vendue-keeper formerly,
would rent for near Five Hundred [Dollars] in specie per
year, and by the sales there to-day which were exceed-
ingly large and valuable, with household furniture and
many damaged casks of nails, seemed to satisfy me of
that truth. Nails sold from forty to fifty shillings per
pound, &c....... In [the] evening: visited President
Samuel Huntington with son Christopher [and] Paul
Fooks. Some company there, but went away. Stayed
252 Christopher Marshall’s Diary [Jury 1780

in close conversation with him some time. He re-
quested to see me again before I went home and behaved
very friendly and politely. This day were brought to
town from thirty to forty prisoners. A person told me
that had seen them.

7. Dined at Charles’s; paid for him on account of
his not mustering on militia days, for which he was
fined, Two hundred and fifty-five pounds, thirteen shil-
lings and six pence, unto John Jacobson, Collector. ......
I made a present to Sally and Hannah Empsons of Two
Hundred Dollars. News of the day is that the French
fleet, so long expected, was arrived at St. Martin’s, hav-
ing twelve thousand land forces on board in good order.
This comes by a vessel into Baltimore, in a short pas-
sage from St. Martin’s and adds further that the French
and Spanish fleets in [the] West Indies amount to fifty-
five sail of-the line and thirty-six hundred land forces.

8. Arose early; packed up my clothes, &c.; got
shaved at Robert Fleming’s, unto whom I now paid
thirty Dollars. Gave Charles’s three maids twenty-four
Dollars ; negro man, five Dollars. Sally’s negro, four
Dollars ; Christopher’s white maid, eight Dollars; his
white man, boy and negro girl, twelve Dollars. ......
Great plenty of peas, beans [and] various kinds of vege-
table, but high priced; rum, sugar, salt [and] coffee
plenty, but rising daily....... Near eleven, took leave of
my children, relations and acquaintances present. In
Christopher’s carriage with him in it and Charles [on]
horseback left Philada. ...... Reached Thomas Reese’s
in good time....... Drank tea, supped and lodged there.

10. We equipped our carriage, took leave of Charles,
who was for returning home, and Polly, as Joseph rode
with us over Schuylkill, where we took leave of him and
proceeded for [the] sign of [the] White Horse, where
we arrived past three. The weather was warm; the
road really bad with ruts, hills, stones, &c., yet it was
beautiful to behold the blessings of kind heaven visibly
Juty 1780] of the American Revolution. 253

displayed in the fields of wheat, rye, oats, Indian corn,
barley, flax [and] hemp. After feeding our horses with
hay [and] six quarts of oats [and having] drunk [a] gill
of spirits and water, for which Christopher paid seven-
teen Dollars, we set off near five, reached Downing’s
house in Downingtown, where we put up, drank [a] bowl
of sangaree [and] drank coffee.

11. Arose early, got our horses, gave them six quarts
of oats, fixing our sundries ; paid reckoning by Christo-
pher, one hundred and twenty dollars. Proceeded to
the sign of [the] wagon, where we gave [the] horses
hay [and] six quarts of oats; eat breakfast ourselves on
coffee, for which Christopher paid twenty dollars. ......
Reached home past six; found my wife in good health
and spirits, who received us very affectionately, for
which great blessings and favors, great thanks and ac-
knowledgments are due to our great Lord and wonderful
Benefactor, both now and forever, saith my soul, Amen
and Amen.

12. Just came Robert Taggert and wife in [a] chair,
having left Philada. yesterday morning; brought news
that “Ireland had formed a Bill of Rights and deter-
mined to support it; that the Russians and Dutch had
declared a neutrality and that a prize ship was arrived in
Philada. with sugar, coffee, &c.”

14. Came Sam!. Boyd, who in conversation related
‘that some of the English prisoners, being down at the
river, talked very impertinently, so that James Wright
resented it; came and informed Judge Atlee, who is
Commissary of Prisoners, who sent for him, but he show-
ing no signs of remorse, he committed him to prison, as
also another who had behaved insolently so as to come
and deliver up his parole ; he was also committed.

15. Orders came this day from [the] War Office that
allprisoners should wear their regimentals. This has also
offended those gentlemen prisoners.

16. I served [the] horse and kept him in, as there are
bad folks on First Day that want to be riding.
254 Christopher Marshall's Diary |JuLy 1780
18. Reading Saturday’s paper left me by L. Lauman
last night ; confirmation of the arrival of [the] French
and Spanish fleet, with twenty-four thousand land forces
at Martinico; that the French fleet was off the Capes
of Virginia some days past, as an English frigate barely
escaped by throwing over her guns, spars, &c., and by
that means got into New York. Blessed time for getting
in [the] harvest, which by accounts, there has not been
such a plentiful one for twenty-four years past. Bless-
ing and praise be rendered to the great Giver, who alone
is worthy. Paid Henry Lechler, Collector [the] Con-
tinental tax for Dec., Jan., Feb., Marchand April, One
hundred and fifty-three Pounds, fifteen shillings.

1g. Visited by Wm. Henry; took a walk in the
garden [and] stayed some time in conversation ; said
[that] three soldiers from the camp, going after deserters,
related to Judge Atlee that four thousand French troops
were landed on Rhode Island; that part of their fleet
was off Black Point, some cruising off Long Island [and]
the Narrows, and had chased in the Guard Ship; that
Slough, he said, had acted very imprudently, as he
heard; that he had caused the gold, before he paid it
away, to be clipped very close, and thereby procured a
large sum by this, his depreciation, very unjustly.

20. I’m told that this week and the [last] two hun-
dred horses have been sent from this place, that were
purchased for the use of the French army by Matthias
Slough.

21. News from Philada., dated the fifteenth, says,
“there arrived here with an account of the arrival of the
French fleet and troops under Monsieur Ternay at
Rhole Island the tenth instant in good order.” From
New York on Saturday says, ‘‘ Admiral Greaves has
fallen in with Admiral Ternay, and that Greaves had
lost a seventy-four gun ship, sunk; that Admiral Ter-
nay had arrived at Rhode Island in a shattered condi-
tion.”
Juty 1780] of the American Revolution. oes

22. News from Freehold, New Jersey, dated July
[the] seventeenth, says that ‘‘vesterday afternoon there
came to, off Long Island, six ships of Admiral Greaves’s
fleet, 1 presume some of them of eighty guns, none
under sixty. I observe that Arbuthnot had augmented
Greaves’s fleet to thirteen ships. Ten of these appear
to be of sixty guns and upwards, three of them large
frigates. Arbuthnot’s ship and others from the west
line, immediately to cover the entrance into Sandy Hook ;
that they were exerting themselves at New York to
complete their complement of men on board their ship
of war; every volunteer that will enter on board, for
this exigency, is to be discharged from all duty by land
or sea tor three years.”” From L’Orient, of May the
twenty-second, ‘* By a vessel from Isle Dieu, we learn
that two English privateers have cut out five Dutch
vessels that were at anchor there.”

24. Orders came up last week for one hundred wagons,
tobe sent to camp. Letter answered that as the horses
were going down to the camp for [the] use of [the]
French troops, they might have orders to put them in
the wagons, [to] the which, as no answer was returned
but to press, if no way else, it’s taken for granted that
the farmer is to be deprived of his horses at this busy
time of ploughing for winter’s grain. O wretched
rulers! QO monstrous directors of our State! At this
time an officer confined for ill behavior, with orders to
[the] jailer not to suffer him to converse or hold commu-
nication with any of his brethren here, but upon an
officer’s applying to converse with him and this being
refused, the prisoner wrote [a] letter, threw it out of [the]
window to the other who received it. Upon complaint
made by [the] gaoler’s wife to the magistrates, none of

_ them would take any notice, as Judge Atlee was out of

town. O glorious Whigs for magistrates! Poor Penn-
sylvania! It’s said that the proceedings of this county,
with what other news concerns the public, are collected
256 Christopher Marshall's Diary [JuLy 1780

and sent by those officers to New York and return with
newspapers [which] are duly received here by them, and
no notice taken of their proceedings.
25. The horse race that was begun yesterday, but
not ended, was completed this morning. The wager,
it’s said, was Twenty-five hundred Pounds, won by
Gasper Dull’s black horse. ...... A brigade of wagons
left this borough to-day. More horse racing this after-
noon. ...... Had our government by their officers exerted
the authority that they have used with some degree of
cruelty on the poor farmers by taking their horses out
of their ploughs, &c., they might have collected a great
number of useless yet valuable ones to-day and _yester-
day on the race ground. This would have been praise-
worthy by showing they were true friends to govern-
ment, by first, suppressing the breakers of the law of the
state, and secondly by supplying our friends the French
ariny who are [in] want of that necessary creature at so
cheap and saving a rate, as they were brought to their
hands on so illegal and dissolute [an] use.
27. News by a gentleman of veracity from Virginia
that a number of Scotch and disaffected people in N.
Carolina collected in force in order to distress the well
meaning inhabitants, many of whom they pillaged and
obliged to take the oath of allegiance to the tyrant
George, in their march into Virginia, where they ex-
pected to perform great feats, but our people collected
and were joined by [a] small part of the army. They
made a stand on the borders, where a sharp engagement
ensued, which turned out in our favor. It’s said they
killed forty, took eighty prisoners, fifteen hundred horses,
many negroes, cattle, sheep and a quantity of baggage,
which, by this informant, they were selling from day to
day by public auction, for the benefit of the sufferers
and. the soldiery. Yesterday, sixty horses were sent
from here, it’s said, for the use of the French army.
Visited by Sam’. Boyd, who related the above and that
Jury 1780] of the American Revolution. 257

there was a handbill come to town printed by B. Town,
giving an account of an engagement between the com-
bined fleet of France and Spain and the English in the
West Indies, in which, it’s said, ‘the latter lost two
seventy-four gun ships and two taken; that the fleet of
nine sail of ships under Admiral Greaves with two regi-
ments of Hessians has sailed from New York but don’t
say where.”

Aucust 5. Got Wm. Shuttleburgh to examine and
new leather our pump box, paid him Thirty Dollars.

6. I went to Friend’s Meeting, where were fifteen
menkind and eight womenkind, among which were in-
cluded four strange men and one woman, likewise Polly
Dickinson, who with Tho’. Vickers, spoke for some
time,

8. Called and stayed to breakfast Wm. Hardie and
Patrick Martin, going from Northumberland to Philada.,
who gave me this relation, viz: that a person there,
going under the denomination of Col. Montgomery,
who said he left Philada., the thirtieth ult., reported
that no French fleet was arrived; the report of their
arrival arose from this, that on Admiral Greaves’s arrival
off Rhode Island, the Commander there took them to be
the French fleet, and, according to signals agreed upon,
hoisted his flag, which was answered by the English
Admiral with the same flag agreed upon. This caused
the express to be sent off for head quarters [and] from

there to Philada. To this effect Patrick Martin said he

, heard Wm. Hamilton (clerk to one of the three Com-
missaries at Northumberland, don’t know which), tell
inhis presence unto Col. Cox, Commissary at Cox’s
town near Harris’s ferry,t and Wm. Hardie said he heard

partly the same thing related at sundry places, and gave
the said Montgomery for the author, to which they
added that they perceived it to have a bad effect upon
the country people, who before seemed elated with the
—————__

 

™Now Hazrisburg, Pa.
258 Christopher Marshall s Diary [Avuc. 1780

account of the French fleet’s arrival, and discouraged
them from enlisting. ...... Bought one bushel of rye;
cost seven shillings specie.

g+ Arose early, being a warm night and some of our
neighbors too free in the orchard,

ro. Antony in [the] orchard to watch [the] boys.
As I was doubtful, sometime, whether, if any came for
apples, Antony would prevent, I took a walk to the
back fence, made [a] noise [by] pounding as [if] I would
break the fence, with other noise, this convinced me
Antony sat in the chair. [He] took no notice until my
wife, Debby and old Rachael, who were alarmed as they
knew nothing of me, came to him, roused him and
scolded him for neglect. His answer seemed to be that
he thought it his duty to be still and not disturb them,
as by so doing he should have peace in himself and a
blessing would attend him, with a deal of such ignorant
and trifling say so. He continued till it was proper to
command him to be silent, which was very difficult for
him to comply with.

11. Many new recruits for seven months, say twenty-
six, left this place for camp.

13. Last evening Rob‘. Purdie called; stayed some
time giving usa relation of the conduct at times of Daniel
Whitelock, when half or quite over (in the seaman’s
term) and particularly with sundry dialogues that passed
between him and his wife on those occasions. Purdie’s
relation of their behavior on the night of [the] Fourth
[of] July, being the Anniversary, was really humorous,
but too long to write down in this place ; but the result
was that he would in future pay his taxes to the state as
other good people do.

.15. Towards evening I caught Antony giving a quan-
tity of our only best ripe apples in the orchard through
the fence to Dr. N ...... and some of his grandchildren.
This I thought exceedingly mean and below the cha-
racter of a man of honor and a neighbor (and who had
Ave. 1780] of the American Revolution. 259

about a week past collected what he had upon such a
like tree and stowed them away. Upon my seeing them
collected, he being at his door, I asked the reason as
they were not yet ripe. He said some of them had been
stolen as that night, and he did this to have some for
themselves). After Antony came in, I queried how he
could serve me so in giving what was not his own. He
justified himself by saying the Doctor was a good
man. Talked kindly to him, upon which the negro
woman said, Why Antony, you did so yesterday when
Master and Mistress were out. I talked to him but to no
purpose, as he still justified himself in so doing and de-
sired me not to use him ill, as looking upon himselt to
bethe person offended by my calling him to an account ;
so in order to keep my temper [ let him pass for this
time, with a severe charge not to do the like again, as I
had before reprimanded him for handing over apples at
the back fence to the boys and some officers, prisoners
here.

16, This morning, nigh about one bundred horses
were sent from here towards our or the French camp.

1g. Last evening were brought from Philada. Capts.
Campbell of [the] forty-fourth regiment, Mure of the
eighty-second regiment, Lyman of [the] Prince of
Wales’s regiment, Murray of Wentworth’s Dragoons,
and Wollop of Kniphausen’s regiment, all prisoners,
taken coming from England in the packet.

23. Came also Rob! Whitehill, going down to Council ;
stayed and dined. He gave this account, received by a
gentleman lately from New York, who called at his
house, viz. This person dined at New York with Sam!
eneces his wife [and] an English officer. At dinner,
which was homely and scarce of vegetables, Mrs. S......
with grief saith, oh the quantities that I have thrown
away! how glad I should be to have some of them to
eat. He answered, My dear, don’t be disheartened, we
shall soon have plenty again. When? she said. Why,
260 Christopher Marshall's Diary | Avuc. 1780

said he, as Charleston is in our hands, we shall soon, that
is the kingly government will be established and we re-
turn to our own homes. She sighed [and] said, Ah, thou
mayest return and stand the chance of being hanged,
for I see no other prospect for my part. Don’t despond,
my dear, he said, I see better times approaching, for the
Royal army must and will prevail in a short time and we
shall then be happy in spite of the rebels who now rule.
She opposed and requested him not to talk so vainly, as
she saw no prospect of returning but under the fear of a
halter. After some more altercation, the officer replied,
Sir, your wife seems to have a true sense of your situa-
tion, and, believe me, I’m of her mind that you, sir, may
return, if you please, and take the chance of a halter:
but for my part, I’ve no expectation, and I'll be if
any of our officers will go there if they can help it, or
our soldiers either, nor see I any prospect of any other
return you are likely to be favored with, as there appears
to be no great probability at present of subduing the
states.

25. It’s said that sixteen prisoners in our jail broke out
last night, chiefly servants to the officers confined for mal-
practices. Yesterday there were sundry accounts from
Charleston (said to be by flag to Philadelphia with women,
&c.), giving relation of the success of our troops in seve-
ral skirmishes, in which the English have suffered greatly ;
that the Continental flag was flying at Camden and
Georgetown; that Cornwallis was retreating towards
Charleston, but Gen, Gates had thrown his army between
him and the town, and Gen. DeKalb with his army
pressed him hard in the rear ; six hundred of our people
who were with him had deserted to our side and that
great sickness prevailed in his army and in the town.

26. Enclosed were three Dunlap’s newspapers of the
fifteenth, nineteenth and twenty-second, the which gave
sundry accounts of the prodigious mobs that were as-
sembled in London [in] the beginning of the month of

 
Au. 1780] of the American Revolution. 261

June and had continued for several days with great havoc
and destruction.*

29. Michael Schriner and son brought twenty-six
sheaves of rye straw; paid him twenty-four paper dol-
lars.

30. It’s said that three classes of this county’s mili-
tia are ordered to hold themselves in readiness to march
on very short notice.

SEPTEMBER I. A complaint in town by the men en-
listed in the back parts and detained here till orders come
for their marching to the camp, that the meat allotted,
stinks so badly that they cannot eat it, so throw it about
the streets ; to which add that information was given to
Judge Atlee by Christian Wertz of a report propagated
by John Whitemore the elder that the second division
of the French fleet was totally defeated by Admiral
Greaves off Rhode Island, but that [neither] the Judge
nor Michael Hubley, who-was present, paid any regard
to It.

13. In the newspaper enclosed is [an] account of poor
Gen. DeKalb’s being killed in the late engagement to
the southward.

16. A great number of young men, Menonists, met
at Kap’s tavern, as usual, to play sling bullets, &c., early
in the afternoon,

20. Paid Henry Lechler, Collector, four months’
Continental tax due [the] first instant, One hundred and
ten Pounds, ten shillings, and the County tax, Two
Pounds, ten shillings.

24. Last evening Samuel Boyd was in the yard with
us; in came Stephen Wells, shoemaker, and in a loud,
boisterous manner said to me, How came you to say
that you let me into the house to live for charity? I
can prove it. J endeavored to pacify the man, but to no
purpose, by telling him I said no such thing. He said

* These were the “ No Popery” riots instigated by Lord George Gordon,
alunatic Scotchman.

22
262 Christopher Marshall's Diary (Sept. 1780

he had overpaid me the rent, &c. I then told him if he
could not behave himself to walk out or I would turn
him out, for, said I, you have never paid me one penny
of rent in your life. He said he had overpaid me.
Upon my asking how, he answered, mending shoes for
my man. I then let him know I had never sent him
and I had nothing to do with it, upon which he declared
he would send the sheriff for him to-morrow. As to
that, I said he might do as he would, but if he did not
know how to behave himself better 1 should soon teach
him. Upon this $. Boyd took him away and I have
not seen him since. I’m pleased that I was preserved
to keep my temper so well as I did.

2g. Visited in the evening by L. Lauman ; brought
the account, said by express to Philada., last Fourth
Day, that two English officers, spies, were taken at West
Point, upon which Gen. Arnold made his escape to the
English at New York. Further particulars expected.

Ocroser 3. Antony went into town and did what
he pleased, but I think he is far from pleasing us ; that
he is never content except acting in the line of contra-
diction, not only in his small employment but in and
about the house, a few instances will demonstrate. When
we have no fresh broth, he wants some ; when we have
it, he can’t sup it; when we have lean of bacon, he
wants the fat; when the fat, he can’t eat it without
spreading salt over it, as, without it, it’s too heavy for
his stomach ; if new milk, he can’t eat it till it is sour,
it curdles on his stomach ; when sour or bonnyclabber,
it gives him the belly ache ; give him tea, he don’t like
such slop, it’s not fit for workingmen; if he hasn’t it
when he asks for it, he is not well used; give him apple
pie above once for some days, it’s not suitable for his
belly, it makes him sick ; if the negro woman makes his
bed, she don’t make it right ; if she don’t make it, she’s
a black lazy jade. “Thus he would, and has been ex-
ceedingly troublesome, until Mammy found out that by
Oct. 1780] of the American Revolution. 263

ndulging him, he grew past bearing, and she came to
this resolution and, I hope, will keep to it, that is, to
give him plenty of such provisions as she judges suitable
for him, and if he eats it, it’s well, if not, he must leave
it, as he will get no other, and by this method she has
eased herself and negro of a deal of trouble which he
formerly gave them. ‘This night he could not eat ex-
ceedingly good apple pie, but after we went to bed, he
boiled some crusts of bread in water and eat that, as he
could not drink cider to-night ; it griped him. This the
negro tells, as she sat up in the kitchen till he went to
bed.

6. Took a walk to Daniel Whitelock’s ; bought of
him [a] very large cedar tub for making soap ; paid him
for that and cutting box with two knives Two hundred
and fifty Dollars. ...... A. in his tantrums,. while I was
out; used Mammy very impertinently and treated me in
the same manner before he went to bed, so that he was
then, as he has often been before, requested to leave the
house, as we cannot for pity’s sake turn him out, as he
has no place to go unto.

