^^» Class jEl2^5- o COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. THE LETTERS OF MOORE FURMAN This Edition is limited to Three Hundred and Fifty copies. THE LETTERS OF MOORE FURMAN DEPUTY QUARTER-MASTER, GENERAL OF NEW JERSEY IN THE REVOLUTION COMPILED AND EDITED WITH GENEALOGICAL NOTES BY THE HISTORICAL RESEARCH COMMIT- TEE OF THE NEW JERSEY SOCIETY OF THE COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA / PUBLISHED FOR THE SOCIETY BY FREDERICK H. HITCHCOCK NEW YORK MCMXII MrrF. a « Copyright 1912 By the New Jersey Society of the Colonial Dames FOREWORD. These letters, recently placed at our disposal, have seemed to us worthy of publication, because of the vivid personal way in which they touch upon the early years of our Republic. They show how desperate the struggle was to finance the armies of the revolting colonies ; they show how conscientious the men were who assumed this task and what an important factor they were in the ultimate success of their cause. After this military victory, they were forced to face and con- quer even more difficult problems ; a nation must be formed and a constitution framed. This time, — a time of intense party feeling, when the narrow ideas of the conservative clashed at every moment with the new thoughts and aspirations of the leader of the young democracy, — appears as contemporary history in these pages. We hear also far echoes of the world- shaping events from across the sea. Moore Furman belonged to the Democratic-Republican party and was among the progressive men of his time. To his letters a few by another hand have been added to give a more detailed picture of his life and times. So far as the sources of our notes have appeared in published form they are here noted ; some data, however, has been gleaned from unpublished letters kindly lent us by Mr. Herman Le Roy Edgar. The compilers would be indeed remiss if they sent out this publication without expressing their grateful appreci- ation of the kindness of those who have made their project an accomplished fact. We desire to thank all who have helped us, especially Mr. Edgar, to whom many of the original letters be- long; Dr. I. Minos Hays, of the American Philosophical So- ciety of Philadelphia, for the privilege of copying those in possession of his society; to Captain E. E, Rogers, of the Adjutant General's office in Trenton, N. J., and to Dr. Jordan, of the Pennsylvania Historical Society. The unfailing patience and the assistance of Miss Smith, Librarian of the Colonial Dames of New York ; Mr. Spofford, of the Pennsylvania His- Vi FOREWOED torical Society Library in Philadelphia; Miss Askew, of the New Jersey State Library, and the Librarian of the Public Li- brary of New York, as well as the wise advice of our publisher, Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, we desire also to gratefully acknowledge. Mary Scudder Jamieson, Mary Jackson Kearfoot, Anne de B. MacIlvaine, Chairman. Trenton, New Jersey. January, 1912. INTRODUCTION Moore Furman, the writer of the following letters, derives his descent from the family of Furman, which can be traced back through the gentry of Suffolk County, England, to the early part of the sixteenth century. The immediate ancestors of the emigrant, John Furman, came from Stoke Nayland, County Suffolk. John Furman came to Massachusetts in 1631 and was one of the original purchasers of Newtown, Long Island, in 1656, where he died in 1665. He had a wife, Mary, and children, Josias, John, a daughter who married a Beers and another who married a How. Josias married Sarah Strickland and was a Freeholder in Newtown in 1665 and Commissioner of Highways in 1700 and died 1709. He had sons, John, Josias, Joseph, David, Samuel and Jonathan. Samuel and his brothers Josias and Jonathan moved from Newtown to Hopewell Township, Province of New Jersey, and built there a substantial stone house at a point subsequently known as Furman's Corner. He had a wife, Elizabeth, and sons, Jonathan, Samuel and David, and died in 1753. Jonathan, who was of age in 1722, seems to have acquired much property, not only in Hopewell Township, but near Pitts- town, in Sussex County, and also in Burlington County. He married first Miss Moore of the family from Suffolk County, England, and second, Dinah, widow of Andrew Pettit, of Am- well, Hunterdon County, N. J. She was the mother of Deputy Quartermaster General Charles Pettit, of Philadelphia., Jonathan Furman had three children, Moore, Josias and Anne. Josias married Deborah Ringo, and Anne, Joseph Yard. Moore was bom May 1, 1728 at Hopewell, and spent his early days at the homestead. It is not known where he re- ceived his education, though his writings prove it was above the average of his day, the various changes in punctuation, spelling and capitalizing being the usual thing with gentle- vii viii Introduction men of education of his time. In 1757 he was already an active resident of Trenton, N. J. He was High Sheriff of Hunterdon County in 1757 and appointed Postmaster of Tren- ton in the same year. The year before he had been appointed one of the Commissioners for the JRelief of Prisoners Confined for Debt. He subscribed to the first magazine published in New Jersey, by James Parker, at Woodbridge, in 1757, and also to the first newspaper. The New Jersey Gazette, published by Isaac Collins in 1777, and received subscriptions for all im- portant pubhcations. When the Library Company was started at Trenton, March 27, 1759, he was made Secretary. He was a partner with Andrew Reed in the mercantile business in Tren- ton and was the manager of several important lotteries. The object of one was to repay money advanced by the Government for the settlement of Indian claims in New Jersey, of another to establish an English and Grammar School. In 1760 he was appointed a Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church and in 1762 its Treasurer. As early as 1756 he had bought property in Trenton and continued to acquire land there, also at Pitts- town, N. J., large tracts in Eastern Pennsylvania and several hundred acres at Saratoga and Ballstown, N. Y. In 1762 he removed to Philadelphia, forming with William Coxe, Mayor of Philadelphia, the firm of Coxe & Furman, later admitting the Mayor's distinguished son, Tench Coxe, the firm then be- coming Coxe, Furman & Coxe, the leading importers of the city, with warehouses occupying the Arch Street wharf, Phila- delphia. The members of the firm appear as signers of the Non- importation Act in 1765. In 1771 Mr. Furman became in- volved in a difference with another merchant in Philadelphia, whom he and his former partner, Mr. Reed, accused of unfair dealings. The matter got into the public print and resulted in a challenge to a duel. Mr. Furman's letter in answer is worth reprinting here: "Sir: "I received yours this morning, by which I find you have construed my forbearance to make any reply to the piece you have published (which was really omitted out of tenderness to you) as a token of guilt. 'Tis true, you don't mention my name, but you now declare me, by your letter, the person who has injured you. I will therefore immediately set myself about Introduction ix collecting such proof as is necessary to support what I have said and as soon as convenient, lay them before the public. If in any one point, I find myself mistaken, I shall cheerfully acknowledge it. As to your proposal, I do not think it is a proper way to settle the matter. The loss of life will only show madness and not establish or regain character. Both you and I have families, whom we are under the most solemn obligation to support as long as it is in our power. To face the world and do that is true courage. If in a short time, I should fail to give both you and the public satisfaction, you will have an opportunity of seeing me hereafter as frequently in every place where my business calls me, as you have hereto- fore. "Your humble servant, "M. Furman." Monday, 12 o'clock. The Pennsylvania Journal, Oct. 31, 1771. He was appointed one of the Captains of the Philadelphia Associators, Third Battalion, on its founding in 1775, with John Cadwalader, Colonel. In allusion to the gentility of the members it was called "The Silk Stocking Company." They drilled twice a day, usually on Col. Cadwalader's lawn, who hospitably set out his wines for their refreshment. Later they were Washington's Guards in New York. In 1778, Moore Furman removed to his estate at Pittstown, N. J., where he had built a village, having named it in honor of Sir William Pitt. He established there a nail factory, distillery, flour mills and a general store, besides a hotel and dwelling houses. In the pre- vious year, he sent a present of ten barrels of flour from his mills to Gen. Washington at Morristown. During the time lie served as Department Quartermaster General, he lived either at Pittstown, Trenton or Lamberton. He was Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1777-1785 and Justice from 1781- 1786. He anticipated legislation by voluntarily freeing his slaves and was the first to take that step in the vicinity. In the Hunterdon County Clerk's Office the following record is found, January 7, 1784: "To All Christian People To Whom These Presents Shall Come : X Introduction "I, Moore Furman being convinced of the iniquity and inhu- manity of slavery and desirous of discouraging the same, have manumitted my negroman slave, Thomas, and do by these pres- ents, manumit, set free and discharge my negro man Thomas from all bonds and slavery to me, my heirs and assigns for- ever. "Signed, "MooBE Furman." In 1778, he was appointed one of the Commissioners from New Jersey to meet delegates from the Eastern and Middle States to devise some way of arresting the depreciation of cur- rency. He was also appointed in 1790 a Commissioner re- specting the jurisdiction of the Islands in the Delaware and to examine the channel of the river. In 1791, he was commis- sioned to buy land for the seat of government in Trenton. In 1792, he was made first Mayor of Trenton by appoint- ment of the Legislature, "an honor which he bore with energy and uprightness." His last political appointment was that of Presidential Elector in 1805. Moore Furman married at Christ Church, Philadelphia, on March 17, 1767, Sarah, daughter of Townsend White and his wife, Ann Renaudet. The Misses White were counted among Philadelphia belles, Nancy White being one of the most beau- tiful women who took part in the Mischianza. Her Knight was the Earl of Cathcart. While Mrs. Furman's family were loy- alists, she was fully in sympathy with her patriotic husband, and very energetic in her efforts to assist the cause of freedom. On July 4, 1780, a committee was appointed in New Jersey "for the purpose of promoting a subscription for the relief and encouragement of the brave men in the Continental Army, who, regardless of danger, have so repeatedly suffered, fought and bled in the cause of virtue and their oppressed country." Mrs. Furman was appointed the Treasurer for New Jersey. The other members of the committee were Mrs. Dickinson, Mrs.^Cox, Miss Cadwalader and Mrs. Col. Thompson of Sussex. They had four children, Adrian, John, Maria and Moore, all of whom died while still young and unmarried, with the excep- tion of his daughter, Maria, who married Peter Hunt, the nephew of his former partner, Abraham Hunt, successor tO' Andrew Reed. Introduction xi After Mr. Furman's return to Trenton, he was again elected Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, which oflSce he held until his death. He was deeply interested in the welfare of the church, and on its rebuilding in 1804 was one of the committee to prepare plans and one of the largest contributors to it. He died March 16, 1808, and is buried in the graveyard of the First Presbyterian Church. The Pastor said at his funeral: "The congregation well knows his long and faithful services as a zealous supporter and Trustee of the concerns and interests of this church. In the Revolution, he was known as a faithful friend of his country and was entrusted by country and Commander-in-Chief of our Revolutionary Army, — whose friendship was honor indeed, — in offices and departments, the most profitable and important of his life." In the Federalist of that date appeared an obituary, considered by his family and friends a just tribute to his character. An abstract from it follows : "By his diligence, integrity and providence, he acquired a handsome fortune with the most unsullied reputation, and the liberality of his disposition was at all times equal to the ample means which Providence had bestowed upon him. His heart and hand were always open to acts of generosity and benevo- lence. Before the commencement of our Revolutionary difficul- ties, he had filled several important oflUces with credit to himself and to the high satisfaction of the public. "In that arduous struggle, he took an early and active part in favor of the liberty of his country, and during the contest he executed with distinguished fidelity and zeal the duties of several interesting and confidential stations. After its termi- nation, his exertions were devoted to the benefit and service of his fellow citizens until the weight of declining years induced him to seek in the quiet shades of retirement the tranquillity due his age and virtues. Of the most mild and conciliatory manner and the most amicable deportment, he acquired and preserved universal esteem and affection." References xiii REFERENCES: Unpublished letter in Pennsylvania Historical Society. Essex Institutes. Wills and Deeds in Secretary of State's Office, N. J. Archives of New Jersey. History of Hunterdon County, N. J., Civil Lists. History of Trenton. Raum. History of the First Presbyterian Church, Trenton, N. J., Hall. Annals of Philadelphia. Watson. Memoirs. Graydon. Archives of Pennsylvania. Colonial Documents of Pennsylvania. History of Newtown, L. I. Riker. Pennsylvania Magazine. Article by Dr. Race. ERRATA. Pao-e 95, line 6, of the footnote, read "bora about 1735 and married Rebecca." Page 120, footnote. The General Heard referred to in the letter wts John, son of General Nathaniel Heard. He was Lieutenant in Movlan's Re^giment, Continental Army, Jan. 20, 1777; Captain, Feb. 8, 1778. He was appointed Marshall of New Jersey, 1802, and Collector of Customs Perth Amboy, 1806. He had a daughter, Margaretta, who manned H. Slack. He died in Woodbridge, New Jersey, in 1826. THE LETTERS OF MOORE FURMAN THE LETTERS Trenton 7th May 1779. Sir — I am very sorry I had not the pleasure of seeing you at my house. Col. Biddle's letter came too late for me to get home that night & concluded you would not stay all the next day and therefore concluded my return then would be too late. The want of money prevents my being able to execute orders as it would be in my power to do with good Supplies. I have received none since about 5th of last month & then but a small Sum hardly a dollar in the hands of the Department in this State and all Calling in the most pressing manner. I sent an Express down to Phila as soon as I came here who is not re- turned, hope he will bring some — I could send about Sixty Wagons immediately but cannot get drivers the People not liking to go to the Army and receiving higher wages at home. I can send about forty teams next week and if money comes today about Fifty Horses will make up as many wagons or harness after this without further orders — & Suppose the Com- missary General will send orders respecting the forwarding the Flour &ct. when any here, at present believe there is not a bar- rel of flour or pork at this Post. There are about two hundred teams Private Property now in the Service at this Post and will take in all I can get. more it will be easy to fix Conveni- ent routes for the teams to the North River but how to get a Supply of Forage I know not. I will get all I can carried by the barrel or ton but Forage is so nearly gone between here and the North River that fear little will be done by Chance Teams. Mr. Caldwell writes me he has resigned and I shall not be able to keep many more unless their Salarys are Raised. Col. Cox^ advises me to do it. I wish for your Approbation — hope to be at Morris Town soon also Spring field, believe Majr Marsh will do very well in that County if he will undertake if not Avill get another. The Assembly of the State appears to iJohn Cox, son of William Cox and Catherine Longfeldt, his wife, was born August, 1731, married November 16, 1760, Esther, daughter of Sir 3 4 The Letters of Moore Furman be very willing to give every aid to the Army in their power but don't find they think any further laws are necessary for collect- ing Forage those already in Force being Sufficient to Collect what there is in the State at the Current prices and they don't think it reason to limit the prices in this State while others are left free — Indeed its of very Little Consequence whether it be fixed or not for the little in the State but wish to see some Lim- itation to All Supplies necessary for the Army before the next Crop comes in for if something is not done that will fix some bounds to the prices fear it will take more Continental money to purchase than can possibly be made — I am Sir yr. most Obt Humble Servt ^Honble Maj. Genl M. Furman D. Q. M. G. Nathl Green. Q. M. G, Camp. Francis Bowes and Rachel Chevalier, his wife, and died April 28, 1793. Col. Cox was a merchant in Philadelphia, living in a large house on Third Street, but at the beginning of the war he moved to Bloomsbury, Trenton, N. J. He was very active during the Revolution as Assistant Quartermaster General as well as Colonel. He and his brother William wei'e owners of the Batsto Iron Works near Burlington, N. J., also the "New Mill" near Mount Holly, where they made cannon balls, kettles and nails for the Continental Army. His large family of daughters were noted for their wit and beauty. His children were: Rachel, born in 1761, married John Stevens of Ho- boken. Catherine, born in 1764, married (1st) Samuel Witham Stockton; (2d) Nathaniel Sayre Harris; Esther, born 1767, married Francis Barton; John Bowes, d. y. ; Mary, born 1775, married Col. James Chestnut of South Carolina. Sarah married John Redman Coxe, Elizabeth married Hon. Horace Binney. 2Nathaniel Greene, son of Nathaniel Greene and Mary, daughter of Jacob and Rest (Perry) Mott, was born July 27th, 1742, married Kather- ine, daughter of John Uttlefield and Phebe Ray, and died in Georgia June 19, 1786, on the plantation presented him by the state for his great services. General Greene's life was a very distinguished one and his Revolutionary record one of continuous and devoted service. He was appointed Quar- termaster General March 2. 1776, and Commander of the Army of the Southern Department Oct. 14, 1780. His triumphal entry into Charles- ton occurred Dec. 14, 1782. Washington wrote to Congress when hostili- ties were about to cease, of the sense he entertained of the extraordinary abilities, bravery and prudence displayed by General Greene in conducting the operations in the Southern Department. His children were: George Washington, born about 1775; Martha Wash- ington, born 1777; married (1) John Corlis Nightingale, (2) Dr. Henry E. The Letters of Moore Furman 6 Pitts Town May 10, 1779. Sir Your favour of yesterday followed me here from Trenton. Tomorrow morning I forward Twenty Horses about half of them are suitable for the Saddle — ^Major Gordon will also for- ward a few from Trenton the latter end of the week if he is in Luck. — Mary are the mistakes which happen in forward- ing the Commissary Stores. I understand all the Salt Beef at every Post in this State And also what came from Phila to Trenton was ordered to Camp but upwards of a hundred Bar- rels of it has been lately sent here the greatest part from Tren- ton, by such management much more carting is done then nec- essary — I know not at whose door to lay this. In a day or two I expect a Brigade of Teams here by whom shall forward what Beef there is in this Magazine and as the Teams come up from Trenton with flour to be deposited here send them on to Camp with Beef and Bread until its all forwarded — If the Salt provisions comes from the Southward to Trenton I am per- suaded I can call in sufficient assistance to what Teams may be in the service to make a push at any time that a larger Quan- tity than Common may be wanted. I expect the pleasure to wait on you Wednesday. & am Sir Yr most obt Humble Servant by J. A. Nugent M. Furman 17 Horses. Turner; Cornelia Lott, born 1779, married (1) Peyton Skipwith, (2) Ed- ward Brinley Littlefield; Nathaniel Ray, born 1780, married Anna Maria Oarke; Louise Catherine, married Mr. Shaw. sPeter Gordon, son of Peter Gordon and Mary, daughter of Archibald Craig of Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey, born 1745, and married Susanna, daughter of Wilson Hunt and Susanna Price, his wife. He was appointed Captain of the First Regiment, Hunterdon Brigade, July 25, 1776; Assistant Quartermaster, Quartermaster and Major of Militia. He was appointed commissioner for damages sustained by the inhabitants of New Jersey, 1781; State Treasurer, 1803-21 for eighteen years; Postmaster, 1801. He was an incorporator of the Trenton Water Works, 1803; one of the first inspectors of State Prison; Treasurer of the Trenton Delaware Bridge Co. in 1805. He became Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton and Trustee in 1804, and was director of the Trenton Banking Co. for many years. 6 The Letters of Moore Furman Tuesday Morning May 11, 1779. Good Sir: I received your favour by the wagon master of the Park* this morning near one o'clock, for Eighteen Horses and am Happy that I had it in my power to dispatch him with that Number by half past Two. so that he will be in with them with- in the time Given him to return. I now send Seventeen more some good & some I think very good for the saddle, the re- mainder good for the Draft and hope will please I am Sir Yr most obt Servant M. Furman Pitts Town May 30th 1779. Sir I send you by Samuel Geary 48 Team Horses in good Order for Business also ten Saddle Horses some of them say Clever. Two Brigades of Continental Teams goes from here to Day to Joyn the Army — Three more goes from Trenton which will make up about Forty five teams — The Horses are in good health & Spirits and having been in run for some time are able to endure more Grief than those with more Flesh taken from Pasture — I propose keeping some Horses in the State to re- lieve those in the Brigades raised by me some time hence and should they remain within any convenient Distance I shall be glad and believe will be very agreeable to them to have the Paying and Cloathing the Waggoners. I shall proceed to make up the Ten Brigades that was ordered to be raised in this State as fast as possible which I could soon accomplish if team- sters were plenty but that is not the case. I am Sir Your Most obt Humble Servant M. Furman D. Q. M. G. P. S. The Horses intended for the Saddle have strayed since writ- ing the above but will be forwarded as soon as found. Some of the above may answer for riding 4At Plukemin. The Letters of Moore Furman 7 Majr Genl N. Greene Q. M. General Clement Biddle Capt. Young John Cox Mr, Pommeroy Col Stewart — Georgia Greene Col Hooper Stirling. Col Berry Pitts Town, June 9th, 1779. Good Sir: — I have got the lads together and they now go cheerfully to receive your commands. Their willingness to return makes it natural to suppose what has happened has been owing to their mistake and therefore if they behave well for the future hope you will look over thats past. They really behaved well before they went to camp and I took good care of their horses. I just met with five horses and two mares which I forward to you and which you will please to receive. Send me acct. I have not a man at present to send with them. The teams also you will please to send me acct. for by some good hand and you will oblige Your Obedt. M. Furman. P. S. I suppose the two mares are too small for the wagon but will do to ride. The five horses are sizeable. Have just seen Thomas Howell W. M. who is really not fit to move yet — please to let me know if wanted there. If not I will employ him to try for some work teamsters — Case the W. M. is I think near his end with the small pox and one of his teamsters, as soon as the rest of the lads come in will try to send them on. Many of these have not had the small pox and a great part of their unwillingness to go to camp proceeds from that. If possible let them not be exposed to it. N. B. Since this was written five horses and two mares have been sent with the above — making in all fourteen. ^Col. James Thompson W. M. Gen'l. Pitts Town, June 9, 1779. Sir: Your favours of the 2d 4th and 5th instant is before me. I Bjames Thompson was Wagon Master General for the New Jersey State Militia. 8 The Letters of Moore Fueman have given all possible assistance at the late camp both in wagons to carry the stores and horses for the Park and hope all will be done in tolerable time and without accident. This will be handed you by Mr. Burnside who takes it around to wait on you and acquaint you particularly with our present circumstances also to stop and assist awhile if necessary at Morris Town or any other Post. He will also call on the Mag- istrates when he finds the roads bad and urge them to make them good. The Post at Morris Town has been attended with more dif- ficulty to manage since my appointment than all the rest which makes one incline to believe everybody doesn't study to be quiet and mind their own business, there was a complaint against °Mr. Lindsley who was in office there when I first came in which I never could find the least foundation for though often called on the complainant for that purpose. There are now com- plaints against Mr. Lewis who from what experience I have had of him is both capable and very attentive to his business and as I am well informed has as much influence in that county as any man in it. His sentiment is faithful to the cause which may in some measure appear by his being many thousand dol- lars in advance for the public which is also the case with myself and many others in the Department at this time. I am sorry to mention this to you Sir because you have trouble enough without it but it is truly the case and makes it more difficult to transact business for bad as the money is its wanted — which I am glad to hear and Avill be more so wanted when the heavy boxes come on. But Sir with respect to the post of Morris Town I wish to satisfy all particularly yourself, all things considered I am of GBenjamin Lindsley, son of Jonathan Lindsley, was born Feb. 22, 1731, married Sarah Kitchel, and died November 8, 1815. He was a prominent member of his community in Essex County, New Jersey, serving for some years as Justice of the Peace and being con- nected with different committees for the public welfare. During the Revolution he served first as Assistant Quartermaster and later as Quar- termaster. His children were: Joseph, born 1761, married (1) Sarah Lindsley, (2) Phebe Rodgers ; Jonathan, born 1762, married (1) Jemima Stiles, (2) Han- nah Rodgers; Hannah, born 1765, married William Burnet; Jane, born 1768, married Silas Lindsley; Mary, born 1771; Timothy, born 1773, died young; Elizabeth, born 1775; Latta, born 1778. The Letters of Moore Furman 9 the opinion no man can be got that will do better if so well but notwithstanding that I will change him if you desire it. I was last week at Trenton while there applied to the ^Gov- ernor, Council and Assembly for aid in our difficulty, they say the laws is sufficient for the purpose and as soon as I receive their answer set about trying them and hope to do something with their help but more from the good will of the friends to the cause — for three days past I have been uneasy but am this day relieved a little by the appearance of two brigades of wagons from Trenton going to Chester with flour and Major Gordon writes me he hopes to load one hundred wagons this week for the same route besides what is going toward Morris Town so that I hope the army will have a supply in time which will give me very great pleasure indeed. The provisions that was at this Post were chiefly sent on to Easton about sixty barrels of pork that are left here I expect will begin to move on today. I have advised ^Col. Hooper of the provisions ordered through Sussex that he may have wagons in readiness to receive and forward them. Wish it was in my power to lay them all down at Chester but that fear will not be the case as much as possible shall be carried on by the same wagons that take it up. But some of the farmers teams are not able and some not willing ^William Livingston, son of Philip Livingston and Catherine Brugh, his wife, was born 1723, married Susanna, daughter of Philip French and Susanna Brockholst, his wife, and died at Elizabethtown July 17, 1790. He was graduated from Yale College in 1741 and studied law in New York with James Alexander. He was a delegate to the First General Congress in 1774, a member of the Committee of Correspondence in 1774, and elected Governor of the State of New Jersey on August 31, 1776, and served until 1790, residing for three years in Trenton. Previously he had been Commander-in-Chief of New Jersey Troops in 1775. In 1787 he was a delegate to the Convention which formed the Constitution of the United States. He was literary in his tastes and author of a number of brilliant and convincing pamphlets on subjects of the time. His children were: Susanna, born 1748, married John Cleve Symmes; Catherine, born 1751, married (1) Mathew Ridley, (2) Robert Livingston; Mary, born 1753, married James Linn; William, born 1754, married Mary Lennington; Philip Van Brugh, born 1756, died young; Sarah Van Brugh, married John Jay; Henry Brockholst, born 1757, married (1) Catherine Keteltas, (2) Ann Ludlow, (3) Catherine Leaman. widow of John Kort- right; Judith, born 1758, married John Watkins; Phib'p French, born 1760; John Lawrence, born 1762, and Elizabeth Clarkson, born 1764, died young. sRobert Lettis Hooper, son of Robert Lettis Hooper, Chief Justice of 10 The Letters of Mooee Furman to go far and the law impowers us to keep but six days. I wanted our Legislature to lengthen the time but they have not done it. the greatest difficulty I have to struggle with is the want of forage. For the present I have got a supply of pasturage and when that can't be got have taken meadow and cut the grass but this can't last long near the roads and with short forage it will be hard pushing them on long as the horses must wear down fast. As soon as I get everything in clever motion — until then I must stay here that everybody may know where to find me — • I will go down and consult Col Cox and Major Gordon when I shall be able to make some estimate near the mark of what can be sent weekly to Suiferan's or any other plan you may order. I will try to lessen the quantity of grain to be given to the teams for a time to let some go on to Morris Town but at pres- ent there is not enough at Trenton to give the teams that start from that Post more than half allowance, how it will come up hereafter I don't know I have none here, the teams go on and live on grass. I have already made my letter too long for busy times must refer you to Mr. Burnside for inteligence in other matters and so Heaven preserve you all. depend I do all in my power. I am Sir Your most obt. Humble Serv't M. Furman, The Honorable D. Q. M. Gen'l. Nathl. Green, Q. M. Gen'l. New Jersey, and Sarah, his wife, was born in 1731, married (1) Margaret, daughter of Daniel Biles and Elizabeth Lambert; (2) Elizabeth, widow of Robert Erskine, and died at Belleville, Trenton, N. J., July 30, 1797. Mr. Hooper purchased large tracts of land in Northampton and Bed- ford Counties, Pennsylvania, and lived part of his life near Easton. He became Deputy Quartermaster General in the Revolution for Northamp- ton County, Pennsylvania, and Sussex County, New Jersey, and also was one of the Superintendents of Magazines for the Eastern Department. He went with Sullivan's army against the Six Nations as Assistant Com- missary of Provisions. General Washington esteemed his opinion of such value that he wrote him asking his advice as to the best way of reaching the Six Nations. The Letters op Moore Furman 11 Pitts Town, June 28th, 1779. Sir: Mr. Caldwell has procured a Petition signed by 'Stephen Crane ^"William Burnett and "Joseph Hedden Judges of the He was partner in the Durham Iron Works and acquired the Ringwood Works by marrying the widow of Robert Erskine, the former owner. He was an active citizen of Trenton and laid out Millhill and Bloomsbury, which are now parts of the city. He was Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 1784-85, and Vice-president of the Legislative Council in 1796. ^Stephen Crane, son of Daniel Crane and Hannah Miller, his wife, was born 1709, married Phebe , and died June 23, 1780. In 1743 Mr. Crane was sent as a commissioner to the King with the complaint of the citizens against the Proprietors. He was again and again appointed to office in Elizabethtown, where he was Mayor, 1774; High Sheriff and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas; Speaker of the House in 1771, and Speaker of the Assembly in 1775. He was appointed a member of the Committee of Correspondence, 1774, and a delegate to the First Continental Congress. His children were: Daniel, born 1735; Stephen, married (1) Phebe Morse, (2) Jane Haines (Harris?) ; Elizabeth, born 1740, married Stephen Bonnel; David, born 1742, married (1) Anne Sayre, (2) Agnes Neaty Cooper; William, born 1747, married Abigail Miller; Phebe, born 1750, married Captain Jacob Crane; Joseph, born 1752, married (1) Susanna Ross, (2) Margaret Van Vechten; Jonathan, born 1754; Catherine, born 1756. lOWilliam Burnet, son of Ichabod Burnet, M.D., and Hannah, his wife, was born in 1730, married (1), 1754, Mary, daughter of Nathaniel Camp; (2) Gertrude, daughter of Nicholas Gouverneur and widow of Anthony Rutgers, and died in 1791. He was graduated from the College of New Jersey at Elizabethtown, N. J., in 1749. He was appointed Chairman of the Committee of Safety, 1775, a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1776, and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He served to the close of the War of the Revo- lution as Surgeon-General of the Eastern Division with great distinction. He lost much property as a result of the enemies' depredations, including a valuable library. His children were: William, married Joanna Ailing; Ichabod; Nathaniel; John; Hannah, married Abraham Kinney; Sarah; Mary; James; Eliza- beth; Jacob, married Rebecca Wallace; George Whitefield, iiJoseph Hedden, son of Joseph Hedden and Rebecca Dod, daughter of Samuel Dod, of Newark, N. J., was born 1738, married (1) Abigail ; (2) Sarah Canfield, and died Sept. 27, 1780. He was a prominent citizen of Newark, and took an active part in resisting the encroachments of the British. He was appointed one of the Commissioners for Essex County for confiscating the estates of the Tories J. 2 The Letters of Mooee Furman Court and ^Thilip Van Courtland, Col. "Samuel Hays Major and "Caleb Dod Major of the Militia of Essex against your conduct particularly that of giving fifty pounds for Hay not- withstanding that I wrote you respecting the price given in and was greatly hated by the enemy. In January, 1780, a body of the British surrounded his house and took him prisoner. He was marched across the ice at Paulus Hook and thrown into the Sugar House Prison, Here he was confined for several months and suffered such cruel treatment that he died as the result. His children were: William, Moses, Israel, James, Isaac, Sarah, married John N. Cummings. isphilip Van Courtlandt, son of Pierre Van Courtlandt, was born Sep- tember 1, 1739, and died Nov. 5, 1831. He graduated from Kings College in 1758. He was commissioned Major in 1779 in the Essex County Regiment, appointed Colonel and served with distinction with Gen. Sullivan in the campaign against the Indians of Western New York. He was at the siege of Yorktown. For important services Congress conferred on him the rank of Brigadier Gen- eral. He represented his district in Congress for sixteen years, and died unmarried. The latter part of his life was devoted to agriculture. He served in both houses of New York Assembly. In 1793, and for many years, he was Treasurer of the Cincinnati, and when Lafayette visited the States he ac- companied him on his travels. isSamuel Hays, son of Joseph Hays and Elizabeth Say, was born 1729, married Sarah Bruen, and died June 1, 1811. He took an active part in the Revolution and was a distinguished officer. Previously he had served as Deputy Surveyor for East Jersey in 1759. He was appointed Adjutant Second Regiment of Essex Militia, Feb. 9, 1776, and First Major March 15, 1777. He gained the special enmity of the Tories because of his activity as a Commissioner for forfeiting estates, and was made a prisoner July, 1780, and thrown in the Sugar House in New York, where he was detained for some time before exchanged. After the war he was an active and prominent citizen of Newark, N. J. His children were: Bruen; Phebe, married Tabor Piei'son; Hannah, married Samuel Congar; Sarah, married Samuel Pennington; Samuel. i4Caleb Dod, son of Daniel Dod and Sarah, daughter of Samuel Ailing, of Newark, N. J., was born May 26, 1740, married Mary Harrison, daugh- ter of Moses Harrison, and died at Caldwell in 1780. He served in the Revolution with distinction as Major of the Militia of Essex County, New Jersey. His children were: Elijah, born 1761, married Lois Williams; Rebecca, born 1763, married Joseph Batterson; Annah, born 1765, married William Burnet; Jabish, born 1767, died young; Sarah, born 1769, married John Mead; Abby, born 1773, married Jabez Harrison; Caleb, born 1775, mar- ried Mary Bates; Mary, born 1777, married Capt. William Bates. The Letters of Moore Furman 1-3 other States and in other parts of this, you must recollect that it has always been my advice and conduct to conform to the Laws and Regulations of this State so far as they extend to effect the business of my appointments and am very sorry you have omitted the application to the Magistrates for fixing some price on Hay in Bergen, the Court have fixed thirty pounds in Morris, the Court meets next week when they are to fix a price and suppose the same steps is or will be taken in Som- erset and other Counties. I am extremely sorry for this mis- take — Mr. Burnside goes on with this and will assist and ad- vise in getting put on proper footing, shall meet Mr. Caldwell there. I beg you will call on the Magistrates by a written application and if possible get their order respecting the price to be given on Hay in writing within the two counties of Mid- dlesex and Essex and let me hear from you as soon as possible. Mr. Burnside will assist — in haste. I am your Humble Servant, ^^Major Danl. Marsh, Moore Furman A. Q. M. Rahway. ^Titts Town, August 16th, 1779. Sir: I have yours of the 13th. instant shall forward to you what Iron & Horse Show I have for the Army as soon as possible, the very pressing calls for provisions has prevented its being sent before. The teams in the service both Cont'l. and Private Property are mostly worn out for want of Short Forage which they have traveled without for many weeks or however with so Little that they could not stand the Service and its to get out isDaniel Marsh of Middlesex County, New Jersey, married Elizabeth Smith Vail and died in 1814. He was appointed Assistant Quartermaster, Quartermaster and Quarter- master General and was stationed at Westfield and Rahway, 1778-80. He was also Major of the Militia, and in July, 1779, was appointed Commis- sioner of forfeited estates and after the war a Collector of Customs at Perth Amboy, 1801. Mrs. Marsh was a member of the Ladies' Committee from Middlesex County to raise contributions for the Continental soldiers. He had several children. isPittstown, on a tributary of the Raritan, eight miles northwest from Flemington and thirty-one from Trenton. 