7. Engaged about sundries, as A. was the gentleman
to-day.

g. Took sundry walks in the orchard ; boys stealing ;
moonlight. ~

12. Smith, the cooper, hooping several casks; paid
him thirty-five Dollars.

16. We have now particulars relative unto Arnold’s
treachery, viz: that Arnold was gone over to the enemy ;
that Col. André, General Clinton’s principal Aide
and confidant, was apprehended in disguise in our camp ;
that West Point, where Arnold commanded, was to be
the sacrifice, in which was to be the Commander-in-chief,
with the Marquis de la Fayette, who were to lodge
there on Monday night the twenty-fifth [of] September,
but the plot, by the hand of Providence, was timely dis-
covered. Upon full proof, Col. André was hanged asa
264 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Oct. 1780

spy at the camp at Tappan [on] the second instant. See
Pennsylvania Packet, Sept. 30th and October 3d; Penn-
syluania “fournal, October 4th and rith.

18. About two o’clock the first class of militia left
this town, going towards the frontiers against the inroads
of the Indians; John Hubley, Captain; Dr. Newman,
Lieutenant.

21. Took a walk into town; profferred Forty Dollars
fora bag of potatoes, said to be two bushels, but rejected,
eehesd Bought of Simon Snyder, miller, thirty pounds [of]
butter; paid him one shilling per pound; gave hima
guinea; he had no change; he owes me five shillings,
hard money. :

23. Bought twelve yards of tow linen at two shillings
hard money per yard and gave two pounds [of] rice in
the bargain.

25. This evening [there] was [a] bonfire at [the]
Court House, firing guns, drums beating, fifes playing,
&c., and continued some hours on account of some great
news received from the Congress.

27. Breakfasted with us Peter Bowman, who brought
[a] hind quarter of veal, twelve pounds at three pence,
old price, say three shillings hard. ...... Bought of Peter
Bowman twenty bushels of new wheat for which I am
to pay him eight shillings per bushel, in specie, and he
is to keep it until I give directions where [it is] to be
taken unto.

28. Got our kitchen chimney swept, cost fifteen
Dollars.

29. This afternoon Antony in his way preached at
the English Presbyterian meeting in this place. It’s
said that most of the hearers laughed at him, but he was
highly pleased.

30. Dined with us Abraham Hare to whom I gave
One Thousand Continental Dollars and four half Joes
in gold to purchase as many bushels of wheat as he can
procure for that money and keep it at his mill to grind
for us, as we shall give directions.
Ocr. 1780] of the American Revolution. 265

31. Dined with us Gaspar Singhauser....... for eight
and [a] half bushels of new wheat [I] paid [a] half Joe
in gold and half a dollar; two bushels of Indian corn
for which I stand indebted to him ten shillings, specie.

NoveMBER 7. Bought seven pounds of beeswax at
eighteen pence specie per pound.

10. One hundred and fitty [of] Lee’s troop [of] light
horse and one hundred and ‘fifty foot soldiers came to
Lancaster this afternoon on their way to the southward.

11. Breakfasted Peter Bowman; brought [a] load of
wood, this makes eight loads, for which I paid him in
specie, Five Pounds, twelve shillings. I paid him also
for twenty-four bushels of wheat, I had agreed with him
for, Nine Pounds, twelve shillings, and for two bushels
of Indian corn, nine shillings. ...... I paid him for three
bushels of buckwheat nine shillings and for [a] quarter
of veal we had received before, three shillings.

12. It’s said that the Susquehanna and Conestoga
rivers through the long drought [are] so low that people
may walk over them by stepping from stone to stone.

14. The foot troops Jeft Lancaster this day.

15. Bought a side of beef, hind quarter, one hundred
and twenty pounds at five pence, fore [quarter] one hun-
dred and fifteen pounds at four pence half penny, say
Four Pounds, thirteen shillings in specie. ...... Bought
[a] loin of mutton [which] our butcher sent, at Five
Dollars (say Forty Dollars).

18, Bought [a] hind quarter of beef, weighed one hun-
dred and forty pounds at seven pence per pound, Four
Pounds, one shilling and eight pence specie. Bought
[a] hind quarter of pork, weighed forty-five pounds, at
Six Dollars, say Two hundred and seventy Dollars.

20. Paid Smith the cooper thirty dollars for coopering,
making head for the cask of antimony to send to Philada.
Many of the officers that were prisoners here went off
to-day for New York, being exchanged.

23. News to-day that Gen. Cornwallis, with three
266 Christopher Marshall s Diary [Nov. 1780

hundred horse and two hundred foot, was waylaid near
Reed’s bridge, defeated and he and most of his troops
that escorted him taken prisoners. I then went to
Gaspar Shaffner’s ; stayedin settling the accounts till after
dark. Then Gaspar Shaffner, Daniel Whitelock, Jacob
Miller and self went to John Franks’s [and] drank three
pints [of] Madeira wine. Jacob paid for it One hundred
and fifty Dollars. Both he and Daniel were pleased
with the settlement.

27. By accounts from [the] West Indies, it appears
that there was [a] violent hurricane that began [on] the
eleventh [of] October and continued about ten days.
The same destroyed about two-thirds of their principal
town with three thousand of the inhabitants. The island
of Nevis almost all destroyed. St. Eustatia sustained
damages, it’s said, to the amount of One hundred thou-
sand Pounds sterling with great loss of vessels and [a]
great number of people belonging to them, as some were
seen to founder, others blown ashore, &c.

28. Bought [an] old jacket ; cost seventy-five dollars.

DecEMBER 5. Near noon came Isaac Taylor; brought
three fat hogs [which] weighed four hundred and ninety-
two pounds ; paid six pence per pound in specie, say
Twelve Pounds, twelve shillings.

8. It’s said that sixty light horsemen, who had served
their time out, Jeft their horses here, in order to go home
to Virginia, as they could not get their pay in the army
for [a] considerable time past. So they went away
pennyless.

10. Went to meeting that consisted of six men and
self, four boys, three women [and] two girls. At this
meeting Daniel Whitelock was disowned for excessive
drinking and joining with the company that celebratec
the Independency of America on the fifth of last July.

14. Came Michael Gross ; bought twenty-five bushel:

1 This was a false report.
Dec. 1780] of the American Revolution. 267

of oats; paid three shillings per bushel in specie, (say
Three Pounds fifteen shillings). Came likewise Michael
Finicune [with a] load of green hickory firewood, Three
Dollars specie (say twenty-two shillings and six pence),

16. Two bushels of turnips three shillings specie.

23. My wife rose early, having some things to do;
made a fire inmy room; called her negro woman, which
affronted her so that she behaved very saucy to her mis-
tress. Hearing the noise in the kitchen I arose, went,
found Madam very impertinent. This obliged me to
give her sundry stripes with a cowskin, but as she
promised to behave better in future I was pacified for the
present.

30. John Huber sent us five bushels [of] buckwheat
ground into fine meal at three shillings specie per bushel,
say fifteen shillings.

i781. ;

January 5. This day Major Wertz was bound over
before Wm. Henry for refusing to take the state money
at the value of gold and silver.

6. Report brought here that the Pennsylvania line of
troops mutinied on the first instant, in which some lives
were lost, had left their camp and were marching for
Philada,

11. News that the Pennsylvania line halted at Prince-
ton, where our President, with Gov. Livingston’ and [a]
Committee of Congress met them, promised them their
pay, clothes, &c., on which they returned after deliver-

'ng up two men, who came to them to persuade the
Amy to go to New York with them, making them
‘great promises which they rejected with contempt. It’s
farther said that the army had committed no violence of
any kind, either before they set out or on the road, as

was represented in the first news that was brought here.
a

' OF New Jersey.
268 Christopher Marshall s Diary [Jan. 1781

14. I went to meeting that consisted of eight men
and self, two women, two boys and two girls (silent),
At the close Caleb Cope stood up and read a paper of
excommunication against Alice Harry (maiden name)
for marrying James Ramsey, who and she are constant
attenders of this meeting. I thereupon got up and came
home.

15. News to-day of the English under Benedict Ar-
nold, landing in Virginia, going to Richmond and
Williamsburgh.

17. A. stillthe same idle, saucy, impertinent old man,
never seemingly contented or happy. Here is one of
our daily crosses in bearing with his unpolite and proud
spirit.

29. Henry Huddlestine with me being appointed ;
fixed the tax for providing a soldier in the fourth class,
my tax being One hundred and fifty’ Dollars, which I
paid to Wm, Burkett, the captain, who was collector of
I:

Fepruary 5. I visited Dr. Neff, very poorly; pre-
scribed and mixed a julep, gave him. Although he and
son [are] so cried up for skill, &c.,my judgment is th at
they are quite Ignoramuses in preparing and administer-
ing physic with any degree of sound judgment.

6. Paid One hundred and twenty Dollars for red-
wood, madder, indigo, &c., for Mammy’s counterpane.

10. A piece of news was sent me up from town by
Joseph Hubley, viz: ‘ General Morgan against Lieut.
Colonel Tarleton. Action on the seventeenth January,
1781. Our loss twelve killed and sixty wounded. The
enemy, ten commissioned officers and one hundred men
killed, two hundred wounded, twenty commissioned
officers and five hundred privates taken prisoners, with
two standards, two pieces of artillery, eight hundred
muskets, one travelling forge, thirty-five baggage wagons,
seventy negroes and one hundred dragoon horses with
their music; our force eight hundsed against elever
Fes. 1781] of the American Revolution. 269

hundred of the Seventh and Seventy-First British Regi-
ments. This happened at a place called the Cowpens,
near Pacolet River, about sunrise, the seventeenth of
January. “The above account may be depended upon,
was brought to Philada. by Gen. Morgan’s Major of
Brigade. P.S. The King’s Speech is also [in] town.
I hope this is an agreeable dish of news from your hum-
ble servant J. H.”

12. At breakfast received ...... likewise the express
from Gen. Morgan to Gen. Greene dated at camp near
Cain Creek, January rgth, sent by express to Congress.
(See above) ...... Went and attended the evolutions of
the Light Horse and company of the militia in their ex-
ercises and street firing till near dark; left them at that
employment, bells ringing, drums, fifes, trumpets, &c.
They afterwards had bonfires, carousing at all or most of
the taverns, as there was a collection made to treat the
soldiery, who it’s said behaved orderly, manly and plea-
santly agreeable. No quarrels, as I have heard, although,
as I’m informed, many drunken heads, before twoo’clock
in the morning.

15. It’s said that one hundred and eighty prisoners
were brought from Fort Frederick, going to Philada.
These were part of those Scotch taken at sea a year or
two ago,

17. This morning the Scotch prisoners that came [a]
few days past marched towards Philadelphia. They
don’t appear to be those that were taken at sea, but
part of those that were taken in a hospital about seven or
eight months past.

20. Received the keg of five and a half gallons of
wine sent by my sons in the wagon under the care of L.
Lauman Jr. Freight thirty-seven and a half dollars.

21. Visited by Michael Mercer; says there’s account
of Paul Jones’s arriving at Philada. from Europe. ......
Ball held this night at Barge’s Tavern. The young

ae that attended with coffee, &c., had two hundred
ollars,
270 Christopher Marshall s Diary [FEs. 1781

24. A., as commonly, saws [a] little firewood, suffi-
cient for the present, cleans [the] stable, sits by [a] good
fire, pretends to mend his breeches, stockings, clothes,
&c., visits his neighbors, &c., &c. ; thus he employs
himself from the time he arises between seven and eight
in [the] morning to between nine and ten at night, as he
never makes [a] fire in the house, cleans knives, forks,
with other little occurrences that other men servants
about house do and should do.

28. News that the French fleet under the Count
D’Estaing met the English fleet bound to America off
the Western Islands, ten men-of-war, six frigates and
one hundred sail of transports. The French engaged,
took seven men-of-war and three frigates with forty-five
transports out of the hundred. This in Town’s Evening
Packet, it’s said, just brought from Philadelphia. I
waited on Edward Shippen with this news.

Marco 1. We have an account that the Confedera-
tion was signed and ratified by the delegates of Maryland
in Congress this day and announced publicly. See Hall
and Sellers’s Gazette, No. 2647.

7. Dined with us James Shields, light-horseman ; gave
an account that some prisoners in the barracks, refugees,
had some conversation amongst themselves on the prac-
ticability of blowing up our magazine. I went with him
to Wm. Henry’s, and Wm. Atlee had the person who
told him sent for and examined, who related what he
knew of the conversation. Atlee said he would send
for the persons and send them to prison.

8. Visited by Shaffer. Account, he says, from
Philadelphia that the English fleet has taken St. Eusta-
tidy sie It’s said that fifteen hundred French troops are
at the head of Elk, going to join our troops in Virginia.

17. Viewed near upon thirty of what’s called St.
Patrick’s men, with effigy, drum, &c., parading the
streets.

18. My wife and I went to meeting, that consisted of
eight men, seven women, five boys, three girls (silent).

 
Mar. 1781] of the American Revolution. 271

Aswe returned homeC...... Cras was got home before
us, where at his door which we passed, he, with three refu-
gee officers who board there, was standing. One or
more of the officers began to sing aloud out and so con-
tinued while we could hear. The others with C
highly delighted. O wretched Toryism !

at. After [we] breakfasted, [visited] by Wm Henry,
who said that account was just brought from Philada.,
that the English had taken St. Eustatia, Curacoa with
all the shipping and had declared war against the Dutch
and taken vessels in the Texel; particular and
farther accounts expected.

23. Called at Henry’s store ; a large number there on
the news brought of the defeat and surrender of Lord
Cornwallis and his troops after a bloody engagement on
the ninth instant, in which it’s said several thousands
were slain on bothsides. Confirmation hourly expected.

28. News from C...... Crc55m that Gen. Greene
‘was defeated by Cornwallis with the loss of three hun-
dred of his men killed upon the spot.

30. News that Gen. Greene and Lord Cornwallis had
an engagement ; that Greene retreated one mile and [a |
half, with [the] loss of three hundred men, but intended
to attack Cornwallis [the] next morning but [a] heavy
tain in the night prevented. It’s observable that Corn-
wallis did not attempt to pursue Gen. Greene. An en-
gagement, it’s said, happened off the capes of Virginia
between the English fleet and [the] French, the former
thirteen ships, the latter nine, and not such heavy ships
and metal, but were forced to run and got all safe into
Rhode Island, but the English did not pursue them but
put into Chesapeake Bay. Great trophies of victory! ......
Bought of Christy Snyder, nine pounds of butter at nine
pence (say six shillings and nine pence, specie).

31. After breakfast took a walk to Wm. Burkett;
paid him forty Continental dollars for fixing [a] small
glass case for Ed. Milne of Philada. to send him.

 

 
272 Christopher Marsball’s Diary [APRIL 1781

Aprit 4. Visited by Mrs. Cunningham ; tells me
there’s news of a second engagement between [the]
English and French fleets; that two seventy-four gun
ships of the former were towed into the Bay.

5. Received a letter from sons of the third instant ......
also acquainted [me] with the death of Paul Fooks last
sixth Day ; buried next day.

10. News from Gen. Greene of [the] seventeenth
[of] March says, he waited three days at the Ironworks,
expecting Lord Cornwallis would have followed him in
order to renew the action, but, by accounts, Lord [Corn-
wallis] was so galled in the former [of] the fifteenth,
though he kept the ground and we lost our artillery, yet
they of a sudden took their departure, leaving behind
them evident marks of distress. All our wounded at
Guilford who had fallen into their hands and seventy of
their own, too bad to move, were left at New Garden,
There is not one of the officers of the Guards, that
formed the column of his army, but is either killed or
wounded. Among the latter is Gen. O’Hara, mortally.’
{Among the] killed is Lord Bute’s son, Col. Stewart,
&c., &c.

12. I am retired to my front room, going no where
from home this week. ...... Indeed the behavior and
conversation of most here on the nature of the times
gives me pain. Men in words assuming to be hearty
Whigs, but in their behavior rank Tories and enemies
to Independency, there being but a small number of the
true, sincere hearted Whigs left here at present to mourn
for the abomination of the times, and of such there is
great need, as so great a number are engaged in mono-
polizing, gaming, drinking, dancing, swearing, idleness,
&e.

18. Yesterday, it’s said, came to town on his journey
to head quarters, Gen. Gates, with two Aides de camp

1 He survived this wound and was one of those who surrendered at
Yorktown.
Aprit 1781] of the American Revolution. 273

and two baggage wagons. ‘There came last week one
hundred prisoners from Winchester, &c.

20, Near six, returned from [the] barracks, where I
went to see, it’s said, between five and six hundred pri-
soners, just brought from Virginia, among whom may

_ be one hundred refugees or tories, whose appearance
was the picture of human poverty and want, both in
clothes, flesh and meager looks.

a1. A. and Diana had had a scuffle, but as she made
no complaint to me of his striking her in the face, I took
no notice to her of it, though she complained to her mis-
tress of her head’s aching where she said he struck her ;
but in order to make up with her, he said, Diana, I will
do anything for thee, but why does thee wear that
handkerchief yesterday and now about thy head? thou
sliouldst wear a pretty cap and then I would love thee,
Beh vente Paid eighty dollars for mending sundry pewter
tea-pots, &c.

25. A. got into his airs with the negro woman, and
as 1 could not venture out, he triumphed for the space
of near two hours, I think, without interruption, with
vile ribaldry, papist swearing, cursing, &c., incoherent,
scurrilous language that imperious pride, vanity and folly
could invent or express.

26. Mrs. Cunningham at breakfast, who is very in-
telligent, says, News in town is that twenty sail of
armed merchant ships in [a] few days had arrived in
Philada. from [the] French West Indies ; that Portugal
had acceded to the neutrality [and] had joined the com-
bined fleets ; that on the fourth of January the important
post San Juan was retaken by the Spaniards ; that
twenty-five English merchant ships are arrived at St.
Lucia and that a fleet of French and Spanish had in-
vested Pensacola. . .... Four hundred prisoners came,
It’s said, to-day.

30. Some time now about, three or four (as called)
tefugee officers being exchanged, there accompanied
274 Christopher Marshall's Diary [APRIL 1781

them, from C...... Crieae *s, where they lodged, several
of our light-horse officers, who, with C...... , escorted
them in grand order some miles out of town.

May 1. Received [a] letter from Samuel Wetherill,
Jun'., with an address to the disowned of the People
called Quakers where [ever] dispersed, dated [ the ] twenty-
fourth [of] Fourth Month, signed by Sam', Wetherill,
Jr., Clerk.

6. Received [a] letter of the fourth, with two news-
papers [and the] resolve of Council fixing exchange this
month at one hundred and seventy-five per cent.

7. After breakfast went downto Wm. Henry’s store ;
great debates there as the collector by Henry’s order re-
fused to receive the tax as [it] was laid by [the] Com-
missioners, which gives great uneasiness. ...... Went
down town on public concerns ; spent some time with
Judge Atlee and sundry others, but to little purpose.
[The] train of Artillery of [the] Pennsylvania line, under
Major Eustace arrived here yesterday on their route to
the Southward.

8. Mammy went to the potter’s ; bought eight hundred
dollars’ worth of earthenware. ...... The train of Artillery
marched away this morning towards Wright’s ferry.

g. News just brought by Capt. Carson [who] left
Philadelphia yesterday that a packet arrived in [a] short
passage to New York with orders to Gen. Clinton to
proceed to England with all the forces he can master, as
rebellion had broken out in Scotland; upon which all
our American prisoners there were discharged on their
parole to the amount of three hundred, as they kept fifty
sailors to help to navigate their vessels to England, and
that many of the refugees in New York were determined
to throw themselves on the mercies of the States from
which they had run away, in consequence of which, it’s
said, many were arrived in the Jerseys, &c. It’s further

* Now Columbia, Lancaster county.
May 1781] of the American Revolution. anc

said that [there has been] an engagement between the
combined fleets and the English, in which the latter were
defeated. Confirmation looked for.

12. Counting Continental money to know my
stock, ...... Paid John Jones’s tax, forty-five dollars.
Paid Peter Shaffner my Continental two months’ tax
and county tax, T'wo Hundred and Eight Pounds.

15. Gen, Wayne with his suite came to town last
evening, on his route to the southward. Near nine,
attended [the] Grand Jury, where bills were found
against Abraham Behm, Jacob Barkman [and] John
Thompson for [a] high misdemeanor against the State,
in aiding, abetting and encouraging the enemies of the
state,

17, Went down to [the] Court House, where [the]
Grand Jury found a bill against Josiah Brown for giving
money, say three silver dollars, to Francis Steel and
Peter Dill, two evidences against Abraham Behm, John
Thompson and Jacob Barkman, in order to evade? their
evidences. ...... Lent John Jones yesterday three hun-
dred Continental dollars to pay Jacob for four
State dollars at seventy-five for one.

18. Gen. Wayne with his suite left here yesterday

19. About noon George Robinson, light horseman,
went to the barracks in order to rescue his comrade, a
prisoner for abusing one of the militia. The sentry,
one ——, refusing, he cocked his pistol, which the
sentry observing, fired and killed him on the spot.

20. After breakfast came to town anumber, say three
hundred, of the Pennsylvania Line, on their route to the
southward.

_ 21. Account that last night, some of [the] light horse
intended to assault the militia upon guard, on account of
evenge, they said, for the murder of their comrade upon
Seventh Day, but by the vigilance of the guards and

 

 

Get rid of,
276 Christopher Marshall's Diary | May 1781

the careful intervention of the officers of [the] light
horse, [it] was timely prevented without any hurt to
either side. ...... In the afternoon a small shock of an
earthquake.

27. Arose early ; breakfasted, set off with Christopher
in his carriage ; baited at Samuel Hopkins’s ; proceeded
to Thomas Downing’s; reached it near sundown; roads
extremely muddy ; supped and lodged there in Downing
Town.

28. Arose early ; breakfasted ; fine pleasant morning;
set off with Hambright ; the roads so bad, by his advice
left [the] Great Road; crossed John Baldwin’s place
into the Boot Road ; baited at [the] sign of [the] Boot;
thence to the Square ; dined there ; set off, went through
Derby, got to Philada. by sundown. The roads were
good this way.

29. Viewed the City Militia under arms in Market
street.

31. Paid tax to Robert Cather, Eighty-two pounds,
eleven shillings, class tax for High Street Ward. ......
Paid tax to Christopher Barthing, One Hundred and
fifty-two Pounds, class and county for Mulberry Ward,

June 3. Account that the Holker, with three other
vessels, arrived here and that the French fleet was arrived
in the West Indies, had engaged the English fleet, &c.

4. To monthly meeting of Friends held at Sam!
Wetherill’s house ; very solid and weighty ; adjourned
near one to four o’clock; dined at Christopher’s; re-
turned to the meeting, that broke up near seven o’clock,
at which several weighty rules were adopted in the same
line on the same principles that Friends first established.’

5. With John Hopson, engaged in preparing Bills
regular for the Loan Office. Last Seventh day [the]
Committee of the whole House of Assembly [met] to

*From these meetings sprang the society of Free Quakers, formerly
worshiping in the building. still standing at the S. W. corner of Fifth and
Arch streets, The Whigs of Philadelphia contributed to its erection.
June 1781] of the American Revolution. ot

consider the repeal of the Tender Act ; adjourned to
yesterday.

g. News of the day is that the Spaniards had taken
Pensacola [on] the twenty-fifth [of] last month ; that
all the conquests made by the English on the French at
the time when they took Pondicherry are now retaken by
Hyder Aly Kan, an Indian King, and offered by him to
the French nation; that the English were beaten in the
country of Arcot; their armament in India inferior to
that of the French there under the command of Mons.
D’Orvis.

12, Three vessels arrived this afternoon from the
avannah.

14. Spent some time at Francis Bailey’s with S' James
Jay, 2 writer in Bailey’s paper under the signature of
’ the Independent Whig, Plain Truth, &c.

22. Visited by Col. Bayard and S. James Jay ; spent
some time in conversation on the publications going to
the press respecting the conduct of [ James] Duane, &c.

24. To Friends’ Meeting at [the] Academy, where
Sam!, Wetherill and Jehu Eldridge spoke. After dinner
to meeting [at the] said place, when the aforesaid per-
sons spoke. After worship over, a few of us had a con-
ference relating to future proceedings.

30. I went in chair to my old pasture house, where
associated twenty-two men, womenand children. Drank
tea there, came back in the evening.

Jury 2. Went to the monthly meeting held at Sam},
Wetherill’s ; consisted of sixteen men, who very amica-
bly adjusted sundry weighty matters. Adjourned to this
day week; James Howell, Tim. Matlack and self ap-
pointed to draw up a paper to Friends of this city against
that time for their approbation.

4. This being the anniversary of [the] sixth year [of]
Independency, bells rung, guns fired, a cold collation at
the State House. I went not to partake of it, but went
in the evening to see some fireworks played off. “There
278 Christopher Marsball’s Diary [Juuy 1781

was a great number of people but no accident happened,
as I’ve heard.

6. Went to Tim. Matlack by appointment in order
to frame an address to the Friends of the three monthly
meetings in Philada. in order to communicate our senti-
ments respecting our right to the use of the meeting-
houses of this city in common with them, and also to
their burial ground. Adjourned to six this evening to
meet at the house of Sam!. Wetherill, where we accord-
ingly met. The address [was] read, with some small
alterations agreed to, [a] copy of which is to be presented
at the three next monthly meetings in this city.

8. Yesterday arrived a flag [ship] ; brought a number
of the distressed, virtuous inhabitants of Carolina. This
is, 1 think, the third vessel come from there, in a few
days, on that account.

g. I went to Friends’ monthly meeting at Sam! Weth-
erill’s house, where the sundry affairs relating to the
good and orderly conversation of Friends was amicably
settled in brotherly love and condescension, the three
copies for the three monthly meetings to be signed by
the clerk, and Moses Bartram, Peter Thompson and
Timothy Matlack appointed to attend and deliver one
of them at each meeting-house, after meeting of worship
is finished and the proceeding to business.

11. Butter in market [is] said to sell from eighteen
pence to two shillings and six pence per pound. ......
Bought one pound of green tea; cost forty shillings,
hard.

14. President Huntington came, took his leave of me
very politely, as he with his family was leaving this state
for his own home.

20. A flag [ship] from Carolina with many of the
virtuous, unfortunate inhabitants, few men, but many
women and children.

22. Set off in Christopher’s carriage with son Charles
and grandson Charles about six; stopped and baited
Juny 1781] of the American Revolution. 279

about fourteen miles from town; thence to the widow
of John Jacobs ; dined there; in the evening went to
Thomas Downing’s, tavern keeper, Downing Town;
supped and stayed all night.

23. Breakfasted, set off; baited at the sign of the
wagon, from thence to Wm, Bispham’s ; dined there ;
thence home.

24. Visited by Dr. Neff, Dr. Houston, Ed. Shippen
and sundry neighbors. I returned the visit to Dr. Neff’s,
as his daughter Esther was married while I was from
home.

25. Within two days the prisoners encamped here on
the commons, being part of Burgoyne’s [army], to the
number of five hundred men and near the same of
women and children, marched from here to their en-
campment near Little York.

29. I was obliged to rise soon, as our A. had his
humor, so that he did not so much as turn the cow
out, He was up, up stairs; seeing me about, came
down, I said, A. why did you not turn the cow, &c.,
out? thou deservest to be turned out as wellasshe. He
turns about in his usual manner, says, What! are you
_ beginning again to trouble me? I stopped or I should
have had a set down. He went up stairs again.

31. Paid George Burkett thirty shillings, hard, fourth
class tax,

Aucust 6. [A] countryman brought two pecks of
potatoes ; paid him eighteen pence, hard.

g. A. has been so much indulged that he can’t cut
[a] bit of grass for [the] cow without great uneasiness,
yet eats and drinks quite hearty ; can clean himself and
go abroad, and stay from after dinner till late in the
afternoon, and must be asked no questions. ..... . Indeed
we have the most lazy, impertinent, talkative, lying
fellow that, I think, ever any family was troubled
with. ...... News for some days past of the English’s
landing at [the] head of Elk, in order to pay Lancaster
280 Christopher Marshall s Diary [Avc. 1781

a visit. Some people, I understand, talked of moving
their goods and families. ‘The militia were ordered to
hold themselves in readiness upon call, &c.

11. A. gone into town for a considerable space of
time. No account to be received from him for-his pro-
ceedings, for, as he says, he is a righteous, good man;
every thing he does is right.

14. A. went out, I was told, topreach to some people
that asked him.

16. Last night my wife had some trouble with A. to
get him to bed (as I was gone to bed); she got [him]
up at last; whether he came down again don’t know.
For at these times he sets a talking such monstrous,
foolish ribaldry to the negro woman that she has been
afraid to go to sleep for fear, as he tells her, that the
devil will come and fetch her away, &. How that may
be last night, I can’t say whether he had frightened her
or not, but this morning she is not to be found. I have
hunted round about the place and neighborhood, but to
no purpose ; her clothes are all left except an old petti-
coat and jacket over her shift. By all our enquiry no
news as yet of her. A. says she went out about day
break, but there is no dependence upon any thing he
says. He adds that she told him some dreams some
time past and he had told her the interpretation, right,
trues Qc. sssest In the afternoon account brought [that]
our negro woman was about two or three miles from
town. Got Jeremiah Mosher and John Jones who
brought her home.

17. When I arose, had the prospect of Antony cutting
my carrots; had cut up one bed and would soon have
served our whole little stock so. I was really put out
of humor, as but a few days before he had stripped a
parcel of my fine colderoe cabbage and destroyed great
part of our potatoes under the notion of making them

grow better.
26. Went to meeting; consisted of six men and self;
Auc. 1781] of the American Revolution. 281

five women, three boys [and] one girl. Two of the
women spoke by way of exhortation. ‘The recruiting
party here on Seventh day [had] possession of the meet-
ing place, but left it during the meeting and behaved
civilly. The Friends had moved all their chairs in the
part locked up, but left our large chair that held four
of the women, to take its fate. I remark this to show
the little esteem and regard they have for our family, as
this large garden chair was taken there for the use of the
women Friends.

31. Engaged about sundry occurrences, as A. is still
the sick, religious, wise and goodnatured, obliging man,
&e.

SEPTEMBER I. Visited to-day by Joseph Montgomery ;
' stayed some time in conversation ; he had got leave from
Congress on account of his health. Received [a] letter
from sons of the thirtieth (with some newspapers) giving
an account that Gen. Washington and Count Rocham-
beau had arrived that [day] in Philadelphia, on their way
to Virginia; that from five to seven thousand troops were
on the road after them, and most of the small craft was
‘gone to Trenton to forward them down to the head of
Elk, &c., as it’s not doubted that the French fleet are in
Chesapeake Bay.

2, A. still in his wicked humors. ...... A. after dinner,
though so poorly, he said, as not able to pull [a] few
weeds for [the] cow, yet after eating a hearty dinner
went abroad; returned by evening, but, as it was First
Day, said it would not suit to pull weeds for [the] cow
' or cut grass for [the] horse, so I served them with hay.
_ He was really very provoking this day, but as I had
_ purposed, I said but little unto him, except requesting
| him to pack up his clothes to-morrow morning and be
' gone from here.

. 3. Afterwards came into the orchard, Antony; ad-
dressed himself to me by saying, Mr. Marshall, I am
_ Very sorry that I should give thee any trouble. It
282 Christopher Marshall's Diary [Srpt. 1781

troubles myself, and if thee will pass it by, I shall grow
better and that every day. I answered him to this effect,
Antony, thou hast so often misbehaved thyself, I can’t
tell what to say, but remember thee that long ago I
would have turned thee away upon account of thy be-
havior: then thou desired me to pass all by, that thou
didst not desire I should give thee any wages but such
clothes as I thought convenient and thou wouldst strive
to behave well for [the] time to come. ['To] this he
consented and said [it] was true, and desired that I would
try him once more, in the same way, as he knew of no
dlace to go to and would be contented with such neces-
saries as we thought suitable for him, upon which I took
him again into favor.

5. My wife arose early; went to market. Loin of
mutton, six anda half pounds at four pence ; two shillings
and two pence.

7. Various pieces of news but none I find to depend
upon, as what is reported as yesterday [is] contradicted
to-day.

8. Last night a feu de joie in Lancaster, firing guns,
bonfire, &c., on account of the news.

10. A. little or nothing to do, yet still grumbling.
He could not [eat] bread and butter with his tea this
morning ; he must and would have toast, and, as we had
none ourselves, my wife thought he might do without,
which offended him, so that he left it very much affronted.

11. A. little to do, but don’t seem to be pleased; in
[the] evening, gave me a set down by saying we fed
every body else well but him, and he could be hearty
and well if we gave him better victuals, &c., with a deal
of such stuff that was becoming a man that bad lost his
reason.

15. Attending on A., who is now got into a fit of
stillness which is very desirable.

19. News just verbal by Capt. Simmons [who] said
[he] left Philadelphia yesterday at eleven a.m. Ex-
Sept. 1781] of the American Revolution. 283

presses just arrived with accounts of [an] engagement
between the English and French fleets near [the] Chesa-
peake ; that the latter had taken from the former three
[ships of] seventy-four guns and two smaller and were
in possession of the bay, as the English returned to New
York. By deserter from Lord Cornwallis (come, I think,
yesterday) that Lord Cornwallis had put his garrison upon
half allowance, and the negroes obliged to eat horseflesh,
&c. From Pittsburg it’s said the English and Indians
from Detroit, on the eighteenth [of] last month, took
possession of the Moravian settlement between North
Carolinaand Virginia on the Muskingum River, took all
the whites and Indians prisoners, carried them bound to
Detroit, say two or three hundred.

21. The artillery recruits marched for Philadelphia.
News just come by Richards’s son for the Lieutenant
to call the militia, as it’s said that Clinton has embarked
five thousand troops to invade Philadelphia. ...... In the
evening came Christopher Gadsden ; stayed some time
in conversation. I went with him to the tavern; stayed
some time with him and his companions.

22. Past eight, came Christopher Gadsden, his son,
Thomas Ferguson, Hutson, Cattill,
Beresford, Roberts, Wilsonand Phillips ;
breakfasted with us. These were on their journey towards
Charleston. I afterwards accompanied them to the
tavern; waited till they departed in high spirits. Re-
ceived [a] letter from my sons of the twentieth, with some
‘ newspapers. ‘Their letterinformed [that | all our families
were well, but there was a rumor of the English’s em-
barking five thousand men at New York to destroy their
city. This to some gave great uneasiness. This day
the light-horse here marched for Philad*, and orders
». came for calling the militia. Passed through this afternoon,
one hundred and fifty-three recruits from York, but
raised at Reading, for Philad:.

24. A. the most pleasant and obliging of any time I

 

 

 

 
284 Christopher Marshall's Diary. [Sepr. 1781

can recollect for these two years past. ...... Bought [a]
loin of mutton, weight eight and a half pounds, cost two
shillings and eleven pence hard. ...... No person, that I

know of, had affronted A., as he eat his dinner just at
dark, yet he took-an opportunity, something passed in
the stable, that he really paid me most severely with his
tongue. I desired him to be quiet and behave himself.
I had not asked where he had been spending his time,
so that he might be quiet, as I was. This rather en-
couraged him to talk the more. Susanna heard him,
came to the stable to quiet him. All to no purpose.
He said he was [a] quiet, still, good man and he loved
to be quiet. I at last told him A. it is quite uncivil and
unmannerly to serve me so. I will, thou mayest depend
upon it, give thee a good whipping if thou goest on in
this manner. I can not nor will not put up with it and

I desire thou mayest in the morning pick up thy things

and go somewhere else, for I cannot bear it. So I left

him, and I went, served and put up the creatures.

Afterwards in [the] kitchen he got to preaching ina

strange manner to the negro woman, so that my wife

was obliged to interfere upon his saying he would strive

to please no man, for he acted as the Lord bid him.
APPENDIX.

 

(A)

At the close of the First Volume of Mr. Marshall’s
Remembrancer are the accounts of the Overseers of the
Poor (Christopher Marshall, James Eddy, George Mor-
rison and Hugh Forbes) for the year commencing in
March, 1758. Many of the entries are curious as throw-
ing light upon the manners of the time; others, as fur-
nishing us with the prices of that day. A few are sub-
joined. The accounts are in Pennsylvania currency.

City of Philadelphia for the Poor, Dr.
1758 & 8s. a.
May 7. To two negroes, wheeling
Cath. Shannon to Alms
House 1 6
8. To turning an old beggar out
of town, Is. His coitee, 1s.

6d. 2 6
15. To Saml. Crispin for Maret.
Grant’s child’s coffin 5 Oo
18. To Granny Ganderwit for
laying Mary Mackinary I oOo 0
19. To Mary Mackinary, lying in 5 Oo
Juty 7. To John Wallace’s bill for
wood, being twelve cords 6 10 3

14. Toamount of Pension Book *
from March 30 toJune 25 67 14 OO

Oct. 3, To amount of Pension Book
from June 30 to Sept. 22 - 63 13 6

‘For the out-door poor.

24
286

1758
Oct.

Nov.

DEc.

1759
JAN.

Fes.

1758
APR.

JULY

23.
31.

18.

25.
16.

29.

ee

30.

27.
Th.

27.

Io.

oe

Christopher Marshalls Diary

To cash, quart of rum for
tailor

To Hannah Pearson, for part
curing Mary Carter’s scald
head

To Capt. Campbell for freight
for Rachael Maguire and
children to Carolina

To William Young earthen-
ware for a horse

To poor woman to pay for
lodging

To amount of Pension Book
to the 15th inst.

To cash to Granny Pawling
for laying Peg Neal

To cash to taking man to
workhouse and conveying
him thence to Charleston

To two pairs of breeches

To cash gave Jobn Burden,
his family very sick

To cash for four yards Osna-
brigs for a shift for Rachael
Glover

To cash for ferriage of Alice
Holland to the Jerseys

Cr.

By cash, of Robert Strettle

fining a woman for swearing

“¢ of Capt. Mitchell

for expenses in burying of
oom Lindsey

“¢ of Capt. Mitchell,

57

10

13

10

Io

II
of the American Revolution. 287

1758 his fine for swearing three
oaths 15:20
Auc. 2. “ “ of Widow Woman
for restoring a little black
pig, taken to the Alms =
House 10 ..,0
8 “ ““ of Ed. Shippen,
for five fines, viz. Aquila
Jones, Geo. Bryan,
Thomas Smith, John Jones,
and John Jennings, for re-
fusing to serve as Consta-
bles, at £5 each- 25 0 °O
28. ‘ ‘* of the Mayor, for
a fine, received of Mary
Zebulum, for entertaining
negroes Io oO
Oct. 7. “ = of Mary Chesnell,
for entertaining a strange
woman 10 (—O
Nov. 1. “ of the Mayor, a
fine he received of Capt.
Gash, for refusing to enter-
tain the officers billeted on
him 3 0 Oo
g “ of James Coultass,
late Sheriff, being a fine paid
by Laughlane McClain for
kissing of Osborn’s wife
(after his commissions and
writing bond were deducted) 24 5 0
1759
Jan. 6 © © fora poor sailor, of
Capt. Farris Io 0
The totals for the period embraced in these accounts

(from March 29, 1758, to March 26, 1759) are
288 Christopher Marshall's Diary

Receipts £1189 5. 2.
Expenditures £1103 4 10% ol
Commissions at 32
per c. on £1189 44 Il 9g

£1147 16 7h

 

 

 

Lyx 4 2

To which add for sum short in one of the
duplicates 9 Ii
£50 6 14

There appear in these accounts no receipts of taxes
for the support of the poor. ‘There is no mention of any
money spent for segars, wines, liquors, &c., for the over-
seers, the charges for which, swell “up Alms House ac-
counts in these more modern times; nor does the word
“© sundries ” once occur.

On the 20th of August, 1759, Thomas Lawrence, the
Mayor of Philadelphia, directed the overseers to pay the
above balance to their successors (Robert Towers,
William Faulkener, James Stevenson, and James James).
The receipt of Mr. Stevenson is endorsed upon the order.

 

(B)

Dr. Chovet’s Lectures were on Anatomy. The fol-

lowing was his Advertisement.
“ At the Anatomical Museum
in Videl’s Alley, Second Street, on Wednesday, the
Seventh of December at six in the evening
Dr. CHovet

will begin his course of Anatomical and Physiologica.
Lectures, in which the several parts of the human body
will be demonstrated, with their mechanism and actions,
together with the doctrines of life, health and the several
effects resulting from the actions of the parts ; on his
curious collection of Anatomical wax-works, and other
of the American Revolution. 289

natural preparations ; to be continued the whole winter
until the course is completed.