14 The Letters of Moore Furman the Farmers Teams which if possible ought not to be call'd on as it is both public and private Loss to take them from the plow — I cannot hear of any Refined Iron at the price you men- tioned. Suppose I can furnish some at about Six Hundred pounds and forward agreeable to your Desire as soon as Teams can be spared from the Commissary Service, if you cannot buy cheaper please to let me know and I will endeavor to Se- cure and forward what is to be had — I am Sir Your Huml. Sert. Moore Furman Colo. Howell. P. S. Since writing the foregoing I have copy of your — Complaint lodged with Colo. Cox against Joseph Levvis Esq Q. M. at Morris Town which Contains Several Charges. I wish to have the Public Business in the Q. M. G. Department done Faithfully and those who do not act so in it to be — Dis- continued, you & Mr. Gamble Lodged it a Verible Complaint before against him which was not supported and then Mr. Lewis Continued in Office and now you having repeated the matter it will appear to those unacquainted with it that you cannot be heard which will reflect on me as well as others. I must now Desire and Expect that this matter has a fair hear- ing before Colo. Cox at Trenton to whom the Complaint is made and have accordingly forwarded Copy of your Complaint to Mr. Lewis that he may have an Opportunity of preparing for Tryal. you will please to fix on a time when it will suit you to prosecute this matter that I may give Mr. Lewis notice to attend myself, I am Sir Your humble Servt. M. Furman. Pitts Town, August 23d, 1779. Sir:— I received your favour and am very glad to hear you are re- covering. If candor and friendship is not to be found under a black suit where are we to look for it. I think however you are right The Letters of Moore Furman 15 to consult him as the mouth of the Committee of that County and fix as near their mark as you can. having their approba- tion will be a good post to start from however and after that you will be obliged to walk by the old rule that of buying as cheap as you can. Colonel Biddle writes me in the most pressing manner to re- move as much as possible from near the Sound all Forage and Public Property which I have often mentioned to you and now pray your particular attention to. The horses will soon be sent for which will relieve you from some trouble and if any other horses fall into your hands not immediately wanted you will please to forward them to him. I am Sir Your Humble Servant, Moore Furman. Major Danl. Marsh, Rahway. Pitts Town, August 29th, 1779. Sir: — Having some conversation among the people at this Post about The Flour Coming forward from Trenton I stept in to see it — and think you should know it as there appears to be an unfair Trade Carring on by somebody several barrels were ex- amined one of the lightest was weighed and proved to Contain 1: O: 11 Flour. — the Head appeared to have been taken out the Center Scooped out and sides standing by which it appears that the Flour has been properly packed at first and plundered Since — Should not all the Pro^dsions be inspected at Trenton as the Cartage is a very Expensive article and paying as much for transport taxation for a Barrel half full as if it were full is worthy of attention besides the Loss of the Flour — This matter requires attention if all were to Start from you in good order it might more easily be discovered who was the plunderer. One of the Waggoners here as I am told being asked how it happened that he took loading in so bad order Said that he Objected to it when it was delivered to him but was told he would be paid for Carting a Barrel and had nothing to do with what was in it — ^^Mr. Dunlop at Sussex Co. House fill up flour Bble, that's "Edward Dunlop of Sussex County, New Jersey, married Sarah Helme 16 The Letters of Mooee Furman part out and by a return he made last week mentions 21 bbls. Lost but don't know in what manner. I am Sir Your Humh Ser. Moore Furman ^^Mr. Stephen Lowrey, Trenton. Pitts Town Sept. 13, 1779. Sir:— I have yours of the 10 Just with the Amt. for July & Aug. which I have looked over, it no doubt would be wise to lay up Wood for next winter as its more then probable the Public will want some then but its very uncertain whether I shall have any Concern with the Department then or not. I rather think not. nor can I get money to pay for Articles long after they are Consumed much less lay in a stock before hand. I had a small Supply last week but so many waiting that its all gone except what will be expended at this Post in a few days. I expect more soon and shall remember you in my next Dividend — But upon looking over your Accounts I find them made up in such a manner as that they will not pass from me. they are all Cer- tified and paid by yourself without giving the least knowledge how or by whom the Articles are Consumed, no receipts from any one for the Wood nor Issuing Forages, Accts, & vouchers for the Forage, these things must be furnish'd before the Ac- counts can be allowed & therefore you will collect & forward them immediately. In the return of persons employed at your Post you omit their pay subsistance & rations which is as nec- essary as their names & Rank. I am very easy indeed at any man's suspicions respecting the public money put into my hands and am ready to show any on Sept. 23, 1768. He was appointed delegate to the Convention at New Brunswick July 23, 1774. He was Paymaster in the Revolution and Commissary of Issues. isStephen Lowrey, from Maryland, came to Trenton, N. J., before the Revolution, and married Sarah, daughter of Elihu Spencer, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. He was Commissary of Issues at Trenton, from 1770 to 1780, and Sheriif. After the war, he was a banker and broker in Trenton and one of the founders of the Trenton Academy. The Letters of Moore Furman 17 Hour of mj life that I have divided all and more than all that belong to the Public among the People employed in this State. ^^Cap't Lyons accounts must be pass'd along to me for ex- amination with the Vouchers for the expenditure of the Wood & I can then say what will be done in it, I beg you to let me have those Vouchers for the Expenditure of the Wood & ca. Charged & paid for by you & the Forage Issuer's. Issuer's accots. & Vouchers— if Convenient shall be glad to see you here between this & Thursday as I shall be ab- sent after that for a few days tho Mr. Burnside will be at home. I have lately received very particular instructions indeed re- specting the future conduct and Accounts of every person act- ing in the Q. Master & Forageing Department which it will be necessary for you to know and understand well and therefore think you had better take a ride here, shall make out an Ab- stract for you & forward if you don't come — I suppose you had the Choice or recommendation of the Forage Issuer there and that he is under your direction. If so it will be expected that you see to what he receives and issues and always have his accounts made up monthly & forward with your's — all Accots. & returns must be made up at the Expiration of every month or they will not be received — I have not fully examin'd your Account Current but see the last article of 1,000 dollars should have been 9,000 you having given Mr. Burnside a receipt for that. I beg your immediate attention to these things as I am mak- ing up my accounts as fast as in my power. It gives me pleasure to hear those enemies to Mankind are about to leave us I long much to see it that I may see peace to America before I die. I am Sir Your most humble Servt. M. Furman. ^^Majr. M. Williamson. 19 Abraham Lyons was the son of Abraham Lyons of Newark, N. J., and married Phebe Eddy. December 7, 1774, the planters of Newark held a meeting to evince loyalty to the Colonies and a Committee was appointed to further matters, of which he was an active member. He was Captain of the Fourth Battalion in November 28, 1776, of the Continental Army, and also Captain of the Militia. He was at the battles of Short Hills on June 26, 1776; Brandywine, Sept. 7, 1777; Germantown, Oct. 4, 1777; Monmouth, 18 The Letters or Moore Furman Pitts Town, Oct. 13th, 1779. Sir: I reed, yours of the 10th inst. I am amazed at the Prices you mention for the Articles of Forage wanted — I have done all in my Power to keep the Prices down but in vain, in my last Letter I Advised not giving above a certain Price for the several Articles of Forage but at the same time leave you at liberty to purchase on the best Terms you can which I again desire you will do being particularly careful to purchase as cheap as you can & if possible below the Prices in the Neigh- boring States. There is very pressing orders lately from his Excellency Genl. Washington to have a good Quantity of Forage of all Sorts laid in to supply the Army if they should return into this State this Winter which may be the Case if not to send forw'ard to them in York State. You will therefore proceed to purchase what you can on the best terms in your Power not doubting but you will do the best you can for the Public in whose service you are now engaged — You will call on Captn. Dillon for a Return of the Forage he has on Hand and send it to Major Gordon as soon as possible — which will much oblige Your mo't. Humble Servant M. Furman You will correspond with Mr. Tagart & try to give one price for Forage. ^^Saml. Flanaghan A. Q. M. Glouster County. June 28, 1778, and retired Feb. 11, 1779. His will was dated Jan. 39, 1793, and the children mentioned were: Sarah Brant and Elizabeth, who married Lemel Pierson. aoMathias Williamson, son of Gen. Mathias Williamson and Susanna Halstead, was born at Elizabethtown, N. J. He graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1771. He was Assistant Quartermaster and Quartermaster. 2iSamuel Flanaghan, or Flanningham, was the son of George Flaningham and Sarah Jennings, his wife. He married Hannah Woolston Oct. 15, 1768. They were both of Gloucester County, New Jersey. He belonged to the Continental Army and was commissioned Feb. 9, The Letters of Moore Furman 19 Pitts Town, September 13th, 1779. Sir:— Your favour of the 8th is before me and observe the Con- tents — your Account is examined and approved and am obhged to you for your attention to the Southard where very httle has yet or is Likely to be done. Respecting the price of Forage of all kinds I must leave you to your own good Management not Doubting you will do the best you can for the Public. There appears to be such Wild work among our Masters now & we have so many of them that it is Impossible to please all or I had Like to have said any of them. I recommend you to Purchase all the Forage you can of food Quality Securing the Long in the most Convenient places for Transportation up the River and forwarding all the Short Grain To Trenton as fast you can. if you think it best to keep the Corn in ears you pur- chase there believe it ^dll be best to build Cribs, other Grain and that if shelled please to forward and Respecting the price you will keep your Eyes about and if Possible Purchase lower but not go higher than your Neighbours. Eight Dollars is given in the upper part of this State for oats & Buckwheat Ten Dol- lars for New Com & Rye & hope it won't go higher. Indeed at present its more likely to fall for its Certain 6 or 8000 Troops is going from New York in which case the Campaign will Soon be over and our army will Divide to Different places for Quarters which will make it easier to Support them. There- fore as there is a probability of that being the case don't Con- tract for any Corn or other Grain but as it comes in which I think will make the people more Ready to push it in. I expect to be at Philadelphia next Sunday & Monday if convenient glad to see you. I am with Regard Your Huml. Sert. Moore Furman. ^^Jacob Tagart Esq. 1776, First Lieutenant, Third Battalion, and promoted to Captain. He was Major of the First Battalion of Militia, Assistant Quartermaster from Gloucester County, New Jersey, and stationed at Woodbury, N. J.; elected Sheriff in 1793. 22Jacob Tagart of Salem County, New Jersey, married Rachel Mar- shall of Mansfield June 24, 1775, and died in 1798. He was first Assistant Quartermaster, then Quartermaster and Com- 20 The Letters of Moore Furman Pitts Town, September 27th, 1779. Sir: I have received notice of a considerable Magazine of Pro- visions ordered to be Formed at Ringwood Iron Works (but this to yourself) and that a Quantity of Forage will also be wanted there which is Scarce in that Neighborhood, as you are the Nearest District to that of all I have thot. it best to order on what you can spare. I wrote Mr. Marsh not to press any more Hay in his District and to let a set of Hands go on to you so that it may be pressed & forwarded before the bad Weather & Roads prevent it — you will Let me know by first opportunity what Quantity of Hay & Grass you think you can spare from your District that I may provide for that Post at Ringwood from other places. By advices rec'd. from Different Counties and Districts in this State I find they are now giving and offering Forty Pounds per Ton for Best Hay Twelve Dollars for Rye Ten Dollars for Corn & Eight for Oats & Buckwheat at which I think Considerable Quantities is and will be collected before Winter and I hope you will not be Obliged to exceed those prices in your District. I am Sir Your Huml. Servt. ^^David Banks Esq. Moore Furman. A. Q. M. Newark. missary of Forage during the Revolution, and in a letter to Charles Pettit in 1780 Mr. Furman writes of Mr. Tagart: (he) "is known to be an excel- lent officer." His children were: Richard; Elizabeth. 23David Banks, the son of James Banks and Mary, daughter of Col. Josiah Ogden, his wife, was born in Newark, N. J,, May 14, 1743, married Susan, or Susannah Crane, the widow of John Clum, and died in Newark about 1820. He was Captain and afterwards Major of the Militia, Assistant Quar- termaster, and Quartermaster. He served through the entire war of the Revolution and was one of Washington's trusted soldiers. He was one of the party who accompanied Washington on his famous trip across the Delaware on Christmas night, 1776. After the war he was a prominent citizen of Newark, N. J. He was commissioner for settling accounts of the Quartermaster's Department. His children were: Lucetta, married Stephen Gould; David, born 1784, The Letters of Moore Furman 21 Pitts Town October 1- 1779. Good Sir — I have your two favours of — & 26 Past — have sent order to the proper persons to Contract for Boards and forward them on towards Scotch Plains — and sent forward orders to Contl. Stables at Burlington to receive the Horse. This morning sent a trusty hand to see if the Boats are in order and fit to Launch into the Water agreeable to orders given about Ten days ago for that purpose if anything be wanting it shall be immediately done. Salt and provisions pass on quickly thro this State. They shall not be delayed depend upon it — I am quite pleased to find so considerable a quantity of Long Forage collected in the Quarter you expect the Troops may pitch their Tents. From present appearances it is not improbable that N. York may be in our possession before winter the ^^Count being on the Wing for our Assistance — I beg a passage in one of the Boats to that City — I am Sir Yr Mo't Obt Hbl. Servant Honble Maj. Gen. M. Furman. Nathaniel Greene Q. M. G. Camp by Express married Harriet Brenecke Lloyd; Mary, married (1) Mr. Meeker, (2) William Gould; Catherine, married Mr. Darling; Susan, married Stephen Gould. 24Count D'Estaing, Charles Hector, was born in France, 1729, and died in Paris in 1794. After an adventurous beginning as a naval officer, he was taken prisoner by the English and was badly treated. On his release he took up the cause of the Colonies and did much to arouse interest in France favoring them. As a result he was sent out to their relief at the head of a fleet in 1778. He was asked to co-operate with Gen. Sullivan In expelling the British from Rhode Island, but through some misunderstanding they failed to unite. The Count sailed to the West Indies, where he captured St. Vincent and Grenada. In September, 1779, he suddenly appeared off Georgia and attacked Savannah, but failed and withdrew. He returned to France and persuaded the Government to send out Rochambeau. He was guillotined during the French Revolution. 22 The Letters of Moore Furman Pitts Town, October 4th, 1779. Sir I received a line from Col. Biddle this Evening (4:29) dated yesterday at Sussex — he was then there and will be at home at Raritan tomorrow where I purpose to see him next day • — The Coll. writes me he is come to have the Salt & Flour for- warded that is in this District I have wrote to Trenton often lately to have them forwarded from Thence and am sure there is not a moments unnecessary delay there nor indeed in my district for we have at present as many Wagons as work and nothing but these two Articles has lately been sent forward unless it was when there was neither of them to go on. In my last I mentioned sending a person to examine the Boats at Middle Brook he is returned and reports they are ready to start on the Shortest Notice — Nothing will be wanting when the order comes but Horses, must I keep a Sufficient Number Contl. near the spot or depend on getting them from the inhabitants. I shall be glad of an order to Launch them as I shall then hope the Gentle Folk at New York will be dis- turbed but suppose we must wait for the arrival of the fleet. I am Sir Yr most obedient The Honl Humble Servant Major Genl M. Furman. N. Greene Q. M. G. Camp Pitts Town, October 9, 1779. Sir— This morning I advised you by Express that I expected to forward upwards of Forty Horses for Duty and now can in- form you 42 goes from this post and expect that they will be joyned in Somerset County with 15 or Twenty more which will make up about Sixty. Had I not been forbid to purchase could easily have made up the number called for but suppose they will be made up by Col. Hooper whose purchasers has been buying my district lately. I am Sir From Pitts Town 43 Yr most Obt Sert. from Somerset M. Furman. Honble Majr Genl N. Greene Q. M. G. The Letters of Moore Furman 23 Pitts Town, Oct. 13th, 1779. Sir: — I have reed, your Favour of the 7th have not yet examined your Accts. but make no Doubt they will prove right on Ex- amination if any Errors shall note them. It requires the Spirit of Prophecy to give you Directions re- specting the Purchasing Forage — His Excellency Genl. Washington has lately ordered that a good Stock be laid in. you will therefore proceed to purchase on the best Terms you can I have done all in my power to keep down the Price but in vain I therefore as Forage must be had must leave you at Liberty not Doubting but you will do the best you can for the Public in whose service you are engaged You will get good Intelligence from the Neighboring States & if Possible not exceed them, correspond with the Purchasers in the adjoining Counties so that you may not raise the Price on each other — The Price hitherto given & ofFer'd for forage in this end of the State has generally been about Forty Pounds for Hay Eight Dollars for Oats & Buckwheat Ten for Com & Twelve Rye but are now rising. It is always expected that every kind of Forage will loose in Weight & Measure every Time it is moved therefore unless the Quantity is so large as to give Room to Support unfair plaj^ somewhere there will be no objection made for a reasonable Loss. I will try to get an order for the Rations in a few Days as I expect to see the C. G. of Issues here — You will write ^^Captn. Bowen respecting the Prices of Forage — and I beg you will then inform him that I shall expect to see him the 10th next Month. I am sure you will do the best you can for the Public I there- fore must leave you to your own good management. I am with sincere resiiards Your Friend & Huml. Servt. Moore Furman Jacob Tagart Esquire 25Seth Bowen, son of Dr. Elijah Bowen, Sr., and Deborah Swinney, his wife, was born in Cumberland County, New Jersey, Dec. 28, 1711, mar- 24 The Letters of Moore Furman Pitts Town, Oct. 18, 1779. Sir: Inclosed is Receipt and Coppy of Receipt for money supplid ^^Mesr. Shute & ^^Van Court which they mentioned to Settle in your office. The Inclosed is Coppy of a Certificate presented to me for payment, please to say whether is must be paid or not — Major Gordon writes me that upwards of 300 Barrels flour went from Trenton the 14 or 15th Inst — and that there was not any Commissary Stores of any sort left there, at this Post there is about 100 Barls. Bread which goes to Easton to- morrow for ^^Gen. Sulhvans Army about 50 n. Pork and Five Barrels Salt nothing at any other Post in my District except Morris Town from whence shall write you soon. About Two ried May 2T, 1738, (1) Mary Bowen, (2) Charity Billins, and died 1785. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Militia in the early part of the Revolution, Nov. 29, 1775, promoted to First Lieutenant a year later, and rose to the rank of Captain. He also served with distinction in the Commissary Department as Assistant Quartermaster and Quarter- master. His children were: Dan, married, 1766, Sarah Stites; Seth. 26William Shute of Gloucester County, N. J., son of William Shute and Ann Hues, his wife, married Sarah Jones May 20, 1775, and died in 1796. He was Assistant Commissary of Issues, Captain and Paymaster of the Continental Army, also Colonel of Militia. His children were: George; William, married Sarah Adams; Ann; Sarah, and Mary. 27Michael Van Court, of Morris County, New Jersey, was the son of Elias Van Court and Mary Kelly, his wife. He was Assistant Quartermaster General in the Revolutionary War. His children were: Elizabeth, born 1787, and Elias, born 1789. 28john Sullivan was born in Maine in 1740. He studied law and was admitted to the bar, elected a member of the First Continental Congress in 1775, and was appointed Brigadier General, and in 1776 Major General. He went to Canada, but was driven out, and when Greene was ill took command of Long Island. H^ was taken prisoner with Lord Stirling August 27, but was exchanged December 20, 1776, and superseded Lee in command in New Jersey, and was at Brandywine and Germantown in 1777 and 1778. Sullivan was sent to assist Count D'Estaing in his attack on Rhode Island, but the Count sailing away to Boston, he was forced to retire. In 1779 he commanded a large force against the Six Nations. He resigned November 9, 1779. He was a Judge of the District Court from 1779 to 1795. He died at Dunham, N. H., January 28, 1795. The Letters of Moore Furman 25 hundred Thousand foot of Board purchased to the Southward are going on toward the S. Plain and laid down in different places believe upAvard of 50,000 feet Boards. Belonging to the old Encampment they can be moved on any time to the place wanted being near — The Boats and Harness is ready and nearly enough Horses belonging to the Contls. but I am at a loss for Drivers it not being mentioned where they are to come from I conclude it is from the Army. If that is not Intended will it not be best to engage the Farmers & their Horses to carry the Boats wherever they may be wanted. I will try if that can be done until I receive your orders. Since Col. Biddle was down I have been in pursuit of Several Persons that I expected to Engage in the Service of Visiting the Several Posts and making returns of Commissary and other Stores to Head Quar- ters but cannot get one that I can Recommend for the Service. Soon as I can will send him forward with the orders left by Col. Biddle. This moment received a letter from ^^Col. Stewart advising that the matter is Settled at Georgia which make no doubt you will have the Particulars of before this reaches you. I have not received them or would send them on now. I shall be as attentive as possible to every thing given me in charge that all may be Ready when called for which I expect will soon be the Case. I am Sir With the Greatest Respect Yr most obedt Humble St. M. Furman. 18 Oct 1779. This moment received a letter from Mr. Gordon who informs me his Short Forage is out that Private Purchasers are giving half as much again for Grain as he has offered & thinks let him offer higher private Purchasers would still keep before us. the same intelligence comes from almost every Purchasers in the State. 29Charles Stewart, son of Robert Stewart, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1729, of Scottish parents, married Mary, daughter of Hon. Samuel Johnston of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, and died at Flem- ington, N. J., July 24>, 1800. He came to America in 1750 and becarrie Deputy Surveyor General of the Province of Pennsylvania in 1767. In 1774 he was a member of the first convention in New Jersey that issued a declaration of their rights 26 The Letters of Moore Furman Morris ToAvn October 19.79 Sr I wrote you yesterday — This morning an Express was going through here with a letter from Major Gordon mentioning among other things that you were informed the Express or- dered to be stationed at several places was not fixed according to order the Major wrote me that his was fixed. I saw Col. Berry yesterday he told me one was fixed at Plukemin but it was not enough & therefore I desired he would loose no time in fixing another, this is certainly the best and most Expedi- tious way of forewarding Dispatches as the going through re- quires so many Horses being kept at different Posts which the Expresses uses so ill that its almost impossible to keep a suffi- cient number to perform the service with certainty. If for the future Letters are forwarded to this Post I think they will not fail being sent on to Phila with the utmost safety and Dis- patch — To Complete their passing thro this State two more or three should be fixed at Pompton which to save time I will ven- ture now to order — which you will please confirm to ^"Mr. Ken- nan if you think proper. I shall attend to this matter of the Expresses between Head Quarters & Phila until further orders. Express waiting I am Sr y Most obt St. M. Furman. Morris Town, Oct 19, 1779. Sr— Since writing this Morning I r'cd your favour of the 17th and will make up the number of Horses as you order but you against the Crown. Great effort was made by the Royalists to hold him, but he was one of the first to pledge his life, fortune and honor to defend the rights of the Americans as free men. In 1777 he was appointed Com- missary General of Issues, serving on Washington's Staff vintil the close of the war, Washington was warmly attached to him, and with his wife was several times his guest. In 1784-5 he was a Representative from New Jersey to Congress. His children were: Martha, married Capt. Robert Wilson; Charles; Sam- uel; a daughter, married Judge Wilson. soPeter Kinnan or Kennan married Marj'^ Fine, June 20, 1780. He was Assistant Quartermaster, Quartermaster General, and Captain The Letters op Moore Furman 27 have not informed me how the men are to be procured, a Line from His Excellency Gen. Wasliington to our Governour for one militia Company to attend that Service I think will put it on such a Footing as to prevent any delay. These Militia will gladly accept that Service as their Duty. I had expectation of seeing our Governour here but find he is in Raritan if I don't see him on my retura which I intend Coll. Berry will apply immediately to the Governour and propose this plan — I have been called on here as an Evidence and have been intero- gated by all parties. Nothing of consequence (in my opinion has yet been proved against Lewis) the evidence against the other two Gentlemen are not yet examined. Indeed Sir I must say that from what I can see and hear yet the Public suffers by taking up the time of all concerned and more to gratify pri- vate spleen than regard for public good. Shall immediately write to ^^Capt. Young D. Q. M. G. to ^^ord Stirlings Division for a return of the Horses & fill up the Vacancy as Soon as in my power to purchase them. I long to hear of the Arrival of the Fleet that there may be a chance for New York this Fall. The advices from Georgia puts Fresh Spirit in the People & Expect two thousand militia will be pretty readily got in this State to assist in that Service — What is to be done about the price of Forage.'' The People now ask me more than until very lately was ever thought of and the Magistrates in whose during the Revolution, and was stationed at Pompton, N. J., for some time. 3iHenry Young was from Pequannock, Morris County, N. J., and was appointed Surrogate in 1T62. He pledged himself from Morris County, 1776, to defend the Constitution, and was Captain and also Deputy Quar- termaster General in the Revolution. 32William Alexander, "Lord Stirling," son of James Alexander and Mrs. Provost, widow of David Provost, was born in New York in 1723, married Sarah, daughter of Philip Livingston and Catherine Van Brugh, his wife, and died at Albany Jan. 15, 1783. He held the office of Surveyor General and was also a member of the Provincial Council, 1761. He was a founder of Kings, now Columbia College, and its first Governor. His record in the Revolutionary War was very distinguished. In 1779, he was in command in New Jersey and surprised a British force at Paulus Hook. He took part in the Battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth. In 1776 he was commissioned Brigadier General for the Middle Department. His children were: Mary, born 1749, married Robert Watts; Catherine, born 1755, married (1) William Duer, (2) William Nielson. 28 The Letters of Moore Furman hand the Law is Countenance them and adjudge the prices asked. Hay is now Ffty pounds in this County Rye 18 Dolr Com 16 D. Oats & Buckwheat 12D & Cannot get money fast enough to pay for it nor time to count it if I could get it at these rates & Dollar Depreciated to 2 d unless Congress recom- mend & the Several States come into Some regulating Law to put a stop to these things it will be impossible to Supply the Army if ever so much money is made for the increase in Quan- tity keeps the Depreciation in constant motion. Our Assem- bly meets next Tuesday — I wish for some pressing letters about these things to them at their first meeting. I propose to be in Trenton then and will apply to them for some kind of Re- lief — a Law lately passed in N. York State Respecting Forage if that can be forwarded it may be useful — Our Legislature may lead it they wont Drive. * I am Sir Yr Most Hble Servant M. Furman. P. S. The Salary in our Department is so low that Several of the most valuable persons employed in this State will soon quit the service and unless in my power to give more shall not be able to supply their places. ^^Mr. Pommeroy — Issuer of Forage here and a valuable man in his place told me today that he must leave the service as the Salary v/ill not Support him I should be willing to pay him something myself but it is a Complaint with all & I cannot make allowance to all — I plead with them to continue the campaign and hope shall keep most of them on till its ends. Pitts Town, Oct. 26th, 1779. Dr. Sir: I must not omitt informing you that the men belonging to ^Capt. Brays Brigade has been guilty of the most wicked prac- tices imaginable on the road, the Captain will Liform you that ssjohn Pomeroy of Morris County married Elizabeth Beegle Jan. 18, 1778. He was Issuer of Forage at Morristown during the war of the Revo- lution. s^Daniel Bray, son of Daniel Bray of Kingwood, N. J., married May 21, 1772, to Mary Woolverton, and died Dec. 5, 1819, at Flemington, N. J. He was first commissioned Lieutenant, then promoted to Captain of the The Letters of Moore Furman 29 they are accused of Several Robberies before they arrived here and last Evening they Robed a Negro Man they broke the Lock of my Milk House and took all so that my family were obliged to eat Dry Bread this Morning I would have been more particular in Examining into the whole but that would Stop the Brigade and therefore Let them pass for your Inspec- tion & Refer you to Capt. Bray for Particulars In Haste Dr. Sir Yr. m h. Sevt M. Furman. ^^Colo. J. Mitchell D. Q. M. G. Philada. Trenton, Oct. 27, 1779. Dear Sir I came here last Evening Soon after I heard of the ^^Expe- dition from Staten Island and immediately sent off a person for Intelligence and received the inclosed which is all I have yet got — and that it is said there was about one hundred Horses and that they pushed for South Amboy — Shall get a particu- lar account of the Damage as soon as possible. Our Assembly has met but the Choosing a Governour & other ceremonies will Second Regiment of Hunterdon County, New Jersey. He was also Brigadier General of the New Jersey Militia. He was assigned by Wash- ington to seize and guard all the river boats, December, 1776, on the Dela- ware. Cornwallis was informed and sent a detachment, but so well hidden were the boats that they were unable to discover them. On that memor- able night of Christmas, 1776, his faithful work made possible the passage of the river and consequent descent upon the Hessians at Trenton. His children were: John; Daniel; Wilson, born 1795, married Mary, daughter of Thomas West; Andrew, married Sarah, daughter of Elisha Rittenhouse; Jonathan; Delilah, married Jonathan Rittenhouse; Betsey, married Edward Rittenhouse ; Hannah, married Jonathan Blackwell ; Susan, married Israel Bateman. 35John Mitchel of Philadelphia, Pa., was appointed Mustermaster to the Naval Armaments and Artillery of the Province, having offered gratis, March 9, 1776, and Master of the Provincial armed ship, March 21, 1776. He was also appointed to keep the stores at Pottsgrove, Pa., and in 1778 he was appointed Deputy Quartermaster. He was Colonel of a battalion of militia of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and in 1781 was appointed by Washington to the command at Wyoming. seSimcoe's raid was one of the famous exploits of the British during the Revolution. With his celebrated guard, called the Queen's Rangers, he 30 The Letters of Moore Furman take up this week so that nothing can be done till next when I will return here again, if they will do nothing to enable me to collect the Grain that can be spared in the State fear it will not be in my Power to do it & this seems to be the opinion of every Q. Master in the State I am Sir Yr most Obt Moore Furman. P. S. I was much afraid the Enemies object was the Forage but they have destroyed very little of that. What will be done to save it. Will there be some troops down to Scotch plains or near to keep off there small parties it will be the work of time to mow Hay — Pitts Town, 29th, Oct., 1779. Sir: I wrote you from Trenton the 27th upon my return last evening find a Letter from Colo. Berry informing me he had given you a particular account of the Damage done by the Enemy in his District the 26th Instant which I am very Sorry for — - I am now very uneasy at the exposed Situation of the Forage which make no doubt will be thought of at Head Quarters, a Considerable Quantity of Hay at and near the Scotch Plains is then a few hours March of the Enemy and I fear for it — I shall make up the Horses wanted in Lord Stirlings Divi- sion in a few Days and forward them to him. Boards is going on to the Eastward but am afraid to Send them to * Quibble Town untill there is Some Guard there. I am Sir Your most obt. Sert. Honble. M. Genl. Moore Furman. N. Green Q. M. G. came from Staten Island upon the Jersies with the object of capturing Gov. Livingston and destroying fifty boats which he heard were being collected at Van Vechten's bridge for a descent on New York by the rebels. Upon his arrival, however, he found that the greater part of the boats had been sent forward and the Governor could not be found ! Simcoe successfully impressed every one he met with the idea that his * Original name Squabbletown, now New Market. The Letters of Moore Furman 31 Sir: I received yrs of Mr. Yard, the Account we have here is that about 130 of the Enemy's Horse landed on Sandy Point about Amboy about 12 at night and Marched from thence to Quibble Town destroyed what store we had there, from there went to Raritan and Destroyed Mills Town & took bulk of goods of two farmers & set fire to the Court House which was burned down with two other houses. Thence they went on to- wards Brunswick and about Three miles this side of that place there was a small party of our people who fired on them Shot their Commander Simcoe took him prisoner, the others went off towards South Amboy some where on their way they fell in with ^^Capt. Voorhess who was obliged to surrender himself prisoner notwithstanding the infernal Barah cut him to pieces. I am Sir Your Obt Servant ''Robt Stockton Oct. 27, 1779. force was American, and even had the audacity to pass as Quartermaster of the Virginia Light Horse, drawing the forage he required, and also arresting several persons as suspected Tories. Being recognized by a chance traveller, word was sent to New Brunswick. Capt. Guest came out with a small force and put them to flight. The death of Capt. Peter Voorhees, who was on a furlough, was considered a cold-blooded murder by the Americans, as he was helpless and the prisoner of the enemy. Sim- coe was wounded and taken prisoner, but recovered, due to the care given him by the Americans; and after the war was made Governor General of Canada. svPeter Voorhees of New Brunswick was the son of Johannes Voorhees and Catherine Schuyler, his wife. He entered the Continental Service as Second Lieutenant of the First Battalion in Capt. Conway's Company, Nov. 39, 1775, promoted to First Lieutenant Sept. 18, 1776, and to Captain Nov. 1, 1777. Capt. Voorhees was a brother-in-law of Col. John Nielson and a promising young man. He had served with Gen. Sullivan against the Six Nations and was es- teemed a brave officer. At the time of Simcoe's raid he was home on leave and was to have been married the next day. Hearing the enemy was at his doors, he joined the party who went out to repulse them, was caught in a fence while attempting to jump it, and when helpless was murdered oy the Hessians. He was deeply lamented. 38Robert Stockton, son of Robert Stockton and Rebecca Phillips, his wife, was born in Princeton, N. J., married Helen MacComb, and died April 24, 1805. He was a patriotic citizen of his native town and very active during S2 The Letters of Moore Furman Pitts Town, 29 Oct., 1779. Sir: I wrote you from Trenton the 27th upon my return last Evening find a letter from Col. Berry informing me he had given you a particular account of the Damage done by the Enemy in his District which I am very Sorry for — I am now very uneasy at the exposed situation of our Forage which make no doubt will be thought of at Head Quarters & Con- siderable Quantity of Hay at or near the Scotch plain is within a few hours march of the Enemy and I fear for it — Shall make up the Horses wanted in Ld Stirlings Division in a few days and forward them to him. Boards is going on to the Eastward but am afraid to send them to Quibble Town untill there is some Guard there I am Sr — M. Furman Esqr — Pitts Town, October 29th, 1779. Sir: The Western Army is on their March from Easton for Mor- ris Town, is said they Cross by Hackets Town and its probable wjll go through Suckasunny. You will therefore Send ^^ Mr. Const. Cooper or some other person to meet and pro- vide them with Forages. A number of Wagons will therefore be wanted to assist them a long to whatever place they are going to and it will be necessary to Send a proper person to meet the Army and inquire how many so that you may have time to furnish them. They were at the Log Goal in Sussex Last night and will march from thence this Day so that you will loose no time in doing the needful. I am in haste Yr. Most Huml. Sert. ^'^Joseph Lewis, Esq. Moore Furman. the Revolution. Gen. Washington is said to have stopped with him for a weei£ in December, 1776, at "Constitution Hill," Princeton. His children were: Ebenezer; Job; James; Elizabeth, married Rev. Ashbel Greene; Nancy; James; Mary, married Thomas P. Johnson. 39Constant Cooper of Morris County, New Jersey, married (1st) Abigail Kenny, 1758; (2d) Sarah , in Feb., 1777; (3d) Phebe Vanderhoof, April, 1777. He was Purchasing Forage-master during the war in Morris County. His children were: David, born 1761; Mehetabel, born 1763, by his first wife. The Letters of Mooee Furman 33 Pitts Town, Oct. 31, 1779. Sir: Mr. VanCourt called on me this day about some Horses for Ld. Stirlings Division. I received your Orders respecting them at Morris Town the 19th and immediately wrote for them to Capt. Henry Young D. Q. M. G. for a return of those neces- sary to be enchanged since which have been collecting all the Cont. Horses fit for Service and purchasing some to make up the number wanted. Last Evening I received a line from Capt. Young informing me that there is fifty-seven wanting which number I expect to start from here next Tuesday or Wednes- day and hope they will be in good time. They might have gone on before if I had heard from Capt. Young earlier. I am with greatest Respect Sir Yr. Most obt. Servant Moore Furman. The Horses Mr. Van Court brought from Camp he left af Sussex which I have desired may be sent on — ^You have retun, of our Loss by the Enemy in Col. Berry's District, shall m doubt soon receive orders about these things. Pitts Town, Nov. 8, 1779. Sir: Your favor of the 3 inst. came to hand last Evening and just before it one from Col. Cox to nearly the same purpose. Mr. Burnside goes off this morning to the Eastward to get all the Boards and Forage forwarded from the Lines that is pos- 40Joseph Lewis, son of Edward Lewis of Morristown, N. J., and Sarah, daughter of Daniel Morris of Baskingridge, married Anna, daughter of Rev. Timothy Johnes, D.D., of Morristown. During the Revolution Mr. Lewis served faithfully in the various posi- tions as Commissary of Issues, Assistant Quartermaster, Quartermaster, and also as Paymaster of the Militia. After the war he was appointed Clerk of the County, 1782, and in 1792 we find him appointed First Vice- president of the Public Library of his town. His children were: Stevens Johnes, born 1773, married Elizabeth, daugh- ter of Dr. Gardiner Jones of New York; John Le Conte, born 1775, died young; Elizabeth, born 1776, died young; Jacob Ford, born 1778; Timothy Johnes, born 1780, married (1) Sophia, daughter of Dr. Nathan Woodhull, (2) Abigail L. Perrine; Elizabeth Johnes, born 1783; Anna Brewster, born 1785, married Charles H. Morrell; Joseph, born 1788; William Johnes, born 1789, married Elizabeth Ann Marsh of New York. 34) The Letters of Moore Furman sible. ^^General Maxwell coming down may be of some use in keeping off the Enemy unless they come in too gi^eat Force which I fear will be the case but his coming shall not relax our endeavours to have every thing possible removed — I will have the Books safely left at the White House separate — and put to different good Whig Farmers Houses and kept in as good order as possible. Respecting the Order you mention given by Maj. Burnet to have the Boats at Raritan removed to a Pond near Pluckemin I never heard of it before, have desired Mr. Burnside to inquire of Col. Berry who was the order given to. The Boards go on to Morris Town some of them will stop there and some go on to different places beyond it between that and Pompton — I am very sensible of what you say re- specting allowances being made for the poor Q. Masters and will endeavour to want none — however I must say If I should want I should be apt to look for it from the Officers of the Army before my fellow citizens — I am very likely to be very soon in a worse Situation than ever, all my assistants and Foragers say they must leave the Service the Wages is so low that they are obliged to spend in one day when they are out more than four days pay & Subsistence. What is to be done I have encouraged them to go on to the end of this Campaign & some of them I have desired to keep an account of their expenses from the 1st this month and given them hopes that it shall be allowed. And Another great trouble is the want of Money without which we cannot get Forage — private Specu- lators is buying it up and we cannot help ourselves I do not like to trouble you with these things but must mention it as the service really suffers on account of them & will suffer more — I write & send off a messenger to Cols. Cox & Pettit this Day for relief respecting money. I must beg your Orders what 4iWilliam Maxwell, the son of John Maxwell and Ann , his wife, born 1734 in Newton Stewart, County Tyrone, and died 1796, unmarried. He was in the unfortunate expedition of Braddock with Washington, fought through the French and Indian Wars with distinction, and bore himself with honor with Wolfe at Quebec. In 1776 he was appointed Chairman of Sussex County Committee of Safety, and Colonel of the First Sussex Regiment. He was soon appointed Brigadier General in the Continental line, and so distinguished himself as to gain Washington's regard. According to tradition, he was a tall, stalwart man, with a bluflF and hearty manner and much liked by his soldiers, who, from his Scottish descent and accent, called him "Scotch Willie." The Letters of Mooee Furman 35 Steps I must take about the Subsistance of my assistants & Foragers. I am with greatest Regard Dr Sr Y. most Hble Servant Moore Furman. P. S. I forwarded Fifty Seven good Horses to Ld. Stirlings Division last week — It will be a great advantage to the Army to have no spare Horses kept in the State. I have lately sold all that was not proper to keep over & sent forward to Wil- mington those that are for Winter Quarters. Pitts Town, November 8th, 1779. Sir: This goes by a set of Bakers who I beg you will push to work as soon as Possible as I need not tell you the want of bread in our army. Mr. Gamble will I suppose well Superin- tend them so that you will have nothing more to do than set them going by having the Ovens repaired and keep them in fire wood. This moment I have yours by Morrison and I am Sorry to inform you its not in my power to Send you any Money being called upon on all Sides. I send ^^Furman Yard this Day to Philda. to tell our Case & Pray for relief — If I get any or as soon as I do you shall have Share, Some knowing the Impor- tance of your Post to the Army. I think your Carpenters too high those at Trenton have engaged for two Months at Twenty Dollars their Enlistments being out at Ten Dollars at which they had worked Six Months Past — 1st this Month. I cannot undertake to raise the Wages of any one in our District untill Congress do it. I hope these Gentlemen will not leave the Service so Suddenly. I beg them to Continue untill the army gets into Winter Quarters when no doubt some- thing will be done, in the mean time let them keep an exact 42Furman Yard, son of Joseph Yard and Anne Furman, his wife, was an active Revolutionary oflBcer, and was an Assistant Quartermaster and Deputy Quartermaster General. His father, Joseph Yard, son of Joseph Yard and Anne Dagworthy, was a merchant of position in Trenton. His children were: James, who married Elizabeth Kortright; Furman, unmar- ried; Anne, married Gen. Frelinghuysen ; Elizabeth, married Dr. Elmen- dorf. 36 The Letters of Moore Furman account of their Traveling expenses from the first day of this month in which I trust they will be as frugal as Possible and I will do my utmost that they Shall be allow'd it and I expect it will be allowed. I know not how to Count to the giving more than Twenty Dollars per Day to the Carpenters with the usual allowance of rations & hope You will be able to engage a Company for a Month or two at that. Certainly it is better to take Twenty Dollars & be paid every day in the month than 25 and oidy receive for the workings and fair days, you will try to engage a Sufficient number to put up the Stable Horse Sheds & Guard house this month even if you are obliged to give more tlian Twenty Dollars as they will be likely to be much wanted there and very soon Shall write you again by ^^Morrison & am Your Distressed Friend M. Furman. Mr. Burnside will be with you soon I am just informed that Mr. Morrison returns today and therefore send this by Him when Mr. Burnside arrji^es you must call around and determine on Building a Guard House in the best Cheapest and most ex- peditious manner putting it in the most Convenient place, a person must be engaged to receive and receipt for the Boards that will be Sent on to Morris Town and that district, will Mr. Lindsley engage for Q. M. Pay and his Expenses. Mr. Burn- side will advice you how they are to be disposed on — Joseph Lewis Esq. Q. M. Morris Town. Pitts Town, November 8th, 1779. Dr. Sir: I suppose it not unlikely that the Enemy are preparing at Staten Island for another desent upon this State it is there- fore the Quarter Master Genl, orders that all the Boards in your Care be immediately removed To Morris Town Directed to the Care of Joseph Lewis Esq. who will appoint a man to receive & receipt for them— You will also remove to Mr. Lewis 43Samuel Morrison was born in 1753 and rriarried (1st) Mary Johnson, Nov. 1, 1779; (2d) Christiana Hoffman. He was during the Revolution Wagon master, but was promoted to the position of Assistant Quartermaster General. His child was: Catherine Maria, born 1784. The Letters of Moore Furman S7 all the hay you possibly can beginning with that whicn is Standing in greatest Quantities and nearest the enemies Lines Mr. Bumside goes to advise with you on the best way of Se- curing all Public Property in your District which make no doubt you will do your utmost to Preserve I am Sir Major Daniel Marsh Your most Huml. Servt. Q. M. M. Furman. Railway. Pitts Town, November 8th, 1779. Dear Sir: I have just received orders from Colo. Cox Confirming those Lord Stirlings for separating the Boats about which Mr. Bum- side will call to advise with you. you will please to bring off everything of Public Property that you can from Rariton. the Boards you will have sent on to Morris Town as fast as Pos- sible to be Delivered to Joseph Lewis Esq. Q. M. as it is not Certain the Artillary will not Come down to the Park at Pluckemin to Winter and if they do what boards they want may stop as they come from the Southard, its thought the Enemy on Staten Island are preparing for another Desent on this State with more force. You will no doubt do everything in your Power to Prevent their Destroying Public Property, if you have not received orders to the Contrary from the Quarter Master General its Colo. Cox's orders that the men attending the Boats after Depositing them in Different Places rather on this than the other side of your House be Discharged as also what Private Property Horses they have Taking Public Property Horses into your Custody and puting them into the Best Pasture you can get for them advising me of their number & the order they are in. Shall be glad to hear from you about those things first op- portunity. Suppose you can get Teams in the Neighborhood to take the Boards to Morris Town as theres no more Stores at Park it is Proper to Move. I am Sir **Colo. Sidney Berry Yours &c., Q. M. Moore Furman. Somerset County. S8 The Letters of Moore Furman Pitts Town, Novemb 15, 1779. Dear Sir Your favour of the 11th just is before me — I will pay imme- diate attention to the Orders respecting the Boards and Forage as our double disappointment of bad success at Georgia and the Counts return to the West Indies will I expect cause our Army to be soon in motion. I have been very uneasy least my neglect should appear in Respect to the Boats destroyed by the Enemy — Mr. Bumside went to the Eastward last week and collected the enclosed or- ders sent at different times respecting them. Mr, Burnside thinks six of those at Raritan will be repaired which when done will be sent up into the neighborhood of the White House. Those Nine remaining have separated to different places three at a House about five miles distant from White House. The Officers of the Western Army (the Q. Master to the Eastward complain) have too many Contl. Horses for the Forage which for want of money and other reasons is really hard to collect — I suppose there has not yet been any return of the Horses Saddles &c. made by that Army, as few Horses as possible should be kept in this State as there is no Supplies coming on that I hear from the Southward & what can be spared here will not be sufficient to keep those that must remain with the Army well — 44Sidney Berry was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, May 20, 1745, married Oct. 10, 1768, to Catherine, daughter of Daniel Waldron and Joanna Beekman, and died in Northcumberland, Saratoga County, N. Y., on Aug. 3, 1820, He was Assistant Quartermaster and Quartermaster, stationed at Alam- ington. New Bromley, and Milestone, N, J., and also Major and Colonel in the militia. He was detailed, Sept. 30, 1776, to receive the message sent by Lord Howe to invite Dr. Franklin, John Adams and Mr. Luttrage to a conference. In 1781 he was appointed Commissioner to secure estimates of the damage sustained by the inhabitants of Hunterdon County during the war. After he removed to New York he was appointed First Surro- gate and one of the five Judges who held the first Court in Saratoga County, May 10, 1791. He was also first member of the Assembly from that County in 1792. Mrs. Berry was an active member of the committee, formed in Hunter- don County on July 4, 1776, to collect subscriptions for the soldiers. His children were: John Mehelm; Daniel; Mary, married Isaac Bunnell Payne; Samuel Beekman; Betsey, born 1781, married (1) James Rogers, (2) Esek Cowen; Sidney; Susan Laboon, The Letters of Moore Furman S9 I suppose Col. Hooper has or soon will resign his Post as D. Q. M. G. must therefore beg leave to remind you that that County whenever that event was to happen was to be added to my District. A man of Property acquainted with Business and Accounts will accept it as soon as it falls into my power to give it to him. The Separation of that County I am sure has been attended with great loss to the Public & will continue until joyned. I must pay a Thousand Pounds this week to this State for serving the Public & that gives me an appetite for a little more Commission or I can't stand them — shall go to Trenton & Burlington tomorrow, the Stables are building and will be ready for ^^Majr. Lees Horse soon but know not how to get Forage. The Q. M. at Burlington writes me the Pennsyl- vanians are coming over and giving 20 Dollars for Com & much more for Hay than we have yet given & taking quantities from us. Our People cry out against the Q. M. for raising the prices and none more willing to get the highest than them- selves. I am dear Sir With S. Reg. Moore Furman. Trenton, 22 Nov., 1779. Dear Sir: — I have your favour of — wrote at Morris Town and am doing every thing in my power to hasten on all supplies its possible to get. I have wrote and sent to every Person forwarding Boards, there has been upwards of a hundred thousand feet sent on already which by reason of the uncertainity of the spot is laid down in different places in the District of Col. Berry Maj. Marsh & Mr. Lewis who will forward them to any place you will be pleased to order. I have wrote them to inform you whats under their care. The whole Quantity ordered would have been forwarded, they were engaged but the Dry time has prevented the Saw Mills from going nor has the late rain 45The renowned Light Horse Harry Lee from Virginia was born Jan. 29, 1756, and died in Georgia, March 25, 1818. He was graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1774 and became a captain in Bland's Legion of Virginia in 1775. His career in the Revolution was most distinguished throughout, and the most brilliant exploit of the war was probably his cap- ture of Paulus Hook. In 1785-8 he was a delegate to Continental Con- gress and in 1792-5 Governor of Virginia. 40 The Letters of Moore Furman raised the Springs the ground being so dry it has drank up all that fell, there will be with the Boards at Raritan when all is collected together upward of 200,000 ft, already forwarded & all that can be got as fast as sawed will be sent on. Col. Cox has wrote for some to Phila, but there is none there. I have ordered on all the Horses in my District able for Duty which hope will help a little tho don't expect there will be above thirty or Forty. I have had great pleasure for Day or two in seeing several hundred Barrels Flour go out of town for Camp which hope will arrive in time to prevent the Army from too long fast — On inquiry find there is not Twenty Barrel of Provisions in the post to send on — Last Saturday I waited on our Assembly and informed them of the impossibility of supplying the Army with Forage with- out Their aid. they are willing to do anything that shall be necessary for the purpose if the other States would but joyn them but thats the work of time I told them our wants were immediate. They have promised to do something but fear nothing short of restricting the prices will induce the Farmers to spare their grain freely and they say it will be unjust to restrain their Constituents when all the other States are free— I hope the Boards will soon be collected to the Place you want them. Shall be glad to hear as soon as convenient where you fix & which is the Last & at present we are obliged to send off the Teams with orders to inquire — I am Sr. Yours M. Furman. Pitts To^vn, November 20th, 1779. Sir: By a letter reed, by Express from Gen'l Greene we learn that it is almost reduced to a certainty that the Army will Halt between Quibble Town Gap 8i Baskinridge and that be- fore this time the army is in Motion towards that place. Genl. Greene is to go a Head of them to lay out the Quarters, you will please to attend to the above and endeavour to attend Genl Greene when he is in your District from whom you will receive the necessary orders relative to the Department, Mr. Furman is now at Trenton & by Express last night desired me to inform you of the above^ The Letters of Moore Furman 41 I make no doubt but it will be very agreeable to you to have our Army in your Neighborhood and am Sir your Huml. Sevt, *®James Bumside P. S. Please to send per Bearer the Saddle baggs the money was taken to you in. Ma jr. Marsh Q. M. Pitts Town, Nov. 27th, 1779. Dear Sir: I wrote you from Trenton from whence I returned Thursday Evening, before I left home I set out two Foragers in my Neighborhood and directed them to give 20 D for Rye 16 for Com & 12 for Oats & Buckwheat which was the Genl. prices given throughout my District and was in hopes they would have collected considerable not only sufficient to supply this Post but some to forward towards the main Army but was sur- prized when I returned to find none was collected on Accounts as the Foragers inform me of so much more now giving in Sus- sex by which means the People not only refuse selling to me but carry it out of this County into that — carry in from the Army to carry it to the Army — And this Evening Mr. Van Court comes down and confirms the Report of the great Prices given them Viz — 30 Dollars for Com & Rye & 20 for Buck- wheat which is from 25 to 50 P.C. more than is giving in this State or in Pennsylvania The high Prices giving in that County throws me into the greatest confusion and obliges me to raise the price so much higher throughout the whole State which will not only make a very great noise & bring on a little greater Clamour against the Department or if I don't raise the Price I cannot get even what Forage is to spare — my prin- cipal reason for representing the Matter is that you may be acquainted with my circumstances occasioned by the Prices giving in that County and to beg your orders by the Bearer 46Jame<; Burnside of Philadelphia, Pa., during the Revolution, was Com- missary on the staflf of General Dickinson, also Deputy Quartermaster and Captain, 1778-80. He was the first teacher at the Trenton Academy and resigned, 1782, and was a bookseller in Trenton for a short time. In 1785 he purchased land in Burlington County, also in 1799. 42 The Letters of Moore Fubman what prices I am to give in future. If they have Permission to give more than I have yet heard of being given in the Thirteen United States they are right in doing it. if it was left to their discretion I leave them in your Hands — Forage is no Doubt much wanted by the Army & forever will while there is so many Purchasers and the Prices is constantly rising in one place or other — I have been for some Time troubled about the Prices given in Pennsylvania and the Grain on this Side the River being bought up and carried over to that. That practice be- lieve I put nearly a stop to by raising the Price a little and seizing some that was going over — I got an order from a Mag- istrate at Bordentown to take about 200B Corn lodged in ^^Mr. Borden's Stores bought at Crosswicks for a Man in Bucks County — some grain is Bought by the Purchasers for the Army and carried over, how such a thing can ever be thought of a Purchaser for the Army I know not, I may as well buy up at Morris Town and bring it here — but these are not all my Troubles I am much distressed for want of money, the Post at Morris Town is now become a very considerable one I have not a Dollar nor have I any to send them — I have wrote to Mr. Pettit repeatedly, his last to me advises that he has ap- plied & applied again to the Treasury Board without Success and has at last made application directly to Congress but had not then received any ansr. hope I shall soon hear from him to some purpose or all things will be at a stand with me. If you remember when I took an appointment of Q. Master & Forager of this State Sussex County excepted, that County was whenever it was given up by Mr. Hooper to be annexed to my District. The Qu. M. Genl. and his Assistants continue of that mind and hope you will also be of opinion, it will be of public utility to adopt that Measure, for me I am of opinion 47Joseph Borden, son of Joseph Borden and Mary Ann Conover, his wife, was born at Bordentown, N. J., August 1, 1719, married Elizabeth Rogers, daughter of Marmaduke Watson, and died April 8, 1791. He was Justice of the Peace, 1749, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 1757, a member of the Assembly of New Jersey, 1769, and in 1765; a delegate to the Stamp Act Congress in 1774, and of the Committee of Observation in 1775. In the Revolution he was Colonel of the First Regi- ment of Burlington County, N. J., and afterwards Quartermaster. His children were: Mary, married Thomas McKean; Nancy, married Francis Hopkinson; Joseph, married Mary, daughter of Langhorne Biles. The Letters of Moore Furman 43 a few thousand would not make the disadvantage of their sep- aration to the Public to this Time — I send the bearer on pur- pose with this to have your advice in a matter of such impor- tance and that requires such haste in regulating — I have no Doubt but our Assembly will pass a law to prevent forestalling and ingrossing &ca that will be of some use — but until the other States come into it also they cannot propose Law for Regulating or Restricting the Prices — I am with the greatest Esteem, D. Sir Your most obt. Servant. M. Furman. P. S. I shall be glad to see you next Time you come to Raratan. here if convenient if not and I can know will wait on you— ''Colo. Clemt. Riddle C. G. F. Pitts Town, December 2d, 1779. Sir: I am this Day Informed by the Q. M. General that the Con- tinental Army will meet near *'Mr. Kemble's House Four Miles on this Side Morris Town you will therefore Sent for- 48Clement Biddle, son of John Biddle and Sarah Owen, his wife, was born in Philadelphia May 10, 1740, married (1st) Mary Richardson, (2d) Rebecca, daughter of Gideon Cornell and Rebecca Vaughn, his wife, and died July 14, 1814. Col. Biddle was appointed a delegate to the First Continental Congress Sept. 5, 1774. He was active in organizing the military anomaly, "The Quaker Company of Volunteers," of which he was an officer in 1775. In 1777 he was appointed Deputy Quartermaster of the "flying camp" of 10,000 men. He took part in the Battle of Trenton, and afterwards Washington appointed him to receive the swords of the Hessians. He was in several of the most important battles of the Revolution. After the war was over he was active in the founding of the Government, and was appointed by Washington, United States Marshal of Pennsylvania. His children were: Thomas, married Christiana Williams; James, mar- ried Elizabeth Kepling; John, married Mary Widdle; Jacob, unmarried; Clement, married Mary Barkley; Mary, married Gen. George Cadwalader; Rebecca, married Dr. Mathew Chapon; Nancy, married Thomas Dunlap; Sally, unmarried. 49Peter Kemble, son of Richard Kemble and a beautiful Greek lady named Mavrocordato, his wife, was born at Smyrna in 1704, married (1) 44 The Letters of Moore Furman ward all the Boards & Forage you Possibly can immediately to the House where it will be received or Directions given where to deliver it — Colo, Biddle Advises me that the price of Forage in Sussex County in this State is for Rye & Com Thirty Dollars Buck- wheat & Oats Twenty Dollars, you will buy as cheap as you can but you must exert yourself in your power in Collecting as an immediate Supply must be sent on to the Army or they will suffer — I wrote a few days to engage and Send on all the ox Teams you could to the army to assist them in Meeting which I beg your attention to. No Demands of Officers for keeping Horses is to be paid but by Colo. Biddle at Head Quarters. Pray Exert yourself that our army may Suffer as Little as Possible — I am with Regard Your Most Huml. Servt. M. Furman. Colo. Berry. Ma jr. D, Marsh Majr. Williamson & David Banks Esqr. Pitts Town, 2nd Dec, 1779. Sr. I am advised by your favour of yesterday of the Position of the army and shall do all in my Power to hurry Every thing to Mr. Kembles House where I suppose they will receive orders what further is to be done, shall give immediate notice to every person engagd in any part of Business in Q. M. & Forage Gertrude Bayard, daughter of Samuel Bayard and Margaret Van Cort- landt, his wife; (2) Elizabeth Tuite, and died Feb. 23, 1789. He was educated in England and remained there for some time, en- gaged in mercantile pursuits. About 1730 he came to America and settled near New Brunswick, N. J., but removed to Morristown in 1765. He was a member of the Royal Council from 1745 until the Revolution, and its President for several years. His children were: Samuel; Margaret, married Gen. Thomas Gage; Richard, unmarried; Peter, married Gertrude Gouverneur; Stephen, died unmarried; William, unmarried; Judith, married Archibald McCall of Philadelphia. By his second wife: Robert, died unmarried; Elizabeth, died unmarried; Ann, died unmarried. The Letters of Moore Furman 45 Department that every thing may move to that Spot — I feel for the Army this Cold storm. I am Sr. etc. — M. Furman. Trenton, Decemr. 20th, 1779. Dear Sir: I have now stationed myself for the Winter Season at this Post which at present is likely to be reduced very low in every necessary for man & beast by ^"General Woodfords Brigade which is halted here and wait for further orders. I am no other ways concerned for the Consumption of the Forage &ca here in supporting the army than for fear of falling short by & by when it is wanting to support the Horses employed in forwarding Provisions and other necessaries to Head Quarters — This very cold season calls for a great Quantity of Wood which is exceedingly Difficult to get within any moderate Dis- tance of the Town but that can be better got through with than the want of Flour which believe they have not drawn any of since they arrived here and Rice which has been substituted in its place I'm told runs low and therefore it will be lucky if they happen to move onto the Southward toward the Provi- sions and let what can be collected hereabouts be forwarded to Camp where it is much wanted. Indeed Sir I am much sur- prised at the present dark prospects of supplies, a small Quantity of Bread & Spirits lays over the River at Bristol, a Brigade of Teams was sent over yesterday to bring them on and cannot repass the River yet though expect if the Frost holds they be able to cross to-morrow or next day and will then push on to Camp, everything that can be called Bread that falls in my power shall go on as fast as possible for I soWilliam Woodford, born in Carolina County, Virginia, in 1735, was distinguished in the French and Indian War, and in 1775 was commissioned Colonel of the Second Regiment, Continental Army. At Great Bridge he fought the forces of Lord Dunsmore, Royal Governor, Dec. 9, 1775, and gained a victory. He was afterwards Commander of the First Virginia Brigade. Severely wounded at Brandy wine, but was in action at Mon- mouth and at the siege of Charleston, S. C, 1780. Appointed by the Con- tinental Congress, Brigadier General. Was taken prisoner oy the British in 1780 and sent to New York, where he died Nov. 13, 1780. 46 The Letters of Moore Furman shall be under the greatest uneasiness till I hear of a supply being arrived there — I am calling for a Return agreeable to a Resolve of Congress I see published which shall be made as soon as in my Power — I find there is near Two Hundred Teams employed at this Post which I think more than is absolutely necessary for future Services and more than can possibly be supported without con- siderable Aid from Pennsylvania in Forage which I have no encouragement to Expect from the latest advices — you will please to give your orders respecting the Teams how many must be retained in the Service — I hope by this there is a suf- ficient Number of Ox Teams at Camp for that Service or will soon be in. if they cannot be got I can make up the Deficiency in Horse Teams, I have wrote Colo. Riddle respecting Forage, 'tis a pity some supplies of Money cannot be had. it wou'd call forth some Forage as the Regulation is to take place the first of Febr. & will undoubtedly reduce everything considerably lower than the present prices — a little comes in from those that has Faith and thinks they shall not get so much by and by. The Stables at Rurlington are nearly completed some Forage & Fire wood is provided there for Maj. Lee's Horse and believe they may soon be supported there as well & better than where they be. Some Certificates appear for work done for their Horse in the Sadlery way and some for Roots mending them etc. please to advise me if these are all to be paid by me. Col. Rhea informs me Majr. Lee is desirous of having some light Two Horse Waggons for his Raggage which he thinks will save the Expense of one half the Team Horses necessary for his men. I am D. Sir With all due Respect Your most obt. Servt. M. Furman. Honble Major Genl. N. Greene, Q. M. G. Trenton, N. J., December 20th, 1779. Dear Sir: I have removed myself my Family and office to this place for the Winter Season — and shall begin on my accounts next week if two or three Clerks which I expect don't fail me — We had a favourable prospect at this Post of holding out with Long The Letters of Moore Furman 47 Forage and some short until the Winter wore away and we could get relief from other States until such a considerable "Number of Troops halted here and are consuming us very fast indeed but I do not feel so much for the Beasts as for my Fel- low Creatures who I hear is at short allowance and cannot see any speedy relief for them from this Quarter, where then must they look? The late Resolve of Congress for a Regulation to take place the first of February would bring in some Forage if we had but Cash but of that am quite destitute nor do I see any pros- pect of an adequate supply and without I am and shall con- tinue to be in an uneasy Situation. I suppose from what I hear very considerable changes will take place in our department and until all these things are fixed few or no new regulations will be made which I can assure you are exceedingly wanted to enable the staff to do the Busi- ness of it with Usefulness to the Public or Credit to themselves. This Situation for some Time passed raised and kept up an Indifference in me whether I continued in place or not but having lately hopes that the Money would be Established and Regulations made I am willing and have put myself to con- siderable Expense to do the Business of this State as hereto- fore if it be agreeable to the Heads of the Departments. One thing gives me pain in all my Expectation of better Times that our Worthy Q. M. G. has sent in his Resignation. if accepted who succeeds him? — I shall in a few Days advise you of the forwardness of the Stables and Collection of Forage at Burlington, as soon as provision is made for the Horse there suppose they will be ordered in. I am with sincere Regards D. Sir Your most obt. M. Furman D. Q, M. G. Colo. C. Biddle. Trenton, December Slst, 1779. Dear Sir: Last week I removed my office and Family to this Town for the Winter Season at last — I have been under deep concern for some Days at the re- peated Advices from Camp of their short allowance of Pro- 48 The Letters of Moore Furman visions not knowing until today where any supplies are to come from — Some I hear is in Vessels near Borden Town which hope to come at To Morrow and Send on and considerable is coming on by land from your Place and to the Southward of it- There are now several Brigades of Teams here ready to take up and carry on any Flour & you may send here in Waggons — And several Brigades go from hence tomorrow (I expect) with the Virginia Troops that is to be discharged at Philada. unless a Sufficient Number of your Waggons come in with Flour to take on their Baggage — If the Waggons go from hence with them they can be loaded back with Provisions and proceed the shortest way with it to Camp unless the River at the Upper FeiTys is possible which believe is now the Case. I shall take pleasure in rendering you any Services in my Power either Public or private being Dr. Sr. Your Most Obt. Huml. Servt. M. Furman D. Q. M. G. Colo. John Mitchell, D. Q. M. G. Trenton, Decembr. 28th, 1779. Sir I have obtained an order from Colo. Lowrey for what Corn you have purchased for him and have it Ground & Bolted so that the Meal will do to mix ,with the Wheat Flour at Head Quarters to Bake into Bread for the Arm}^ For present Use this Cold season having interrupted the Navigation and prevented the Flour coming so Quick from the Southward as was ex- pected which makes them rather short at present — I have de- sired Col. Berry to call on you and get this Business done with all possible Expedition and sent on to Morris Town either in Casks or Bags — For the Manufacturing you shall be paid as much as is generally paid for Wheat. The Off-all you will deliver Colo. Berry for Forage. If you have any Corn to spare it will oblige the Public par- ticularly at this Time and you shall receive as much for it as is given by the Purchasers for the Army when the Com is de- livered. The Letters of Moore Furman 49 Colo. Berry will treat with you further on this Business — I am Sir Your most Obt. Servt. M. Furman D. Q. M. G. Mr. John I. Schanck. Trenton, Decern. 