As this course cannot be attended with the disagree-
able sight or smell of recent diseased and putrid carcases,
which often disgust even the students in Physick, as well
as the curious, otherwise inclined to this useful and sub-
lime part of natural philosophy, it is hoped this under-
taking will meet with suitable encouragement.

Tickets to be had for the whole course at Dr. Chovet’s
house in Second Street, Philadelphia.”

A writer in the New York Gazette in 1828, over the
signature of “*An Old Philadelphian,” speaks of Dr.
Chovet as follows :

*« Dr. Chovet, a most eccentric man, full of anecdote
and noted for his propensity for what is now termed
quizzing, resided in Race above Third Street. The
Doctor was what was termed a Tory ; was licensed to
say and do what he pleased, at which no one took umbrage.
He one day entered the Old Coffee House, corner of
Market and Front Streets, with an open letter in his
hand. It was twelve o’clock, change hour; the mer-
chants all assembled. On seeing the Doctor they all
surrounded him, enquiring what news he had in that
letter, which he stated he had just received by a king’s
ship, arrived in New York. In reply to this inquiry, he
said that the letter contained information of the death of
an old cobbler in London, who had his stall in one of the
by-streets, and asked the gentlemen what they supposed
the cobbler had died worth. One said £5,000, another
£10,000, and another £20,000, sterling. No, gentle-
men, no; You are all mistaken; not one farthing, gen-
tlemen ; running out, laughing at the joke at the expense
of the collected mercantile wisdom of the City.

‘Another time, having been sent for to the Spanish
Minister, Don Juan (I forget his name) who resided in
old Mr. Chew’s house in Third Street, between Walnut
and Spruce Streets, the weather being rather unpleasant,
290 Christopher Marshall’s Diary

the Minister ordered his carriage to the door to convey
the Doctor home. The Doctor, full of fun and joke,
directed the coachman to drive by the Coffee House,
which, as he approached, was perceived by the mer-
chants, who immediately drew up in order, hats off, to
pay their respects to Don, as minister from a friendly
power. The Doctor kept himself close back in the
carriage until directly opposite the Coffee House, the
gentlemen all bowing and scraping, when he pops out
his head — good morning, gentlemen, good morning ; I
hope you are all well; thank vou in the name of his
Majesty King George ; and drove off, laughing heartily
at having again joked with the Philadelphia Whigs.

 

(C)
ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD YANKEE.
(From the Evening Post, No. 53.)

When the New England colonies were first settled,
the inhabitants were obliged to fight their way against
many nations of Indians. They tound but little diffi-
culty in subduing them all, except one tribe, who were
known by the name of Yankoos, which signifies invincible.
After the waste of much blood and treasure, the Yankoos
were at last subdued by the New Englanders. The re-
mains of this nation (agreeably to the Indian custom)
transferred their name to the conquerors. For a while
they were called Yankoos, but from a corruption com-
mon to names in all languages, they got through time to
the name of Yankees, a name which, we hope, will soon
be equal to that of a Roman or an ancient Englishman.
of the American Revolution. 291

(D)
LETTER OF THE HON. THOMAS M’KEAN, RESPECTING
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
PHILADELPHIA, ‘June 16, 1817.
Messrs. William McKorkle and Son.

GENTLEMEN : Several applications having been re-
cently made to me, to state the errors which I had
observed and often mentioned in the publication of
the names of the members of the Continental Con-
gress, who declared in favor of the Independence of
the United States on the 4th day of July, 1776—I
have not at present sufficient health and leisure to
reply severally to each application. There can be
but one correct statement of facts; one public state-
ment, therefore, through the press, will serve the purpose
of the gentlemen who have made the request, and may
also give satisfaction to the minds of others, who have
turned their thoughts upon the subject. If Iam correct
in my statement, it may be of use for future historians ;
if not, my errors can be readily corrected. I wish,
therefore, by means of your paper, to make the following
statement of the facts within my knowledge, relative to
the subject of enquiry.

On Monday, the First Day of July, 1776, the argu-
ments in Congress for and against the Declaration of In-
dependence having been exhausted, and the measure fully
considered, the Congress resolved itself into a Committee
of the Whole; the question was put by the Chairman, and
all the States voted in the affirmative, except Pennsylvania,
which wasin the negative, and Delaware, which was equally
divided. Pennsylvania at that time had seven members,
viz. John Morton, Benjamin Franklin, James Wilson,
John Dickinson, Robert Morris, Thomas Willing, and
Charles Humphreys. All were present on the First of
July, and the three first named voted for the Declaration
of Independence, the remaining four against it. The
292 Christopher Marshalls Diary

State of Delaware had three members, Caesar Rodney,
George Read, and myself. George Read and I were
present. I voted for it ; George Read against it. When
the President resumed the chair, the chairman of the
committee of the whole made his report, which was not
acted upon, until Thursday, the Fourth of July. In the
mean time, I had written to press the attendance of
Cesar Rodney, the third delegate from Delaware, who
appeared early on that day at the State House in his
place. When the Congress assembled, the question was
put on the report of the Committee of the Whole and
approved by every State. Ofthe members from Penn-
sylvania, the three first as above, voted in the affirmative,
and the two last in the negative. John Dickinson and
Robert Morris were present and did not take their seats
on that day. Caesar Rodney, for the State of Delaware,
voted with me in the affirmative, and George Read in the
negative.

Some months after this, I saw printed publications of
the names of those gentlemen, who had, as it was said,
voted for the Declaration of Independence, and observed
that my own name was omitted. J was not a little sur-
prised at, nor could J account for the omission ; because
I knew that on the 24th of June preceding, the deputies
from the Committees of Pennsylvania, assembled in Pro-
vincial Conference, held at the Carpenters’ Hall, Phila-
delphia, which had met onthe 18th and chosen me their
President, had unanimously declared their willingness to
concur in a vote of the Congress, declaring the United
colonies, Free and Independent States, and had ordered
their Declaration to be signed, and their President to
deliver it into Congress, which accordingly, I did, the
day following; I knew also that a regiment of associa-
tors, of which I was Colonel, had at the end of May
before, unanimously made the same declaration. These
circumstances were mentioned at the time to the gentle-
men of my acquaintance. ‘The error remained uncor-
rected until the year 1781, when I was appointed to
of the American Revolution. 293

publish the laws of Pennsylvania, to which I prefixed
the Declaration of Independence and inserted my own
name with the names of my colleagues. Afterwards, in
1797, when the late A. J. Dallas, Esqr., then Secretary
of the Commonwealth, was appointed to publish an edi-
tion of the laws, on comparing the names published as
subscribed to the Declaration of Independence, he ob-
served a variance: andthe omission in some publications
of the name of ‘Thomas McKean; having procured a
certificate from the Secretary of State that the name of
Thomas McKean was affixed in his own hand writing
to the original Declaration of Independence, though
omitted in the Journal of Congress, Mr. Dallas then
requested an explanation of this circumstance from me,
and from my answer to this application, the following
extracts were taken and published by Mr. Dallas in the
Appendix to the first volume of his edition to the laws.
“For several years past I have been taught to think
less unfavorably of skepticism than formerly. So many
things have been misrepresented, misstated and erro-
neously printed (with seeming authenticity) under my
own eye, as in my opinion to render those who doubt of
every thing not altogether inexcusable. The publication
of the Declaration of Independence on the 4th day of
July, 1776, as printed in the Fournals of Congress, vol.
2, page 242, &c., and also in the acts of most public
bodies since, so far as respects the names of the delegates
or deputies who made that declaration, has led to the
above reflection. By the printed publications referred
to, it would appear as if the fifty-five gentlemen, whose
names are there printed, and none other, were on that
day, personally present in Congress and assenting to the
declaration ; whereas the truth is otherwise. The follow-
inggentlemen were not members on the 4th of July,
1776, namely, Matthew Thornton, Benjamin Rush,
George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, and
George Ross, Esquires. The five last named were not

25
294 Christopher Marshall's Diary

chosen delegates until the 20th of that month ; the first
not until the 12th day of September, following, nor did
he take his seat in Congress until the 4th of November,
which was four months after. The Yournal of Congress
vol. 2d, pages 277 and 442, as well as those of the As-
sembly of the State of Pennsylvania, page 53, and of the
General Assembly of New Hampshire establish these
facts. Although the six gentlemen named had been
very active in the American cause, and some of them,
to my own knowledge, warmly in favor of its independ-
ence previous to the day on which it was declared, yet I
personally know that none of them were in Congress on
that day.

“© Modesty should not rob a man of his just honor,
when by that honor his modesty cannot be offended.
My name is not in printed journals of Congress, as a
party to the Declaration of Independence, and this, like
an error in the first correction, has vitiated most of the
subsequent publications, and yet the fact is that I was
then a member of Congress for the State of Delaware,
was personally present in Congress, and voted in favor
of Independence on the 4th of July, 1776, and signed
the Declaration after it had been engrossed on parch-
ment, where my name in my own hand writing still
appears. Henry Wisner, of the State of New York,
was also in Congress and voted for Independence.

“<T do not know how the misstatement in the printed
journals has happened. The manuscript public journal
has no names annexed to the Declaration of Independ-
ence, nor has the secret journal ; but it appears by the
latter that on the 19th day of July, 1776, the Congress
directed that it should be engrossed on parchment and
signed by every member, and that it was so produced on
the 2d of August and signed. This is interlined in the
secret journal in the hand writing of Charles Thomson,
Esq., the Secretary. The present Secretary of State of
the United States and myself have lately inspected the
of the American Revolution. 295

journals, and seen this. The journal was first printed
by Mr. John Dunlap, in 1778, and probably copies,
with the names they signed to it, were printed in August
1776, and that Mr. Dunlap printed the names from one
of them.”
Your most obedient servant,
Tuos. McKean.

 

(E)
The following Proclamations and General Orders
were issued shortly after General Putnam’s assuming
the command in Philadelphia.

PHILADELPHIA, December 12, 1776.

All officers of the Continental army who are now in
this City by furlough or order (those only excepted who
are in the recruiting service or who may have leave of
absence in writing from the Commander in Chief) are
hereby required to join their respective corps before to-
Morrow evening.

Officers who have the charge of sick soldiers in or
near the City, and who are included in the foregoing
order, are directed to make returns to Dr. Jonathan
Potts, at Mr. John Biddle’s in Market Street, of the
numbers and places of residence of their sick, that pro
per care may be taken of them.

The late advances of the enemy towards this place
oblige the General to request the inhabitants of this City
Not to appear in the streets after ten o’clock at night, as
he has given orders to the picket guard to arrest and
confine all persons who may be found in the streets after
that hour, Physicians and others, having essential busi-
ness abroad after the hour, are directed to call at Head
Quarters for passes.

IsRAEL PUTNAM.
296 Christopher Marshall's Diary

Heap Quarters, Putia., December 13, 1776.

The General has been informed that some weak or
wicked men have maliciously reported that it is the de-
sign and wish of the officers and men in the Continental
army to burn and destroy the city of Philadelphia. To
counteract such a false and scandalous report, he thinks
it necessary to inform the inhabitants who propose to re-
main in the City, that he has received positive orders
from the Honorable Continental Congress and from his
Excellency General WasHINGTON, to secure and pro-
tect the city of Philadelphia against all invaders and
enemies. The General will consider every attempt to
burn the city of Philadelphia as a crime of the blackest
dye, and will, without ceremony, punish capitally, any
incendiary who shall have the hardness and cruelty to
attempt it.

The General commands all able bodied men in the
city of Philadelphia who are not conscientiously scrupu-
lous against bearing arms, and who have not been known
heretofore to entertain such scruples, to appear in the
State House Yard to-morrow morning, at ten o’clock,
with their arms and accoutrements. “This order must be
complied with ; the General being resolutely determined
that no person shall remain in this City an idle spectator
of the present contest who has it in his power to injure
the American cause or who may refuse to lend his aid
to the support of it, persons under conscientious scruples
before mentioned, only excepted.

All persons who have arms or accoutrements which
they cannot or do not mean to employ in defence of
America, are hereby ordered to deliver them to Mr.
Robert Towers, who will pay for the same. Those who
are convicted of secreting any arms or accoutrements will
be severely punished.

IsraEL Putnam, Major General.
of the American Revolution. 297

GENERAL ORDERS,
Heap Quarters, Puira., Dec. 14, 1776.

Col. Griffin is appointed Adjutant General to the
troops in and about this City. All orders from the Gene-
ral through him, either written or verbal, are to be strictly
attended to and punctually obeyed.

The General, to his great astonishment, has been in-
formed that several of the inhabitants of this city have
refused to take the Continental Currency in payment for
goods. In future, should any of the inhabitants be so
lost to public virtue and the welfare of their country as
to presume to refuse the currency of the American States
in payment for any commodities they may have for sale,
the goods shall be forfeited, and the person or persons so
refusing committed to close confinement.

In case of an alarm of fire, the city guards and patrols
are to suffer the inhabitants to pass unmolested at any
hour of the night, and the good people of Philadelphia
are earnestly requested and desired to give every assistance
in their power with engines and buckets to extinguish
the fire. And as the Congress have ordered the City to
be defended to the last extremity, the General hopes that
No person will refuse to give every assistance possible to
complete the fortifications that are to be erected in and
about the city.

IspaEL Putnam, Majer General.

(F)
From McFingal, lines 1274-1301.

Hath not Heaven warned you what must ensue
And Providence declared against you ;
Hung forth its dire portents of war
298 Christopher Marshall s Diary

By signs* and beacons in the air ;
Alarmed old women all around,

By fearful noises under ground,

While earth for many dozen leagues
Groaned with her dismal load of whigs?
Was there a meteor far or wide

But mustered on the Tory side?

A star malign that has not bent

Its aspects for the parliament,

Forboding your defeat and misery,

As once they warred against old Sisera ?
Was there a cloud that spread the skies
But bore our armies of allies?

While dreadful hosts of fire stood forth
Mid baleful glimm’rings from the north ;
Which plainly shows which part they joined,
For North’s the minister, ye mind,
Whence oft your quibblers in gazettes
On northern blasts have strained their wits ;
And think ye not the clouds know how
To make the pun as well as you?

Did there arise an apparition

But grinned forth ruin to sedition?

A death-watch but has joined our leagues
And clicked destruction to the Whigs?
Heard ye not when the wind was fair

At night, our or’tors in the air,

That loud as admiralty libel

Read awful chapters from the Bible,
And death and deviltry denounced

And told you how you’d soon be trounced?
I see to join our conquering side
Heaven, earth and hell at once ally’d.

* Such stories of prodigies were at that time industriously propagated by

the tory party in various parts of New England, to terrify and intimidate
the superstitious.
of the American Revolution. 299

(G)

Abstract from the return of the number of houses and
inhabitants in the city of Philadelphia, Northern Liber-
ties and the district of Southwark, delivered to Lord
Cornwallis by persons appointed for that purpose soon
after the British troops took possession of the City.

 

Occupied Empty
Dwellings. Dwellings.
City, . » 3,480 383
oder Liberties, ‘ I,I51 135
Southwark, . : . 764 72
59395 59°
Total number of dwellings, 5,985.
Occupied Empty.
Stores. Stores.
City, . . 16 199
Ne thes, Liberties, . é wae 35
Southwark, 3 : 6
116 240
Total number of Stores, 356.
Males Males Females.
, under 18. over 18
& under 60.

City, . + 341K 35359-93077

Nether Liberties, . 1,254 1,034 25727

Southwark, . : 670 603 1,599

 

3335 4,996 = 13,403
Total number of Males

under 60, 10,331

 

Total, 235734
300
1779
Ava. If.
cc ce
Oct. 19.
27.
Nov. 11.
ae eC
ce ce
ae ce
“18.
Dec. 8.
ce ce
sto.
“1780
Mar. 24.
APR. 13.
a 99,
ce ce
May 26.
JuNE 3.
cc a
“10.
ce ce
ooo es
“e209,
«e oe
“23.
ce ce
«e ce
DA.

Christopher Marshalls Diary

(H)
PRICES IN CONTINENTAL MONEY.

At Lancaster.

A quarter of lamb, per pound,.... $0.80

A pint of yeast, ...cccseseseeseneeseees 0.50
Butter, per pound, ........c.ceseeeeens 4.00
Two pence worth of yeast,.......060 0.50
Rye, per bushel,.........cccceeseeeeees 37-334
Potatoes, per bushel, ........ssseeeees 324
Turnips, per bushel ............0:044 2.00
A load of wo0dy.......sccecseveceeones 35.00
Butter, per pound,......:.ssseceseeee 5.00
Milk, per quarty......ssccesssseeseeees 0.663
Oak wood, per Cord, .ccsecseeeeecees 44.00
Hogs, per pound,....cesscseecesseeeee 2.00
Shingle nails, per pound, .....+...06 45.334
Butter, per pound, ......seseceeeeecees 6.00
Pine boards, per foot, .....seeseeseeees 1.00
A pound of large nails. ...........06 12.00
Butter, per poundy.....cscccccsceeeees 8.00

At Philadelphia.

A peck of green peas...cscserereaeeee 38.00
Butter, per pound, .........4. 7.00 to 10.00
Green peas, per peck,...... 10.00 to 15.00
Veal, per pound,........ceeseee 5-00 to 7.00
Coffee, per pound,.......sseeeeeeee 8.00
A piece of bobbin,............s0se0s06 22.00
Teneriffe wine, per gallon, ......... 85.33
A pair of shoes,........scsceeeeeeeees 120.004
An iron bound painted barrel,...... 120.00
A pound of thread, ............seeeee 87.75

A pair of razors (at auction),...... 29.00
1780.

June 24.

“

SEPT,

oc

12.

18,
2,
25.

12.
13.
14.
31.

14.

of the American Revolution. 301

Currants per pound (at auction), $16.00

Tamarinds per pound (ditto),........ 20.00
White lump sugar, per pound (ditto), 20.00
Figs, per poundy.......sssscevee. senses 20.00
Bohea tea, per pound,...........+068 80.00
Butter per pound, ........... 12.00 to 18.00
Coarse tape, per yard, .....sseceseeee 1.11
A pair of ShO€S, .....ceeceeseeeveeeeees 120.00
Butter, per pound,.. ........ 12.00 to 16.00
A quarter of lamb,..........-sceeeeees 50.00

At Lancaster.

A. Bushel of oatsys.. cccsssisesssaseves 21.00
Hind quarter of mutton, per pound, 4.00
Whortleberries, per quart, ...... bes 3575
Butter, per pound,...... apaugatanaselss 7.00
A dough trough, ......ccecesseeeeees 55-00
Butter, per pound,.......cecesesseeees 10.00
Fore quarter mutton, per pound, 3.00
Sixpenny nails, per pound,........+. - 14.00
Hoops for barrels, hogsheads, &c.,
Cachyssscadeceinds abbewsettedi sie desks 2.00
Oats, per bushel,...........ceeeeneeee 18.00
Butter, per pound,.iosassicevecnvesnss 12.00
A hickory broom, .......666 seeee eee 4.00
Loin of mutton, per pound, ......... 4.50
Tenpenny nails, per pound,......... 11.00
Loin of mutton, per pound, .......... 4.00
Abroad aX), <daveastseseicsanteseverss 20.00
A skein of thread, .......cceseseeeeees 2.00
Butter, per poundy......sessseceeseees 15.00
A. loaf of bread,.. ...ssecescsceeeeeees 4.00

Hind quarter of beef, per pound, 4.50
A dozen of horn jacket buttons, 10.00
Chestnuts, per quart,......sseseseeees 3.00
Loin of mutton, per pound, ......6. » 5.00
302 Christopher Marshall s Diary

1780.
« 18. Hind quarter of pork, per pound, $3.00
“a1. Eightpenny nails, per pound,........ 20.00

“ 93, Madeira wine, per pintyaseccsseess 50.00
1781.

Feb. 2. Butter, per poundy.........sceceseeeee 12,00
sc 17. A straw bread basket,............... 8.00
“ 28. <A peck of white beans, ..1...0.000102 23.00

Mar. 2. Butter, per pound, ......s-seeseeeeeeee 12,00
«6 Eggs, per doZeny.......eeseseereeees 6,00
“© 20. Butter, per pound,....s.ceececeeeeeee 12,00
“21. Tow linen, per yard,... ......se00066 20,00

Apr. 28. Butter, per pound,........secesseeeeee 12,00

* (I)
DEATH OF MRS. MARSHALL.

From the Pennsylvania Freeman’s Fournal, September 4, 1782.