31st, 1779. Dear Sir: I have your Lamentation of Christmas and the 28th Instant — notliing more is wanted in your Return of officers than those steadily employed in the Services, those occasionally employed need not be mentioned — no alteration since the 11th May in Salary s. I am removed to Trenton with the Office where I expect all the Accounts will be settled. Mr. Burnside has wrote you before I returned which I con- firm in all things. I know your Distress for Cash and feel for every one acting in the Department with me. ^'Capt. Pike will inform you particularly of my Situation respecting Cash and you may depend I cannot rest nor will our Creditors let me until I am enabled to discharge our Contracts — Shall pay particular at- tention to the Money you have paid out belonging to Individ- uals to enable you to procure the Certificates for them. I rejoice to hear they are tolerably supplied with Forage at Camp, some Grain will be going on from this County and Som- erset to help out. Respecting Hay you will please to conform to the orders given you by the Heads of the Departments as near as possible & when you cannot purchase any more at that Price you must if wanted at Camp give more or not have it as the Limitation don't take place 'till Februry. I observe you are named in the new Law to collect in your County under the State, when that takes place its hoped the State will furnish you with Money — the Law will soon be printed — siZebulon Pike, son of Zebulon Pike of Woodbridge, N. J., was born in New Jersey in 1751, and died in Laurenceburg, Ind., July 27, 1834. He was a Cornet in Moylan's Regiment of Continentals in March, 1777, and Adjutant Nov. 1, 1777; Lieutenant March 15, 1778; Paymaster, and finally Captain in Dec, 25, 1778. His son was Zebulon Montgomery Pike. 60 The Letters of Moore Furman Refer you to Capt. Pike for further particulars — and be- lieve me to be Dr. Sir Your most Obt. Servt. M. Furman. Mr. Daniel Marsh. Trenton, Deer. 31, 1779. Dr. Sir I returned from waiting on Mr. Washington before Mr. Burnside's Letter was forwarded which I confirm in all things. My difficulties have been coming on for some time, the Debts contracted for necessaries called for by the Army increasing much faster than the Supplies of Money came in and for some Weeks past notwithstanding my most earnest solicitation for money have not been able to obtain any — I mean however to persevere to the end for no Man has more feelings on these occasions — not more for myself than all who have acted with me in the Department many of whom are in much worse Situa- tion than yourself — I mean not Sir to give you any unnecessary troubles about your Accounts if they pass 'tis all I wish, in a few Days ex- pect assistance to over-look them and they shall be the first attended to — I would have complied with your wish to have the hundred thousand Dollars Settled with ^"Mr. Borden now, but that money has been drawing at this Post as it could be got to support the Teams carrying on Provisions to Camp, without which it must have been stopped and which in a few Days will be expended and then know not where I shall get more — If I hear of no relief in a few Days will go to Philadelphia & lay my distressed Circumstances before the Board of war Treas- ury Board or wherever is most likely to give Relief — I now again Promise you that as soon as it's in my power (which has been the foundation of all my engagements in be- half of the Public) that I shall reheve you & every other of my E2Seth Borden, the son of Stephen Borden and Mary, daughter of Joseph Church of Fall River, was born in 1766, married Nov. 1, 1794, to Ruth, daughter of Gideon Brown of Middleton, R. I., and died in 1812. He was Assistant Quartermaster, also Captain-Lieutenant of the Militia in the Revolution. The Letters of Moore Furman 51 fellow sufferers — The Business is now going into another Chan- nel & I fear much we shall be neglected, all I wish is that it may be well done and the army well Supported and we may be enabled to pay off our Contracts with honour. Believe me to be with sincere regards Rev. & Dr Sr. Your Mo. obt. Servt. M. Furman. "Rev. James Caldwell. Head Quarters, Morris Town. Gentlemen : — The present Situation of the army with respect to provi- sions is the most distressing of any we have experienced since the beginning of the war. for a fortnight past the Troops both offi- cers and men have been almost perishing for want, they have been alternately without Bread or meat, the whole time with a very Scanty allowance of either, and frequently Destitute of Both, they have borne their Sufferings with a patience that merits 63James Caldwell, son of John Caldwell of Virginia, from County An- trim, Ireland, was born April, 1734, married March 14, 1763, Hannah, daughter of John Ogden and Hannah Sayre, his wife, and died Nov. 24, 1781. He was graduated from the College of New Jersey September, 1759, and pursued theological studies, being ordained by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, N. J., Sept. 17, 1760. He was made a Trustee of Princeton College in 1769, During the Revolution he so distinguished himself for the cause of liberty that Washington sent a complimentary notice of him to Congress. He was a fighting Chaplain with Col. Dayton's Regiment from Elizabethtown in 1776, and later was Assistant Commissary General, and in 1780 was chosen a member of the State Council. His wife was mur- dered and his house at Connecticut Farms plundered in 1780, About a year later he was himself shot and killed by an American sentinel sup- posed at the time to have been bribed by the enemy. His death made a great sensation among the patriots by whom his services were greatly appreciated, and his murderer suffered capital punishment. His children were: Margaret, born 1764, married Isaac Canfield of Mor- ristown, N. J.; John Dickinson, born 1765; Hannah, born 1767, married James R. Smith of Philadelphia; John Edwards, born 1769, adopted by the Marquis de La Fayette, He returned to New York and married Mrs. Van Wyck; James B., born 1771; Esther Flynt, born 1772, married Rev. Robert Finley of Baskingridge, N, J,; Josiah, born 1774; Elias Boudinot, born 1776; Sarah, born 1778, married Rev. John Vredenburg; Maria, born 1779, married Robert S. Robertson of New York. 52 The Letters of Moore Furman the approbation and ought excite the Sympathy of their Coun- trymen, but they are reduced to an extremity no longer to be Supported, their distress has in Some Instances prompted the men to commit depredations on the property of the Inhabitants which at any other period would be punished with examplary Severity but which can now only be lamented as the affect of an unfortunate necessity, this evil would increase and soon be- come intolerable were not an instant remedy to be applied. The distress we feel is chiefly owing to the early commence- ment and uncommon rigor of the Winter which have greatly obstructed the Transportation of our Supplies. These causes have obliged us to exhaust all the Magazines in the Vicinity of the Camp and as they Continue to operate we shall be un- able to derive seasonable succours from our most Distant Re- sourses. from present appearances it must be four or five weeks before we can have the benefit of any Materials Supplies beyond the Limits of this State so that unless an extraordinary exer- tion be made within the State to supply the wants of the Army, during that Space, fatal consequences must unavoidably ensue, your own disernment makes it unnecessary to particularize. In- fluenced by these considerations my duty to the Public and my affection to the Virtuous Inhabitants of this State who next to the army would be the most immediate Sufferers have deter- mined to Call upon the respective Counties for a Proportion of Grain & Cattle to Satisfy the present Exigency, the Quota of the County to which you belong is four hundred Bushels of Grain & two Hundred Head of Cattle which it is indispensable Should be collected and Delivered in two Days after this ap- plication—if more can be spared the County will do an es- sential Service by furnishing it. I have adopted this mode of Requisition from a regard to the case & accommodations of the Inhabitants as you are well acquainted with the Circumstances of. Individuals you will be able to apportion the Quantity to the ability of each and as I have no Doubt you will be convinced of the absolute necessity' of the measure. I am persuaded your zeal for the Common Cause will induce you to exert your utmost influence to procure a Chearfull & an immediate Compliance. In doing this tho you may not be authorized by the Strict Letter of the Law, b}^ con- sulting its Spirit (which aims at the relief of the army) in an The Letters of Moore Furman 53 emergency of so pressing & peculiar a nature you will merit the acknowledgement of your fellow Citizens — In order that the Inhabitants may receive compensation for what they furnish ^*Mr. Flint A. C. Gen. will concert with you a proper place for the Delivery's. The owners will bring them to this place at the time appointed and a Commissary to re- ceive them and give Certificates specifying the Quantity of each article & the Tenns of payment, these terms will be (at the option of the owners which he shall Declare at the time) Either to be paid the market price which if preferred is to be specified, or the market price at the time of payment the weight of the cattle to be estimated by the Magistrates or any two of them in Conjunction with Commissary. Wliile I have entire confidence that you will do everything in your power to give Efficacy to this requisition, I have too high an opinion of the patriotism of the people of this State and of their attachment to an army making every Sacrifice in de- fence of their Country to entertain the least apprehension of their not Seconding your endeavours. But at the same time I think it my duty to Inform you that Should we be disappointed in our hopes the Extremity of the Case will compel us to have resourse to a Difficult mode which will be disagreeable to us on every account, on none more than the probability of its having an operation less equal & less convenient to the Inhabitants than the one now recommended. I entreat you to be assured Gen- tlemen that I have given you a Just Representation of our Distress, of the Causes — and of the time in all likleyhood must elapse before we can obtain relief through the ordinary Chan- nels, from tliis you will perceive that Delay or Indecision is in- compatible with our Circumstances. With the Greatest respect I have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most obt. & Huml. Sert. Geo. Washington. 54Royal Flint, son of James Flint of Windham, Mass., and Jemima, daughter of Ebenezer Gennings, his wife, was born Jan. 12, 1754, married about 1782 Lora, daughter of Col. Jedediah Elderkin and Ann "Wood, his wife, and died in the South. Captain Royal Flint was Paymaster of Ward's Connecticut State Regi- 64 The Letters of Moore Furman Trenton, Janr. 6th, 1780. Dear Sir This moment got the Inclosed Law from the press And this moment Mr. Nugent Express Rider come In and proceeds as soon as refreshed to Camp. Old things being done away and all things becoming New we all stand looking at one another and waiting for New Institu- tions. The Greatest Difficulty I now see before me will arise from the want of money to pay off the Debts of the Departmt. in this State which is very Considerable, my Assistants are call- ing loud from every post and I have it not in my power to help them. But a very few thousand Dollars is now in my power and those am obliged to keep to Supply the Teams car- rying on Provisions to Camp — In a few days shall be quite out and know not then what method to take to keep them going, perhaps necessity may point it out. I have wrote to every post and desired the Supresser may be call'd in and discharged. All the Artificers at this Post was Discharged 31st. past their time being out but was obliged to take in two or three again to do the necessary business. I am Daily call'd on for — The Run on the Forage here for some time past has reduced it much and it will be necessary to know in time from whom Supplies is to come & who is cloathed with power to Call for it to Supply the Several Posts in this State. Col. Biddle will Excuse my not writing now the Express waiting M. Furman. Honble Major Genl. Greene. Per Nugent To "Charles Petit Esquire A. Q. M. Genl. Trenton, January 26th, 1780. Dear Sir Having look'd forward to the breaking up of the Frost with ment, June 10, 1776, to May, 1777. He was appointed Assistant Commis- sary of Purchases May 27, 1778, resigning February, 1780. He was with Washington at Valley Forge during the entire winter and was his per- sonal friend. After the war he was a merchant at West Point, but lost his fortune through endorsing too heavily, and went South. His children were: A son, died young; Sophia, born Nov. 3, 1783, and married Erastus Clark. 65Charles Pettit, son of Andrew and Dinah Pettit, was born near Am- The Letters of Moore Furman 55 a desire to remove every Difficulty as far as in my Power that may arise from that Quarter, your requisition for Waggons has been in part Complied with before made by sending on all the Waggons to Philadelphia I could spare from the Service re- quired in this State ever Since the Continental Bridge was thrown over the Delaware. I will now double my Force in that Service, and endeavour to make up the Defficiency in this Side the Delaware by Chance Teams from Stage to Stage, by which means at this Leisure among the Farmers, get considerable done to advantage as in those Short Stages where they can be at home almost every night, they find themselves & Horses every- thing but those teams will not go far from home on the Same terms. The price given by the barrel to those Teams is half a Dollar per barrl. per mile, untill our late distress at Camp when I was obliged to allow 5 per cent, but all these things I suppose will be altered to keep pace with the Regulation if it takes place which God grant for as things are now Circumstanced no man can do business for the Public with credit to himself or advantage to the Public. I think you may depend upon me for Sending on as many teams with what has gone within a few days as will bring a Thousand Barrels from Philadelphia in one week from this day. Respecting a Division of the 10,000 Dollars, the whole will fall so short of the Expenses of Transportation for one Week in this State, and therefore know of no Division of it more Just than to divide it by the distance each have to Cart the Pro- vision. well, Hunterdon County, N. J. In 1763 he married Sarah, daughter of Andrew Reed and Theodosia Bowes, his wife, and died Sept. 4, 1806. Mr. Pettit studied law and filled many important positions. He was Surrogate in 1767, and Secretary of the Province of New Jersey under Governor Franklin, and continued under Governor Livingston until ap- pointed Assistant Quartermaster General by Gen. Greene. He had also served as a Provincial Councillor in 1773. After the Revolution he be- came a successful merchant in Philadelphia, and was a member of the Legislature, 1783-1784, and a delegate to the Continental Congress, 1785- 1787. He was the author of the Funding System, and an advocate of the adoption of the Constitution at the Convention at Harrisburg. He was a Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, and a member of the American Philosophical Society. His daughter, Elizabeth, married Jared Ingersol. He had also a son Charles. 56 The Letters of Moore Furman In old Testament times that Government which required their subjects to make Brick without Straw was thought to be — How to get on without money in your department I am at a loss, though my Supplies has been totally Stopt for Some time, hitherto I have got on tolerably well, the Transportation of the Army has been as well performed as the Season admitted & believe no complaint has been made on that Score, and I have collected tolerable Supplies in the Forage Department, for all which the Public is many Months & Millions of Dollars in arrears to the Citizens of this State, who now begin to groan aloud under the Burdens and I am exceedingly alarm'd now and under great anxiety least it will not remain long in my Power, to perform the Task set me under my present Circum- stances & you will see by the enclos'd Letter from Elizh. Town that my trouble is not without foundation. I therefore beg you will immediately lay this particular matter before the Treasury Board & Congress and do assure you I hourly expect the same intelligence from Several other Posts of Consequence in this State. I therefore pray them to enable me to prevent the bad effects which every one must naturally Suppose will flow from a Stoppage of the necessary Supplies call'd for. I was yesterday at Borden Town and am inform'd there is now about 50,000 Dollars in the Continental Loan there. I pray a Warrant for what money comes into that Office, it is Certainly reasonable that this State should reap the benefit of what Money they put in the Loan. I can now pay away Con- siderable in L. Office Certificates and hope you may obtain Liberty to draw what I can Pass for public debts, all the Hay & Grain purchas'd for some time is on Credit, a very heavy Tax v.ill very soon call on the Inhabitants of this State, they have sold their Grain & depend on the IMoney for paying it. I send the bearer who will wait your answer on all these things which hope will be favourable. I am Dr. Sir Yr. most affecte. & obt. Servant. M. Furman. Trenton, Febry. 2d, 1780. Gentlemen In Consequence of a very pressing Call for money from Major Williamson for the particular purpose of paying for & The Letters of Moore Furman 57 purchasing Wood for the use of the Guards on the Line this Cold Season, as well as many other pressing Calls on other ac- casions I have Solicited in the most earnest manner for money for Those purposes, and have obtained an order for a small Sum which I have encouragement shall have received in a few days, and being Informed you are to meet in a few Days on this Business in a few days, thought it proper to inform you that I have no Doubts of Forwarding Fifteen or Twenty Thousand Dollars shortly to pay as far as it will go in that article. Mr. Williamson being unfortunately taken Prisoner, must employ some other Person to Officiate in this Particular matter as soon as money Comes to hand, and Shall be glad of your advice Respecting the Distribution of tliis Money which I wish to be done in the most advantageous & equal Manner — I shall not Cease my application for money to pay all other Demands in the State untill I obtain a sufficiency I am Gentlemen Your most Huml. Sert. Moore Furman D. Q. M. G. The Worshipfal Magistrates of Essex. Trenton, Feby. 9th, 1780. Mr. Saml. Gary, You are to proceed without Delay to Morris Town and there Deliver the Pipe and Wine to the order of his Excellency Genl. Washington at Head Quarters, be particularly Careful that no person have an opportunity of getting to it on the road — Re- turn by way of Pitts Town & bring down Some Quarter Master Stores that will be Delivered to you there. Moore Furman D. Q. M. G. Trenton, March 3d, 1780. Sir — I communicated your Letter and application to Colo. Cox respecting your Ferry — The Letter wrote to him at Philada. he never received nor heard of before or would certainly have an- swered it — I have made some Enquiry into the State of the Case Respecting the Ferry and cannot find any good Founda- tion for the Charge of Rent up to this time, shall however be glad to see you when you come to Town that we may have some 58 The Letters of Moore Furman further Conversation on the Subject I enclose the Papers left with me I am Sr. Yr. H'ble Servant M. Furman. ^^Maj or Wm. Trent To Mr. Wilham Williamson at Eliz. Town Trenton, March 8th, 1780. Sir I received a letter from the Quarter Master General in an- swer to mine by you in which he informs me you did not call on him but that whenever any thing was in his power towards effecting an exchange for your Brother his endeavours Should not be wanting — and have heard lately that a General exchange is like to take place very soon when all will be set free, which I shall be very glad to see. As your Brother is absent I recommend to Major Marsh to Certify the debts due in his district, you will therefore recom- mend the people to call on him as Soon as Possible as I hope when I can ascertain the Debts due in this State Congress will furnish money to pay them. I never was so unhappy about any Business I ever transacted since I have done Business (which is more than thirty years) as the not receiving money to pay up those who have so readily supplied the public on Credit and shall not turn my back on them untill they are paid if my power to get the money I am Sir Your Huml. Sert. Moore Furman D. Q. M. Genl. P. S. my Compliments to Mrs. WmSon and Sincerely wish she may soon see the Major. seWilliam Trent, son of Chief Justice William Trent and Mary, daugh- ter of Governor William Coddington of Rhode Island, married Sarah Wilkins. He was Captain in the French and Indian War and promoted to the position of Major. In 1768 he was appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Scarcely was there a treaty formed or an Assembly held at which he was not present as a prominent and important participant. He owned much property in Trenton, which was named for his family, but moved from there to Philadelphia in 1784. His children were: William; Ann, born 1756, married Mr. Raymond; The Letters of Moore Furman 59 Trenton, March 29th, 1780. Dr. Sir I have not troubled you with my afflictions for Some time and wish there was no further Occasion for it. My difficulties increase and will soon I fear be insurmount- able, my Circumstances therefore like the Irish Resolves needs no preamble. Our Army some days past — Some days have half allowance and but few days the whole Ration. Three or four hundred Barrels of Flour is gone from this Post this week & about one Hundred Barrels is now here which shall also move on as soon as in my power and a little is Collecting in this state and dropping slowly into Camp but all does no more then keep them alive — I hope and expect Provisions sufficient will be produced but how it will be Transported to them I know not, for more than the half the Teams in the service has given me notice that they are under a necessity of quitting it. The wages being so very low it will not support them, for a four horse team and driver Ten Pounds per Day and that of two horses Seven Pounds of the former will buy 3/4 in hard money, the latter 2/6 can any reasonable man expect or any honest man desire they will Continue in the service on such Terms, besides the Transportation of the Commissary Stores and Forage through this State to Camp a Quantity of Stores for the Pennsa. Troops is Coming on which will require a Considerable number of Waggons, how are they to be got without Money and almost without prices. To be plain and Conclude unless money is supplied to pay for Carting, and I am allowed to pay a reasonable price for it I now desire you to take notice that I will not hold myself ac- countable for the consequence after this present Month of March runs out and this I beg you will not fail to Communi- cate ImTnediately to those who Can grant relief in the Premises. I am Dr. Sir Your most obt. Sert. M. Furman. Charles Pettit Esq. A. Q. G. Martha, born 1759; Mary, born 1762, married Nathan Beakes; Sarah, born 1768; John, born 1768, married Mary Louisa, daughter of Capt. Isaac Duhone of South Carolina. 60 The Letters of Moore Furman Trenton 4th April 1780. Mr. Thos. Durie Dear Sir: Yours of the Ti past and Janr. 29th wrote you by express Messenger Forst That of yesterday was just handed me. 1 have wrote Coh Berry to call immediately on the Con- tractor of Somerset County to deposit without delay Forty Busls. of Grain with the Forage Master at Middle Brook the letter will be delivered him tomoiTOw Evening. You will also please to give the Col. a line on the Subject will enable him to Call more forceably on the State Contractor — have also wrote Robert Stockton Esqr. A. Q. M. at Pr. Town for the same pur- pose and I will be provided here. I am doing everything in my power to keep you Suppli'd with Forage and it has been hitherto heavily moving on though too slow for the Consumption there, in a few days it will move slower and in a few days more not move at all for the Teams in the Continental Service are now about to leave it. the Wages is so low and they do not even get that and therefore they will not Continue before this month end. I don't expect a Team at Command. I have for Several Weeks past been giving notice of these things and it has been handed into Congress but they give no answer & I am as yet totally Ignorant how the busi- ness is to be done after I am stopped, all that in my power shall be done and while I have a Team at Command they shall be employed Carrying on something to Head Quarters for Man or for Beast. Two Brigades, Hunts & Thomsons is now Carry- ing on Forage from Amwell. Thomson was with me this day. his Brigade will quit after a trip or two more unless the pay is raised and the money paid. Hunt will also quit soon ; And all the Teams in the Commissary Service will quit this month, what is the Army to do unless some mode immediately Starts up to perform the transportation — You desire to know how soon I can comply with his Excellency's request. Now at this place and Prince Town and believe in three days at Middle Brook if the Contractor in Somerset don't go quick step about it. I have desired Col. BeiTy to take a Wagon Load out of Thomson's Brigade and send down there which I think will be at Middle Brook Friday or Saturday. The Forage I am now forwarding is my own purchasing last The Letters of Moore Furman 61 Winter, if you call on the Superintendent its probable he can help you to some. I wish to send in all I bought before the Teams in the Contl. Service quit. Yr— M. Furman. ''Mr. Thos. Durie, D. Q. M. G. A. C. G. F. Per Express Dun. April 8th 1780. Colo. John Mitchell, Sr. The ^^Baron Dekalb called on me this morning for a Set of Horses to take on his Baggage Wagon to Philada. I was obliged to furnish him with a Set I was adding to the four you sent me to make up a Continental Brigade. And as I am told the Genl. will stay some weeks in Philada. Suppose it will be con- venient to Return those Horses and therefore have sent the Driver of them down to bring them back. You will please to Direct that they are delivered to him and give orders for his Return here — Yr. Hbl. Servt. Moore Furman P. S. Please to Order the Teamster Provisions & Forage to bring him back. April 8, 1780. Ma jr. Samuel Flaningan: Sr: Your last to hand is from Burlington of the 5th past. Since 57Thomas Durie of Essex County, New Jersey, was Assistant Commissary General of Forage in the Revolution. ssjohann De Kalb was born at Hiittendorf, Bavaria, July 29, 1721. He entered the French Army in 1743, serving through the seven years' war, and attained the rank of Major General. In 1768, on a visit to America, as a secret agent, he made so many warm friends that on the opening of the Revolution he returned and offered his services to the Continental Congress. In 1777 he was appointed Major General, and was with Washington at Valley Forge, and took part in the subsequent operations in New Jersey and with Gates near Camden, S. C, where he led his troops to meet Corn- wallis, and in a desperate charge was wounded eleven times and died August 19, 1780. He was one of the bravest foreigners who came to espouse the Patriots' Cause. 62 The Letters of Moore Furman 10th I wrote you to desire that some Forage might be sent there but have not heard of any being arrived, and the Horse posted there being under marching orders its probable some may be call'd for. if it is please to Supply it if you can. I beg you will make immediate return of what Forage you have on hand and Contracted for in your district and forward it to this Post as fast as Possible. If you have any difficulty in procuring Teams or Vessels for Transportation please to let me know immediately and I will assist in that Business — The demands in your district for all debts due from the Public in the Q. M. or Forage department must be made and Certified in all this Month or they will stand unsettled and unpaid untill all those Certified be first discharged, please to Advertise the People of that Circumstance which will Undoubtedly induce them to come in — Pray make immediately Return of the For- age you have on hand, and whether you want any Assistance to get along and immediately after this month is run out bring in and settle all your accounts. Via Burlington. M. Furman. Trenton 28th April, 1780. To ^^Colo. David Rhea Dr. Sir: There is a quantity between 30 & 40 bbs. Salt Provisions at Spotswood which is much wanted at Camp. Mr. Hendricks will send four Two Horse Teams to that Service which will not be sufficient to take the whole on & therefore if you propose to put your Teams into the Service you will Let them Joyn Mr. Hendricks four teams and take the whole along. Mr. Hendricks or Cox will conduct them to Camp & back to this place where I will joyn them to some Brigade. I am your Huml. Servant M. Furman. 59David Rhea, son of David Rhea and Ann, his wife, of Freehold, Mon- mouth County, N. J., was baptized Sept. 27, 1740, and died June 14, 1821, unmarried. He was Major of the Second Battalion of the Continental Army and Lieutenant-Colonel, Quartermaster stationed at AUentown in 1779-1780, and Sheriff of Monmouth County, 1785. The Letters of Moore Furman 63 May 9—1780. Q. M. Genl. Sir Agreeable to your desire I am to mention the Terms upon which I am willing to remain in the Service as D. Q. M. Genl. of this State. The Service of the appointment has hitherto required Con- stant attendance since I have been in it and therefore prevented my being able to do the least Business for myself of any kind whatever and do not expect it will require less attention here- after especially while the Main Army remains in or near this State. Therefore cannot think of a less Salary than One hun- dred pounds in Specie or an Equivalent in Contl. Money per month, Forage for Two Horses & Traveling Expenses with the Privilege of Appointing all the Subordinate Officers in the State agreeable to the plan which department may be settled on. I wish however to be understood that if the Arrangement of the Staff is not made so that I shall be of Opinion that I can Execute the Business to the Satisfaction of the Army and the Public in General and with Reputation to myself, I do not hold my self bound to Act any longer then is Sufficient to Settle up my Accounts and it be Convenient to you to appoint to Succeed me I am Sr. Moore Furman. The Honble Majr. Genl. N. Greene Q. M. G. To Colo. John Mitchell D. Q. M. Philadelphia Trenton May 13th, 1780. Dear Sir: I am favoured with yours of the 9th Inst, and am sorry its not Convenient for Creamer to return with the Teams that I might make up the Brigade, must therefore try for another. Shall forward the Q. M. Stores you sent up as fast as possible the greater part of them is gone on already and am of opinion I can forward the remainder without much loss of time if you send them up Water. As it will be saving much trouble to you & Expenses to the Public, I will Venture to encourage you to send them this way and will do my best to forward them in time. 64 The Letters of Moore Furman There are many poor soldiers & released prisoners travelling this road to Philadelphia & the Southward unable to walk and it will be a great relief to them to have the Liberty of going from this place by Water which may be done without any ad- ditional Expense if the Continental Vessels were ordered up here with their lading instead of discharging it at Philadelphia & putting it on Board private Property Vessels. I am in haste Dr. Sir Yr. most obed. Servant Moore Furman. Trenton, May 15, 1781. **Honble. Josiah Hornblower: speaker of the Assembly &c. Sir: Having acted as D. Q. M, and Forage Master of this State (by appointment of the Q. M. G. of the Armies of the U. States) from the Second of March 1778 to the 19 Sept. 1780, and there being considerable Supplies Collected and Services done by the Inhabitants thereof for the use of said Army dur- ing said time for which Money has not been furnished for Pay- ment, I have given Const. Attendance at my Office in this Town with two or three clerks ever since 17th September last in 60Josiah Hornblower, son of Joseph Hornblower and Rebecca, his wife, born in England in Staffordshire, Feb. 23, 1729, married Elizabeth, daugh- ter of Col. William Kingsland and Margaret Coerten, his wife, and died at Newark, N. J., Jan. 21, 1809. He emigrated to the United States, 1751, and settled in Belleville, N. J. He had been educated as a civil engineer and built the first steam engine in America. He took an active part in the French and Indian War and was Captain of a local company. In the Revolution he was so energetic in planning and accomplishing im- portant feats for the patriots that the enemy tried in every way to kidnap him. He was elected to the Assembly of New Jersey in 1779 and in the next year made Speaker. He was a member of the Council of 1781-1784 and a delegate to the Continental Congress, 1785-86. He was Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 1790. His children were: Joseph; Margaretta, married James H. Kip; Wil- liam, died young; James, married Hannah Crane; Rebecca, died young; Elizabeth, died young; William, died without issue; Josiah, married Annetje Merselis; Jonathan, died young; Henry Coerten; Christiana, died without issue; Joseph Coerten, married (1) Mary, daughter of Dr. Wm. Burnett, Jr.; (2) Mary Ann, daughter of William Kinney. The Letters of Moore Furman 65 order to settle and adjust the demands for said Services & Supplies, but am obliged now for the Support of my Family to remove to my Farm at Pitts-Town where being willing to con- tinue my Services for the Public good and ease and Conveni- ence of my Fellow Citizens I shall attend to adjust and Settle such demands as may hereafter be made untill they are all come in, Or untill some other mode of Settlement be adopted. As I Suppose every Information respecting Public affairs that may be usefull to the Honourable Legislature of this State in their Deliberation upon them will be Acceptable, I take this early opportunity of inclosing a^bstract of the amount of the Certificates Issued by me & my Assistants for Debts due from the Public to the first day of this Instant so far as they are come to my hands, which beg the favour may be Communicated to the Honourable House — And I most sincerely wish that Some expedient may be fallen on to discharge said Debt as it will greatly Contribute to the Convenience and Advantage of the Inhabitants of the State and most certainly encourage them again to take up and bear the Burdens of the present hour with more cheerfulness and alacrity. I am with great Respect Sr. &., Moore Furman. Trenton, Feb. 14, 1792. *^Honble. Jona. Dayton : Sir I should not have delayed answering your letter of the 8th of November last had not Mr. Banks been with you since that time and put his business as I thought in the train he wished. siJonalhan Dayton, son of Gen. Elias Dayton, was born Oct. 16, 1760, and died Oct. 9, 1824. He was a graduate of the College of New Jersey. In 1776 he entered the Army, was appointed Paymaster in 1778, and in 1779 served with Gen. Sullivan against the Six Nations. In 1780 he was appointed Captain in his father's regiment. He was Speaker of the New Jersey Legislature in 1790, and in 1787 a delegate to the Convention for Forming a Federal Constitution. In 1791 he was sent to Congress, and from 1795 to 1799 served as Speaker. From 1799 to 1805 he acted as United States Senator. He was appointed Brigadier General. The opening up of the West ap- pealed to him, and he became largely interested in Western land. Dayton, Ohio, is named for him. He was an intimate friend of Burr, and was implicated in the charge of treason, but was acquitted. 66 The Letters of Moore Furman Mr, Banks has often spoke to me about a Certificate but not being able to give such a one (with propriety) as I thought would be usefull to him it has been delayed. I wished to see you when you passed through this place and looked out for the Stage you were in but missed it. In order to give you the clearest knowledge I can of the business, I now enclose abstract of his account as it stands in the book the accounts of disbursements there credited is in the Auditor's Office, his pay as Assistant Q. Master is charged in them monthly and it appears at the Close of the accounts that he was fully supplied with money. When the Commissioner for adjusting and Certifying these accots, was in Jersey he refused every application where it appeared there were a set- tlement and full payment of an account & therefore this was not taken up the 3m & 20 days service was after the Settle- ment for that I believe Mr, Banks is satisfied, but the extra charge of 1200 Dollars has never been satisfied nor had I ever liberty from the Q, M, General to allow such charged where the Assistant received Pay and subsistance unless they were ordered on some very particular and expensive service out of the Com- mon line of their duty. I however entered it as a charge made by Mr. Banks that he might have an opportunity of making what use he thought proper of it in a future day. I am very willing to serve Mr. Banks as far as I can in this business by giving any further information in my power. Respecting Mr. Bank's services under Mr. Caldwell I have not the least knowledge, and therefore cannot be of any Ser- vice to him in that part of the business. I am with due respect, Sr. Yr. most obt. Servant. M, F. The greater part of the remaining letters were written by Moore Furman to his brother-in-law, William Edgar, who was bom in Belfast, Ireland, 1736, of Scottish parentage. His parents, as far as it is possible to trace, left their home in Scot- land with many others on account of the religious persecutions there. The date on which he arrived in this country is not def- initely knowji, but it was probably shortly after the Fall of Quebec, and the loss of Canada by France to England, 1760; and before the Siege of Detroit by Pontiac. Letters now in The Letters of Moore Furman 67 possession of one of his heirs show that he suffered with others in that siege, and was intimate with the officers of the British Army in Canada during those thrilhrig times. He was con- nected with the British Army as Commissary from 1763 to as late as 1770, and on behalf of the Government dealt and nego- tiated with the Indian tribes in the neighborhood of Detroit and Niagara. During this period he was also in business by himself, and later in partnership under the firm name of Rankin and Edgar, dealing extensively in furs with the Indians and shipping them for sale to England. At a later period and until 1783 or 1784, he removed to Montreal and early in 1784 came to New York. He was naturalized in that year a citizen of the United States. He first mamed Isabella (1784?), daughter of Townsend White, by whom he had five children: William, Maria, Louisa, JuHet and Annabella. In 1793 his first wife died, and about a year later he married Anne Van Horn, daughter of David Van Horn, by whom he had no issue. William Edgar became a great merchant in his day, and was heavily interested in trade with China, and owned several ships that plied between New York and the East. His first resi- dence was No. 7 Wall Street, whence he removed to Green- wich Street near the Battery on the West Side. His store and office on Washington Street was in the rear of his house. He was the Treasurer of the Mutual, the first insurance company of New York, started in 1793 ; a Director of the Bank of New York, and of the Manhattan Compan}^, and was one of the Founders and also the Vice-President of the St. Patrick's So- ciety and a share holder in the famous old Tontine coffee house. His family at this period intermarried with the Le Roys, New- bolds, McEvers, Bayards and Howlands, and were prominent in the social, political and financial life of the city. He died on August 27th, 1823, at the age of eighty-seven. Trenton March 16th 1785. My dear friend. Would you think it, that notwithstanding all I can say either by way of coaxing or blustering away, like anything, I cannot get your sister to take hold of a pen indeed I should exert myself a little more on the Occasion, but must spare her this once on account of her having taken Cold which much 68 The Letters of Moore Furman affects her Eyes, and therefore as ^^Mr. Beakes (who is now one of our House here) is going to your City I have agreed for this once to resume my old office and write a hne for her, in hopes that we may have the pleasure of hearing from you by Mr. Beakes return. Well then, now I am to tell you of our having had a great fright by our Carriage House and everything in it being consumed by Fire, so that we are now reduced to Punches Coach, we however, are thankfull that it is no worse, and com- fort ourselves with thinking what we have escaped. We thank you for your kind invitation of Maria, we have good schools here now and keep her at them, next winter if we all live, and do well it may be a more proper time and then may perhaps be thankfull to you for such a favour. Our children are all healthy and keep close at school. Sally and Maria really intend paying her sisters and other Friends a visit at New York some time in the Spring, but wishes to see you here first. Mr. Beakes just come in and waiting, all send love to all. I am with best respects to your Mr. Edgar Dear Madam Your most obedient Mr. Furman. Trenton, May 6th 1786. Dear Sir, We rejoice much to hear that you have a son, and that he and liis Mother are out of danger. I observe what you say respecting the Sum chargeable to ®^Mr. Douglas, he has also given me the same advise. Our Strawberry vines looks well and expect will produce 62Nathan Beakes, son of Morgan Beakes, married Mary, daughter of William Trent. Mr. Beakes was a merchant of Trenton, N. J. On June 15, 1756, he was appointed Commissioner for relief of prisoners confined for debt. His -children were: Morgan, married Hannah Miller; Lydia, married Gen. Zachariah Rossell. esProbably George Douglas, son of Joseph Douglas and Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Borden, married Athalanah . He was a merchant, residing at Point Breeze, Bordentown, N. J., but in 1792 assigned to Abraham Hunt. Another member of his family was Alexander Douglas, who was prom- The Letters of Moore Furman 69 plentifully, and as we hope Mrs. E. will soon be in health to come abroad, we shall advise you when they are fit for use and shall expect to see you both here to partake of them. I am glad to hear of Addy's Health and that he is kept busy, that being the only way to make him a Man of business. Mrs. F. (urman) sends much love to Mrs. E. (dgar) and we wish her and Mrs. C. (onstable) much happiness in their sons, they seem to jog on cleverly together. I am dear Sir Yours Sincerely M. Furman. Trenton January 29th 1787. Dear Sir, I received your favour of the 18th November the day before yesterday, which has been long detained in the Post Office at New York, by order of the Post Master General Soon after Mrs. Furman returned I wrote to thank you for your great care of her and giving her a passport home, she fared so well when there that she threatens me to return again if I speak but a crooked Word, and I have no way of taking her down but to assure her I shall look out for another next time she leaves me so long. In turn I must inquire after your Lady and family and sin- cerely hope they enjoy perfect health and happiness, If your daughter and son has health that's all they can want but what you can easily supply them with, in a few years more wants will call on you. Ours begin to raise our anxiety on many accounts, and all our care now is to fit them to come into the world by the time we must go out. All is well with me and joyn in wishing all health and happi- ness to your household. I am with great regards Dear sir Your most obt. Servant M. Furman. Trenton April 19 1787. Dear Sir, I have now to thank you for many things ; The Maps, your kindness to my son etc. inent in the Revolution and at whose house Washington held a council of war, Jan. 3, 1777. This house is still standing in Trenton, N. J. He was also a merchant in Trenton after the war. 70 The Letters of Moore Furman This will be handed you by Addy who has made a long visit, but his Master intimated that business was slack at this time & he need not hurry I find to my great concern that ^Mr. Constable is not per- fectly satisfied with him, — with his Abilities and inclination or attention to the Mercantile business, as far as I could I con- sulted his turn, but rather gave into his own, and that was his choice. I take the liberty of mentioning this matter to you as Mr. C. informed me you would give me your opinion of the matter which, if agreeable to you, I shall thank you for. It is a very Critical moment for Addy to change place or busi- ness, but if it is necessary it must be done at all risques, and I must either fix him in another place or endeavor to find busi- ness at home for him, which at present I have not. I do not doubt Mr. C.s wishes to serve him or me, but if it is inconvenient to him I do not desire it, and therefore have beged him to treat the matter with freedom & Friendship and without reserve that knowing the whole we may accommodate all as well as possible. Our children are preparing a Horse for Yours to take the Air on this Summer, which will be forwarded the first Oppor- tunity. Sally Joyns in much love to her Sister and all. I am with great regard Dr. Sir Yr. most Obt Servt, M. Furman. Mr. W. Edgar 64William Constable, the son of John Constable, M.D., from Dublin, Ireland, and Jane Kerin, his wife, was born in Dublin Jan. 1, 1753, mar- ried Ann, daughter of Townsend White and Ann Renaudet, his wife, and died in New York May 22, 1803. Mr. Constable was graduated from Trinity College, Dublin, and resided before coming to America on a large estate in Ireland, which he had in- herited. At the breaking out of the Revolution he sided with the patriots and took an active part. He was appointed an aide-de-camp to General Lafayette. After the war he was one of New York's great merchants and carried on a trade with India and China. He built the finest ship yet built in this country, which he called the America, in 1788. He was associated with Alexander McComb and Daniel McCormick in the purchase of a vast area in the State of New York of about one-tenth of the State, known as the McComb Purchase. He purchased the confiscated estate of Philipse The Letters of Mooee Furman 71 Trenton May 11th 1787. Dear Sir, I have your favor of the 5th Instant and am much obliged to you and Mrs. Edgar for your kind invitation to New York. I congratulate you on the arrival of the Empress, and hope she has made an East India Voyage. I am busied about many things at present which totally pre- vent my leaving home ; and Sally gives for reason that she can't go that she is not well, which I tell her is one of the strongest Arguments for her going. Wether I can prevail on her to go is yet uncertain, and will persevere until I prevail if possible. No doubt you suppose me to be very anxious about my Boy, and if not disagreeable, I wish to have your Sentiments of him. If it is that there is no prospect of his making a Merchant I would turn my attention to him in some other way, at present I have so little business that I cannot employ him fully at home but if he does return must cut out something for him to do, or find another place for him, by what Mr. C. has wrote me, he is not likely to be very useful to him during his Apprenticeship, nor to himself afterwards, in that line of business, and if he has formed that opinion there will be little use in leaving him there. I mentioned to Mr. Constable that if the Owners of the Em- press wished to establish an East India House in Jersey, I pro- pose myself as a candidate for the Agency, If not would be glad to know how the sales of Tea etc. is fixed so that I could have a Lott at the lowest rate it is sold at. To this I have had no answer; I suppose matters are not yet arranged. Mrs. Edgar knows the two or three articles Mrs. Furman wishes to have out of the Empress, and if such are come that will suit will lay them by for her. All join in love to you all and I am Sir Your obhged humble servant M. Furman. P. S. The bearer Mr. Tomkins my neighbor will return again in a few days. Manor in 1786, and resided there until 1796, when he bought a country seat at Bloomingdale, New York, His city residence was at the corner of Wall and Williams Streets. His children were: Anna Maria, married Hezekiah Beers Pierrepont; Eweretta, married James McVickar; William, married Eliza McVickar; 72 The Letters of Moore Furman Trenton 5th October 1787. Dear Sir, I hope you and my Rib got safe to New York and found everybody well, I am doing the best I can without her but really time seems to hang a little heavy especially after the children is gone to rest. I have looked over our ^^Academy Fund and find Six Shares yet to fill up, and now send three notes signed and witnessed for the Shares, one of which is filled up for yourself, the other two not filled up which hope it will be agreeable for Mr. Car- mack and ^^Mr. McComb to take, if so you will please to fill them up. When the other three Shares is filled up the Fund will yield three hundred pounds per annum exclusive of the Tuition money from those who are not interested in it, which will enable the Trustees to procure four Teachers who can do Justice to sixty Scholars and upwards. And we hope and ex- pect that the whole Fund will in time be given up for the edu- John, married (1) Susan Livingston, (2) Alida Kane; Robert, unmarried; Julia, unmarried; Harriet, married James Duane; Emily, married Samuel Moore, M.D.; Matilda, married Edward McVickar. 65"The Trenton School Company" originated in a meeting of citizens, held Feb. 10, 1781, and subsequently a schoolhouse was built on Fourth Street. In 1800 the girls' department removed to a schoolhouse belonging to the Presbyterian Church. The Grammar School attained a high reputation under able masters. ssAlexander McComb, son of John McComb of Centinel, Ireland, was born in 1739, married Catherine Navarre at Detroit, a French lady of noble birth, and died in Georgetown, D. C, Jan. 19, 1831. Mr. McComb was a partner with William Edgar in the fur business, with headquarters at Detroit and a market at Montreal. In 1779 he sup- plied the government and fulfilled the requirements with honor. He amassed a large fortune and in 1784 came to New York and was asso- ciated in business there at first with Mr. Edgar and Daniel McCormick. He was a member of the State Legislature at the adoption of the Consti- tution in 1787-88. His name was given to an enormous tract of land which he purchased from the State of New York, known as The McComb Purchase. It was a part of the Kayaderoses patent, comprising one-tenth of the State. He lost his fortune before he died, however, probably sink- ing much in unimproved investments. His children were: Alexander, born 1783, married Catherine MacComb; Charles, killed in a duel; John Navarre, married Christiana, daughter of Philip Philip Livingston; Jane, married Robert Kennedy, son of the Earl of Cassilis. The Letters of Moore Furman 73 cation of poor children, which we know to be the original de- sign of many of the Subscribers, and hope the rest will follow so good an example. What is gone with ^^Mr. McCormack, he must be gone through as he did not expect to make so long stay at Philadel- phia. Addy could not get room in neither of the Stages to- day, hope he will get on to-morrow or Mrs. F. will be uneasy. When you are tired of my Rib you will please to return her and I will receive her again agreeably to the new Constitution, During good behaviour. As I suppose the common impediment will not stand in the way next spring, I shall expect to see you and Mrs. Edgar and children here then. My best regards attend you all. I am dear Sir Your most humble servant M. Furman. Trenton October 22nd 1787. Dear Sir, ******* Thank ye good Mrs. Edgar for the excellent oysters, we will repay you in fish of the Delaware next Summer when we fully expect and depend upon your spending the warm season with us at Lamberton where we expect to be then. I have made enquiry about Mr. McComb's children. ^*Mr. Armstrong would take them in but is full of boys so that he 67Daniel McCormick came from Ireland to America and settled in New York, where he died in 1834. He was a prosperous citizen and a member of the firm of Moore & Lynsen, auctioneers. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce in 1779 and Alderman in 1784, a director of the Bank of New York for twenty years, and a director of the United Insurance Co. He made a large fortune in the sales of prizes during the war. He remained a bache- lor, and was noted for his wide hospitality. He was described as a man of strict religious principles and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of New York. He was a fine sample of the old New York Mer- chant Prince. 68James Francis Armstrong, born at West Nottingham, Md., April 3, 1750, married August, 1782, Susannah, daughter of Robert James Living- ston, and died Jan. 19, 1816. In 1771 he entered the Junior class at Princeton and resided in the family of President Witherspoon. He gradu- ated in the autumn of 1773 and commenced a theological course under Dr. Witherspoon and received his license as a probationer in January, 1778, 74 The Letters of Moore Furman has not room at present, but there is a *'Mr. and Mrs. Smith who Hve next door but one of the Parson's that have been pre- vailed upon to take two Young Misses and are wilHng now to take two more, and will take no more, nor will they take any boys. They belong to Mr. Armstrong's Congregation, are ex- ceeding discreet People, of a middle age, and have no children of their own ; they have a very good warm house near the Academy, and all I can say more of them is that I should be perfect satisfied to trust my Children under their care. Mr. Smith is now the Acting Majestrate in this place and a very moral man. P. S. From what has transpired of the sentiments of the People in this State there is reason to believe that the Consti- tution will be adopted. At the next meeting of the Trustees of the Academy I will endeavour to get the plan of the Fund enlarged so as to take in more subscribers, and will then send you as many notes as you can dispose of. M. Furman. Trenton December 26th 1787. Dear Sir •^ ^ ^ "Sp Tp" ^ ^ I gave you the earliest notice in my power of the Conduct of our Convention, and think it remarkable that the legislature and was chosen Chaplain of General Sullivan's brigade, and later of the Second Brigade of Maryland forces in the Revolution. He probably re- mained in service until Yorktown, 1781. He was called to the First Presbyterian Church in Trenton, N. J., 1787, where he served until his death. There are few objects of public interest in that town with which his name is not connected, even standing on the roll of the Union Fire Co. He was one of the founders of the Trenton Academy. His child was Eleanore Graeme, who married Charles Ewing. 69Benjamin Smith, son of Andrew Smith and Sarah, daughter of Josiah Hart, Sr., was born at Elizabethtown, N. J., in 1746, and died at Elizabeth- town Oct. 23, 1824. He removed to Trenton, N. J., and resided there most of his life as a merchant. He was Justice in 1785-1790, 1796-97, and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1800. He was President of the Board of Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, and for several years was an Elder and Treasurer of this Church. The Letters of Moore Furman T5 and Convention should be unanimous. I hope it will go on untill Nine States at least (I hope all) do confirm it. ******* Your most obedient Servant M. Fiu-man. Lamberton, October 10th 1788. Dear Sir, ******* ^"Coll. Morgan having failed in his application to Congress has applied to the Spanish Government for a Grant of Lands, and he tells me to-day, has all the encouragement he has asked and is determined to proceed immediately and attempt a settle- ment as near as possible opposite where the River Ohio emties into the Mississippi, as possible, its probable you are fully ac- quainted with this business. I congratulate you on the India Man being safe in the Water, so far she has been fortunate, and I sincerely wish she may fully answer your most sanguine wishes in all things. Presuming on your friendship towards us all I take the lib- erty of mentioning to you that I have a son and nephew not well employed at present, my son you know, my Nephew has been bred to Mercantile business, and I will venture to say very few understands accounts, or writes a fairer hand than he does, and for his integrity he can have many Vouchers. These two young men have within a few days conceived a desire to go in your ship to the East India's if you think well of it, and such 7oGeorge Morgan, son of Evan Morgan and Joan Biles, his wife, from Llansire, Wales, was born Feb. 14, 1748, married Mary, daughter of John Baynton and Elizabeth Chevalier, his wife, and died March 10, 1810. Col. Morgan resided at "Prospect," Princeton, N. J. He was appointed agent of Indian Affairs in 1776 with rank and pay of a Colonel of the Continental Army. He was appointed Deputy Commissary General of Purchases for the Western District in 1777 and served to the close of the war. He removed to the neighborhood of Fort Pitt, and built a handsome place, calling it "Morganza." While living here, "where the Ohio empties into the Mississippi," he was visited by Aaron Burr, and becoming aware of his traitorous conspiracy, was the first to send the news to Jefferson. His children were: Elizabeth, born 1767; John, born 1770, married Mar- garet Bunyan;«Ann, born 1772, married Thomas S. Gibbs of South Caro- lina; Benjamin, born 1773; Mary, born 1774; George, born 1780, married Elizabeth Thompson; Thomas, born 1784, married Katherine Duane; Maria, born 1787, married Dudley Woodbridge. 76 The Letters of Moore Furman stations can be assigned to them as you would advise them to accept. My Nephew is now here and will wait here untill you favour me with a line on this business, after which he will go to New York and wait on you. We have the pleasure of hearing often of the health of ^^Father White, and hope it may continue as long as his life is spared. Sally pretty well, the Children quite so, I keep them at school. I hope you all enjoy health there. I am with the greatest regards Dear Sir your most obt. Servant M. Furman. Lamberton February 20th 1789. Dear Sir, Your last to me was under date 14th October last since which expect you have been anxiously busy about your Indiaman and hope she is now on a prosperous Voyage. We hear Mr. Constable has lost a son, but that the Mother is safe. I suppose the Spring Ships will bring letters from the Doc- tor advising of his bad health and poverty. Please to jog '^Mr. Varrick and mention that we wish to remit all we can the TiTownsend White, of Welsh parentage, married June 13, 1741, to Ann Renaudet, daughter of James Renaudet and Belitje Hooglandt, He died December, 1792. He came to America from Bristol, England, but originally from Wales, where the family was very prominent in the neighborhood of Tenby. He always used his crest and coat of arms and remained loyal to his king during the Revolution. He was a prominent merchant in Philadelphia, and owned several seagoing vessels. He was Warden of Christ Church in Philadelphia, 1749-50 and 1765-66. His children were: James; Sarah, born 1745, and married Moore Fur- man; Isabella, married William Edgar; John; Ann, married William Con- stable. 72Richard Varrick was born at Hackensack, N. J., March, 1753, married Maria, daughter of Isaac Roosevelt and Cornelia Hoffman, his wife, died at Jersey City, N. J., July 30, 1831. He was Captain in Alexander McDougall's Regiment during the early part of the Revolution, and later the Military Secretary to Gen. Philip Schuyler. He was appointed Deputy Muster Master General Sept. 25, 1776, and first Aide-de-Camp to Gen. Arnold. He was Recording Secretary for Washington, and in 1778 Recorder of New York. He was Mayor of New York from 1789 to 1801, Speaker of the Assembly in 1787, President The Letters of Moore Furman 77 coming Spring, and I wish the money due ^^Uncle Adrian's Estate may also be collected that the Executors may close that business. I have lately bartered some land in the country for a piece here ; the spot the Federal Town is to stand on, and if you have an inclination to make sure of some near me believe it may now be had reasonable. One of the farms on the banks of the Del- aware though not the one adjoining this place, is now to De sold reasonable, it has upwards of 300 Acres, near one of which is a Meadow and Swamp, about 50 Acres cleared and mowable, a large orchard of grafted fruit in its prime, a good frame house with sufficient outhouses etc. may be had, I think for about LI 000 sterling. Should it ever happen that Congress fix here it will be very valuable indeed, and if not it will now pay six % Interest for the purchase money. There is no Real Estate about this place at present that can be bought so cheap for my part I don't expect Congress to settle here, but see nothing much against it, there is no healthier place, no place easier of access from all the states, it being in the very line of Communication, and no place to which there is water carriage that will be more difficult to be surprised by a foreign enemy, and it is within a few hours ride between and from the two greatest Trading Cities in America. Respecting a division of Uncle Adrian's Lands I don't find that it can take place unless the Law of your state provides for it, until the children of J. White come to age, that you'll please to consult Mr. Varrick about. We hope you will arrange your domestick concern this year so as that it will be convenient for you and Mrs. Edgar to pay us the long due visit next Summer, if you please to hint this to the good Lady I don't doubt but she will order her business accordingly. of Merchants' Bank, a founder of The American Bible Society and its President until his death. He had no descendants. 73Adrian, son of James Renaudet and Belitje Hooglandt, his wife, was baptized Nov. 6, 1715, and died Dec. 17, 1785. He was a vestryman of Trinity Church, New York, but removed to Philadelphia, where he died unmarried, leaving a fine estate. T8 The Letters of Moore Fueman I lately wrote to Mr. White, but have not had a line from him a long time, we however hear he is pretty well. Sally joyns me and children in love to all. I am dear Sir Your humble servant M. Furman. Lamberton March 14th 1789. Dear Sir ******* You are making such great preparations for Congress that I expect you will keep them a few years, but you are too far to the Eastward for them to make it their continueing City, and when they take wing the difficulty will be to stop them, I hope they may not delay fixing too long until the States to the Westward are admitted, if they do I fear they'll not stop short of Virginia. We shall expect you and Mrs. E. this Summer, Mrs. F. has almost made a solemn league and covenant with herself that she will not visit New York again until she sees her sisters here so you see how matters are going to go. I hope the new Constitution will get safe into the water and swim easy, we can't learn at this distance any State secrets, I suppose Old Congress is done acting and that all business is stopped at present. We all joyn in love to all I am dear Sir Your most humble servant M. Furman. Lamberton July 13th 1789. Dear Sir, I was happy to hear that you all got home safe and hope the tour was so agreeable that we shall have the pleasure of seeing you all here again soon. ******* Well Sir, what think you of the Federal City now, our map and offers of jurisdiction will go on soon and you will have an opportunity of seeing it in the hands of our Jersey or the Penn- sylvania Delegates. I have never been sanguine about it, but the opinion of so many in favour of this place has raised my The Letters of Moore Furman 79 expectation, and should it take place without your having hold of some of the soil within the square I shall be very sorry, peo- ple holding property here are already thinking the value in- creased, but some purchases could be made even now at not much more than the former prices, you are on the spot and may perhaps get a knowledge of what is likely to be done in the business, if anything, and can give me the earliest notice in your power, and if you have any inclination to speculate I will do my best for you. Shall we have the pleasure of seeing you and Mrs. E. here soon, you really hurried too much and ought to come again to rest yourselves, its very pleasant here now, and we have excellent fish. We all joyn in best regards for you all, our compliments to Mr. Fleming,^* and the good soul his lady, they now know the way to Lamberton where they will be welcome while we keep house here. Mrs. F. is determined to return again to Trenton April twelvemonth, but, but, I am your most humble servant M. Furman. Lamberton August 4th 1789. Dear Sir, *^ tie. ill. ^ lie, ^& 'sft "ijc "iff Tf* *t' ^ Well I am so cock sure of Congress that I don't intend to improve my land further, than to plow and manure and get what grain I can off of it for a year or two, for if they come they will not be men of Judgment and taste if they don't build on that spot, but there is another reason that operates more strongly against my improving at present, and that is I am not able; I must build a store here next spring which will cost me four or five hundred and that is all I can do, and more too if I could help it, for I find I cannot command enough cash to 74Sampson Fleming came from Ireland and was of Scottish parentage and settled first in Canada. He married Alice , and died in 1791. He was associated with William Edgar in the great fur trade of the frontier of the Northwest, where the foundations of large fortunes were laid. He removed to Philadelphia about 1784, and resided at his country seat, called "Beaver Hall," moving later to New York. His children were: James, married Maria ; Ludlow, and Eleanore. 80 The Letteks of Moore Furman carry on the little business that I see can be done here, the little property I possess is chiefly real, and at this time its much more prudent to buy, than sell, real Estates in Jersey. Its a common saying that "its nothing when you are used to it," but I find Mrs. E. is an exception she won't leave her own home again this season, and how it will be with Mrs. F. I can't say, I believe she gave, as they say, a kind of promise, but, but, she is now in a complete hobble and does not know which way to get out. I went so far, by permission you'll observe, as to write to Bethlehem to enquire when Maria could get room there, and I have an answer that they will receive her immedi- ately, but will not receive any more at present so that Miss Cox that proposd to go with her cannot be admitted before fall if then, the receiving Maria, I suppose then is to be looked on as a favour, Mrs. F. now we can send her, hesitates, and some of the Ladies here discourage her, I still hold fast my integrity and wish her to go as I think her being there a year or two will be great use in regulating her at her present age, and fit her to come into the world with more coolness and consideration than to usher her in now, she will improve there in Needle work and drawing and musick preferable to any other place in my opin- ion, and for a quarter of the money, which is also a considera- tion with me. Pray tell me what you think of it for I have not room to say any moi'e on the subject at present. We all joyn in love etc. I am your most obedient M. Furman. In reading over my letter I find I did not tell you that I doubt Mrs. F. seeing New York in the year 1789. Lamberton Sept. 9th 1789. Dear Sir ******* With what sort of management is this Congress like to give us both the slip, if they left you I did not expect they would have gone over us, pray how stands the matter now for we get neither head, tail or middle of it.? On further enquiry and consideration respecting the school for girls at Bethlehem I went up there with our Daughter and left her there, where I expect she will remain between one and two years after which I think she may spend a winter in New York or Philadelphia to more advantage than at present. The Letters op Moore Furman 81 Mrs, F. and children joyn me in compliments to all friends etc. etc. I am Your most obedient Servant M. Furman. Lamberton September 28th 1789. Dear Sir, I advised you a few days ago that I had forwarded you a Pipe of wine with ^^Mr. Shaw's. I have drawn on Mr. Shaw for two thousand and sixty four dollars in three equal bills, payable in forty five daj's , four months and a half and seven months and a half, payable to you, which I suppose he will accept and lodge in your hands, upon your acknowledgement of which I am to deliver up ^^Mr. Geo. Davis's security to me for the wine. These wines are the property of the Estate of the late Lady Dona Guiomar Mag- dalena de Sade Vilhena, deceased of Madeira, and is to be ac- counted for to the Rev. Father Manoel de Jesus her Executor; the Bills, if you please may lay in your hands until they fall due as it may be at those times as convenient for me to make the remittances from New York as any other place. Mrs. F. returned last evening from Bethlehem, Maria is well and desires to be remembered to her Aunts and all friends, she is kindly treated but their manner of living is rather new to her and not as agreeable as to be at home, but she is deter- mind she says to spend one year with them and learn what she can. Your most humble Servant M. Furman. Lamberton October 6th 1789. Dear Sir I have your favour of the first and hope the Wine will ar- rive safe and please, you will please to make the time of pay- ment convenient to yourself. 75John Shaw was a prominent merchant in Water Street, New York, and in 1799 formed the house of Corp, Ellis & Shaw, where an enormous busi- ness was done until 1812, when he returned to England. He had one child, Ann Marston Shaw, who married Charles E. Pearson of Morristown, N. J. 76George Davis was a prominent citizen in Trenton of his day and a philanthropist. 82 The Letters of Moore Fueman The very unsettled state of mind that Congress have been in respecting their permanent settlement leaves us little room to expect it here so that I have totally given it up, and mean as soon as possible to improve the piece of ground I have near me into a farm, it is very easy land to work, will produce naturally in the middle way, manure can be had reasonable, and the produce of it very near to Market. Will you believe it Mrs. F. is returned without Maria who concludes to spend Twelve months without visiting home above once if that : Mrs. F. de- sires me to inform you that she has no malice in her heart towards you about this business, for she really begins to be of your opinion respecting Maria being put there; that she will be improved in some usefull knowledge and further that she cannot with any conveniency pay her sister a visit this fall, but intends doing it when the ship arrives from India, which I fear will be an unfavorable time for me, for ten to one but the Tea and China will tempt her to run me in debt. She joyns me in best regards for you all. Your humble servant M. Furman. If my nephew Furman Yard should leave a Box of papers with you please to give them room in your store or garret. Bethlehem April 12th 1790. Dear Sir Beins: at Pitts Town on a visit I stole a March on Maria who I found well and in good spirits, she wants to return but is willing to stay until fall. I think the school here is improv- ing there being several new teachers, and I cannot help con- tinuing of Opinion that it is a good place for Girls to be any part of their time, for a year or two between ten and fourteen years of age. — Maria begs her love may be acceptable to her Aunts and wishes it may be agreeable for them to take a ride to Bethle- hem in the Summer, its too early now for Ladies to travel. I expect your farmer will set out next week. Yr. Most obt. M. Furman. Lamberton April 22nd. 1790. Dear Sir, I gave you a line a few days ago from Bethlehem by Mr„ The Letters of Moore Furman 83 Currie," wherein I advised that your farmer would be with you soon: This you will receive by him, he is uneasy at tarrying over the time proposed to be there, but hopes it will be no dis- advantage, for several days he could not get along the Waters were so high from the Snow and rains that fall. I still continue of opinion that he will please being I think, a sober, Industrious and honest man, and understands farming. I have sold him my negro boy Dick who by the Inclosed agreement you will see is to be set free when he arrives to the age of twenty five years which will be the 29th September 1804. You will please either to keep the agreement, or if you think best, lodge it with the Society for the Abolition of Slavery. All well and send love in abundance to your and Mr. Con- stable's family. Your obedient Servant M. Furman. Lamberton June 2nd. 1790. Dear Sir, I take the liberty of Introducing my friend and Neighbour James Ewing Esq. Continental Treasurer for the State, to your acquaintance. My Rib has eloped but have no doubt but she will return again in a few days, she expects this the last visit to Bethle- hem for sometime unless Mrs. E. and some of our other friends wishes to take another step this Summer over the hills and far away. Maria returns in September. I wrote you a few days ago by my neighbour Combs, he expects to make some stay in New York, or would be a good opportunity for the few dollars from Mr. Shaw, which would be acceptable now as I am making a shipment to Madeira. 77Archibald Currie of New York, born 1738, married June 11, 1771, Cath- erine Sebring. He was a prosperous merchant in New York, one of the first Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church and a Charter member of the St. Andrew's Society. He died April 25, 1814, and is buried in the graveyard of the Dutch Reformed Church, Fishkill, N. Y. His daughter Ann, born Sept. 13, 1777, was educated at the Moravian Seminary at Bethlehem, Pa., and married Major Richard Rapelje, who came from Long Island to Fishkill, N. Y. Their children were: Richard; Catherine; Elizabeth, married Isaac E. Cottreal; Archibald Currie, died young. 84 The Letters of Moore Furman Mr. Ewing also informs me he means to make some stay or that would do very well, if therefore no good opportunity of- fers before next week believe I must send a Messenger for it. In dollars its too heavy to ask a friend to take charge of it and therefore expect I must send. If you should determine to continue your concern in the America, and she is to touch at Madeira for Wines, I am of opinion my friend there can and will serve you at least equal to any in the Island. Compliments to the ^ood Lady etc. Your most obedient M. Furman. Lamberton July 15th 1790. Dear Sir, I congratulate you on the arrival of the America and sin- cerely hope she has made a good voyage. I would with pleas- ure accompany Mrs. F. and her daughter to New York imme- diately, but was last week at Philadelphia and entered upon the settlement of some old and long accounts which I must return and attend to in a few days and cannot leave until finished. I wish Mrs. F. and her daughter to go and spend a few weeks with you but she says she cannot leave home quite alone there- fore cannot at present set any time when we shall see you, then as soon as we can, I suppose you have Tea of several sorts which will be for sale as soon as you get the business of the Ship arranged, I have given up the store and the little busi- ness that can be done here to Adrian & P. Hunt a Young man that served his time with me, and who I think very attentive to business, they want some tea but wish first to know the quality and prices you expect to sell at and the Credit you propose to give before they order any lest the prices in New York exceed Philadelphia and then their neighbors will undersell them. We all joyn in best wishes for you all, I am ******* Your most obliged humble servant M. Furman. Lamberton Aug. 11, 1790. Dear Sir, Mrs. F. haveing been in suspense for some days about going The Letters of Moore Furman 86 to N. Yk. occasioned my not acknowledging your favor of the 1st Instant before now, and thanking you and your good Lady for the presents which came safe to hand. Mr. ^^Ewing tells me our father W. continues very low and not much prospect of ever getting up again, Mrs, F. wants much to see him, in- dispensible business calls me again to Philada. in a day or two, when I return which may be in five or six days, believe she will try to set out, unless you should advise us that Mr. W. is better or departed, in which case she will prefer waiting until the weather is cooler before she pays you a visit. I have not the Map of the Land here but if I can get a sight n of one in Philada. will endeavour to give you the necessary information about the Lott that man is selling. I observe what you say of ^^Aunt Osbom, I expected she would be the means of some difficulties with Aunt Beekmans Estate, wish Mr. Rea may see his way clear to undertake, he is a disinterested person and might give the Legaties satisfaction, for my part I will promise you both for myself, and think I can for my spouse, that we will give you no sort of uneasiness as far as we are in- terested, which cant be much if Aunt Osbom has taken the personal Estate to herself. I am glad to hear that the America has brought a good and Valuable Cargo, 'tis a pity that the Gensang should take away the profits — we wish to have some Bohia & Hyson as I suppose they must be of the first quality, but they are so much lower 78James Ewing, son of Maskell Ewing and Mary Paget, his wife, mar- ried Martha Boyd, and died Oct. 23, 1823, He was a Representative from Cumberland County in 1774, removed to Trenton in 1779, was Auditor of Public Accounts and Commissioner of Loans under the Government and Agent of Pensions. Mayor of Trenton, 1797-1803. He was one of the founders of the Trenton Library Company and the Trenton Academy. He was Corporator, Commissioner and Secre- tary of the Society, incorporated March 15, 1796, to make the Assanpink navigable. He was a trustee of the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, elected Sept. 5, 1808, and ordained Elder on Sept. 21, 1817. He was a Commissioner of Loans for New Jersey, and for many years Justice of Peace for Hunterdon County and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. His child was: Charles, married Eleanore Graeme, daughter of Rev. James F. Armstrong. In accordance with his known wishes, no stone was placed to mark his grave in the First Presbyterian Churchyard. 