On Monday, the 26th ultimo, died at Lancaster,
in the 61st year of her age, Mrs. Abigail Marshall, the
late admirable consort of Christopher Marshall, Esq.,
and on Wednesday, the 28th, her corpse was interred in
the Friends’ burying ground, attended by a numerous
and respectable concourse of people both from town and
country. The character of this truly virtuous woman
is beyond all panegyric; to enumerate the various in-
stances of her benevolent and charitable actions would
far exceed the bounds usually allotted for this purpose
in a newspaper ; sufficient be it to say that in her was
united the amiable manner, the heart of tenderness and
sensibility, and every Christian and social virtue. Her
surviving partner has lost in her a most prudent and
affectionate wife ; the necessitous and the stranger by
he rdeath are deprived of a most humane, hospitable and
of the American Revolution. 323

generous benefactress, and her relations and acquaint-
ances of a religious, faithful and steady friend.

Onward she moved to meet her latter end,
Angels around befriending virtue’s friend ;

Sunk to the grave with unperceived decay,
While resignation gently sloped the way ;

Saw all her prospects bright’ning to the last

And heaven commencing ere the world was past.
INDEX.

 

Ay 241, 263, 268, 270, 273, 279,
280, 281, 283, 284.
A ane d Wn., 244.
Abington, 167.
Active, sloop, 239.
Adams, John, 9, 25, 39 31) 43, 49,
61, 63, 83, 91, 228.
Adams, Mr., 22.
Adams, Samuel, 9, 25, 30, 31) 43,
495 525 $3 59 61, 63.
Address, an, 228.
) Adgar, James, 184.
“Advertiser, Dunlap’s, 229.
‘Agnew, General, 134.
Albany, 47.
Alexander, ship, 9.
Alfrund, Benj., 212.
Allegiance, oath of, 120.
j Allen, Andrew, 68; lieut. gov., 133.
Allen family, 68.
| Allen, John, 168.
“Allen, William Jr., 91.
| Allison, Dr. 108.
| Allison, F., 6,
Alms house, 28.
' Alsop, John, 26.
Ambassador from the Free and In-
dependent States of America,
175.
Amboy, 10, 1133; troops for the
army at, 87.
Amherst, Gen., 178.
jAmetica, 153; friends of, 573
French, Spanish, Prussian and
Polish courts declared for the
independency of, 175; Great

| Britain would mortgage, 63;

 

America. Independentstates of, 2145
invectives against the liberties
of, 45; troops expected to be
sent into, 69.

American, 169; army, baker to,
1843 congress, 15; Crisis, 108,
113; magazines, 228; manu-
factory, 363; of wool, etc., sub-
scribers to, meet, 54.

Americans, 153, 179, 213.

Amurath, sieges of, 209.

Anatomical museum, 288.

Anatomy, Dr. Chovet’s lectures on,
288

Anderson, 212.

Anderson, Captain, 118.

Anderson, James, 135.

André, Col., 263; hung, 263.

Andrew Doria, brig, 108.

Andrews, Mr., 159.

Annals of Ephrata, 153, 154, 1585
of the Brethren at Ephrata, 122,

Antigua, 985 vessel fitted out at,
180.

Antis, Col., 153.

Antis, Frederick, 83, 102.

Antony, 222, 225, 230, 233) 235,
237, 258, 259, 262, 264, 281,
282.

Appendix, 285-303.

Apollo, the, 139.

Arbuthnot, 255.

Arcot, English beaten in the country
of, 277.

Armitage, B., 83.

Armstrong, Gen., 151.

Arnold, 263.
306

Arnold, Benedict, 268.

Arnold, Col., 55.

Arnold, General, 94, 190, 211, 212,
262.

Arnold’s treachery, particulars of,
264.

Arrall, Mrs., 86, 87.

Articles of confederation, etc., read
in council, 146.

Ascension day, 240.

Ash, Captain, 48.

Ashley river, 221.

Ashton’s ferry, 48.

Asia, the, 56, 79.

Assembly, the, 6, 7,
50, 78, 199.

Assembly, act of, 214.

Assembly, petition to, 174, 182, 240.

Associators, return of the, 89.

Atkinson, Wilton, 227.

Atlee, 242.

Atlee, Col., 240.

Atlee, Judge, 202, 232, 253, 254,
255, 261, 274.

Atlee, Mrs., 155.

Atlee, William, 124,
270.

Atlee, Wm. Augustus, 176.

August, the, 139.

Aurora, ship, 44.

8, 10, 47, 48,

155, 175)

Bins oats > 129, 224, 225.

Bache, 162.

Bache, Richard, 56.

Badcock, Mr., 60,

Bailey, Francis, 167, 206, 277.

Baker, Jacob, 165.

Baldwin, Capt., 96.

Baldwin, John, ror, 276.

Bales, William, executed for street
robbery, 69.

Ball, Col., 235.

Ball, William, 113.

Balls, Widow, 80.

Balm tea, 28.

Baltimore, 87, 125, 185, 209, 218,
244, 2513 French ships ar-
rived at, 2193 ship arrived at,
196; sugars fallen at, 180.

 

Index.

Bambay Hook, 80.

Bannister, Col., 212.

Baptist meeting house, 64,

Barbadoes, 1043 sugar, 159.

Barge, 269.

Barge, J., 78.

Barge’s tavern, ball at, 269.

Barker, P., 213.

Barkman, Jacob, 275.

Barley, 253.

Barns, Cornelius, 248.

Barry, Capt., 172, 175.

Barthing, Christopher, 276.

Bartholomew, Benjamin, 86,

Bartholomew, Edward, 83.

Barton, Captain, 24.

Barton, Parson, 184, 200.

Barton, Thos., 182, 185.

Bartram, Job, 19.

Bartram, Moses, 278.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, fire at, 94.

Bath, Pa., mineral waters at, 31.

Battle of the kegs, 157, 186.

Bayard, Col., 98, 114, 134, 146,
277.

Bayard, Col. John, 91.

Bayard, John, 56, 58, 78, 92, 102,

139.
Bayard, Major, 42, 55, 57.
Bayonets, 63.

Bears, Isaac, 21.

Bedford, 227.

Bedford Co., 147.

Behm, Abraham, 275.

Belfast, 29 3 ship arrived from, §, 8
Belisarius, 232.

Bell, 57, 98.

Bell, William, 159.

Benezet, Anthony, 98.

Benezet, John, 44, 160.

Bengal, 235.

Benjamin, 119, 132, 137, 141, 185

173; death of, 165.
Benny, grave of, 190.
Beresford, 283.

Berks Co., Pa., 8, 130.
Bermudas, vessel from, 95.
Bern, Lieut. Col., 123.
Berry, 214.
Index.

Bethlehem, 131; Moravian minister
from, 183.

Bettering House, 28, 106,
190.

Betterton, Benjamin, 39, 251.

Beulah, ship, 15.

Betsey, 248.

Betty, 203.

Bible, 167.

Biddle, Edward, 8.

Biddle, John, 295.

Biddle, Owen, 67, 68, 83, 86.

Billingsport, 81, 169.

Bill of rights, 253.

Bills of credit, 116; of Exchange,
Cunningham’s book on, 200.

Bispham, William, 236, 243, 279.

Bisel, Trail, 18.

Black Horse, the, 189.

Black Point, 254.

Blackwell, Thomas, 167.

Bhir, 6.

Bland, Col., 205.

Bland, Richard, 25.

“Bland Papers, 212.

Blewer, J., 78.

Blewer, Joseph, 83, 86.

Blue Ball, the, 199.

Blue mountains, 148.

Board of War, 164.

Boehm, 82.

Boehm, Philip, 86.

Bohea tea, 174.

Bond, Joseph, 212.

Bonham, 117.

Bonham, Mrs., 193.

Bonham, William, 193, 202.

Boot, sign of the, 276.

Bordentown, 108.

Bordge, Drewry, 212.

Boston, Thomas, 231.

‘ Boston, 5, 6, 7,8, 15, 16, 17, 18,
; 19,21, 22, 26, 29, 30, 33, 34,

35) 375 38, 43. 44) 46, 49, 57,
73) 159,200, 243 ; committee,
226; delegates from, 303 fri-
gate arrived at, 216; harbor,
32; Light house at entrance,
burnt, 345 letter from, 205;

130)

 

397

Boston, transports bound for,
vessels arrived at, 182.

Bostonians, 5, 15, 23.

Boudinot, Mr., 186.

Bowers, Captain, 113.

Bowman, Peter, 264, 265. .

Boyd, Sam’l, 253, 256, 263 262.

Boyds, 177.

Bradford, Captain, 26, 27

Bradford, William, 61, 91.

Bradford, W. and T., 19, 21.

Brandford, 18.

Brandywine, the, 138 3 shoals, 67.

Brant, 229.

Brattle, James, 56.

Brewer, 246.

Brewer, Wm., 245.

Brewster, Captain, 113.

Brewster, S., 78.

Brigantine beach, ship stranded at,
48, 49.

Bright, 62.

Bristol, 153; ship from, 14; Pa., 31.

Britain, 185, 187.

British, America, 83; army, 2273
fleet returned to Sandy Hook,
200; Parliament, proceedings
of, 63 story, 212.

Brookline, 18.

Brooks, J., 46.

Brooks, James, 45, 48, 131, 152.

Brown, Capt., 44, 242.

Brown, Dr., 32.

Brown, John, 144, 147, 164.

Brown, Josiah, 275.

Brown, Major, 51.

Brown, Mary, 142.

Brown, Mr., 60.

Brown, Wm., 135.

Bruce and Co., 65.

Brunswick, 114; news of Howe’s

army at, 105, 107, 108;
heights of, 113.

Bryan, 242.

Bryan, George, 79, 144, 159, 186.
287.

Buck, sign of the, 243.
Bucks county, Pa., 8, 31, 38, 1573
election in, 943 militia, 247.,
308

Buckwheat destroyed, 134.

Bull, Col., 116, 133, 153.

Bull, John, 44, 83, 86.

Bullock, 181.

Bullock, Archibald, 37.

Bunker’s hill, 31, 38.

Burden, John, 286.

Burgesses, candidates for, 66.

Burgoyne, Gen., 35, 95, 130, 134,
1355 136, 137, 138, 139, 140,
145, 160, 188, 206, 207, 211,
220, 238, 279.

Burgoyne’s army, 135, 206, 207;
defeat, 137, 138; Light horse,
95+

Burkett, George, 279.

Burkett, Wm., 271, 268.

Burlington, 26; minister of, in the
Jerseys, 46.

Burnell, Capt., 99.

Burnet, Bishop, 236.

Burnside, 70.

Burnside’s school room, 70.

Burr, Thaddius, 19.

Bush, 208.

Bustleton, 181.

Bute, Lord, 272.

Butters, 229.

Byrne, James, 85.

Byron, Commodore, 205.

Byron, George, 206.

Cie ep Cus

Cadiz, 249.

Cadwalader, General, 132.

Cadwalader, John, ro2.

Cain creek, 269.

Calais, 249.

Calbreth, Col., 126.

Caldwell, Charles, 177.

Cales, vessel from, 247.

Calleson, Mrs., 187.

Calvinist church, 60.

Cambridge, 18, 51: Lady Washing-
ton goes to camp at, 53.

Camden, continental flag flying at,
260.

Campbell, Capt., 259, 286.

Camphill, Gen., 136.

oy 271, 274,

 

Index.

Campingtown, 99, 198.

Camptown, 86.

Canada, 58,
35: -

Canadians, 44, 122.

Cannon, 63.

Cannon, J., 66.

Cannon, James, 14, 16, 21, 32, 48,
62, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70, 73,
74, 81, 83, 86, 88, 98, 122
139) 197, 209, 233, 238,
742.

Cannon, Jane, 187.

Canterbury, 19.

Cape May, 55.

Carlisle, 124, 128, 143.

Carlisle, Abraham, 201, 204.

Carlton, Guy, 103.

Carolina, 25, 162, 231, 244, 249,
286; flag ship from, 278 ; pro-
vince of, 5.

Carpenter’s Hall, 793; election at,
14; funeral at, 49; meeting at,

59, 1033 gov. of

7) 8.
Carryle, John, 187.
Carson, 62.
Carson, Capt., 274.
Carstins, William, 88.
Carter, 238.
Carter, Christopher, 45, 46.
Carter, Mary, 286.
Caruthers, John, 87.
Caruthers, Mr., 88.
Casco bay, 36, 178.
Cassandra, essays of, 62,
Castle, William, 38.
Caswell, Richard, 10, 25.
Cather, Robert, 276.
Cattill, 283.
Catty, 203.
Cecil county, Md., 225.
Chad’s ford, 126, 127.
Chalkley, ship, 14.
Chambers, Lieutenant, 73-
Chamblee, fort, surrender of, 51.
Champlain, Lake, 94.
Chance, privateer, 75, 95:
Chandler, John, 163.
Charity, 150.
i

i
i

i
t
t

Index. ‘

Charles, 119, 135, 147, 148, 159,
173) 179, 189, 190, 191, 194,
195, 196, 197, 198, 202, 203,
208, 209, 217, 218, 220, 226,
229, 230, 231, 245, 246, 248,
250, 252, 2783 letter from,
226, 230, 231.

Charles, Chevalier, 80.

Charleston, 9, 17, 197, 218, 220,
227, 232, 244, 283, 286;
attack on, 221; Cornwallis re-
treating towards, 2603 dispute
about, 247; flags of truce
from, 248; Packet, brig, 24.

Charming Polly, schooner, arrives
at Chester, 55.

Chase, Samuel, 25.

Chatham, 113.

Chatham, Lord, 164, 175.

Chemung, 229.

Chesapeake bay, 232,271; engage-
ment near the, 2833; French
fleet in, 283.

Chesnell, Mary, 287.

Chester, 45, 55, 84, 853 flags of
truce at, 248.

Chester Co., Pa., 8,126, 136, 138,
162, 170, 1773 election in,
943 militia, 247.

Chestnut hill, 133, 182; Washing-
ton’s army at, 148, 149.

Chevalier, Peter, 102.

Chevers, Capt., 9.

Chew, Mr., 289.

“Chocolate, 62.

Chovet, Dr., 197, 198, 288, 289;
lecture, 113.

Christ Church, 30, 32, 49, 153;
bells muffled, 6; yard, 112.

Christian, the true, 225,

Christiana, 125,

Christianity, badge of, 1 50.

Christopher, 120, 128, 140, 147,

150, 191, 192, 195, 234, 247,
248, 251, 252, 253, 276, 278.
Church, 68; burial ground, 49; of
England, 194; minister of the,

2

Churchill, 212, 232.

26

 

3°9

City militia, 1st battalion, sermon
preached to, 30.

City Tavern, 112.

Civil society, the, 120.

Clark, Col., 213.

Clark, Nancy, 217.

Clarke, Col., 174.

Clay, Captain, 41.

Cleamuns, Mrs., 4.6, 47.

Clementine, ship, 44.

Clifton, William, 61.

Cling, John, 251.

Clinton, 246, 283.

Clinton, Arnold, 135.

Clinton, Gen., 17, 60, 85,135, 143,
186, 188, 263, 2743 defeat of,
85.

Clymer, 49.

Clymer, George, 34, 37, 48, 50, 58
67, 68, 83, 102, 117, 293.

Clynn, 86.

Coates, 250.

Coates, Col., 116.

Coates, William, 78, 83, 109, 167.

Cocoa, 62.
Ceecil county, Maryland, committee
of, 86; court house, 125.
Coffee, 62; House, the, 29, 37, 39,
42, 41, 42, 43, 44, 48, 49, 50,
53, 56, 61, 62, 67, 69, 725 75,
76, 77, 80, 86, 91, 98, 100,
105, 189, 198, 217, 245, 249.

Colden, Governo , 27.

College, part of the, used as barracks,
843 yard, 31.

Collins, Captain, 24, 217.

Collins, Stephen, 35, 189, 190, 202.

Colonial Records, 164, 1983 of Pa.,
201.

Columbia, Lancaster co., 274.

Combs, Thomas, §1.

Comet, sloop, 24.7.

Commissary of prisoners, 253.

Commissioner from the U. S., 228.

Committee, 19; called to meet, 453
of inspection, 83, 89, 99; of
privates, 663; of Safety, 31, 33,
451 46, 55, 75> 835 99, 915 93s
112, 147, 166,
310

Committee’s store, saltpetre lodged
in, 72.

Common Sense, 57, 113.

Concord, 18, 19, 26, 331; meeting,
127; road, the, 126; Court
House, burnt, 19; ship, 5.

Conestoga creek, 1433 river, 265.

Confession of faith, 121.

Congress, 9, 14, 26, 27, 295 39, 445
46, 47, 525 54, 58, 59, 60, 66,
67, 725 79) 915 93) 108, 147,
148; committee of, 82, 267;
handbills published by order of,
103; letters to, from Gen Lee,
855 money, 163; of deputies,
8; petition to the king, 37,
473 privateer, 75, 883 resolve
of, 95, 110, 1643 sloop, 953
vessel, takes a prize, 71.

Connecticut, 9, 18, 21, 58, 2273
colony of, 25.

Connestoga creek, 207, 223.

Considerations on the mode and
terms of a Treaty of Peace with
America, 213.

Constitutional, Letter, 215; Post,
account by, 35; arrived, 36;
society, 15, 215, 217.

Continent, fast to be kept through
this, 71.

Continental, army, 115, 1213 bills,
counterfeit, 177 3 of credit, re-
fusal to receive, 101; of ex-
change, 1503 congress, 13,
24, 29) 33) 35, 371 80, 291 5
flag, at Camden and Yorktown,
260; fleet burnt, 180; money,
prices in, 2003 refusal to take,
59 63, 65, 95, stables, 133,
164; tax, 275; collector of
the, 2003; paid, 2613 troops;
192.

Convention of Pa., 78.

Conway, 159.

Conway, Gen., 151, 164.

Cooks, Major, 43.

Cooper, Dr., 238.

Cooper river, 221.

Cooper, Wm., 114.

 

Index.

Cooper’s ferry, 127, 139, 157.

Cope, Caleb, 268.

Corbyn, Thomas, 45.

Corinthians, 194.

Cork, 26; ship from, arrived, 11.

Cornwallis, 248, 260, 265.

Cornwallis, Gen., 130, 142, 145,
250.

Cornwallis, Lord, 188, 271, 272,
283, 299; surrender of, 271.

Corryel’s ferry, 143.

Corunna, 228.

Coultass, James, 287.

Council of safety, 103, 106, 108,
109, 110, 112, 113, 147, 165,
176; transcript from order of,
101.

County court, 1223 memorial to,
75.

Court suds bonfire at, 264.

Court martial, held, 1723; spy con-
demned by, to be hanged,
170. ‘

Cowpens, action at, 269.

Cowperthwaite, Captain, 43.

Cox, Colonel, 84, 118, 183, 184,
188, 257.

Cox, John, 78, 92.

Cox, Major, 48, 56.

Cox, William, 186.

Craig, Capt., 75, 88.

Craig, Com., 188.

Creighton, the, 98.

Crisis, 16, 24, 1733 the Present
with respect to America, 16.

Crispin, Saml., 285.

Crooked Billet, the, 180, 181.

Crosswick’s, 114.

Crown Point, 80, 99, 1035 g0V- of,
29.

Cruse, Capt., 54.

Cumberland Co., 84, 87, 167, 174)
2103 militia, 143.

Cunningham, 200.

Cunningham, Mrs., 272, 273-

Curacoa, 271.

Cushing, Thomas, 9, 25, 3% 49-

Cuthbert, Thomas, 180, 238, 24%
247.
‘Index.

Deaeuus 21.

Dallas, A. J.) 293.

Danish officer, 104.

Darby, Captain, 34.

Darby, retreat of Gen. Howe’s army
from, 153

Darragh, Charles, 177.

Darragh, John, 199.

Darragh, Lydia, 179.

Davidson, 173.

Davidson, Jane, 63, 67, 77, 88,
144, 1§1, 160, 170, 187, 197,
233, 238, 244.

Davis, Captain, 84.

Davis, Colonel, 182.

Day, Capt., 239.

Dean, 218.

Dean, Capt., 16.

Deane, J., 78.

Deane, Silas, 25, 31, 49, 56, 58,
60, 178.

Deane, Simeon, 178, 179.

Death or Glory, motto, 16,

Debby, 230, 258.

Declaration of independence, 82,
83; letter respecting, 291-295 ;
of rights, the, 103.

Dehaff, Henry, 127.