79Wife of George Lucas Osborne, born at Antigua, West Indies, March 21, 1713, married Jane Renaudet at Dutch Church, New York, April 13, 86 The Lettees of Moore Fueman at present in Phila. that my Young Men thinks their neighbor traders will undersell so much as to run away with the sales — but can say more on this subject after being at Philada. Had Johnny White come this way believe Mrs. F. would have gone on with him, we beged him to write us but have not heard a word from him, nor indeed do we know certainly wether he is at N. Yk, or not — I have been unfortunate hearing that Certificates was up at N. Yk. and knowing Mr. Constable to be a knowing one in that line I forwarded a few hundred pounds to him to raise some cash for me but they arived too late for 13/ & suppose they are now a Shilling or two less. I hope they will rise again, and perhaps you may lay your head to Mr. C.'s and make the best of them, the money will be very acceptable to me in all this month, but hold out longer rather than sell under Value. We hear Congress is about to leave you, which to say the lest is very ungenerous in respect to your City, and subject tJie public to an unnecessary Expence — but we must submit, we have made them great men and they act accordingly. We joyn in Love to all. I am Yr most Obt. M. Furman. Trenton April 8th 1791. Dear Sir, ******* I am really contemplating a journey to pay you a visit, Sally wants to see her father much, and her sisters, and Maria wants to see everybody and all the world, it is very inconvenient indeed for all to be from home but notwithstanding we propose to run all risques in May and risque what we leave behind to time and chance. It is said of the Ladies that they are pleased with variety but that observation dont apply to Mrs. E. for though she changes her shapes so often she don't seem per- fectly easy, ere long she will leave off those fashions and then 1737, and died May 12, 1762, at St. Croix, West Indies. His children were: Ann, born 1739, married Nathaniel Lillie of St. Croix; Elizabeth, born 1741, and married Lucas Benners; Russell, married John S. Hunt of St. Croix, 1742; Isabelle, married Jean Marie de Bordes of James- town; Fraser Mathews, born 1743; Robert, born 1744; Mary Grace, born 1746; Jane, born 1748; George Renaudet, born 1749. The Letters of Moore Furman 87 all will come right again. I wish her sister may set out so as to be there when she resumes her former shapes, we all pray for her safety, and joyn in wishing all our friends there every happi- ness. In sincerity I am your most obedient M. Furman. Trenton July 16th 1791. Dear Sir, I think we may be called expeditious travellers, we left your city at five o'clock in the evening and breakfasted at home at half after eight o'clock this morning, the night was fine and cool, our fellow passengers wished to push on, and with a little blarney and a little money the drivers pushed on. You have taken our daughter into your family, how shall I oblige you so much I cannot conceive. I now write her and have mentioned many things ; but she is young and may forget them when necessary to be put in practice, she is to begin mu- sick and needle work the first quarter, and whatever other branches of education she wishes to learn I have requested she will consult you and her Aunt, and if you consent, she may un- dertake it ; as these are the last two or three quarters that she will have to spend at school I have urged her to be industrious. I have put five hundred pounds into the Funds for Maria, and in her own name the interest of which is for her use, the first quarter's Interest was received last quarter which I gave her, I wish her to know the use and value of money and therefore she is to appropriate it to clothing herself, and she is to pay for whatever cloathing her Aunt thinks she wants and advises her to buy, and also for her washing, which hope she will do, under your and her Aunt's inspection, properly ; as far as I have tried her yet she has done pretty well but should she do other ways you will please to interfere, she is to keep an account of the expenditure of her money and hope she will be prudent, for her tuition must beg you to pay as it becomes due and is called for, as long as you have any, and when run out I will again supply. I do not entertain the least fear of your kind and friendly attention to her in everything, notwithstanding, I feel a desire of mentioning one in particular and that is her constant attend- 88 The Letters of Moore Furman ance at public worship with your family, nothing in my opinion tends more towards consolidating and directing the mind in regulating all their conduct. I have pressed it upon her at home, and she has rather shown a willingness to comply than othen^ise. I hope the dear sick child is recovering, Mrs. F. and our children joyn in love to you all. 1 am dear Sir Your obliged Servant M. Furman. Trenton Sept. 5th 1791. Dear Sir, I have your favour of the 2nd — Am sorry the horse dont match your youngest. I think him however a valuable one and that he will carry Mrs. E. wherever she wishes with the gi-eatest safety until a span can be got that are more elegant. Horses that are clever has been in such demand in the Capitol that they have for a year past been catched at, at almost any price, but I expect the demand there will shortly collect them from all quarters in such numbers that next year a span may more easily be procured, and at a more moderate price ; please to let the Lady know that we will look out for her and get a pr. the next Spring more elegant & gay. Addy ought to have tarried at your house until you returned, but he did not consider. I had made up my mind respecting Aunt Beekmans Estate not to interfere, pro nor con, its but trifling Mrs. F. will draw of it, and its probable any steps I might take, or advice, may not be pleasing to all interested, you know there are some not easily pleased unless they have the sole direction, however I will hear his proposal — I'm told the Doct. has given in to his advice and ordered his Attorneys to comply, but I have no letter. You will please to inform me a few days before you come on for Philadelphia & I will accompany you there. You flatter us much respecting our daughter, I hope she merits the character you give her and will by every act and expression show her gratitude to you for all your disinterested kindness, which may perhaps be all the returns she may be ever able to make. Sup- pose you should bring Mrs. E. to Trenton, where we would leave her until you and I have made our excursion the roads will probably be good, and your two horses will bring you here in The Letters of Moore Furman 89 three days without hurrjing, or even two days if Mrs. E. wishes it. I wrote to Maria by last Saturday's post and inclosed a Twenty five dollar bank note, we are all well, send love & pray God to help you all. Yr. obliged hum Servt. M. Furman. Friday Evening. Nov. 1791. Dear Sir, ^ 7P ^ TP ^ *P ^ I have set in our House of Assembly this evening to hear the debates respecting the State house which at last is fixed here by them, and to-morrow goes up to Council where it's said it will meet with a Majority in its favour, the minds of that house being well known out doors. All well. Your most obedient M. Furman. Trenton November 26th 1791. Dear Sir, I wrote you last week by a Gentleman that lives at Elisabeth Town who promised to forward it. I therein advised you that a Law was before our Legislature for fixing the seat of gov- ernment here, which has since passed so that I expect real prop- erty will undoubtedly rise with us though not very rapidly or very high. I cannot encourage you to believe that any consid- erable profit, in proportion to the value of the purchase can be made of Mrs, ^"Mitchell's property, but really believe something may be made of it even at One thousand pounds, which believe she will sell it at now, if not less, you will therefore please to write me a line, if you wish to purchase, offering her Nine hun- dred pounds payable 1st Jan. 1793, with interest at 6 per cent from the time possession is given, which can be the first of April next, I don't much expect she will take it but it will commence a soMrs. Mitchell was probably the widow of Randle Mitchell from Phila- delphia. Randle Mitchell and Rose Harper, Philadelphia, Dec. 11, 1751, appear in the marriage notices of that city. He moved to Trenton and was a mem- ber of the Committee of Observation in 1775, and was interested in public affairs of the town. 90 The Letters of Moore Furman negotiation and you can inform me how much further you are wilHng to go provided she wont accept of that. Our chief ^^ Justice Kinsey has told G. Davis that he will buy if he can sell some Land to pay for it, and I see advertisements up for the sale of the land he told George he would sell for that pur- pose, I expect they will sell as they are good. The Bill has also passed in favour of the Manufactoring Society giving them all they expected though not quite all they asked, and on Monday next they begin to muster here to choose their Officers, and I suppose, the spot to set down on. Monday Morning. ******* Mr. and Mrs. ^^Hamilton came to town last night they have brought their son to put to boarding school to our Episcopal" Church Parson. The Subscribers begin to muster strong, and agreeably to law the business must begin between 12 and 2 o'clock this day. All's well Your most obedient M. Furman. sijames Kinsey, son of John Kinsey, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., March 22, 1731, married in 1758 to Hannah, daughter of Isaac De Cou and Hannah Nicholson, and died at Burlington, N. J., Jan. 4, 1803. He studied law and practised both in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He was sent as delegate to the Continental Congress in 1774 and appointed Chief Justice of New Jersey, serving from 1789-1803. His children were: John, born 1764; Sarah, born 1766; James, born 1768; Charles; Ann, born 1771; Mary, born 1773; Philip, born 1774; Thomas; Hannah, born 1777. 83The great statesman, Alexander Hamilton, born in the West Indies Jan. 11, 1757, married Elizabeth Schuyler, and died in New York July 12, 1804. His eldest son, Philip, went to school in Trenton. 83Rev. William Frazer, born 1743, married Rebecca, daughter of Rev. Colin Campbell, of Burlington, and Martha Bard, his wife, and died July 6, 1795. Mr. Frazer was of the distinguished Scottish family of that name, and his wife of the family of the Duke of Argyle and the celebrated Tory family of Bard, to which Washington's New York physician belonged. He was sent out as missionary to America, and in 1768 took charge of St. Michaels, Trenton; St. Andrews, Amwell; St. Thomas, Kingwood, and a small mission at Mesconetcong, where he labored until the breaking out of the Revolution. As he was supported by the British Missionary Society, he felt it his duty to continue praying for the Royal Family, which made The Letters of Moore Furman 91 Trenton Jan. 5th 1792. Dear Sir, I received your letter of the 30th past advising us of the death of our Father-in-law, an event we have long expected and therefore the better prepared for the shock; he has lived to a good old age and I make no doubt died in peace with God and man. Maria has also wrote and mentioned his Death, she seems to have felt it, and I hope it will leave a proper impres- sion on her mind, he is gone, others in rotation must follow until time, respecting all temporal things, shall be no longer. I was fearful my little girl would get big notions in her head by being in the City, she writes me that she thinks she wants a watch, well if she thinks so I suppose it will operate as it gen- erally does, in the same manner as if she really wanted one, that is, to expect she must have it, but then how is it to be got. I suppose Uncle Constable and the Dowager is to be the Agents to make the purchase but I have no money in England, if you have and will desire Mr. Constable to lay out about twenty Guineas for that purpose I will repay you when and with what allowance you please, if it be not quite convenient and agree- able to furnish it I must contrive otherways, for Maria has al- ways had address enough to make me believe her a pretty good Child and I must indulge her in everything I can. We are all well and wish you and all our Friends at New York every good. Your most obedient M. Furman. Trenton October 15th 1792. Dear Sir, Two weeks time has run out since I left your house and tho' quite anxious, have not heard a tittle of Mrs. Edgar's health and therefore conclude and hope she is better. Mrs. Furman goes on to-day under convoy of Reverend Mr. Armstrong to see her sisters, she would have put off this visit him obnoxious to the Patriots. He was unable to continue holding serv- ices, but was so tactful and gentle that as soon as the war was over he was able to resume his ministry. His children were: Colin, born 1769; Mary; William Bard, born 1789, ■died young; William, born 1772; Elizabeth, died young; Jane, born 1779, married William Geary; Charles Campbell, born 1786, and Rebecca 92 The Letters of Moore Furman until next Spring were it not for Mrs. E's. bad state of health and spirits, and the hopes she has of being usefull to her in both those maladies. I wish it were so that Mrs. E. could spend some time with us at Trenton, change of air might be of more use than change of medicines. Will not Philadelphia her na- tive place, when she is able to make the tryal, be likely to be usefull, but nothing seems to be omitted by her friends there that is likely to help her, and I hope Mrs. F. may leave her in a fair way to perfect health again. I am dear sir Your much obliged humble servant M. Furman. Trenton October 9th 1792. My dear Uncle, We arrived in this place Wednesday last where we had the pleasure of finding all our friends in good health, which I hope to hear Aunt Edgar has ere this. Permit me my dear Uncle and Aunt to solicit your pardon for not thanking you for all your kindness to me whilst with you, be assured I shall ever consider myself under the greatest obligations, and fear I shall never have it in my power to make you suitable returns, I en- deavoured though in vain when I left you to return you some thanks, but found to my mortification my spirits were so flurried that my words could not find utterance. The ^^children oh! how I long to see them, my little Juliet*^ I hope is better I have 84Louisa Edgar married Gardiner Greene Rowland. He was the son of Joseph Howland and Lydia, daughter of Ephraim Bill of Connecticut, and was one of New York's great merchants. Their children were: William Edgar, unmarried; Annabella, married Rufus Leavitt; Abbie Woolsey, married Fred. H. Wolcott; Rev. Robert S.^ Howland, married Mary E. W. Woolsey; Maria Louisa, married (1) James Brown, (2) James Glendenning. ssjuliet Edgar married Herman Le Roy, son of Herman Le Roy and Hannah, daughter of Hon. Samuel Cornell. Herman Le Roy, Sr., was the Dutch Consul at New York and became a man of great importance, whose opinion had much weight in the councils for the public welfare. His daughter, Caroline, was the wife of Daniel Webster. The children of Juliet Edgar and Herman Le Roy were: Anne Van Horn; Herman C, married (1st) Matilda W. Stewart, (2d) Mrs. Elizabeth H. May; William Edgar, married (1st) Elizabeth Nicoll, (2d) The Letters of Moore Furman 93 done nothing but dream of the sweet children since I left them, pray bring them all to see me next smnmer. Mama will deliver you this she intends spending a few days with Aunt, if she will visit us next summer I will insure her recovery. I hope to re- ceive a letter from Annabella soon informing me she is head and ^^William the same. Please to give my love to all friends and accept the same yourself From your affectionate niece Maria Furman. Pray kiss all the children for me. my best love to Aunt Esther. Trenton November 24th 1792. Dear Sir, From what we hear our dear Sister must before this have left New York, I don't learn that her Physicians have decided her disorder to be consumption, we have therefore hopes concerning her, and kind Heaven grant she may return in better health and be a comfort to you and blessing to her children for many years yet to come. We shall be exceedingly glad to hear the first news you have from her and hope it will be favourable. We are well. Heaven bless you and your little ones. I am most sincerely Yours M. Furman. Trenton October 3rd 1793. Dear Sir, I am favoured with your letter of the 1st Instant having oc- casion to write to Johnny White, and nothing particular to communicate to you concluded to pass forward our ardent wishes for the health and happiness of you and family through his letter. Mrs. Mary Sturup; Edwards, unmarried; Anson Van Horn, married Ellen Rhinelander; Fred C, married Caroline Remsen. 86William Edgar, Jr., born 1787, married Cornelia Le Roy, daughter of Herman Le Roy and Hannah, daughter of Hon. Samuel Cornell. Their children were: M^illiam, married Eliza L. Rhinelander; Herman Le Roy Edgar, married Elizabeth Edmonson; Hannah, married Robert R. Morris; Daniel McCormick, married Julia Lorillard; Newbold, married Caroline Appleton; Robert W., married Jane Le Roy. 94! The Letters of Mooee Furman *^We have contemplated the change you are about to make, which we by no means view as a disrespectful! step towards our deceased and beloved sister, but the contrary, it rather shows your care and attention to provide for the education and man- agement of her beautiful and promising offspring. May you sir, and your children experience every pleasure and advantage from the change that your most flattering idea can suggest, and I hope with you that this event will not slacken but draw the cord of friendship tighter between us and those that here- after represent us, which on your part I will take this oppor- tunity to acknowledge has been extended towards me and my family without merit or reward. I thank you for your kind offer of sending us anything from New York. Peter Hunt set out for your City a few days ago to purchase a few articles, as our communication is stopped with Philadelphia, he will wait on you, his departure was sudden and I only wrote a line to J. W. Yes my dear sir the Pestilential Fever in Philadelphia is such as never has been before experienced in this part of the world, at least never to so great an extent, and God knows where or when it will end, our accounts to yesterday gives us no room to suppose the least abatement but rather the contrary, we have as yet been very highly favoured, the inhabitants have been very watchfull and attentive but are almost worn out, indeed there is not now the same use for Guards for the People of Philadel- phia are nearly done travelling, the Country people are now so fearfull they cannot get accommodations on the road. Believe all my family will go to Pitt's Town next week though the disorder is not here and tarry a few weeks until cold weather which its generally believed v/ill check the fever in Philadelphia, kind Heaven grant it may ! I am with unfeigned regard for you and yours Your obliged hum. serv. M. Furman. It is our intention to pay you a visit as soon as it is convenient. 87 Anne Van Home was second wife of William Edgar, daughter of David Van Home and Anna, daughter of Philip French and Susanna Brock- hoist. Mr. Van Home was the son of Abraham Van Home and Maria Provoost, his wife. He was born in 1712 and died in 1775. He was one of the prosperous merchants of New York of his day. The Letters of Moore Furman 95 Trenton July 16th 1794. Dear Sir, I received your letter dated the 2nd Instant yesterday, the silks are not yet to hand but expected tomorrow and make no doubt will answer your description of them, Mrs. Furman re- turns you thanks for this and all other favours. I wrote a line to Johnny White which make no doubt he com- municated to you, informing him that on Saturday morning last my son Adrian departed this life, which has been a painful act of Providence to us all, the great trouble and anxiety his mother and I have had for some time, I may say years past seemed to fix him so much nearer our hearts, which was not so clearly discovered until we came to part, he has been declining in his health for six months past, but continued only about two weeks after he kept his bed, we are happy that he remained at home with us that we had an opportunity of continueing our care and attention to the end of his life, this is a call to all his relations and friends to be also ready. Maria's trip to N. York was a very sudden one indeed. Miss Barclay^* of Philadelphia and Miss Cox^^ of Sidney was on a visit to her, believe I may say it was determined on in twenty minutes after mentioned and that they set out in about forty more, she would undoubtedly have preferred your house and family to any there were she not peculiarly circumstanced at that time and obliged to stay with her company. I hope her 88Miss Barclay (Eleanore Porter), daughter of John Barclay, Mayor of Philadelphia, and Eleanore Porter, his wife, married July 14, 1798, James Cochrane, Esq., member of Congress from Delaware, and had one child, Gertrude, born 1799. 89Miss Coxe was the daughter of Charles Coxe of Philadelphia and Sid- ney, N. J. He was born Aug. 18, 1775, married Rebecca Wells, and died October, 1815. He was a merchant in Philadelphia, and resided there until 1766, when he bought 1,200 acres in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. He built a handsome home there and became largely identified with the interests in the neighborhood. He was a man of energy and progressive ideas, and turned the water power on his estate to use by establishing a large woolen factory and applied for a charter to build a canal. He was a member of the Legislative Council, 1775-77, and Justice in 1780, 1781, 1793, 1797. His children were: Richard, married Theodosia Sayre; Eliza Augusta, married Lucius W. Stockton; Rebecca, married Tench Coxe. 96 The Lettees of Moore Furman conduct may never savour of want of gratitude for all your paternal attention to her. Mrs. Furman and Maria, and all of us are very happy to hear from all directions of the care and attention paid to the dear children of our deceased sister, and hope that your Mrs. Edgar may enjoy over and above the comfort of a good conscience, the pleasing reward of gratefull hearts standing round her in the decline of Life. We all joyn in sincere wishes for your and Mrs. Edgar's happiness and all under your care. i am with due regards Dear Sir Yr. Obt. Servant M. Furman. Trfenton Sept. 5th. 1795. Dear Sir, We have been alarmed on hearing that the fever raged in N. Yk. and other places, so much as to cause a Proclamation to Issue in Philadelphia but hope from your account and others that it is abating, the weather has happily taken a favorable turn. Yes, I think I see the danger in the Treatty if ratified. Dan- ger to the liberties and independence of this country; but I fear not for myself but for my children and posterity in gen- eral, my being put in the chair was very unexpected to me, there are others among us that ought to take the active part in public affairs. I am endeavoring to close my worldly concerns, but unaccountable to me that all but Camillus condemn the Treatty in part, and yet so many endeavor to justify the rati- fication of it; I wish the Constitution to remain pure until al- tered by the proper Authority of a Convention, if the Execu- tive begin to take liberties with it who can say when or where it will end. Mrs. Furman has for some time had some very unfavorable simtoms respecting her health, but I think they have abated and that some good braceing weather with exercise, which she often takes, will put her in a better way. our children are well, Maria and John at home, Moore at Philadelphia preparing for his Journey thro' Life. The friendly treatment we have always received from you, will induce me to ask anything that is rea- The Letters of Moore Furman 97 sonable to be asked of you. We all joyn in ardent wishes for the health and happiness of yourself, Mrs. Edgar and the children. I am your obliged and obt. Servant M. Furman. Trenton May 17th 1796. Dear Sir, I received your favour of the 6th Instant and am much obliged for your attention to Mr. Gordon who I esteem as a good young man. the opinion you have of the Indian trade strikes me in the same light and that the Canada Traders have the advantage of those of the U. States, we are however bound and must make the experiment. The obligations you have conferred on me and mine calls on me to render any returns in my power and hope the confi- dence reposed in me by naming me in your Will may never be abused, it is however my ardent wish that your life and health may be long preserved for the benefit of your dear children and friends. This will be delivered by my children John and Maria who have an opportunity of going to N. York in a Coachee I got made here for Mr. Constable, to see their friends. Maria had a desire to see all her friends and acquaintances there and will no doubt spend part of her time with her Cousins in your family. John will also wait upon you, but he being now a man of business will spend but a day or two in the City. Mrs. F. is getting pretty well again she however intends going abroad a little this summer, and if her rout inclines your way may cross the N. River and take you by surprise. Maria has had a wish ever since she left N. York to bring one of the children here awhile perhaps it may suit now, we shall take great care of her if she comes and return her when ordered. My best wishes attend you and yours. I am with much esteem Dear Sir, Your most obt. Sert. M. Furman. Trenton October 3rd. 1796. Dear Sir, I have your favour of the 29th past and are happy to hear 98 The Letters op Moore Fueman you all arrived safe in the city. Your Visit has relieved us from all anxiety on account of your Children, the regard and love we have for them will always keep us a concern for their management, we have now no other than that we fear Mrs. E. will be too indulgent, and there we feel easy too, believing and confiding in her good sense and management in everything, in short, sir, we think both your children and yourself are fortu- nate in your choice, and we sincerely wish you all, health and long Life to enjoy the comforts of it. Mrs. F. has had a severe spell for a few days past of her old disorder but is better, and John took Bark for the Ague and Fever yesterday. Maria and myself are the Ironsides of the family. vp vp *it *}? ^ »i? ^ We all joyn in best regards for yourself, Mrs. E. and chil- dren. I am yours etc. M. Furman. Bristol Hotwells Feby 1st 1797. My dear Mr, Furman, Your affectionate & very acceptable favor of the 14th No- vember came to hand the 17th January, it afforded me the greatest satisfaction of any I have received from America for a long time past. Would to heaven you had said so much & been so minute in your sentiments relative to my American af- fairs it should have saved you & my worthy friend Mr. Edgar, nay & every one else who has been concerned in my business an infinity of trouble for your sentiments intirely coincide with mine. I have always thought that the fewer people concerned in wills powers of Attorney & in short in the transacting of business so much the better 'tis carried on & executed & oft very oft have I regreted the different localities of your situa- tions & have Scores of times felt the great inconvenience thereof in almost all things relative to myself — It has been the Occa- sion of my being repeatedly foild in appointing executors & when it has been done I have as often been under the necessity of changing them, so that, that circumstance, together with the changes in death & Marriage & misbehaviours of many have occasioned me, everlastingly to make alterations in my wills — of which I am certain I could not have made less first & last, than thirty, in some I ordered my lands all of whatever Denom- The Letters of Moore Furman 99 ination, to be sold out & out, & the money to be placed at Inter- est & the whole of the principal to be divided among such of my heirs in the three Families, as I should think worthy — then, considering the times I found that lands bore so small value I thought it would be a cruel Injury to those who were to In- herit after me & I again altered my will & forewent the Interest it might have brought to my comfort — then the extraordinary refractousness of my Nephews which has been beyond example again & again & used to overset the whole tenor of my Will, thus have I been persecuted injured and vexed for evermore & have neither been able to settle my affairs to my mind either here or in America & my constitution being so Delicate & puny, my health is everlastingly destroyed by colds spitings of blood etc. etc. which has been a continual cheque to my making any- thing by my profession which I otherwise should have done (figuratively speaking) by cart loads, for scores of patients have I been obliged from time to time to give up & others I have from deplorable bad health & whole winters confinement been under the necessity of declining to take under my Medical care I often wonder I have been able to amass the trifle I have especially when I consider the expenses that ill health brings with it & that for these last three nay almost four years I have declined practice from my being so often obliged to leave as it were my patients in the lurch — Sometimes I am tolerable for 8 or 10 Days & afterwards a trifle deranges me & confines me from 6 weeks to three months. I've now not been out of my Dining room except to my bedchamber for several weeks & the weather is now so gloomy moist and sleety, that I may not get out of the house till March or April this has been the case for years past. I must submit My greatest care (for in some meas- ure it has been a happiness to me) was to try by the greatest frugality to save something for my aged sisters & for my Nephews & nieces & even grand Nephews & Nieces — You my dear & worthy Mr. Furman are not altogether a stranger to all this, & more will be proved hereafter when my will comes to be opened — Mrs. Osbom & all her Children even the husbands of her children have partaken of my bounty as long as I can remember — even to the bringing them up at School in Eng- land, for which I paid hundreds Stg. & '°Mrs. Chevelier & hers 90Mary, daughter of James Renaudet and Belitje Hooglandt, married 100 The Letters of Mooee Furman have not 6een destitute of every aid I could give them since Mr. Chevelier's death. But this is foreign to the main purport of your last letter which recommends my selling the lands in Kayadarosaris Patent. I think the advice is Judicious & I observe what Mr. Palmer says on that subject add to these I am & as I said before quite disposed to sell them out of hand as soon as may be not only that I may be benefitted by the In- terest of the money resulting from such sales but principally that my executors may have no trouble with the lands & their division & likewise that my heirs may be immediately benefitted after my death — Thus then I do hereby agree to the sale of all my lands I possess in America & it is my request that you make use of the power I have heretofore given you of impower- ing Mr. Palmer to sell all such lands of mine & those bequeathed to me as are in the Kayadarosaris Patent & to put the money out at Interest in the Six Pr. Cent Stock in the Philadelphia funds where my other money is — And I will as soon as I can accomplish it send out a joint power of Attorney to enable my kind Friend Mr. Edgar and yourself to act for me in this & all other Matters & will likewise appoint you two sole Executors to my will which with the blessing of God I will have altered and drawn up in such a manner as will give my executors no trouble — Indeed from the nature of my affairs & what I am now saying thereon you will both see there can be no difficulties or scarce any trouble in acting as executors to my Will — not a fiftieth part as much as was to my Brothers or Sister B's. will, I trust in God you will not, neither of you refuse me this my dying request, to act as my executors. — I have much reason to believe, that neither you nor your Children, will be dissatis- fied with the tenor of my Will — It has long been a sore & affile Ling grievance to me that I have not, no not one Nephew worthy of this trust, which I now must implore you to take for their sakes, — I pray God long to preserve your present lives & March 16, 1759, to Peter Chevalier. He was the son of Peter Chevalier and Elizabeth, his wife, and was born March 25, 1730, and died November, 1779. He was appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Phila- delphia, Pa., 1770. His children were: Isabella, born 1760, married George Turner; Peter Renaudet, born 1761, married Jane Harriet Lillie; James, born 1765; Susanna, born 1767, married Mr. Francis; Morris. The Letters of Moore Furman 101 those of jour Children, I am with much love dear Mr. Furman, Your sincere & very affectionate uncle ^^Peter Renaudet. I consulted our Friend Mr. Constable when in England about selling the lands, but he then thought it would be best to wait a year or two, the time is now come, when they will fetch as much as they ever will. — I shall never forget, with gratitude the great pains you have taken with my affairs ; and the Spurs you have given Mr. Palmer thereon. P. R. Trenton April 6th 1797. Dear Sir If you recollect I mentioned to you that I had wrote very fully to Doctor Renaudet respecting his Lands, etc. to which he has answered in two letters that came to hand this week and last coppies of which you have inclosed. ^ yp tE- tp y^ ^ ^ Yours etc. M. Furman. My dear Mr. Furman, ^ ^ si& ^ '3)& 4f& 4i& I have been confined to the house for good two months, which is generally the case in the winter. I am most truly concerned siPeter Renaudet was the son of 92James Renaudet, a Huguenot of Picardy, France, who fled from persecution first to England, and then to America. Dr. Renaudet went to England and lived at Hot Wells, Bristol, and was a successful surgeon. His niece, Mrs. Pierrepont, writes in one of her letters while visiting him: "His house was a great resort of literary persons, and he had letters constantly introducing strangers. Miss Hannah Moore was a constant visitor. She told mother 'The Shepard of Salisbury Plain' was the Rev. Sir James Stonehouse, who baptized Emily at Clifton." She also speaks of the ship Jupiter which, while bringing to his nieces in America a chest of costly and massive silver, struck an iceberg and was lost. 92James Renaudet married Belitje Hooglandt at the Dutch Reformed Church, New York, Sept. 10, 1714, removed to Philadelphia in 1724, and was buried at Christ Church Jan. 11, 1753. His children were: Adrian, born 1715; Janeke, born 1717; Ann, born 1718, married Townsend White; John R., born 1720; Peter; Mary, married Peter, son of Peter and Elizabeth Chevalier; Elizabeth, married James •UBraJiaag 102 The Letters of Moore Furman that my beloved niece Mrs. Furman has such indifferent health ; I can feel for her as I have so much of it myself. It is a most pleasing account that you give of your charming boys, and of my beloved goddaughter. I feel a joy unspeakable, with grate- ful thanks to our merciful God who has blest one part of my family with such distinguished mercies and blessings as he has done yours, Mr. Edgar's and Constable. I pray God keep and preserve them in his fear and love, Amen. I am happy that good Mrs. Edgar is so kind and maternal to the dear children, I hope God will bless her. I do not touch on Politics or news, you hear it from every quarter. Your thrice worthy President General Washington is I see withdrawn from the anxious charge, I hope Mr. Adams will render my dear Country as happy as his predecessor has done. May the Almighty direct him and take you all under his protection. I am with love to you and yours and to all my relations in Philadelphia and New York, Dear Sir Your Affectionate Uncle Peter Renaudet. Hot Wells Feb. 3rd. 1797. My dear Sir, ******* Much damage has been done to the Shipping in the Seas of late and you will have heard of the great disasters of the French Fleet and their miscarriage in landing in Ireland. The French however, to the great astonishment of all the world have most of them got safe back to Brest, and are preparing for a second invasion somewhere, would to God the Wars were over. I have been rendered very miserable by the frequent fires at N. York and lately at Phila. may Heaven protect you all. I long to know the issue of the new President, I pray God he may walk in the steps of the dear great Washington. With love to my Sisters and Mr. and Mrs. Constable etc. I remain dear sir Your affectionate Uncle etc. My health is very indifferent indeed. Trenton May 11th 1797. Dear Sir I have your favour of the 9th Instant covering a letter The Letters op Mooee Furman 103 from ^^Mr. Palmer, a Mr. Hunt was going to Balls Town by whom I wrote a line advising him that I had wrote fully a few days before, which was not got to hand, when he gives an an- swer to that which I expect will be more fully descriptive of the Doctor's lands properly under his care, we can form a judgment what orders to give about the sale of it. I am glad to find that it will be likely to sell so readily and amount to so much money as it will enable the Doctor to live more to his mind and prevent his having any cause of complaint, and dissipate his fears lest he should break in upon his principle. But what is to become of his remittances from hence, will not bills be paid there in paper, and will not that paper be depreciated, but suppose Mr. ^^Duffield must remit this Spring and until he is forbid, for it being for his subsistence it must go on even if there should be a loss. By the latest accounts from Europe it appears to me that the British Government is tottering, and notwithstanding that many of our Politicians wish to lean upon it for assistance and support. Inclosed you have a coppy of ray letter of the 17th April to Mr. Palmer, hope he may receive the Original before he leaves home so that he may make a list of the Lands describ- ing them more particularly. I have thought it proper to give the Doctor, a line acknowl- edging the receipt of his letters, and I expect a Vessel may sail ere long from Philadelphia, by whom hope to be able to give him more particular accounts. I have wrote Mr. DufBeld that I think it best for him to forward the Doctor his Interest receivable in Philadelphia until he receives orders from him to the contrary, he must have it for his support even if he is 93Mr. Palmer, doubtless a member of the prominent family in Saratoga County, New York, which came to that State and took possession of Palmer's Patent in early times. Elias Palmer of Stillwater was a member of the Assembly in 1792. George Palmer of the same place was a Presidential Elector in 1803, and Berriah Palmer of Ballston was a Representative in Congress in 1801. 94John Duffield of Philadelphia, a merchant, married Mary , and died in Philadelphia March 25, 1803. He was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and a well-known business man of his time. His children were: Richard; Julianna, married William Ross of Virginia; Eliza, married Richard Dennis of Savannah; John; James; Mary, married James Potter. 104 The Letters of Moore Furman / obliged to take it in paper and that depreciated. We are well and with due regard to you and yours Your most obedient Servant, M. Furman. P. S. You will please to send the Inclosed letters for the Doctor by first British Vessel, one sailed from Philadelphia this Spring but did not hear of her being bound there until too late. Trenton June 5 1797. Dear Sir, Your favor of the 2nd Inst: is to hand. It gives me con- cern that I cannot advise you of the carriage being finished, the undertakers plead in excuse for its not being done that one of their foremost Workmen has been home and under the Doctors hands for several Weeks, and that one of the partners in the business has lately taken to himself a wife at v,^hich time indul- gences has been granted in all ages of the world. They how- ever now assure me that they will exert themselves to have it done by this day two weeks, and I hope they will accomplish it. We shall be very happy to see you and Mrs. Edgar with your children & friends. Moore was out of his Apprenticeship in March, and not being engaged in business, and very desir- ous of rambling a little, steped on board of the Lamberton Brig Fame and is gone for Madeira, but John holds himself in readi- ness to Esquire the Ladies at a minutes warning. I observe what you say respecting the Doctor and wish we may be able to serve his Interest and at the same time please him too. it would give me great satisfaction to see his lands before they are sold, but dont expect I can make it any way convenient to go, nor would it perhaps pay the cost if I should, about his affairs we can make up our minds when I have the pleasure of seeing you here. Maria & John Joyn in love and Compliments to all. I am Yrs. in Sincerity M. Furman. Trenton July 1st 1797. Dear Sir Nothing, as you say, is certain, even the Ladies, the last and best of all God's works, sometimes rescind their resolutions, where then are we to look for permanency. The Letters of Moore Furman 105 We have for some time been looking out for you daily, and at last hourly, and should have been happy to see you but find we shall not so soon as we had hoped, indeed the weather is now too warm to travel comfortably but that will begin to change soon, now however is the time for making the most agreeable use of the coachee, which will undoubtedly be put together in a. few days and be ready to travel next week could it stand a little for the paint and varnish to harden it would be the more lasting. How to waft it to you Is now the question; it would undoubtedly afford Maria and myself pleasure could we pay you a visit, but cannot now, and therefore must wait your or- ders respecting the forwarding of it ; You say you may be with us in the course of this month, if so should be glad to know about the time as I have eight or ten days work at Pittstown when I can the most conveniently leave home, where Maria also Mashes to go to see her old neighbors. Believe I can get a very careful person to run the carriage along for you if you have no better way. I wish Mr. Palmer would furnish a description of the Doc- tor's lands that I called for, this year's sales will be lost, ex- cept a few lots that will sell any time. Three pounds an acre is offered for one lott, but don't wish any orders for selling may be given untill the receipt of better information lest the best prices should not be obtained. From the accounts we have of the present state of the British Nation, I expect the supplies you give the Doctor, may be very acceptable, what will be the event now that France Spain and Holland can bend all their force against them? And what will be our fate, shall not we be ground hard between the Hither and Nither Millstone, its time for us to give up all foreign influence, be gratefull and just to all, and attentive to the Honour and Interest of our own Country. We congratulate you on the approaching Anni- versary of our Independence, may our Constitution be invul- nerable from the malice of its enemies, or eiTors of its friends. We are with love to all Yours sincerely M. Furman. Trenton July 17th 1797. Dear Sir, From the sufferings of my own Patience I judge of Mrs. 106 The Letters of Mooee Fueman Edgar's, at last however, the carriage is compleated and Mr. Davis has taken it in charge who I am sure will pay every at- tention to deliver it safe. The carriage is of a dark colour and pointed with the same colour of the Box a la mode de Phila- delphia, the Box a shade darker than Patent Yallow, which is also the last taste and I think will stand better than the full Patent, I hope it may please, and I most sincerely wish you all, life and health to wear it and many more out. The Bill is inclosed, the money may be paid to Mr. Davis who will forward or bring it with him when he returns. Maria and John joins me in love to all. Moore may be for anything I know in a warm Goal, the Brig sailed 10th May, she was met about the 20th all well, since which have not heard of her, I see there is trouble for the Americans in those Seas as well as in the West Indias. I am dear Sir Yours sincerely. M. Furman. Trenton November 25th 1797. Dear Sir, Ere now you have seen the President's Speech, it is long but not in the style of his Predecessor, the conduct of France and Spain he condemns, but not a lisp of England. The present Congress of America is full of important business, indeed the whole world is full of important events, what Revolutions will the year 1800 produce. Winter seems to be setting in very early and but few ready for it, I hope Mrs. Edgar and family are well, all my children are with me this winter, in the Spring we begin to part for I wish to see them in a way of getting a living for themseh^es as soon as possible for I cannot be with them long. Our friend G. Davis has really had a painful time but is now considerably better, though from present appearances it don't look likely that he will be able to visit a neighbour before Spring. I am with the most sincere respect for you Your obliged Servant M. Furman. The Letters of Mooee Furman 107 Trenton 25th Feb. 1798. Dear Sir Providence having thought proper to take from me the partner of my pleasure and pain, I now seem to stand single again in the world only on account of my children who I wish to provide for as well as my circumstances will allow. John the youngest will be twenty next month, he is now at Pitts Town where he is now employing himself in the Mills, etc. in order to get a knowledge of them and the other works there sufficient to prevent his being imposed upon by those he em- ploys in repairing, and after they fall into his hands Avhich I mean they shall do when convenient to me, that is when they have finished their part towards supporting me while I remain in this life, for I mean not to put myself on the Mercy of my Children, it being more proper that my children should rest on my mercy. Moore seems rather inclined to make another voyage in the Brig than set down to anything on shore, when he is tired of roving then he must choose a place for himself where to rest, it is not determined yet where she will go, I rather think at present to Madeira again. Maria desires me to assure you of the grateful remembrance she hopes she will always have of your attention and care of her, and of the affection she hopes and believes you have for her; it is but a few days since it has been agreed that she would marry Col. ^^Peter Hunt, a young man who has been brought up in my family, and who by his attention to busi- ness, with my assistance, has made a little money, which with what I shall endeavour to add will put them in a middle sta- tion, "behind the foremost and before the last." ssPeter Hunt, son of James Hunt and Jemima Green, was born January 27, 1768, married Maria, daughter of Moore Furman and Sarah White, his wife, in 1798, and died November 8, 1816. He was a large merchant in Trenton and owned warehouses in Lamberton, when it was the depot for trade of Trenton. He was a Trustee of the First Prebyterian Church of Trenton and was well known for his philanthropy and hospitality. He was appointed Adjutant General of the State of New Jersey Nov. 29, 1804. He died at Charleston, S. C, where he was residing for his health, and was buried there with military honors. His children were: Sarah Ann, d. y.; Maria, d. y.; Susannah Matilda, d. y. ; Furman, d. y.; Peter, d. y. ; William Edgar. 108 The Letters of Moore Furman Maria is cautious and prudent, and her choice sober, judi- cious and attentive to business, so that I think there is prospect of their living in a respectable and comfortable style. This matter has been talked of some time I expect, but you have the first official account of its being consented on my part. A house is taken at Lamberton, where Maria expects to settle, and where she hopes to see you, her Aunt Edgar, and her dear cousins next Summer; she hopes you will forgive her for her silence on this occasion when she assures you there is no friend on earth she would be happier to consult upon any important accasion. Indeed, my dear sir I begin to be alarmed for the fate of our country, what scandalous behavior in the Council of the Nations. What parties, what appointments of Offices from particular parties is taking place, a dark prospect before us, but trust in God for in him is our hope. Moore and Maria joyns me in best wishes for you all. I am your obliged Friend and Servant M. Furman. Trenton April 4th 1798. Dear Sir, This will be handed to you by my good old neighbour ®^Col- lins now a citizen of N. York, the purport of it is to inform you that I have sold my house for $10,000 and conveyed it to 96lsaac Collins, son of Charles Collins and Sarah Hammond, his wife, was born in 1746 in Delaware, married (1) Rachel, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca Budd, and (2) Deborah, daughter of Margaret Morris. He was one of the prominent men of New Jersey, being the first "printer to the King's most excellent Majesty for the Province of New Jersey, 1775." He was the first to publish an American edition of the Bible and was greatly interested in literary and educational work in the young Re- public. He removed from Burlington, N. J., in 1778 to Trenton, where he was one of the founders of the Trenton Academy; thence he removed to New York City. He published the first newspaper in New Jersey, De- cember 8, 1777, at Burlington. His children were: Rebecca, born 1772, married Stephen Grellet, a former member of the Body Guard of Louis XVI; Charles, born 1774 married Margaret Bullock; Sarah, born 1775, married Nathaniel Hawx- hurst; Elizabeth, born 1776, married Robert Pearsall; Rachel, born 1777, died young; Thomas, born 1779, married Ann Abbott; Susanna, born 1781, married Richard Morris Smith; William, born 1782, married Ann New- bold Bispham, widow of Stacy Budd Bispham; Benjamin Say, born 1784,, The Letters of Mooee Fukman 109 our present ^^Govemour and to his successors forever, that Maria was married this day week, moved to Lamberton on Monday, that I am moving in the Storm to a new house, a few doors to the westward of the house I sold, and that the Gover- nour is fixing himself and family in the Government house. I mean to remain this year and next to remove to Lamberton where I shall attempt to build another house for Maria to live in. I have rented a pretty good house though not so large as the one I left, and Maria is also in a tolerable one beautifully situated, at either of which you and family will be welcome while they are possessed by us. I am with sincere regard Your obliged Servant M. Furman. P. S. I beg leave to recommend Mr. Collins to yoirr notice for an honest man and good citizen, having had a long tryal of him. Trenton July 24th 1798. Dear Sir I have to acknowledge your favours of 28th past and 6th Instant with the safe arrival of the tea which is well approved. ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ -s^ Congress has rose, left power in the hands of the President, who has sent out armed vessels made reprisals and in fact opened the Ball. Where these things will end its not for man to say, but I fear not favorably for America, what a change in the sentiments of our great men, I cannot account for the Policy of it in any way whatever, I wish they may be able to do it. We are all well, every comfort attend you all I am yours etc. etc. M. Furman. I wish to write to the Doctor when an opportunity oifers. married Hannah Bowne; Anna Say, born 1786, unmarried; Isaac, born 1787, married (1) Margaret Morris, (2) Rebecca Singer; Mary, born 1789, married Isaac T. Longstreth; Stacy Budd, born 1791, married (1) Mary E. Dudley, (2) Hannah West Jenks; Joseph Budd, born 1794, mar- ried Sarah Minturn. STRichard Howell, son of Ebenezer Howell, whose parents came from Wales, was born at Newark, Del., October 25, 1754, married Keziah Burr, 110 The Letters of Moore Furman Trenton Sept. 3rd. 1798. Dear Sir, Accounts of the fever in New York have until today been various and contradictory, but now it is confirmed to be very prevaihng there. In Philadelphia it is worse at this time than it was at any time in '93 or '97, so that if it continues to in- crease the City must ere long depopulate, the Inhabitants here and I believe everywhere, are doing all they can to accommo- date those that have come out and hope they will all find shel- ter until they can return again with safety which I don't expect will be before November. What a dreadfull calamity this in our country. Should you quit the City and it be convenient to come here as any other place we will certainly do everything in our power to accomodate you and family being with the greatest love for you all, Yours affectionately M. Furman. Trenton Sept. 12th '98. Dear Sir, I have your favour of the 5th and am happy to hear you think yourself and family in so little danger of the epidemick that is near you, and we are told spreading; it is increasing fast at Philadelphia and down the Delaware on both sides wherever the Inhabitants fly, none of the Inhabitants among whom they go, that I have heard of take it, one or two in- daugher of Joseph Burr of Burlington, and died near Trenton, N. J., May 5, 1803. He was educated at Newcastle until fifteen years old, when his family moved to Cumberland County, N. J. While there he studied law, but was chiefly celebrated for being a member of the small party who broke into a store house at Newcastle, N. J., November, 1774, and took out the tea and burned it. In 1775 he was appointed an officer in a company of infantry and commissioned captain of the Second Regiment of the Con- tinental troops of New Jersey. In December of the same year he served at Ticonderoga and Quebec, but resigned in 1778. He was especially appointed by Washington on secret business and was accused of treason. He produced his orders from Washington and was accordingly acquitted. In 1780 he was appointed Clerk of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, and in 1793 elected Governor of the State. He had nine children: Richard, born 1794; William, Franklin; Sarah Burr married James Agnew; Beulah married John L. Glaser. The Letters of Moore Furman 111 stances excepted, which is a very favorable circumstance, for your own sake and for your family do not tarry in the city too long, as you have a retreat so near had you not better retire to it and tarry until you can return with safety? I expect you have heard from the Doctor, I have a letter dated 1st June wrote in the old Stile, by Capt, Phelps in the Betsey that lately arrived in the Delaware, Vessels now stop at Chester where the custom house is removed to, from whence the collector has applied for liberty to the Secretary of the Treas- ury, who lodges with me, to remove having lost two of the officers of the Customs, and it goes to New Castle. God only knows the cause & end of all these things. In haste. Love to all. Yours affectionately M. Furman. Trenton November 1st 1798. Dear Sir, I have not had a line from you since you left the City and therefore conclude all is well with you. ^*Mr. Rutherfoord has such favorable accounts from his friends that he sets out to-morrow morning and hope he may find all things agreable to his wishes. The Philadelphians begin to return from hence on Monday last, and if the weather continues cold expect the Inhabitants of Philadelphia will be generally returned into the City in all next week, which will make their absence near three months, an irreparable loss to those who depend on their daily labour for the support of their families. I have a letter from the Doctor in which he desires me to go to Philadelphia and sell 6 per cents and buy in redeemable Stock, but I cant 98Walter Rutherford, son of Sir John Rutherford and Elizabeth Cairn- cross, of Scotland, was born Dec. 29, 1723, married Dec. 21, 1758, to Catherine Alexander Parker, daughter of James Alexander and Mary Spratt Provoost and widow of Elisha Parker, and died Jan. 10, 1804. Mr. Rutherford was not in sympathy with the position taken by the Mother Country at the beginning of the Revolution, but for twenty years ue had been fighting under the British flag and could not now fire upon it. He retired to Trenton, N. J., but was summoned before a committee of safety, where he refused to take the oath of allegiance. He was sent to Morristown as a prisoner, where he remained some time. After the war he became active and prominent and was for years president of the St. Andrews Society and the Agricultural Society. His children were: John (see page 117), James Alexander, died young; Mary, born Nov. 14, 1767, married Gen. Mathew Clarkson. 112 The Letters of Moore Furman go into the City for a while, nor is it a good thing to sell out at present, praj can any thing be done to his advantage in N. York in that way, you will think on it when you get into the City and business gets arranged. Well we are told that nothing but war will preserve us from becoming tributary to France, if we are to believe they have any truth in them at all their late language dont look like a wish to break with us, and I cant help yet hoping there will be a stop put to the dispute ere it comes to that. With best wishes for you and yours, I am etc. M. Furman. P. S. Will there be any vessel for Bristol this fall, I sup- pose there will be a convoy. Trenton Jan. 14th 1799. Dear Sir, I have your favour of the 8th Instant and must acknowledge being in arrears for the Tea which was by no means intended nor would it have happened had not the winter set in so early which prevented the country stores from receiving in produce and forwarding it to Market, but Col. Hunt is now forward- ing some property to your city as the Navigation is shut at Philadelphia and hope he will have enough there soon to make you whole, I was mistaken in supposing the tea was your own property in which case an interest would have been thankfully paid you for the time after due, but your being obliged to advance the money for us is what we must beg absolution for, besides paying you the damages. ******* There being so much reason to dread a return of the fever in the Seaports again you must be right in purchasing a re- treat where I hope you and family may be safe from all such disorders, I suppose it to be near the North River that you may have water carriage to and from it as I apprehend the roads must be rough a part of the way, be assured I shall have peculiar pleasure in paying you and family a visit there next summer if I can; if I should go to Albany it will be in the way. Yes my dear Sir, our National affairs appears strange to me, kind Heaven grant our Constitution may be preserved The Letters of Moore Furman 113 I am in as good health as I can reasonably expect, Maria, and our Country kept out of wars which is productive of so many evils. the Col. and John are also well, but where or in what condition poor Moore and "^Capt. Hunt is in we know not, they were first taken by the French near Madeira, retaken by the British and carried to Lisbon, there ransomed and sailed again for Ma- deira, then taken again by the French and carried into Spain, from whence we received letters from them dated the latter end of September, since which have no account from or of them so that I fear they are bad enough off, they did not complain of any personal bad treatment, they was in hopes of saving the Brig in which they could get freight for America, but I fear for them. We all joyn in best regards for yourself Mrs. Edgar and your children. Yours most sincerely M. Furman. Trenton Jan. 21st. 1799. Dear Sir, * Letters from Capt. Hunt and Moore advise us that the Cargo is condemned, but the freight ordered to be paid, that they mean to lay it out in Salt sufficient for ballast, and Wines, and take in freight to fill up (which is offered) and take an- other chance for Philadelphia or N. York, in the run she wiU stand the greatest fear of the British our Offensive and De- fensive Ally. I had the honour sir of entertaining Mr. Washington in 99James Hunt, son of Wilson Hunt and Susanna Price, his wife, was born May 19, 1739, married March 27, 1760; Jemima Green, daughter of Joseph Green and Elizabeth Marchand, his wife, and died in Hopewell, N. J., May 12, 1832. He served through the war of the Revolution as Captain and Conductor of Team Brigade and spent the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge. After the war he was associated with Moore Furman in business and owned the brig Fame, which he sailed himself to foreign ports. His children were: Joseph, Nancy, Peter, died young; Dora, Elijah, Peter, James Wilson; Jonathan married Miss Parks; Elizabeth married Thomas Cox; Susan married John S. Blackwell; Rhoda married David IMount; Jemima married Jonathan Blackwell, and Nancy. 114 The Letters of Moore Furman my house during the time the Department was here, I accomo- dated him, and his lady and family for a few days as well as in my power, with which, I believe he was well satisfied, and if a Statesman's tongue can speak the sentiments of the heart, be- Heve he will do me any friendly service it is proper for me to ask of him. ?p vR^ ^ V V *P? Your obliged humble servant, M. Furman. Trenton February 12th 1799. Dear Sir, fifL flf. ,*]f, -'I' t^- -'fc, A. vpr "ff! Tf* yp yi* ^ n* Yes sir the little Brig has returned after a great variety of fortune, and if she can square the yards the owners may think themselves well off, I expect she will be sold, it is too difficult times for those that don't live at the fountain head to own vessels at present. We are well, I am with sincere regards for all yours, Your obliged humble servant M. Furman. Lamberton, February 28th 1800. Dear Sir, I have taken the liberty to trouble you by way of enquiring after the welfare of yourself and family (altho' I wrote you last) as I have ever since my first acquaintance with you had the greatest reason and desire to merit your esteem and friend- ship. I am happy to inform you that Mr. Furman, Mrs. Hunt and our little girl are in perfect health. Sally Ann our little one is and has been very healthy and active she begins to walk and to speak some words, I have nothing new to com- municate from this part of the country nor have our newsmen much, and my wish is that the next may come favorable from France that some of our fiery Jerseymen may not have the pleasure of fighting them or rather being paid for it, from the best comparisons that I can make I find that those who would not feel any loss (for they have nothing to lose) are the greatest partisans for war, I hope with the assistance of provi- dence they may be disappointed, Mrs. Hunt joyns me with The Lettees of Mooee Fueman 115 her best respects to Mrs. Edgar and her cousins. I am dear Sir Yr. M. H. Servant. Peter Hunt. Lamberton March 24th 1799. Dear Sir, Agreeably to your kind desire I have now the pleasure to inform you that yesterday morning Maria presented the Col. with a clever little plump girl, and that they are not only as well, but even better than could be expected. Maria desires her gratefull and best wishes may attend you, Mrs. Edgar and her dear cousins. I wrote you a few days ago and forwarded the Scrips which hope arrived safe, as the price of them seems rather on the de- cline at present (though have no doubt of their looking up again) if they will command 25 per cent advance, we shall be content. I am with great regard Dear Sir Your most obedient M. Furman. Lamberton March 31st 1800. Dear Sir, I have seen the owner of the Horse, he is clever and the owner intends if he can any way conveniently ride him to N. York in April, when it can be known with certainty whether he will match yours or not. I would take him but fear he will not match so well as you wish. Yes my dear sir I think our Nation is in a fair way of having the laws righteously administered and the Constitution pre- served, but the Citizens must not sleep, though much has been done, there is more to do, our State is not yet sufficiently purged, our Legislature has not at present a majority of Whigs, but I trust will the next choice, and you want a re- publican governor, both which hope we shall get the next election, it is rumoured that there is great trouble in the Brit- ish Government if every kind of wickedness and deception will bring it on it will be their lot. a change of Ministry seems 116 The Lettees of Moore Furman however to portend peace, that is general forerunner of it with that Nation. Heaven send it. We wish you good health which we at present enjoy. I am truly yours M. Furman. Lamberton November 25th 1800. Dear Sir, Present appearances are that winter is set in, I hope there- fore that you and family are now snug in the City. For some months to come our chief entertainment will be politicks, and violent efforts will be made by each party to gain their point, no matter whether true or false if it will but gain a vote, on reflection, however, I tliink it clear that the Feds, and Tories has distanced the Repns. in deception and lies, which I hope, as it generally does, will leave them the dirt. As to our small state it is at present totally governed by the Lawyers and old tories, not but that I really believe there is a majority of for the rep. ticket at this moment, but they really seem blind to their danger, though to me it is so visable and near if not warded off by Him who governs in earth as well as in Heaven, never was persecution more plain in the hearts of any set of people then in a majority of our Legislature, their actions shew it ; They have discharged persons holding ap- pointments for not thinking as they do, and acting as they would have them, and repealed a necessary law for the purpose of sending a favorite to Congress, a Majority of Electors are a Judge, and Lawyers, and three out of five of their ticket for Congress are Lawyers, one of which is mouthpiece for the whole, and I would venture an even bet that not one of the other four vote against him during the session of Congress. Pennsylvania seems if possible to be worse beset than we are a Majority of two persons disorganises the whole State, our publick affairs appear dark at present, Good Lord deliver us. I should not be surprised if by and bye it should be suspected on good grounds that British gold has been handled among us, some that I never saw so busy before are now very active. I suppose a packet has or will sail soon and that you will write to the Doctor. I have nothing to say but best wishes attend him, you will do the needfull. A man called here a few days ago to inquire about a lot said to belong to Mrs. Chevalier, he informed me that Mr. Baldwin would be down The Letters of Moore Furman 117 soon I hope he has been down, or will soon, he said a good deal about his money when he purchased but I don't see it. We are all well here, and I am with the greatest regard for you and yours etc. M. Furman. Lamberton January 5th 1801. Dear Sir, I now congratulate you with the compliments of the Sea- son, and hope good Mrs. Edgar and children are well. ******* Last week I had the honour and pleasure of being introduced to the great little Mr. Burr at our friend ^''"Mr. Rutherfurd's. I think him not quite so large a man as Mr. Hamilton, but believe him to be a better man, his life and conversation will I think justify me in that belief, I can now sleep sound on the score of President and vice President, for let Congress place them as they please, I have not a doubt but they will keep up a good understanding between themselves, and exert all their understandings and abilities for the general good of the Na- tion. I feel a pleasure in having seen and conversed with Mr. Burr having had some knowledge of ^''^his father the short time he was president of Princeton College, heard him preach in loojohn Rutherford, son of Walter Rutherford and Catherine Alexander Parker, his wife, was born Sept. 20, 1760, married, 1782, Helena, daughter of Lewis Morris and Mary Walton, his wife, and died at Rutherford, N. J., Feb. 23, 1840. He was graduated from the College of New Jersey, 1776, and studied law in the office of Richard Stockton. In 1784 moved to New York, but in 1787 he returned to New Jersey and became one of its foremost promoters of the public good, living in Trenton until 1808. He was Presidential Elector in 1798, 1813-1821. He was elected a member of the U. S. Senate 1791-98. He was President of the Board of Proprietors of East Jersey 1804 and Surveyor-General. In 1798 he resigned from the Senate and gave his time to the administration of private affairs and went deeply into scientific agriculture. His children were: Robert Walter, born 1788, married Sabina, daughter of Col. Lewis Morris; John, died young; Mary Catherine, died young; Helena, born 1790, married Peter Gerard Stuyvesant; Louisa, born 1792; Anna, born 1794, married John Watts; Susan, died young. lOiAaron Burr, born at Fairfield, Conn., Jan. 4, 1716, married in 1753 to Esther, daughter of Jonathan Edwards and died Sept. 24, 1757. He graduated from Yale 1736 and studied Theology, and at the age of 118 The Letters of Moore Furman the College Hall and soon after attended his funeral. I be- lieve he did not live quite a year in that station. In all the political aiFairs I have ever been concerned in I never was so much mortified, (put all together) as I have been within a few months past, but thank God I am pretty well re- covered again. Great pains having been taken by our fellow citizens in different offices to poison the minds of the people, until a majority of Feds, was got in both houses, they went on Jehu like. They made altered and repealed laws to answer particular purposes, and refused to reappoint military and Civil officers in rotation that was agreeable to their fellow citizens, and appointed those that were not, in short the Speaker declared in publick that no man but a Federalist should have an appointment during the sitting, that they had got the Republicans under or down, and that they would keep them so. Inumerating all their exploits would be too much for a letter, therefore shall only say further at present that the Republicans have awoke and beat them on their own grounds, and refer you for further particulars to John, who I can assure you is a staunch Republican and has been active in the Cause, and to the ^°^ Aurora who gives us a lift now and then. We now send five good Republicans members to Con- gress. Our old Treasurer ^''^Mr. Mott is a heart Oak, and the 22 became Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Newark, N. J. He also established a school for boys and was successful, winning a wide reputa- tion for scholarship. In 1748 he became President of the College of New Jersey, and in 1754 removed from Newark to Princeton, N. J. He laid the foundation for the future prosperity of the College, but as he kept his church also his useful life came to an early end trom overwork. His children were: Sarah married Tappan Reeves of Litchfield, Conn.; Aaron married Theodosia StiUwell Provoost, (2d) Madam Jummel. i02William Duane, Editor of "The Aurora," was born May 7, 1760, mar- ried Margaret Markoe, widow of Benjamin Franklin Bache. He was the political power of Pennsylvania by means of his paper and wielded influ- ence over the adjoining states. His children were: Elizabeth, Sidney, Edward Markoe, Anastasia, Mar- garet Markoe, Emma. losjames Mott was the son of James Mott, who was born 1707, married (1st) Mary Holmes 1751, (2d) Amy Herbert in 1752, and died Monmouth County, N. J. He was State Treasurer of New Jersey, 1799-1803; one of the commis- sioners for purchasing a Gubernatorial Mansion, 1798, and a Representa- tive to Congress and a Presidential Elector in 1805. The Letters of Moore Furman 119 other four steady firm men. Believe me to be with all possible regard for you and yours Your much obliged humble servant M. Furman. P. S. We are about to get a Rep. Printer here, which we think will be of great use in our Election next Oct. for State Leg. Lamberton March 2nd 1801. Dear Sir, Mr. Burr is gone to his post in which I hope he will be a terror to evil doers and a praise to them that do well. With what confidence does the feds, dictate to the President, they must not be turned out of office act ever so unwisely and instead of their acting with prudence so as to reconcile Gov- ernment and engage it towards them in future, they seem to be doing everything to irritate and offend them. I hope, how- ever all they can say or do will not turn them aside from their duty, so that even their enemies may not be able to find just cause of offence. I hope the next Fall election of our Legislature will deliver Jersey out of the hands and power of the Federalists, the pres- ent two senators are feds, but the five representatives to Con- gress are Repns. and have not a doubt but that a majority of the Council and Assembly will be repns. also for the People's eyes are opening and I hope will keep open here after. I fear the British intends to give us trouble, will not the victories gained by France over the Austrian army opperate in our f,a- vour.P Best regards for you all. Yours affly M. Furman. Lamberton August 6th 1801. Dear Sir, ^ yfT Tp Tt< Tp vpr The President and Secretary has left headquarters the paper tells us, and the Vice-president is gone there to take his turn, when I applied through you to offer my service as Marshal of this State, it was as much to gratify some of my friends as myself, after I mentioned it to you, I heard of two or three good Republicans, who deserves well of their Country, 120 The Letters of Moore Furman that were making application by getting recommended by the representative from this state and county, that being the case, I concluded to let my application rest upon what was said to you by the Vice, and if I were appointed, endeavour to act so as to merit approbation, not doubting but either of the other candidates would do the same ; it is said here that ^"^Gen. Heard is to be Marshal, he is a good republican, was very active all the war and full as capable of executing the office as any that are named. I mention these things to you that you may know the true state of the business, however it may end I am bound to thank you for the application to Mr. Burr, and him for his willingness to grant it. We, as the President tells us, cannot see all the grounds and therefore cannot judge so properly as those that do. We shall have a warm election in October in Jersey, but don't entertain a doubt but there will be a majority of the right sort. I should be glad to spend a week at your farm this month but don't think it probable, I have been engaged to fix John and his partner at Pittstown for two or three months, and must be with them there some time before cold weather, which will be pretty soon. Thank kind Heaven we are all well here and hope you and good family may enjoy every pleasure at the Farm, accompanied with thankful hearts. Yours affectionately M. Furman. ifMNathaniel Heard, born at Woodbridge, N. J.; married Feb. 14, 1753, Mary Ford, and died Oct. 28, 179i. He was commissioned Colonel of New Jersey Militia, November, 1775, and Brigadier General from Feb. 1, 1777, to the close of the war. He was a member of the Committee of Observation of Woodbridge 1775, delegate to the Provincial Congress in May, 1775, and was a distinguished figure through the Revolution. He was sent to disarm the Tories of Queens County, Long Island, which he promptly did. He was indefatigable, but was reported as treating the inhabitants with the utmost humanity. In February, 1776, Congress ordered him to take 700 troops and hold Staten Island. He was entirely successful, as he was when entrusted with the delicate task of arresting Governor Franklin. After the Revolution he was appointed Marshal of New Jersey, and