Deitrick, Jacob, 191.

DeKalb, Gen., 135, 159, 178, 247,
251, 260, 261,

DeKermorvan, Baraset, 150.

Delaware, 9, 94, 105, 116, 292,
2403 the, 25, 88, 107, 127,
164; Indians, 216, 2323 river,
120, 1723 vessels in the, 201.

Delaney, 49.

Delany, S., 77.

Delany, Sharp, 52.

De Meralles, Don Juan, 197.

D'Estaing, 227.

D'Estaing, Admiral, 194.

D’Estaing, Count, 206, 230, 231,
232, 270.

Detroit, 125, 214, 283; fort, 151;
garrison of, 192.

Deuteronomy, 194.

Dewees, William, 44.

De Weldke, General Baron, 63.

 

311

Diana, 273.

Dickenson, John, 7, 8, 10, 13, 44,
102, 105, 291, 292.

Dickinson, Col., 98.

Dickinson, Polly, 257.

Dill, Peter, 275.

Dinah, 42, 1793 died, 179.

Dingee, 162.

Dobbs’s ferry, 103.

Dominica, 98.

Dorsey, Capt., 58.

D’Orvis, Mons., 277.

Downing, Thomas, 276, 279.

Downing’s, 253.

Downingstown, 197, 243, 253, 276,
279.

Douglass, Capt., 216,

Dover, 77; tea ship arrived, 5.

Doyle, Capt., 238.

Drinker, John, 59.

Drinker, Thomas, 59.

Duane, James, 26, 56, 277.

Dublin, 37, 38.

Duché, Jacob,26,27,30,49, 132, 142.-

Duché, Parson, 198.

Duck Creek, 21.

Duffield, 6.

Duffield, William, i174, 199.

Dull, Gasper, 256.

Dunks, 143.

Dunks’s ferry, 143.

Dunlap, 159, 206, 225, 238, 280.

Dunlap, John, 164, 188, 295.

Dunlap’s Advertiser, 229; Gen.
Advertiser, 54, 94, 953; news-
paper, 159, 201, 206, 225, 260.

Dunmore, Governor, 24, 27.

Dunmore, Lord, 34.

Dunn, Robert, 194.

Dunop, Count, 139.

Dutch, 208, 209, 213, 2535 and
Spanish, ship arrived at Balti-
more, 196; butcher, 313 dis-
turbance among, 68; fashion,
houses built in the, 1993 holi-
day, 240; Presbyterian meeting
house, 1943 prisoners, 20% 5
vessels, 2553; war declared
against, 271.
312

Dutchman, a, 131.
Dyer, Colonel, 31, 32, 53.
Dyer, Eliphalet, 25, 49.

eer » Saml., 244.

Eagle Point, 124.

Eagle, the ship, 141.

Eastburn, Robert, 168.

Easton, 115.

East Haven, 227.

East India tea, 14, 15.

East Indies, 228, 235.

East Jerseys, 114.

East river, 93.

Ecclesiastes, 194.

Eddy, James, 285.

Eden, William, 187.

Egg harbor, 48, 55, 88, 193, 201;
French vessel puts into, 69.

E. Guilford, 18.

Eldridge, Jehu, 277.

Election day, 135.

Elizabethtown, 10, 15, 87, 211,
245; letter from, 205; point,
96.

Elk, head of, 270, 279, 281 ; Howe
getting his men on shore at,
125.

Elliot, Christopher, ror.

Embden, port of, 145.

Empsons, Sally and Hannah, 252.

England, 14, 15, 34, 38, 92, 160,
229, 2743 advices from, 73;
commissioners from, arrived at
Phila., 186; ministry in,
changed, 175 3 war declared
by, against France, 181.

English, 115, 196, 218, 232, 257,
277, 283; ambassador, 145;
and French fleets, engagement
between, 270, 271, 272, 183;
arms, 80; army, 163; bond-
age, anniversary of freedom
from, 251; church, 183; de-
serters, 177 3 engagement with
militia, 180; fleet, 120; beaten,
227 ; frigates, 238; sunk, 161;
guinea, 203; light horse, 182;
magazine ship blown up, 196;

 

Index.

English, men-of-war, 205; horses,
114; officer, 259; entertainment
for, 237; visited by, 229;
Presbyterian meeting, 264;
prisoners, III, 123, 200, 201,
249, 253; sent into Va., 281;
routed, 234; shilling, 203;
soldiers, 94.5 troops, 175, 234;
cutting down wood in the
Jerseys, 1795 tyrants, 201;
vessels, seized by Count D’-
Estaing, 231.

Englishman, 169 ; ancient, 290;
the, 176.

Ephrata, 240 3 hospital at, 153.

Epsey, Daniel, 86.

Ereson, Benja., Jr., 121

Erskine, General, 134.

Erwine, Robt., 140.

Essays of Cassandra, 62.

Europe, arrival of Paul Jones from
269.

Eustace, Major, 274.

Eustatia, 54.

Evans, John, 176.

Evening Packet, Town’s, 270.

Evening Post, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31,
49, 47, 54 55, 64, 65, 69,
73, 72, 75, 75, 82, 85, 89,
9% 93 945 299.

Everlasting Gospel, the, 25, 215.

Ewing, Brig. Gen. James, 87.

Ewing, Rev. Dr., 233-

Executive Council, 150, 154) 1715
of Pa., 1863 pass from, 178;
proclamation by, 126.

Expenditures, 288.

Experiment, 230, 232. f

Eyre, Messrs., 65 ; building frigate,
65.

F...., Jabez, 21.

F., John, 198.

F...., Joshua, 72; and sons, 74.
F...., Tench, 54.

F...., Thomas, 74.

Fair American, the, 245.

Fair hill, 146.

Fairfield, 21, 51, 227.
Falconer, Nathaniel, 86.

Falmouth, town of, burned, 50.

Farey, Captain, 54.
Farmoah, Gen. 116.

Farran, James, 193, 208, 209, 210,

ail.
Farris, Capt., 287.
Father Paul, 195.
Faulkener, William, 288.
Ferguson, Thomas, 283.
Finicune, Michael, 267.
Fire, cry of, 64.
Fisher, 59.
Fisher, Harry, 77.
Fisher, Henry, 67.

Fisher, Joshua and Sons, 91.

Fisher’s island, 37.
Fishkill, 134.

Fitz, Capt., 196.

Flax, 253.

Fleming, Col., 113.
Fleming, R., 244. -
Fleming’s, Robert, 252.
Floyer, Col., 58.

Flying camp, 79, 82.
Pooks, 171, 173.

Index.

313

France, of, 2573 goods from, 1733 war
declared against by England,181.
Franklin, B., 61, 77, 85, 226.

Franklin, Benjamin, 44, 83, 91,
291.

Franklin, Dr., 15, 34, 116, 167,
175.

Franklin, Dr. Benjamin, 23, 26.

Franklin, Gov., 80; sent prisoner to
Hartford, Ct., 80.

Franklin, privateer, 73; ship, 242.

Fredericksburgh, 194, 247.

Frederick, fort, prisoners brought
from, 269.

Frederickstown, 194.

Freehold, N. J., 255.

Free Quakers, 276.

Free states of America, 132.

French, Major, 37.

French, 227, 228, 231, 2773 ad-
miral, surrender of Rhode
Island to the, 196; ambassador,
197, 228; and English fleets,
engagement between, 270,271,
272, 2833 army, 2543 horses
for, 254; brandy, 533 cer-

tificates, 2483 court, 1753
creek, 1993; fleet, 182, 205,
206; at St. Martins, 2523 off
Cape Hatteras, 249; off Sandy
200, 207, 209, 216, 218, 226, Hook, 193, 1943; gone to R.
228, 2£2, 233, 244, 245, 251, I., 1943 reported defeated off
272, Rhode Island, 2613 frigate,
Forbes, Hugh, 285. 216; king, 226; ships, arrived,
Ford, 198. 2453 spy, 1713 West Indies,
Forestalling act, 175. ships from, 273.
Foster, Col., 18. Friends, from Va., 1773 meeting,
Fort, Chamblee, 51 5 Lee, 100, 1045 55, 123, 276, 277, 2783 sent
Mifflin, 131, 144, 198 3 Mont- out of town, 127.
gomery, 134, 136; Pitt, 125; | Friendship, ship, 11, 88.
Washington, 1143 taken by | Frog’s point, 98.
Gen. Howe, 104. Fulson, Col. Nathaniel, 9.
Foster, 117. Furniture destroyed, 134.
Fountain Tavern, 57
Fowey, man-of-war, 24, 57. GS veccey 215, 224.
Fox, 219. G......, Samuel, 90, 93.
Fox, Joseph, 13, 95. © GS sarees > Wn., 244.
France, 118, 153, 162, 179, 201,| Gadsden, Christopher, 9, 24, 32,
213, 243; court of, 178 ; fleet 43, 57, 283.

Fooks, Paul, 53, 56, 60, 63, 70, 75,
80, 83, 92, 95, 96, 106, 116,
117, 118, 142, 161, 169, 175,
176, 177, 181, 185, 195, 197,

 
314

Gafney, Capt., 7.

Gage, General, 26, 27, 33, 35) 38-

Galbraith, Col. Bartram, 87.

Gallaher, William, 126.

Galloway, Joseph, 8, 149.

Ganderwit, Granny, 285.

Gardiner, ——, 21.

Gardiner, Col., 20, 21.

Gardiner, Joseph, 139.

Gardiner’s island, 37.

Garrigues, John Jr., 227.

Garrigues, Polly, 219.

Garrigues, Sam. Sr., 143.

Gartley, John, 87.

Gasp, Capt., 287.

Gates, 159.

Gates, General, 74, 75, 108, 137,
143, 145, 160, 161, 176, 179,
232, 260, 272.

Gates, Major General, 73.

Gazette, the, 12.

General Advertiser, 24.

General Assembly, act of, 208;
committee, 7; Congress, 11;
Orders, 295, 296, 297.

Gentleman’s Calling, etc., 209.

George, 256; III, king, 6; king,
290; the third, 126, 149, 183;
the third’s fleet, 81; the ty-
rant, 256.

Georgetown, continental
260.

Georgia, 33, 38, 230, 2313 Packet,
37 5 regiment, 124.

Georgians, 33.

Gerard, M., 197.

German men and women, 242;
redemptioner, 188; riflemen,
933 Papers, 221; printer, 184;

Germans, second division of, 208 ;
first division of, 208.

Germantown, 79, 122, 131, 132,
133, 138, 142, 148, 1845 part
of burnt by British, 173 ; wheat
seized near, 218.

Gerry, Elbridge, 147.

Gibraltar, Spaniards beseiging, 24.

Glasgow, 232.

Glentworth, D., 247.

flag at,

 

Index.

Gloucester, 157.

Gloucester, Duke of, 24.

Glover, Rachael, 286.

Glotz, Col., 225, 227.

Glotz, Col. Jacob, 222, 223.

Gondolas, captains of, 75.

Goodwin, G., 78.

Gordon, Lord George, 261.

Governor’s island, arrival of Gen.

Clinton at, 60.

Govett, William, 31.

Gov. of Canada, 35.

Graeff, Mathias, 149.

Graff, Sebastian, 205.

Graham, R., 11.

Granada, 88, 158.

Grant, General, 134.

Grant, Major, 136.

Grant, Margaret, 285.

Gray, G., Io.

Gray, George, 44, 86, 102.

Gray, Isaac, 14, 73.

Gray, James, 244.

Great Britain, 8, 38, 63, 66; king
~ of, 703; opposition to tyranny

of, 81.

Greaves, Admiral, 35, 254, 255,
257, 261.

Greene, Gen., 145, 169, 176, 269,
271, 272.

Grenada, 227.
Grieb, Curtis, 187.
Griffin, Col., 297.
Gross, Michael, 266.
Guadaloupe, 243.
Guest, Col., 236.
Guilford, 18.
Guinea ship, 97.
Gunpowder, 63; landed near New
York, 55.
Guns, 63.
Gurney, Col., 179.
Gurney, F., 78.
Gurney, Francis, 92.

Ae Sreieack > 224.

Fh is. 6: soy , B., 218

H. J., 269.

Fhe esa » Joshua, 244.
Index. 315

Heese , Levi, 218.

Haddonfield, 139.

Hale, 88.

Hale, Thomas, 209.

Halifax, 57, 200, 249; commis-
sioners and Hessians arrive at,
723 taken by French fleet, 206 ;
transports from, 81.

Hall, 56.

Hall, Charles, 215, 234, 239.

Hall, John, 25, 149, 168.

Hall and Sellers, 213; Gazette, 62,
270.

Halloway, Betsey, 219.

Hambright, 276.

Hambright, Councillor, 243.

Hamilton, 238.

Hamilton, Captain, 95.

Hamilton, Wm., 257.

Hammond, Capt., 177.

Hancock, brig, 99, 100.

Hancock, Col., 51, 52, 60, 61, 66,
92, 104.

Hancock, John, 25, 28, 35, 49.

Hancock, Mr., 22.

Hancock, Mrs., 52.

Hancock, President, 130.

Hand, Gen., 122.

Hannah, 190, 219; ship, 9.

Hanoverians, battalion of, 208.

Harbeson, Benj., 70, 73, 83, 84,
123, 1$3, 174,188, 195, 217.

Hardie, William, 257.

Hardy, Sir Charles, 232.

Hare, Abraham, 264.

Hare, Robert, new house burnt, 64.

Harp and crown, sign of the, 78.

Harlem, 93.

Harris, 212.

Harris, Mary, 28.

Harris’s ferry, 257.

Harrison, 206.

Harrison, Benjamin, 25, 44.

Harrison, Col., 53.

Harrisburg, 78, 257.

Harry, Alice, 268.

Hart, Joseph, 78.

Hart, sign of the, 196.

Hartford, 20, 80.

 

Hartley, Col., 161, 188, 193, 215.
Hartley on the Millenium, 187.
Haselet, Col. John, 115.

Hastings, 177.

Hastings, Captain, 49.

Hastings, Grace, 30, 177, 178,
207, 219, 245.

Hat, sign of the, 189, 220.

Hatteras, French fleet off cape, 249.

Hazard’s Register, 219.

Hazlehurst, 93.

Head of Elk, 124, 125.

Hemp, 253.

Hemphill, William, 87.

Henderson, Archibald, 177.

Henry, Mr., 221.

Henry, Patrick, 25, 247.

Henry, Samuel, 124.

Henry, William, 139, 163, 175,
190, 194, 205, 208, 225, 226,
232, 236, 239, 254, 267, 270,
271, 274.

Hermione, ship, 244.

Hervey, Capt., 130, 194.

Hessian band of music, 1703 chas-
seurs, 1033 grenadiers, cross
the Delaware, 1393; prisoners,
109, II10, 123, 124, 200;
soldiers, 94 troops, 108, 249;
defeated, 112.

Hessians, 108, 168, 257.

Hewes, Joseph, 10, 25.

Hewey, 124.

Highlanders, taken by Col. Scott,
1113; defeated, 112.

High treason, Molesworth, hung
for, 2013; John Roberts tried
for, 201; Abraham Carlisle
tried for, 201.

Hill, Henry, 83.

Hillegas, Michael, 10, 34, 44.

Hills, Richard, 49.

Hispaniola, 75; vessel from, 33.

Historical Society of Pa., 80.

History, Bishop Burnet’s, of his own
time, 236; of Chester county,
Lewis’s, 196 ; of Ephrata, 151;
of Sumatra, 209 ; of the Breth-
ren at Ephrata, 123.
316

Hoar, 61.

Hodge, 96.

Hodge’s Wharf, 96.

Hoffs, Col., 222.

Hoffs, George, 222.

Hofnager, Peter, 237, 238.

Hogg, Esquire, 206.

Holker, John, 234.

Holland, Alice, 286.

Holland, 11; states of, 214; vessel
from, 11.

Holliday, Robert, 21, 26.

Hollingshead, John, 123.

Holtzendorff, Baron De, 147.

Hope, ship, 9.

Hopking, 191, 216.

Hopkins, Governor, 60.

Hopkins, Samuel, 276.

Hopkins’s Tavern, 191.

Hopson, John, 222, 276.

Horse racing, 256.

House, of Assembly, still sitting,
134; of commons, debates in,
53; of Employment, 112.

Houston, Dr., 240, 279.

Houston, Hon. John, 37.

Howe, 105, 121, 123, 124, 125,
126, 130, 134, 136,137, 141,
144, 154, 162, 167, 168, 172,
173, 179.

Howe, Gen., 17, 35, 80, 82, 91,
97, 98, 100, 103, 104, 106,
107, I10, 113, 116, 120, 131,
132, 140, 143, 148, 149, 150,
152, 153, 156, 160, 163, 164,
169, 170, 183, 184, 186.

Howe, Lord, 91, 93, 136, 188.

Howe’s light horse, 126.

Howell, Isaac, 14.

Howell, James, 277.

Howell, Samuel, 68, 86, 102.

Huber, John, 267.

Hubley, John, 86, 157, 264.

Hubley, Joseph, 268.

Hubley, Michael, 124, 261.

Huddlestine, Henry, 268.

Hughes, Hugh, 163.

Hughes, Isaac, roz.

Humphreys, 161.

 

Index.

Humphreys, Charles, 8, 29x.
Humphrey’s, J., Ledger, 13.
Humphreys’s newspapers, 161.
Humphries, Capt., 22.

Hunt, Isaac, 38, 39, 40, 41.
Hunter, 136.

Hunter, Daniel, 86.
Huntington, 278.
Huntington, Samuel, 246, 251.
Husbands, Hermon, 171, 172.
Hutson, 283..

Hysham, Capt., 88.

Independence, celebration of th
anniversary of, 222, 2233 con
tinental sloop, 104.

Independency, sixth year of, 277.

India, 277.

Indian, 68; corn, 2533; destroye
1343 country, 214; custom
290; king, 277; Queen, the
79, 197-

Indians, 115, 122, 125, 147, 189
192, 215, 283, 2903 inroad:
of, 2643; news of a defeat, 229,
pretty still, 160.

Ingles, George, 239.

Ireland, 11, 23, 38, 57, 228, 253;
Royal regiment of, 10 3 vessels
arrived from, II.

Iris, ship, 244.

Irish, 238; prisoners, 123, 201.

Irishman, 169.

Tronworks, the, 272.

Irvin, Gen., 148.

Irving, Gen., 111.

Isle Dieu, 255.

i) Soeieg Ble

Jack, ship, 242.

Jackson, Capt., 181.

Jacob, 275.

Jacob, John, rgr.

Jacob, Israel, 10.

Jacobs, 105.

Jacobs, Ed., 197.

Jacobs, John, 189, 220, 243, 279.
Jacobson, John, 252.

Jagers, or German riflemen, 93.
Index. aig

Jamaica, 76, 95, 97, 200, 216, 239 5
ship, 11, 75.

Jann, Capt., 11.

James island, 222.

ames, James, 288.

ay, James, 277.

ay, John, 26, 31.

ennings, John, 287.

Jeremiah, 167.

ersey, militia, 175; people, 157;

shore, 155.

Jerseys, 26, 48, 49, 80, 82, 84, 85,
89, 106, 107, 108, III, 112,
114, 170, 183, 186, 244, 2745
English troops cutting down
wood in, 1793 ferriage to the,
286; minister of Burlington in
the, 46; news from the, 247,
249; salt works in, 144.

Robert, 44, 102.

192, 225, 230.

Caleb, 131, 239.

Col. Obadiah, 19.

Thomas, 25.

Caleb, 152.

Capt., 187.

49, 80, 147, 199.

Aquila, 287,

Capt., 9.

James, 69, 1873 executed

street robbery, 69.

Jones, John, 214, 226, 230, 275,
280, 287.

Jones, Owen, Jr., 149, 245.

Jones, Paul, 226, 24.3, 269.

Jones, Robert Strettle, 14, 37.

Jorden, 137, 164.

Joseph, 250, 252.

Journal of congress, 293, 294.

Joy, Capt., 214.

Juan, Don, 289.

Judas, 156.

Junto, a, rar.

Juno, ship, condemned, 80.

 

  
 
 
  
   
 
 
  

haragia » Dr., 210,
+eees oD, Peter, 218,
Kan, Hyder Aly, 277.
Kap, 261.

27

 

Keassler, Leonard; 106.

Kearsley, Dr., 41, 45, 46, 48, 76,
131, 143.

Keith, Capt., 8.

Killingworth, 18.

Kennedy, Dr., 120, 196, 197.

Kensington, 65, 67, 84, 86, 157;
ships of war launched at, 101.

Kent Co., Delaware, 13, 25, 26.

Kepler, Henry, Jr., 167.

Keppele, Henry, Jr., 86.

Keppele, Major, 96, 99.

Kerchland, 88

King, of Britain’s speech, 116; con-
gress’s petition to, 37, 473 of
Prussia, 145; ship, 445; of
Spain’s declaration, 229.

King William’s county, 27.

King’s, Arms, to be taken down, 80,
82; taken down, 83; sign of
the, 80; proclamation, 50;
ships, 69; speech, 55, 88; in
town, 269; stores, burnt, 196.

Kitty, 119, 191, 199, 216, 219,
220, 230.

Kitty’s horse, 191.

Kniphausen, 259; regiment, 259.

Knyphausen, Gen., 245.

Know, Robert, 102.

Knox, Col., 248.

Kuhl, 82.

Kuhl, Frederick, 14, 16, 67, 68,
83, 86, 104.

Lacey, General, 180,

La Fayette, Marquis de, 164, 166,
182, 242, 243, 263.

Lancaster, 86, 118, 119, 126, 128,
159, 167, 168, 171,178, 179,
180, 181, 191, 195, 198, 199,
203, 204, 207, 220, 235, 265,
279, 282, 300, 302; ball in,
170, 1745 borough of, 224;
clothier general’s store in, 152;
com, of, 225,227; county, 8, 87,
172; Court House, 174; friends,
11, 20; jailof, 123 ; letter read
from com. of, 743 road, 149,
150; soldiers removed from, 193.
318

Lancastrians, 194, 236.

Land, Cornelius, 237.

Landiss, B., 203.

Leng,Capt., 171, 174, 175, 179,

188, 211.

Lang, James, 212.

Langdon, John, 23, 49.

Laughman, Ludwick, 226.

Lauman, L., 240, 254, 262.

Lauman, L. Jr., 269.

Lauman, Ludwick, 135, 231, 234,
238, 239.

Laurel Hill Cemetry, 112.

Laurens, Henry, 186.

Laurens, President, 251.

Law of Assembly, 116.

Law, Wm., 221.

Lawrence, Thomas, 60, 288.

Leach, Thomas, 113.

Leamington, 82.

Leamington, John, 28.

Lebanon, 123, 124.

Le Bonhomme, Richard, 226.

Lechler, Henry, 254, 261.

Lecond, Joseph, 67.

Ledger, J. Humphrey’s, 13, 31.

Lee, 159, 265.

Lee, fort, 100; taken by enemy, 104.

Lee, General, 29, 60, 85, 95, 105,
107, 113, 134, 176, 178, 215;
letters to congress from, 85.

Lee, Major, 229, 244.

Lee, Richard Henry, 25, 247.

Leech, 241.

Legislature, representatives in the, 11.

Lehman, George, 99.

Leidiel, Wm., 174.

Leipels, Capt. Ephraim, 212.

Leverings, 198, 219.

Levy, Sampson, 51.

Levy, Simon, 225.

Lewis, Col., 60.

Lewis, Francis, 26.

Lewis, Mr., 196.

Lewis’s History of Chester Co., 196.

Lewistown, 67, 118.

Lewsley, Thomas, 132.

Lexington, 18; 19, 26, 343 brig, 69.

Life of Gen. Joseph Reed, 118, 201.

 

Index.

Lightfoot, Susannah, 171.

Lightfoot, Thomas, 79.

Light Horse, Howe’s, 107.

Lime House, 16.

Lincoln, Gen., 231, 246, 247, 248,
250.

Lindsey, Captain, 7.

Lindsey, John, 286.

Little York, encampment near, 279.

Liverpool, 69, 97, 104, 153, 2325
ship from, 11.

Livezey’s mill, 132.

Livezey, Thomas, 132.

Livingston, 91.

Livingston, Gov., 267.

Livingston, Philip, 26, 51.

Lockart, Josiah, 225.

Lockwood, James, 20.

Lollar, Major, 116.

Loller, Robert, 3g.

London, 5, 13, 14, 16, 23, 27, 29,
33> 44) 45, 47, 76, 88, 153,
164, 216, 242, 245; bridge,
16,

Londonderry, 9; ship from, 15.

Long Island, 32, 57, 90, 103, 184,
254, 255.

L’Orient, 255.

Loosly, Thomas, 22.

Lord of the Household, 171.

Lords and Commons, address of the,
15.

Loring, Col., 186.

Lottery Office, 175, 185.; tickets,
175.

Louis 16th, 223.

Love, 150; Almighty hand of, 156.

Low, Isaac, 19.

Lowery, Alexander, 135.

Lowman, William, 78.

Lowry, Col., 240.

Loxley, B., 78.

Loxley, Major, 198.

Loyd, Peter, 37.

Ludwick, Christopher, 14, 174, 184

Ludwig, C., 78.

Lukens, Jesse, 54.

Lutheran church, 183.

Luzerne, Chevalier de, 228.
Index.

Lyman, Capt., 259.

Lyme, 18.

Lynch, Thomas, 9, 255 44, 51.
Lynn, John, 49, 81, 83, 99, 189.
Lynn, sister, 43.

Lyon, William, 86.

Lyons, Lieutenant, 148.

M......, John, 55.

MacKay, Gen., 17.

Mackinary, Mary, 285.

Macksfield, Gen., 249.

McCalla, Mrs., 45.

McClain, Laughlane, 287.

McClenahan, Capt., 9.

McClenachan, Blair, 175, 197.

McClenagan, Blair, 38, 39.

McCoy, Captain, 88.

McCullough, Capt., 123.

McCullock, Captain, 5, 29.

McCutcheon, Capt., 79.

McDougall, Gen., 114.

McFingal, 297.

McFarlan, Mr., 19.

McIntosh, Gen., 215.

McKean, 49, 242.

McKean, Col., 71, 75, 77, 98, 131.

McKean, Mr., 50.

McKean, Thomas, 37, 77, 78, 176,
291, 293, 295.

McKinsey, Captain, 8.

M’Kinley, Hon. John, 116.

McKorble and Son, 291.

McLane, Capt., 251.

McLane, Capt. Allen, 188.

McLane, Capt. John, 188.

McLean, James, 144, 174, 207.

McLean, John, 171, 199.

McLean, Mr., 155.

McMullen, John, 135.

Madeira, brig arrived from, 14; wine,
51, 266, 302.

Magdalen, schooner, 24.

Maguire, Rachael, 286.

Maidenhead, 110.

Malsbary, Jonathan, 40.

Malt house burnt, 64.

Manheim, 164.

 

379

Markoe, Capt.,123, 124, 127, 157,
160, 174, 188.

Markom, Capt., 238.

Marks, Levy, 204.

Marrow of Divinity, the, 231.

Marseilles, France, 88.

Marshall, Benjamin, 23, 49, 59.

Marshall, Betsey, 31.

Marshall, C. Sr., 78.

Marshall, Charles, 31, 60, 95.

Marshall, Christopher, 14, 27, 30,
32, 68, 105, 118, 285, 302.

Marshall, Humphrey, 74.

Marshall, Mr., 86, 114, 281, 285.

Marshall, Mrs., 185 ; death of, 302.

Marshall, Sally, 175.

Marson, Henry, 172.

Marston, Capt. Samuel, 76.

Martin, Patrick, 257.

Martinico, 180, 184.

Martinique, advice from, 232.

Maryland, 9, 25, 113, 114, 116;
province of, 53 troops, 84, 81.

Massachusetts Bay, 15, 25, 273
delegates from province of, 9;
forces, 32.

Masterlett, Squire, 215.

Masters, William, 102.

Mastiler, Philip, 135.

Mason, Capt., 60.

Matlack, 49, 61.

Matlack, Col., 77.

Matlack, T., 78.

Matlack, Timothy, 63, 64, 70, 73,
81, 83, 86, 98, 102, 137, 180,
184, 187, 188, 189, 197, 277,
278.

Matthew, 156.

Maurice river, 193, 201,

Maxwell, Gen., 42, 127.

May, Capt., 95.

Mead, 61.

Mease, John, 152.

Melchor, Captain, 26.

Meloy, Mr., 20.

Memorial to the county court, 75.

Memoir of Richard Henry Lee, 247.

Men-of-war, French, 2383; and
Spanish, 232.
OG

Menonists, 187, preacher,
21.

Mercer, 236, 239.

Mercer, Gen., 112, 113.

Mercer, John, 149, 232, 245.

Mercer, Michael, 269.

Merchants’ Coffee House, 10.

Mercury, sunk, 161.

Meredith, Samuel, 37.

Mermaid, 235.

Messencope, John, 226.

Middle ferry, 149, 172.

Middleton, Henry, 9, 24.

Middletown, 214; Point, ship lost
off, 235.

Mifflin, Captain, 39.

Mifflin, Col. Thomas, 70.

Mifflin, fort, 198.

Mifflin, General, 74, 75, 94, 105,
114, 141, 165, 176, 179, 211.

Mifflin, Jonathan, 145.

Mifflin, Samuel, 86.

Mifflin, Thomas, 8, 10, 44, 58, 59.

Miles, William, 73.

Millenium, Hartley on the, 187.

Miller, Jacob, 266.

Miller, Major, 131.

Miller, Peter, 122, 151.

Miller, Tobias, 171.

Miller, Widow, 197.

Milligan, James, 78.

Mills, Samuel, 44.

Milne, Ed., 125, 195, 271.

Minerva, ship, 7.

Ministers, 167.

Missionary, Thomas Barton, 185.

Mitchell, Capt., 9, 286.

Moderates, 68.

Moebale, Capt., 104.

Molasses, 62.

Molesworth, 118; hung, 118 ; body
of, taken up by Friends, 201.

Molesworth, James, 201.

Monmouth Court House, 1go.

Montford, Major, Count, 209.

Montgomery, Col., 84, 85, 257.

Montgomery, Gen., 55, 57, 60;
sermon on the death of, 60.

Montgomery, Joseph, 281.

1955

 

Index.

Montgomery, county, 73; privateer,
104.

Montreal, 44, 53.

Moor Hall, 187.

Moor, John, 229.

Moore, Capt, 9.

Moore, Col., 46.

Moore, John, 86.

Moore, William, 116, 117.

Moorestown, 108.

Moralez, Mr., 216.

Moravian minister,
settlement, 283.

Morgan, Col., 139, 143, 161, 186.

Morgan, Dr., 234, 240.

Morgan, General, 268, 269.

Morgan, Major, 54.

Morgan, Samuel, 212.

Morris, 139.

Morris, Cad. Samuel, 92.

Morris, Ensign Antony, Jr., 115.

Morris, Lewis, 26.

Morris river, 193, 201.

Morris, Robert, 44, 85, 102, 116,
144, 146, 147, 211, 291, 292,

Morris, Samuel, 92, 229.

Morris, Samuel], Cadwalader, 78,

Morris, Samuel) Jr., 86, 91, 102.

Morris, Samuel, Sen., 86.

Morris, ship from France, 118.

Morris’s mill, 139.

Morrison, George, 285.

Morristown, 113, 114.

Morton, John, 8, 85, 94, 291.

Moses, 219.

Mosher, Jeremiah, 280.

Motchs, 131.

Moulder, Joseph, 78, 81.

Moulder, William, 44.

Moultrie, Gen., 221, 227.

Mount Holly, 108.

Moyamensing, 217.

Moyer, John, 163.

Mugford, Captain, 75-

Muhlenburgh, Rev. Henry, Jr., 87.

Mulberry wharf, 84.

Mure, Capt., 259.

Murray, Messrs. Robert and John,
15.

182, 183;
Index.

Muscovado sugar, 135.
Museum, anatomical, 288.
Muskingum river, 283.
Muselman, Chrisley, 184.
Myer, Wendal, 172.

Myng, 79-

Myner, 236.

Neaeraye , Dr., 258.

Nantz, letter from, 96.

Narrows, the, 60, 79, 254.

Nazareth, Gen. Gates at, 160.

Neal, 56.

Neal, Peg, 286.
‘Neale, Capt. James, 62.

Needham, 9; letter of marque ship,

239. :

Neff, Chrisley, 242.

Neff, Dr., 121, 122, 184,
268, 279.

Neff, John, 184.

Negro, 68; woman, 123.

Nelson, Alexander, 174.

Nesbit and Co., 112.

Nevil, Col., 235, 236."

Nevis, brig from, 883 island almost
destroyed, 266.

New Brunswick, 249.

Newburyport, 59.

New Castle, 69, 70; ship arrived at,
7, 8, 93 county, 25.

Newcomb, Silas, 15.

New England, 22, 23, 30, 31, 298 3
colonies, 290; troops, 174.

New Englanders, 290.

New Englandmen, 114.

Newfoundland, 21.

New Garden, 126, 272.

New Hampshire, 9, 23.

New Haven, 18, 19, 213 ship ar-
tived, 175.

New Holland, 199.

New Jerteyy 215 31, ‘Sie 155% 193,
267.

New London, 18; arrival of fleet
at, 65.

Newman, Capt., 80, 99.

Newman Dr., 160, 214, 264.

Newry, ship from, 7, 9.

239

 

321

New Tavern, the, 10, 29, §2.

Newtown, 109, 169, 229.

New York, 5, 7, 9, 16, 19, 20, 21,
22, 24, 26, 27, 44, 49,73, 81,
82, 84, 87, 93, 94, 971 99s
106, 113, 115, 158, 184, 232,
234, 239, 242, 245, 257, 2675
283, 294; arrival of Washing-
ton at, 65; brig from, driven
ashore, 1553 fire at, 195;
Gazette, 289; Gen. Clinton
sails from, 60; part of, burnt,
178; Post, 573 provisions at,
scarce, 194; refugees in, 274.

Niagara, 192.

Nicola, Col. Lewis, 244.

Nixon, John, 7, 83, 99-

Noy, Mr., 20.

No Popery riots, 261

Norrington, 73.

Norris, Isaac, 145.

Norris, Widow, 131.

Northampton Co., Pa., 8.

North Carolina, 10, 25, 143, 2835
troops, 234.

North, Lord, 175, 178.

North river, 84, 135.

Northumberland co., 58, 227.

Northumberland, duke of, 17.

Norwich, 18.

Nottingham meeting house, 127.

Nottingham, Samuel, 103.

Nulling, Lieut. Col., 207.

Oats, 253.

Obed, 122.

Ogden’s ferry, 140.

O’Hara, Gen., 272.

Old France, 96.

Oley Hills, 130.

Ordale, 46.

Osborn, 287.

Osborne, Capt., 11, 23.

Osnabrigs, 286.

Otis, Mr., 159.

Overseers of the poor, accounts of,
285.

Owen, Mrs., 142.
322

P...., 224, 244.

P...., Jin. -5 23, 30, TIO.

P...., James, 245.

P...., John, 245.

Pacolet river, 269.

Paine, 65.

Paine, Robert Treat, 9, 25, 30) 51-

Paine, T., 108.

Paine, Thomas, 64, 68, 70.

Paine, Treat, 49.

Palasky, Pame, 213.

Palmer, J., 18.

Paoli massacre, 129.

Papists, 68.

Parish, John, 164.

Parker, Joseph, 10, 44, 48, 102.

Parker, Peter, 232.

Parliament, Lord North’s proposal
to, 178.

Parrish, Nancy, 190.

Passyunk road, 34.

Patience, 175, 177, 2483 pass for,
175.

Patrick, St., 270.

Patriotic society, the, 66.

Paul, Father, 195.

Paulus Hook, garrison at, surprised,
229.

Pawling, Granny, 286.

Pawling, Henry, 10.

Payne, 171.

Payne, John, 75, 85.

Peace_and Plenty, ship, 8.

Peale, Wilson, 217.

Pearson, Hannah, 286.

Pedree, Captain, 232.

Pedro, Capt., 206.

Peel Hall, burnt by the enemy, 145.

Pendleton, Edmund, 25.

Penn, Governor, 232.

Penn, John, 6, 1333
governor, I 33.

- Penn, Richard, 47, 234.

Pennsylvania, 156, 163, 291 3 Arch-
ives, 164, 198, 201; conven-
tion of, 78; Weistling’s, 79 ;
currency, 285; Farmer, sign of
the, 80; Freeman’s Journal, 302;
Gazette, 92, 93, 95, 227,238 5

appointed

 

Index.

Penn., Hist. Soc., 80; Journal, 5,
15, 28, 33, 36, 37, 41, 64,
73, 83, 86, 91, 93) 94) 995
102, 103, 104, 105, 264$
and Gazette, 17; Ledger, 21,34,
543 Packet, 27, 29, 164, 172,
235, 238, 2645 ship, 11, 23;
plan of government for, 92;
troops mutinied, 267.

Pennsylvanians and Connecticut
people, skirmish between, 54.

Pennytown, III.

Penrose, L. Colonel, 94.

Pensacola, 234; invested by fleet of
French and Spanish, 273;
taken by Spaniards, 277.

Pension book, amount of, 285, 286.

Pepper, 62.

Pequea, account of a fray at, 168;
church, 126.

Percy, Lord, 17, 20.

Permel, Mons., 96.

Peters, Capt., 85.

Philadelphia, 19, 26, 51, 86, 105,
119, 121, 122, 124, 126,
127, 140, 141, 142, 148, 149,
150, 153, 154, 159, 160, 161,
163, 164, 168, 169, 172, 174,
178, 181, 185, 186, 203, 204,
205, 206, 211, 214,215, 220,
221, 233, 234) 249, 253s 257s
260, 262, 267, 269, 274, 277)
281, 282, 283, 285, 292; alms-
house, 283; assembly of, broke
up, 199; committee of, 225,
226, 2273; city, 333; county,
73) 74, 83, 1773 La Fayette
arrived at, 243; college, com-
mencement at, 251; friends,
119; number of houses and in-
habitants in, 229; Rattlesnake,
180; militia, 89.

Philadelphian, 167; an old, 289.

Philadelphians, 119.

Philosophical Hall, 78; committee
at, 49, 50, 523; meeting at, 7.

Phillips, 283.

Phillips, Gen., 211.

Phipp’s farm, 18.
Index.

Phyle, Dr., 118, 131, 137, 140, 145,
151, 158, 159, 188, 189, 190,
218, 219, 247.

Pickering, Tim., 198, 244. >

Pitt, fort, 239.

Pittsburgh, 214, 283; Dr. New-
man arrived from, 160; news
from, 122.

Place, the, 28, 32, 61.

Plainfield, 19.

Plan of government, 97.

Pliarne, Monsieur, 165.

Plumstead’s wharf, 67.

Plymouth, burial ground, 1g0.

Polish court, 175.

Poll, 42, 43, 84, 88, 108, 116, 121,
123, 182, 185, 186, 194, 195,
200, 202, 203, 204, 207, 209,
210, 217, 229, 230.

Polly, 12, 199, 252.

Polly and Peggy, ship, 13.

Pondicherry, 228, 277.

Pool’s Bridge, 96.

Poonah, 235.

Poor Richard, 226; almanac, 226.

Popham, James, 14.

Popish dialect, 238.

Port au Prince, 24.4.

Port Orient, French vessel from,
69.

Porto Rico, 229.

Port Royal, Jamaica, 184.

Portland, Me., 50.

Portugal, 200, 273.

Post master general of the United
Colonies of North America,

34.
Potter, Gen., 136, 151.
Potts, 140, 199.
Potts, Capt., 44.
Potts, Dr., 139, 2117, 295.
Potts, T., 102.
Potts, Thomas, 44, 8 3.
Pottses, 127,
Pottsgrove, 127, 178.
Powder, arrival of, 56.
Powell, Samuel, 44.
Practice of Physick, Brooks’s, 120.
Preachers, 167,

 

323

Presbyterian burial ground, 115;
meeting house, 191.

Prescott, 134.

Prescott, Gen., 178 ; Gen. Lee ex-
changed for, 134.

President and council, letter to,
147.

Price, 62, 80.

Price, Capt., 174.

Priests, 167.

Princeton, 86, 107, 111.

Prisoners, England Scotch and Irish,

123.
Prison Society, 60.
Proclamation, 295; Gov. Dun-

more’s 27; President Reed’s,
2113 published, 139.

Procter, Col., 145.

Proctor, 105.

Proctor, Capt., 109.

Proctor, Col., 150, 151, 217.

Prophets, 167.

Proprietary party, 68.

Prosperity, ship, 5, 29.

Providence, 19, 99.

Province ship launched, 64.

Provincial conference, 78, 79, 2923
congress, 323 convention, 24.

P. Journal, 26, 235.

Provincials, loss of, 51.

Proverbs, 158.

Provost, Gen., 221.

Prussia, king of, 145.

Prussian, the, 63; court, 175.

Pryor, Captain, 26.

Pryor, Norton, 148.

Public Ledger, 161.

Pulaski, Gen., 221.

Pulasky, 213.

Pultney, Thomas, 250.

Purdie, Robt., 258.

Purdies, 239.

Putnam, General, 34, 106, 108, 109,
III, 127, 134, 143, 295.

Putnam, Israel, 295, 296, 297.

Quaker, monthly meeting, 12;
preacher, 28; visited meeting
houses, 28 ; prisoners, 149.
324

Quakers, 68, 274; in England, 180 ;
interest, petition by, 14; me-
morial presented by, 49; meet-
ing of, 30; testimony of the
people called, 13; yearly meet-
ing, 10; serious address to, 202.

Quebec, 57, 583 letter from camp
before, 55; lower town, 71.

Quiberon bay, 179.

R., G., 236.

Rachael, 258.

Rachel and Francis, ship, stranded,
40.

Ramsay, 173.

Ramsey, James, 268.

Randolph, Peyton, 10, 25, 26, 27,
49.

Ranger, schooner, 54.

Rankin, Col. William, 87.

Rankin, James, 128.

Rapelja, 103.

Raritan, the, 114.

Rattlesnake, privateer, 116, 180.

Read, Col. Charles, 114.

Read, General, 132, 175.

Read, George, 25, 292.

Reading, 127, 128, 132, 134, 138,
139, 283.

Rebecca, schooner, 54.

Receipts, 288.

Redbank, 23, 139, 140, 141, 1423
fort, 145 ; spies hanged in, 143.

Red creek, 125.

Red Lion, 128.

Reed, 266.

Reed, Capt., 44.

Reed, Col., 133.

Reed, Gen., 210, 211.

Reed, James, 182.

Reed, Joseph, 7, 37, 56, 58, 59,
206, 217.

Reed’s bridge, 266.

Reedy island, 121, 172, 175.

Rees, Thomas, 140, 141, 190.

Reese, Capt., 199.

Reese, Thomas, 161, 252,

Reeves, Pau,143.

Regulars, 122.

 

Index.

Reigart, Adam, 240.

Reigart’s, 224.

Reprisal, the, 88.

Remembrancer, Mr. Marshall’s, 285.

Remonstrance, 73; to congress, 66;
signed, 60 ; to the assembly, 63.

Renown, ship, 9.

Reynolds, John, 95.

Rhoad, Peter, 86.

Rhoads, Samuel, 8, 10, 42, 44.

Rhode Island, 55, 115, 141, 194,
2713; assembly of, 70; colony
of, 26; forces, 32; French
troops landed on, 2543 report
of surrender of, 196; that
French fleet defeated off, 261.

Richard, 283.

Richardson, Samuel, 104.

Riché, Robert, 149.

Richmond, 35, 268.

Richmondtown, Henrico Co., Va.,
196.

Right of instruction, the, 103.

Rising Sun, the, 131.

Rittenhouse, David, 61, 83, 86,
102, 139, 189, 191, 197.

Rivington, 245.

Rivington’s Paper, 13, 245.

Roberdeau, 218.

Roberdeau, Col., 64, 67, 84, 147.

Roberdeau, Daniel, 68, 217.

Roberdeau, Gen., 84, 85, 116, 151

Roberts, 283.

Roberts, John, 201, 204.

Roberts, Jonathan, 10, 44.

Robins, Joseph, 161.

Robinson, 28.

Robinson, Captain, 23.

Robinson, George, 275.

Robinson, William, 78.

Robison, Capt., 47.

Rochambeau, Count, 281.

Rodney, Admiral, 245.

Rodney, Czsar, 25, 292.

Roebuck, the, man-of-war, 67, 69,
118, 2353 lieut. of the, 176.

Rogers, Major, 100.

Roman, 290.

Rose,Wm., 174.
Index.

Ross, 167.

Ross, Capt., 98.

Ross, Col., 129.

Ross, George, 8, 85,127, 293.

Ross, John, 7.

Ross, William, 165; ball at house
of, 165.

Ross’s, ball at, 167.

Rotterdam, 44; sign of, 67.

Rowland, Andrew, 19.

Roxborough township, 132, Igo.

Roxbury, 32; camp, 32.

Royal Scotch Fusileers, colors of,
brought to congress, 51.

Rum, 62; poisoned, 98.

Rush, Benjamin, 85, 293.

Rush, Dr., 70, 78, 159.

Rush, William, 41, 84, 198.

Russians, 253.

Ruth, 84.

Rutledge, Gov., 251.

Rutledge, Edward, 9, 24, 91.

Rutledge, John, 9, 24.

Rye, 253.

5 3 215, 224.
+) Major, 117.
wo, Mrs., 259.

 

++) Samuel, 22, 259.

+..y, Thomas, 218.

aint Eustatia, 76, 108, 244, 246,
251,270; account that English
had taken, 271 3 damaged, 266.

St. John’s, 44; fort, 55; news of
the taking of, 51; prisoners
from 84.

St. Lawrence river, 57.

St. Lucia, English merchant ships at,

5
S
5
5
S

273.

St. Martin’s, 75, 246; French fleet
at, 252.

St. Patrick, 238 ; men, 270.

St. Peter’s church yard, 113.

Salem, ship arrived at, 242; creek,

175.

Sally, 173, 190, 191, 248, 2523
letter from, 2133 tea from,
248; ship, 29; sloop, 76.

Salmon’s Collection, etc., 54.

 

375

Salt, 62.

Salter, Thomas, 116.

Saltpetre, arrival of at Chester, 56.

Samuel, 229.

Sandy Hook, 80, 103; fleet sailed
from, 234; French fleet off,
193, 194, 230; news that
English fleet left, 200.

Sandy Puxton, Va., 72.

San Juan, retaken by the Spaniards,
DI

Santa Cruz, 246; flag of truce
from, 218.

Satan, 203.

Saul, rr.

Savannah, 230.

Saybrook, 18.

Scarborough, man-of-war, 57.

Schema Sacra, 167.

Schlosser, C., 39.,

Schlosser, G., 38, 39, 78, 83, 120,
123, 181, 182, 185, 189, 243.

Schriner, Jacob, 67, 78, 82, 86,

102.

Schriner, Michael, 261.

Schuykill, 140, 145, 146, 149,
150, 170, 191, 199, 216, 2523
ferry, 51.

Scotch prisoners, 125, 200; marched
to Philadeiphia, 269; soldiers,
945 stove, 197.

Scotchmen, 1693; a lunatic, 261.

Scotland, 443; rebellion in, 274.

Scott, Col., 111.

Scotten, John, 174.

Seabrook, Capt., 196, 197.

Seachrist, Jacob Jr., 231.

Sea Nymph, brig., 9.

Searles, James, 61, 185.

Sergeant, Jonathan, 139, 198.

Shaff, Henry, 87.

Shaffer, 202, 270.

Shaffer, Frederick, 207.

Shaffner, Capt., 238.

Shaffner, Gaspar, 266.

Shaffner, Peter, 275.

Shamokin, 215.

Shannon, Cath., 285.

Sharpless, Benjamin, 63.
326

Sherburne, brig, 99.

Sherlock, Dr., 209.

Sherman, Roger, 25, 32.

Shewell, Messrs., 89, 91.

Shields, James, 270.

Shipley, Elizabeth, dying words of,

144.

Ship, sign of the, 191, 216.

Shippen, 235.

Shippen, Capt. Wm., 115.

Shippen, Dr., 141, 186, 187, 240.

Shippen, Dr. Jr., 112.

Shippen, Dr. William, 113.

Shippen, Dr. Wm., Jr., 234.

Shippen, Ed., 194, 221, 230, 239,
270, 279, 287.

Shirt battalion, 75.

Shoemaker, Saml., 134, 143.

Shrewsbury, 235.

Shubart, Michael, 102.

Shuldam, admiral, 57.

Shuttleburgh, Wm., 257.

Sigevolk, Paul, 25.

Simmons, Capt., 282.

Simpson, Capt., 88.

Singér, Gasper, 236.

Singhauser, Gaspar, 263.

Skene, Major, 29.

Skippack road, 139.

Skyles, 177.

Slough, 238, 254.

Slough, Matthias, 149.

Small, 228.

Small Pox, society of inoculating for
the, 5.

Smallwood, Col., 155.

Smallwood, Gen., 12%, 136, 183.

Smith, 49, 55, 263, 265.

Smith, Col., 98, 111, 177.

Smith, Col. James, 85.

Smith, Dr., 60, 62.

Smith, James, 293.

Smith, John, 242.

Smith, J. B., 37, 66, 78, 86, 102,
116, 139.

Smith, Parson, 54.

Smith, Thomas, 106, 183, 184, 188,
193, 287.

Smith, William, 14.

 

Index.

Snow, Charlotte, 9; Sir William
Johnson, 16.

Snowden, Jedediah, 163.

Snowden, Leonard, 45, 46.

Snyder, Christy, 271.

Snyder, Jacob, 206,

Snyder, Simon, 225, 264.

Society Hall, committee at, 49.

Solomon, Simon, 208.

Somerset, man-of-war, 205.

Sorrel Horse, the, 149.

Souchong tea, 248.

South Carolina, 9, 24, 25, 57, 85,
158, 187.

Southwork, district of, 299.

Sower, Christopher, 184,

Spain, Capt., 14.

Spain, 153, 183, 200, 228; fleet of,
2573 king of, 178.

Spaniards, 213, 231.

Spanish ambassador, 1973 court,
1753 envoy, 216; fleet, arrival
at Martinico, 254; minister,
289.

Spankstown, 112.

Speaker of assembly, 105.

Spear, John, 87.

Spechts, regiment of, 208,

Spiegel, 88, 89.

Spikeman, 45.

Spikeman, Townsend, 65.

Spring Garden, destroyed by the
enemy, 146.

Spring mill, 146.

Springer, Gabriel, 87.

Springfield, 244; skirmish at, 249.

Sprout, 6.

Stage wagon, the, 121.

Stark, Gen., 123.

State House, congress at the, 26;
meeting at, 7, 10; attempt to
spike the guns in, 33.

Staten Island, 96, 97, 98.

States of America, friends of, 1200.

Staunton, Augusta co., 149.

Steel, Francis, 275.

Sterling, 212.

Sterling, General, 127, 141.

Sterling, Lord, go.
Index.

Stevens, Capt. Walter, 54.

Stevenson, James, 288.

Steward, Andrew, 28.

Steward, Capt., 136.

Steward, James, 79.

Stewart, Col., 272.

Stonehouse, George, 5, 63.

Stony Point, 227.

Story, William, 238.

Stott, Mrs., 188.

Stout, Capt., 98.

Stow, John, 87.

Stileman, Samuel, 64.

Stiles, Capt. 14.

Stiles, Joseph, 14.

Stillé, Major, 136.

Strettle, Amos, 229.

Strettle, Robert, 286.

Stricker, Daniel, 200.

Stringer, Parson, 28.

Sturgis, Jonathan, 19.

Sugar, 62, r21.

Sukey, ship, 23.

Sullivan, Brigadier General, 29.

Sullivan, General, go, 91, 108, 113,
127, 146, 153, 229.

Sullivan, Major John, 9, 23.

Sunbury, 216, 227.

Surinam, vessel from, 95.

Susanna, 284.

Susquehannah, 126; flour lying on
the banks of, 152; low, 265.

Sussex Co., 25, 77.

Swart, Peter, 187.

Swedes’ church, 104.

Swift, Joseph, 68.

Switzerland, 37.

Swope, Michael, 86.

Sykes, 104.

Taborro, Antony, 214.

Taggert, Mrs., 130.

Taggert, R., 137, 174 1935 1945
195, 202, 212, 228, 230, 231,
252.

Tappan, André hanged at camp at,
264.

Tarleton, Lieut. Col., 268.

Taylor, 98,

 

327

Taylor, George, 85, 293.

Taylor, Isaac, 266.

Taylor, Robert, 31, 200.

Tea, East India, 14; green, 88, 177.

Temple, 136.

Temple’s Farm, 21.

Teneriffe wine, 300.

Tennant, Lieut. Col., 247.

Ternay, Monsieur, 254.

Test, Act, 1743 of allegiance, ete.,
182.

Texel, vessels taken in the, 271.

Thanksgiving sermon, 209.

The Everlasting Gospel, 215.

The Marrow of Divinity, 231.

Thetis, prize ship from Jamaica, 95.

Thomas, Arthur, 76, 88.

Thomas, Joseph, ror.

Thomas, Philip, 215.

Thompson, 133.

Thompson, John, 275.

Thompson, Peter, 275.

Thompson, Rosanna, 56.

Thomson, Charles, 10,
294.

Thornberry, Sus., 239.

Thornburgh, Robert, 231.

Thorn, 117.

Thorn, William, 66, 67.

Thorne, 81, 171, 173, 176.

Thorne, Squire, 215.

Thornton, Matthew, 293.

Ticonderoga, 43; fort, 27; governor
of, 29.

Tillbury, Mr., 43.

Tillbury, Thomas, 14, 40.

Timmons, Capt., 189.

Tinicum island, 143.

Toasts, 223.

Todd, William, 172.

Topham, the potter, 184.

Torbay, English fleet blockaded in,
231.

ates 68, 196; chosen to patrol
the streets, 33 ; confined in new
jail, 1173 lodged in jail, 98;
plundered, 103.

Tory prisoners, 111.

Towers, Robert, 288, 296.

26, 88,
328

Town, B., 257.

Trap, the, 119, 128.

Treaty of commerce, 175.

Trenton, 34, 84, 85, 90, 105, 107,
108, 111, 117, 180, 281 ; Col.
Knox at, 248; news of an en-
gagement at, I10.

Trial, sloop, 56.

Trumbellon, privateer, 244.

Troops, English and foreign, 69.

Tryon, Governor, 56.

Tucker, Major, 36.

Tybout, Andrew, 87.

Union, the, 189.

United American States, 92; Colo-
nies of North America, post-
master general of, 34.

United States declared free and in-
dependent, 81.

Universal Restitution, etc., 63.

Urie, Thos., 167, 170.

Valans, Captain, 5.

Valentine, I71.

Valley Forge, 154.

Valley hills, the, 199.

Vanchamp, 155.

Vanzening, Crugillus, 40.

Vessels, taken by the British, 104.

Vickers, Thos., 257.

Virginia, 24, 27, 34, 57, 112, 114,
128, 142, 143, 147, 159, 193,
201, 214, 233, 249, 266, 268,
270, 283; Col. Nevil’s regi-
ment leave for, 2363; conti-
nental troops, 160 ; engagement
off the capes of, 271; Friends
from, 1773 light horse, 113,
115; letter from gov. of, 247 ;
news from, 256 ; prisoners from,
2733; province of, 53 troops
from, 176, 180, 183, 234, 236.

Virginian, killed, 168.

Virginians, 235; cameintotown, 164.

» James, Sr., 129.

Woescts » Jer, 244.
W......, Richard, 218.

 

Index.

Wagon, sign of the, 189, 191, 196,
202, 220, 243, 253, 279-

Waldeckers, 112.

Wales, Prince of, 259.

Walker, Col. Edward, 212.

Walker, Joseph, 123.

Walker, Robert, 13.

Wallace, Capt., 177.

Wallace, George, 249.

Wallace, John, 285.

Wallace, Sir James, 230.

Wallingford, 21.

War, declared, between French and
English, 210; against Great
Britain, at Martinique, 200.

Ward, Governor, 43, 60, 63, 64;
funeral of, 64.

Ward, Hon. Samuel, 26.

Warner, Joseph, 250.

Washington, 134, 150, 153, 216.

Washington, Col., 248.

Washington, fort, taken by Gen.
Howe, 104.

Washington, Gen., 28, 31, 57, 65,
73> 74, 7%, 81, 98, 107, 108,
109, I10, 112, 113, 115, 117,
121, 122, 124, 125, 128, 129,
132, 137, 141, 142, 143, 146,
147, 148, 149, 155, 159, 161,
162, 170, 175, 183, 188, 190,
I9I, 211, 214, 223, 234, 245,
249, 281, 296.

Washington, George, 25.

Washington, Lady, 51, 53, 221,
248, 250.

Washington, Mrs., 52.

Wasp, continental schooner, 96, 97.

Waterford, 9.

Watertown, 32.

Wayne, Gen., 129, 169, 170, 227,
275.

Webb, James, 122, 214.

Weed, Capt., 197.

Weistling, John S., 78.

Weitzel, John, 86.

Wells, Richard, 14.

Wells, Stephen, 261.

Weltze, Anthony, 206.

Wentworth, 259; dragoons, 259)
Index.

Wertz, 202.

Wertz, Christian, 261.

Wertz, Major, 126, 137, 140, 169,
225, 227, 229, 267.

West Indies, 200, 215, 232, 2573
French fleet arrived at, 276;
hurricane in, 266.

Western islands, 270.

West Point, 250, 263; spies taken
at, 262.

Wetherill, Saml., 276, 277, 278.

Wetherill, Samuel Jr., 14, 274.

Wharton, Thomas, 7, 144, 170,
183, 186; death of, 1833
burial of, 183.

Wharton, Thos. Jun., 86, 102, 116.

Wheat, 253.

Whigs, plundered, 103.

White, Alexander, 166.

White, Col., 124, 125, 208, 212,
213, 214.

WhiteHorse,signof the, 187,197,252.

Whitehill, 117, 173.

Whitehill, John, 118.

Whitehill, Robert, 75, 105, 131,
139, 144) 145,147, 168, 171,
187, 199, 210, 233, 238, 259.

Whitelock, Daniel, 258, 263, 266.

Whitemarsh, 148.

Whitemore, John, 205, 261.

Wigdon, James, 64.

Wigdon, John, 174.

Wilcox, 49.

Wilcox, Alexander, 68.

Wild, William, 92, 93.

Williams, Eb., 19.

Williams, Major, 94.

Williamsburgh, 24, 27, 28, 268.

Williamson, Charles, 212.

Williamson, Horvlet, 212.

Welling, Richard, 106.

Willing, Thomas, 7, 26, 68, 144,
162, 291,

Wilmington, 183; brig run ashore
Near, 159; creek, 1553 evacu-
ated by the enemy, 1363; Gen.
Washington at, 125; goods
landed at, 155; New Castle
co., 87.

27

 

329

Wilson, 198, 283.

Wilson, James, 26, 85, 117, 177,
298.

Wilson, John, 198.

Winchester, 273.

Winey, Jacob, 14, 63.

Winterhill, 20, 21.

Wisdom Infinite, 192.

Wisner, Henry, 294.

Wissahicon creek, 132.

Wissahicken road, 250.

Wistar, Daniel, 189; 245.

Wold, Conrad, r4o.

Wollop, Capt., 259.

Wood, 124.

Wood, G., 147.

Woodbridge, 84.

Woodbury, burnt, 145.

Woodford, Thomas, 222.

Woodrow, Henry, 87.

Woodward, Gen., 236.

Woodward, John, 69; executed for
murder of his wife, 69.

Woodworth, Col., 20.

Woodstock, 18.

Wooster, General, 79.

Worcester, com. of correspondence
of, 18.

World Unmasked, the, 25.

Worrall, 170.

Wright, 274.

Wright, Capt., 9.

Wright, Henry, 212.

Wright, James, 253.

Wynkoop, Henry, 86.

Wyoming, 55; country, the, 54.

Yankee, 28 ; etymology of the word,
290.

Yankee Doodle, 28, 33.

Yankoos, 290.

Yager infantry, 213.

Yeardwell, Dr., 153.

York, 141, 128, 129; county, 8,
86, 87, 98, 172, 210.

York island, 103.

York river, 24.

Yorktown, 74, 128, 130, 150, 151,
161, 171, 178, 179, 188, 229 ;
330 Index.

Yorktown, letters read from com. of, | Young, Widow, 122.
743 paper, received,r81 5; Poll | Young, William, 140, 286.
living in, 194.

Young, 161. Do isgae teres 9 224.

Young, Capt,, 104. Zane, Isaac, 165.

Young, Dr., 46, 54, 62, 64, 65, | Zantzinger, Adam, 135, 195.
74, 81, 83, 98, 120. Zebulum, Mary, 287.

Young, James, 146. Zubly, Dr., 37.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 
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