the Collector of the Customs at Amboy, 1802 to 1806. His children were John, who married a daughter of Samuel Sargent; James, who married a daughter of Gen. Daniel Morgan; Phebe, Elizabeth, who married Jacob Van Home; Mary, Sarah and William. Dear Sir, The Letters of Moore Furman 121 Lamberton August 21st 1801. I do not grudge but rejoice at your present healthy situ- ation in the country and hope nothing will prevent your family from enjoying it, many things conspire to prevent my spending a week with you, may health and pleasure attend you all. Early in October comes on our State Election, we do not fear a majority in both houses though a doubt remains respect- ing the Council, a push was lately made at one of the Repn. Presses of this State, but they did not succeed ; all will come right by and bye. Jefferson and Burr will put the disordered Constitution in proper motion by and bye. With sincere love and best wishes for you all I am yours M. Furman. Lamberton January 28th 1802. Dear Sir, ******* Well my dear Sir, does the publick Machine move to your liking.? The Judiciary was treated but indifferently by a Member from your state, but was ably met, but it is gone, and I hope, never to return. You'll see a small arbitrary push made on your side of our state, but it did not succeed. I mean respecting the Clerk's office in Essex county at Elizabeth. I hope nothing will prevent peace taking place thro' out the world, and that the inhabitants thereof will learn and practice Virture, Industry and frugality which is the most rational way to happiness here and hereafter. May the present and succeeding years bring every comfort to you and yours. We all joyn in best regards, M. Furman. Lamberton October 18th 1802. Dear Sir, By this time I expect you and your good family are re- turned to the city or on the wing coming there. Maria has a late letter from the Doctor he is well and lively, but expect you hear from him more frequently than we do. 122 The Letters of Moore Furman I have been waiting and wishing to hear from you, our Feds in Jersey have made a secret and violent push this election and have gained a Httle ground in some places, but hppe when the Legislature meets they will not have a majority that will admit of their superceding our governor etc, two or three weeks will discover these things. I am waiting, I can't say with patience, to be able to form some judgement respecting the conduct of Mr. Burr, pray inform me what is the opinion of those who have a knowledge of the business. Believe I mentioned to you that Col. Hunt and myself were invited to a dinner last year when Mr. Burr was there, the party consisted of gentlemen that were so different in sentiments that Col. H. and myself could not account for the cause that made Mr. R. to make such a collection ; but the matter seems to be opening now so as to account for it ; if what is now publishing is true, and it seems to carry the marks of fact, what unaccountable beings is the human race, and who that is seventy but must rejoice that he is near making his escape from among them. The fever having abated at Philadelphia so far that those who removed out are returning, in the course of a few days more I expect all will be gone from this place and Trenton etc. three or four have died with the fever near us at Lamberton, supposed to be brought from Philadelphia by a Philadelphian. But all the inhabitants are well now and I hope will con- tinue so. Mr. A. Hunt^**^ lost a son last week, he has been unwell for some time and died very suddenly, he was as well as usual and a corpse in a quarter of an hour. He was the flower of the family. All of us join in wishing you and yours health and long life. I am your affectionate etc. obliged servant M. Furman. losAbraham Hunt, son of Wilson Hunt and Susanna Price, his wife, was born in 1740; married (1st) Theodosia, daughter of Robert Pearson and Mary Coale, his wife; (2d) Mary Dagworthy, and died in 1821. He was a prominent and opulent merchant in Trenton, N. J., and at one time a part- ner of Moore Furman. In 1774 a member of the Standing Committee of Cor- respondence, and in October, 1775, he was appointed Commissioner for the Western division to purchase for the Province ammunition, arms and all military necessities. He was Lieutenant Colonel in the First Regiment of The Letters of Moore Furman 123 Lamberton December 16th 1802. Dear Sir, Believe this is my third since I had the pleasure of a line from you, and as we began to grow uneasy until I saw your name among the Directors of the Manhattan Bank, and then I concluded you were in the land of the living and the place of hope. I have not been so well as usual for some time past, or beheve I should have paid you a visit for a day or two after your retreat from the country, a few days conversation with you and your good family in your Hospitable dwelling would have been a very agreeable change from my cottage, and had a good effect upon my health and spirits, but I must put it off until a more convenient season. Having the good opportunity of Mr. Rutherfurd I forward the papers of the Doctor lest you may want them, I have not had a line from the doctor since September, when he was well and did not complain much. I hope Mr. Baldwin has paid up so that his remittances has increased which seem generally to please the Doctor. You see by the papers the situation our poor little State is Hunterdon County in 1776 and clerk of the Board of Justices in 1776-1777. On the memorable night of the Battle of Trenton, he entertained Col. Rahl so successfully that when the call came to arms the officer was not fit to take command. This action of Mr. Hunt in extending his hospitality to an enemy has in modern times laid him open to charges of disloyalty, but that the remotest thought of such a construction of his act had not crossed the minds of his contemporaries is positively proved by a paper in the pos- session of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Dated in 1777, it is an order to Col. Hunt to take charge of the removal from Philadelphia of the papers and monies of the Continental Congress upon the approach of the British. He was Postmaster of the town for several years after the war, commis- sioned by Benjamin Franklin; was a founder of the Trenton Academy, the first Fire Company, and from 1805-31 director of the Trenton Banking Co.; for fifty-seven years trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, and in 1792 Alderman. His children were: Pearson, married Rachel Higbee; Wilson, died young; Abram, died young; Robert, died unmarried; Philemon, died young; Theodore married Ann Lucas; John Wesley married Catherine Gross; Theodosia, died young. By his second wife he had Charles Dagworthy, died young, and Henrietta, 'died young. 124 The Letters of Moore Furman in, and how the parties act their parts. I hope the Dems. will be more active and better prepared for the next election, will Pains pubHcations add to the number of Republicans? What or how does our Vice get along in the opinion of the publick, is the charges against him calumny or truth? The Senate is long making a house which keeps back the communication. We are all so so, and wish you all health and happiness through the coming joyfull season. 1 am your most Affectionate servant etc. M. Furman. Lamberton, July 5th 1803. Dear Sir, I have neglected returning the inclosed letter too long but hope it will be no injury. I received a line some days ago from Aunt Osborne and took the liberty of informing her that her bill on you, and also Aunt Chevalier's would be paid on sight. Well my good sir what will, what can the enemies of our Jefferson find more to say against him, "^Mr. Galatin, ^'"Mr. loeAbraham Alfonse Albert Gallatin, son of Jean Gallatin and Sophia Albertine Rolaz, his wife, was born in 1761, married in 1789 (1) Sophia AI- legre, by whom he had no children; (2) Hannah, daughter of Commodore James Nicholson of Maryland, and Frances Witter, his wife. He was graduated from the University of Geneva, and shortly after sailed for America. He went to Philadelphia about 1789, and from there went into Virginia for the purpose of developing new lands. He had a crowded career as a public man and a very distinguished reputation. The most important office he held was Secretary of the Treas- ury, 1801. He also acted in the Diplomatic Service as Minister to France, 1816, and Minister to London, 1826. He lived for a while at Friendship Hill, Uniontown, Pa. He moved from there to New York. He was President of the National Bank, and also of the New York Historical So- ciety. He was a fine scholar and published many articles on financial sub- jects. His children were: James, born 1796, married M. J. G. Pascault; Albert Rolaz, born 1800, married M. L. Stevens ; Frances, born 1802, married B. K. Stevens. lo^Peter Jay Munro, son of Rev. Henry Munro of Scotland and Eve, daughter of Peter Jay, was born at Rye, N. Y., Jan. 10, 1767, married Mar- garet, daughter of the Hon. Henry White and Eve Van Courtlandt, his wife, and died at Mamaroneck, N. Y., Sept. 23, 1833. Peter Munro was educated in New York until he was 13, when he accom- The Letters of Moore Furman 125 Munro and others of our present publick servants, are they not hkely to make all things fit together that not long since appeared as if they would puzzle a conjuror. From what I see I expect we are to have a free navigation of the Missis- sippi, New Orleans, and the Floridas, the Country beyond that river perhaps we need not covet, but we must wait the pleasure of Government for the particulars. How will the War operate upon us, John Bull complains about many things, the first consull must meet him, they have a hard task before them, to satisfy all the world, work plenty now for the Scribblers, f * * While I am writing a messenger comes to inform me that Maria has another girl and both as well as can be expected. Health and happiness to you all in your retirement. Yours etc. M. Furman. Lamberton November 14th 1803. Dear Sir, The 20th September I was taken with a severe sickness which neither my friends nor family expected I could survive, but thanks to that Being that made and preserves us, I am spared a little longer. I have a tolerable appetite and walk about. Col. Hunt showed me your letter, I thank you for your inquir- ing about me. Before this time hope you and yours are in safety in N. York, and enjoying good health. I have not heard lately from the Doctor, what is to be the event of all these armaments in Europe.'' Should Bonaparte land in England, (and if he makes the attempt at so many different places as is talked of, its probable he will succeed at some of them) what carnage, what blood will be spilt, what lives lost ! You'll see by the papers that our little states, the Reps. panied his uncle John Jay on his mission to Spain, where he remained until 1782. He returned to New York in 1784, having spent the intervening time in Paris, and studied law with Aaron Burr. In 1821 he was elected to rep- resent West Chester in the Constitutional Convention and was Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. His children were: Frances married William Heathcote De Lancey, and others. 126 The Letters of Moore Furman having exerted themselves, have got on good Ground, I cau- tion them not to sleep, not even to slumber hereafter, if the Feds, acquiess in the present government it will be only to get an advantage, the Ijon crouches before he falls upon his prey. I received a letter the 12th Instant, a copy of which follows by which you'll see what is wanted to defend the suit, the Power of Attorney is with you, a copy of which authenticated I suppose is all that will be wanted. ******* I am with best wishes for you and yours Your affectionate friend and servant M. Furman. Dear Sir, Lamberton February 22nd 1804. What can be done ! I have enquired of every one that I think is likely to know anything about it but can get no infor- mation, and have looked over all the papers I have where I think it likely to be, and can see nothing of it. I believe the first power of Attorney lost and that he did not send out an- other, in the mean time, expecting another, a power was sent to Mr. Palmer. I think John White certainly knows something of it, it was when John was in favour with the Doctor, and John and Duffield did the business chiefly, they were on the spot, I was not. I have wrote to him about a month ago, but got no answer. I wrote him again last week but no reply yet, has John given us up? In addition about enquiring for the Power I begged him to enquire about a lot that Uncle Adrian drew in a lottery said to be part of Bayards farm, the lot is said to be in Catherine Street, No 1007 a few days ago I had a letter from a Mr. ^"^James Abeel who wants to purchase it losCol. James Abeel, the son of Captain David Abeel and Maria Duyckinek, his wife, and grandson of Johannes Abeel, mayor of Albany, 1694, was born at Albany, May 12, 1733 ; married March 23, 1762, Gertrude, daughter of John Neilson, from Belfast, Ireland, and died April 23, 1825. He enlisted early in the Revolution and was appointed Captain of the First Battalion, New York City Militia, June, 1776; commissioned Major, August, 1776, and with his regiment took an important part in the battle of Long Island. He was subsequently attached to Gen. Washington's staff and Deputy Quartermaster General. He resided after the Revolution for a while in Morristown, N. J. His children were: David, born 1763, married Jane Hassert; Joanna, The Letters op Moore Furman 127 but on looking over the will I don't think it can be" sold at present which I shall give him for answer. Abeel writes me it will be sold for Taxes unless attended to by somebody, if that be so it had better be sold at Vendue provided the state would make a good title to it. At your leisure, pray enquire into the matter and let me know what can be done, several ap- plications looks as if it were worth something. Our Legislature is in Session, the Reps, have a Majority in both Houses and business goes on, last evening a law passed for amending the Constitution, a report travels about in Jersey that Burr will be your Governor, the man that goes between should not be supported by either party. I visited Mr. Rutherfurd a few days before he left Belville and was impressed with an opinion that I should never see him nor his granddaughter more, yes my dear sir, I looked upon him to be one of the best of men, inoffensive, sober, humane, honest. An honest man is the noblest work of God. My Clouded Eyes and trembling hand bids me join in your wish that we lived nearer together, but expect our situations are fixed and will not be much altered in this world. ******* It is generally believed that Bonaparte will visit England. I dread to hear of the blood that will be spilt if he does ISTy purest love and best wishes for j^ourself and household Yours affectionately M. Furman. Lamberton July 9th 1804. Dear Sir, I have your favour of the 4th and am glad to hear all's well and that you are all ready to escape for the present from that devouring enemy that has landed on your shore: We are all well but myself, I stir about home and can yet ride my pony to Trenton which is the farthest of my travels at present. You see my trembling hand which discovers my unfitness to be abroad or I would spend a week with you. I went to see Mr. Rutherfurd on his return home, he in- formed me that he thought you were about going to the coun- born 1764, married Major Leonard Bleecker; Rev. John Neilson, born 1768, married Mary Stille. 128 The Letters of Moore Furman try if not already gone. Maria was in hopes one of lier cou- sins would have spent this summer with her, we should have made her as happy as we could, it has pleased God to bereave me of all my children but one, His will be done, I will not murmur, with her I now hve and am thankful that one is left to comfort me. *^e. ilL ^ ^e. Jk ^e. 9jr Tit yft T^ TH "Sft I hope the fever will be stopped at Long Island, Wishing you and yours safely in your retreat. Love to you all. Yours affectionately M. Furman. Lamberton July 17th 1804. Dear Sir, ******* An event that has happened at N. York since you left it, seems to me will have great weight in the scale of politicks but my ideas when I think of it are confused and leaves me in the dark. Is it not a melancholy thing that the art and experi- ence of man cannot put a stop to duelling, what alteration can the loss of one or both of the parties make in the preced- ing transactions, but it is a subject too deep for my debilitated state to discuss and therefore I drop it. The Publick prints gives us expectation of a detailed relation of the affair after which every one will judge for themselves. The world seems full of revolutions and who can say that the end is not near. I hope the fever near N. York has discontinued and we are all well and hope you and yours are enjoying health and con- tentment at your present home. With due respect for all I am yours M. Furman. Lamberton December 24th 1804. My dear Friend, Your favour of the 12th Instant is duly received by the mail and am happy to hear you and yours are well, since which sorry am I indeed to hear of the havock made by fire in your City, by which many of our fellow citizens have lost their all and near it in this inclement season, and even the wealthy are The Letters of Moore Furman 129 put to difficulties and feel the loss. I hope however that some assistance will be given to all that want it, were I able would turn cut in their favour but am not though hope there are some that will. We are all well I am better than a year ago I ever expected to be, and all rejoice to hear of your intention to visit us next May, your gratefull Maria wishes it, she has two female chil- dren, the youngest beginning to walk and expects another in a few weeks, a boy is wanted. ******* In the sincerity of my heart I return congratulation to you and all your fellow citizens for the Republican success in the choice of a President and Vice-president ; my being among the Electors for this state was unexpected, but it afforded me the highest satisfaction to be appointed to that honorary office by a majority of the People. It is the highest and last appoint- ment I expect to have. The Legislature has appointed Col. Hunt a General in the Militia, all honour, no L'argeant. The Feds are (notwithstanding several of them were appointed and reappointed to offices of profit) not contented, the Secretary of State, you'll see by our Trenton Fed. paper, complains heavily, you may be assured without foundation, in addition to the secretaryship he held, the Surrogate's office, is clerk of the council and has other fees, at present he as its said, receives $1000 a year of the Bndge Company, in short I don't think anything short of their getting or losing all will silence them. But the Horses such as you describe and we wish to get for Mrs. Edgar is scarce, we have however embarked in the service, for me I have little chance of success unless they come to the door for I travel but little this cold weather, but the General and his friends are in most places in the State, he will recon- noitre a few weeks and as soon as he can get any information worth communicating will correspond with you on the busi- ness. The Gen. has been forty miles up the river Delaware since the rect. of your letter but has not heard of anything worth notice. * * * Yours affectionately M. Furman. Coppy of Mr. Fosters letter. "Sir, "It is with great regret I have to inform you of the loss of 130 The Letters of Moore Furman our worthy friend Doctor Renaudet who departed this life on the 14!th of last month, he by his own desire is intered in the burial ground of the Chappie opposite his late dwelhng. Mr. T. Pierce and myself attend him to the Grave as it was his particluar desire the funeral should be in the most quiet way, and early in the morning, he has left you and W. Edgar Esq Executors for his American Concerns, and myself sole Execu- tor for his affairs in Engld. The Coppy of the Will and Cod- icil shall be sent to W. Edgar Esq as soon as I can get it proved from Doctors' Commons which I have no doubt will be by the next Packet, and I intend sending the Trunks etc. to his care unless I hear from you to the contrary as I conceive it is the most ready conveyance. "T T<" " London 4th January 1805. Sir I have this morning received the Exemplication of Dr. Renaudet's Will from the Commons, which you will receive by the Flora, Capt. Sterling for New York. She is to sail this afternoon, I thought it best to send the above by the first opportunity that you might receive the dividends in the Amer- ican Funds there, as, it will save you the trouble of drawing on me for them. The following are memorandums which the Doctor desired me to comply with two days before his death which I have done and got receipts for the different articles, as soon as I can fully arrange the Accounts they shall be handed to you. I wrote you on the 7th December by the Packet. & remain Your very humble Servt. Thos. Foster. The Contents of this Book is by no means to be registered in Doctors' Commons or elsewhere, but Mr. Thos. Foster may immediately give each party what I have bequeathed them. 1803, P. Renaudet (as soon as possible which he may impower Mr. Th. S. Pierce to do without loss of time in order that my house may be cleared). May 6th, 1803. I earnestly request Mr. Foster to make distribution and payments according to the Contents of these sheets as soon as it may be in his power, to The Letters of Moore Furman ISl which purpose he is to call on my Bankers for such Cash as he may require for that purpose, or if more be wanting for pay- ment of my debts or Funeral expense, then I would have you sell my 3 per cent reduced Stock. P. Renaudet. I bequeath to Dr. Fothergill of Bath, my beautiful uncom- monly light East Indian short cane, with a gold capped top. It was imported in the very first Ship that had ever been from this country to the East Indias, which circumstance I beg may be made known to him as it is in my Escritoir drawer To Doctor Nott I bequeath my gold headed cane. Peter Renaudet. If it should please God that I should die at the Hot Wells, or at, or near Bristol, I desire that my corps may be interred in the Burying Ground of Downy Square Chappie, after hav- ing been kept a reasonable number of days not less than full four days compleat, if possible. Let my death happen where- soe'er it may, it is my earnest wish and positive desire that I may not be buried in an ostentatious or expensive manner, on the contrary I would wish to be buried in as private a manner as Sir James Stonehouse buried his late Wife & Daughter and as he himself was buried that is to say in the above named Chappie (at any rate) if I should die at any other place than near the Hot Wells, I would have my Funeral without pomp or parade and not expensive, as I have two indigent sisters who are aged, and likewise numberless Nephews and Nieces most of whom stand in great need of my consideration. If I should die in or near London, I beg Mr. Foster will have me buried in Clement's Lane Lombard Street Church near my late dear friend Ingham Foster. Peter Renaudet. I don't mean to have my corps interred in Downy Square Chappie if I should die any considerable distance from it. If I should die at Bath I would be buried in some one of the churches there. 1800. Not in one of the Church Yards. 1802, I bequeathe to Elias Vanderhorst Esq. my very uncommon fine long Joint East India Cane it has a pinch beck head & ferrel to it. It originally cost me three guineas and an half, with out the head or ferrel to it, I mean not to tell Mr. Vanderhorst 132 The Letters of Moore Furman that circumstance, I only mean by it that such a long joint is rarely to be met with and I return him with a thousand thanks his tortoiseshell hand spectacles which he gave me. To Miss Eliza Vanderhorst I bequeathe my 4 vol. of the American Mu- seum and 1 vol. Morse's Geographical Grammar. ******* So I thought it right to send you the two sheets of memo- randa, which are exactly coppied from the originals, which are m his own handwriting, and which shall be sent to you if you wish them. The trunks and different articles shall be sent by one of the first ships that sail for New York. & remain Your very humble servant Thos. Foster. Lamberton Feb. 7. 1805. My dear Sir; The Doctor has left us, Hope for a better Country, after living to an age that but very few reach. Received a line from Mr. Foster yesterday Coppy of which you have at foot. You will please to joyn me with yourself in returning thanks to Mr. Foster for his attention to the Doctor while living and at his death, his next letters may be accom- panied with a Coppy of the Will and acquaint us with the nature and circumstances of his affairs after which we can take the proper steps, but you are better acquainted with his business then I am, and am sure will do what you think best therefore leave it to your managment. I fully expected a Will was in your Desk, he must have made one there. Believe it is the best way to let what is to come to America, come to N. Y. if you think not you will do the needfull. As I dont expect the young Gentleman lately arrived has as yet entered into any Matrimonial engagments they shall have my interest to come together — but your Young ladies must not be too longsorae or he may get impatient. Hear the Post will be gone, all well here I send love to all. Yours M. Furman. Schenectady, Feb. 27th 1805. My dear Mr. Edgar, I have just received your letter, Informing me of the Melan- The Letters of Mooee Furman 133 choly news of the Death of my Uncle Renaudet which I have been for some time in expectation of hearing of, therefore my mind was prepared to sustain the shock, he was ever affection- ately attached to me and I sincerely lament his loss, and shall never cease to respect his Memory, he lived to a good old age and Died a Christian and respected and esteemed by all who knew him which is a great consolation to me. Mr. Foster was his very Particular Friend, and attended to the last sad Offices as I expected he would, I suppose it will not be long ere you hear again from him it will afford me satisfaction to have a rough copy of the will, and shall be very much obliged to you if you will send it to me. I hope you and Mrs. Edgar my Nieces and William are well, we are at a great distance from each other, but I have often heard of you all from Friends who have visited us, it will give me & ^"^Eweretta much pleasure if you will permit one of the girls to accompany their Brother Wm. to Schenectady this Sum- mer. I will take very good care of them. Eweretta is now at Albany, she is to be Bride Maid to Miss ^^''Tillotson who is to be Married to "^ James Lynch to Night I want to hear that Anna Belle is on the list of Marriages. John and Wm. join me 109 Ewretta Constable married Hon. James McVickar, son of John Mc- Vickar and Anna Moore, his wife. He was a merchant and partner in the House of McVickar, Stewart & Co. of New York. Their children were: John A. married Eliza Bard; Mary Stewart married William Whitney. iiojanet Tillotsen was the daughter of Thomas Tillotsen and Margaret, daughter of Robert R. Livingston. Dr. Tillotsen came to New York from Maryland and died at Rhinebeck, N. Y., March 19, 1823. He was Surgeon-General of the Northern Department in the Revolution, and after the close of the war was Secretary of the State of New York from 1801-1807. iiiJames Lynch, son of Dominick Lynch and Jane, daughter of Anthony Lynch and Margaret Power, his wife, was born July 18, 1782; married Janet Tillotsen, daughter of Thomas Tiloltsen, and died Oct. 30, 1853. He was a prominent lawyer with offices at No. 5 Wall Street Court and became a well-known Judge. His children were: Jane Caroline; Julia M. married Rev. Stephen Olin; Adelaide married Louis Fitzgerald Tasistro; James; Edward married Elizabeth, daughter of James Strong; Margaret Augusta married Henry Eglinton Montgomery; Eugene married Mary C. Montgomery. 134 The Lettees of Moore Fueman in love to all their Cousins and best Respects to Mrs. Edgar. I am with much Esteem Your Friend (Ann) A. Constable. Lamberton March 7th 1805. Mj dear sir, I have your letter of the 4th Inst, (or rather supposed to be yours, for it has no Signature) and thank you for the infor- mation it contains, when all the papers and property apper- taining to the Doctors Estate comes to hand we are to Con- sider what is expedient for us to do ; I need not inform you that we shall have Jealous Hearts and watchfull eyes over us. Some things may pass between us too bulky for the Mail, such it may be safest to Confide to "^Mr. John Neilson in N. B. there being a Connection forming between our Genl & him That Will render that conveyance convenient & Safe. You will please to continue favouring me with Coppys of such papers, and accounts of such property as come to your hands. Maria thanks you for your good wishes, for her and her son, she assures you, though his Mother, that he is a fine boy, eats his allowance and thrives on it, his name to be Moore Furman Hunt, if any room I would crowd in Renaudett. Love for all. Yours M. Furman. ii2John Neilson, son of John Neilson, M.D., and Joanna, daughter of Andreas and Gertrude Coeyman, was born at Raritan, N. J., March 11, 1745, married Catherine, daughter of Johannes and Catherine (Schuyler) Voorhees, and died at New Brunswick, N. J., March 3, 1833. At the outbreak of the Revolution he raised a company of militia and was appointed captain of it, but in August 31, 1775, he was commissioned colonel of a battalion of Minute Men. He was asked to take a seat in the Congress which was to consider the Declaration of Independence, but re- fused. A copy was sent him, however, as his influence was required to encourage its acceptance in his vicinity. He was appointed Brigadier General of militia Feb. 21, 1777. In 1778 he was sent as a delegate to the Continental Congress, but did not take his seat. He was in the same year a delegate to the Convention at New Haven to devise some way of arrest- ing the depreciation of the Continental Currency. On Sept. 20, 1780, he was appointed Deputy Quartermaster General. He was a personal friend of Washington's, who never passed through New Brunswick without stop- The Letters of Moore Furman 135 Lamberton June 14th 1805. My dear Sir ******* I thank you for your attention to my infirmities, yes my dear friends I shall soon be mixed with the clods of the Valley and no more known to this world, it gives me however even at this distance, pleasure to think of our families growing up and mixing together in love, friendship and good offices to each other and if such a thing is permitted as knowing each other in a better world, that we may meet there. The Gen. is engaged among his Hay, he has for years as- sisted me in adjusting my affairs and is willing to continue it why should he not, all the little I leave is for him and his family, wish it was more. All well. Love to all I am your affectionate servant M. Furman. Lamberton September 2nd 1805. My dear Sir, ^ jl& £lt aI& Afc ^ ^ The great "^General Moreau is arrived here with his Lady and two children, he says he fought ten years in France for liberty but was unsuccessfull, in America they succeeded. ping to see him. At the close of the war he succeeded his uncle James Neilson in the shipping business and was interested in all the public works of his vicinity. In 1787 he went as a delegate to the Convention. He was an Elder and Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church at New Brunswick and President of the Board of Trustees of Rutgers College. His children were: John Neilson, M.D., born 1775, married Abigail Bleecker; James, married Catherine Bleecker; Abraham Schuyler, married Catherine Grant. ii3Jean Victor Moreau, born in Morlay, August 11, 1763; died Laun, Bohemia, Sept. 2, 1813. He studied law, but in 1791 was appointed Chief of Battalion of the Rennsis Volunteers. He led the Army of Flanders in a successful campaign, and in 1796 took command of the Army of the Rhine and Moselle, defeating the enemy in frequent battles. He commanded in Italy in 1799 and in Germany in 1800 and defeated the Austrians at Hohen- linden. Arousing the jealousy of Napoleon by his military distinction, he was sent into exile in 1804. He arrived in New York in December with his wife and was received with much enthusiasm. After traveling for a time he settled in Morrisville, Pa., where his home was the refuge for for- eign exiles. Many representatives of foreign countries came to beg him to raise his sword against Napoleon. He returned to Europe, where he was 136 The Letters of Moore Furman He has been visited by our ^^^Governor, some of the Mihtary Officers and private gentlemen, some won't like his politicks etc. I have been so long unwell and unable to mix with the crowd that I hardly know whether two cents are better than one or not, it will be out of my walk to have my money in N. York and troubling my friends. I don't much like the Jersey Banks and our Turnpikes are up in the wind, doth it sleep now or is it at work. ******* We all join in love to all. I am and ever must remain your obliged friend forever, M. Furman. Schenectady, 12th Sept. 1805. Dear Mr. Edgar. I received your Letter with the estimate of my Uncle's Will which I am very much Obliged to you for, I have Authorized my Son in law Mr. ^^^H. B. Pierpont by Power of Attorney, to cordially received by the Emperor Alexander, but shortly after received his death wound at the battle of Dresden. ii4Joseph Bloomfield, son of Moses Bloomfield, M.D., of Woodbridge, N. J., was born Oct. 18, 1753; "married last Thursday evening at Fair View, near Bristol, Pennyslvania, Joseph Bloomfield, Esq., Major of the Third New Jersey Regiment, to Miss Polly Mcllvaine, 'daughter of William Mcllvaine and Ann Emerson, his wife,' a young lady of merit and for- tune," and died in 1825. He studied law at Perth Amboy and was licensed as Attorney and Coun- sellor March 12, 1774. At the outbreak of the Revolution he volunteered and was commissioned Captain, 1777, and promoted to Major. In 1778 he was chosen Clerk of the Assembly and served several years as Registrar of the Admiralty. In 1782 he was elected Attorney General of the State. He was appointed Brigadier General of the militia and sent to quell the Whiskey Insurrection, 1794. He was the first Governor of New Jersey elected on the Democratic (then called Republican) ticket and served three terms. He also served as Brigadier General in the war of 1812, and in 1816 was elected a member to Congress, serving until 1821. "A man of decidedly literary taste, accumulating a fine library. An ar- dent Republican and friend of Thomas Jefferson, a man of excellent quali- ties, respected by all who knew him." iiBHezekiah Beers Pierrepont was the son of John Pierrepont of New Haven and Sarah Beers, his wife. He was born at New Haven, December 3, 1768; married June 21, 1802, Anna Maria, daughter of William Con- stable and Ann White, his wife, and died in Brooklyn, Aug. 11, 1838. Mr. Pierrepont was an official for several years in the Custom House in New York. Afterwards he became engaged in financial affairs, and in 1793 established the House of LeflBngwell & Pierrepont. The Letters of Moore Furman 1^7 Receive the Stocks etc. for me as I cannot paj a visit to New York this Year. We were all much pleased to see my Nephew William who arrivd here on Tuesday in good health he is much grown and appears a Clever Fellow, which gives me great satisfaction, he set off for the Springs Immediately and my William followed him next day, he has promised to come to us next week, when we shall endeavor to make him pass the time agreeably. I wish one of the Girls had accompanied him. we are much alarmed by the Accounts of the Yellow Fever raging again in N. Y. God Grant it may not be so terrible as report says, I seldom believe but half, but even that in this case is too bad. Mr. Pier- pont and Eweretta will set off for Brooklyn to-morrow, I'm rather uneasy at her going, but she promises me not to go into the City. I hope you and Mrs. Edgar and the Girls enjoy good health, you should have brought them to Balls Town this Summer, it was quite the seat of Fashion and Elegance, I've been told, myself and Eweretta have not been there this Sum- mer. Receive my best wishes for you & yours and believe me always your Friend. (Ann) A. Constable. Lamberton January 25th 1806. Dear Sir, I have received the scrip from Col. Neilson for the fifteen shares in the Turnpike which have the necessary indorsements and are herewith enclosed. I find "^Mr. Garnet was under a mistake about the Board not having determined to open the Books to former Subscribers as by enquiry it was agreed on early in the winter. Mrs. Hunt has Miss Edgar's letter and desires me to inform that she will answer it as soon as her nursery avocations will permit. Mr. Furman continues very His children were: William C; Anna C, married Gerrit G. Van Wage- nen; Henry Evelyn; Emily, married Joseph Alfred Perry; Frances Ma- tilda, married Rev. Frederick S. "Wiley; Harriet C; Mary Montague; Maria Theresa, married Joseph Julius Bicknell; Julia E., married John Constable; Ellen Isaphene, married Dr. James Monroe Minor. iiejohn Garnet, who came from the South to Somerset County, N. J., died there in 1820 at Franklin. 138 The Letters of Moore Fubman much as when you last saw him except that he has rather better spirits, we cannot prevail on him to ride out during the fine sleighing as we think he would gain more strength, after his ride with you last spring to Philadelphia he was much better, by and bye when the weather becomes fine I think if you would give liim a hint we could prevail on him to ride a little every day when the season will permit. Things look dark at Wash- ington, what will the Torys think of Sailor's bill in yester- day's Aurora, those here are outrageous, they want to fight the French Emperor and I wish he had most of them. I am Dear Sir with much respect, Yr. O. H. St. Peter Hunt. Lamberton March 24th 1806. My dear Sir, I am yet alive as you will see by my trembling hand, but my stay here cannot be long. If my house were but in order I should be content, I must lose no time in making my peace. By the interposition of kind Heaven what wonders are work- ing upon Earth ; what a wonderful man is Bonaparte. I wish him success in War until he can bring about a just and equit- able peace for all nations, he seems now to be contending for and with them all. Our Legislature has given us a Law for a ^"turnpike from Trenton to Newhope in Sussex county, the only disputed ground will be whether it will touch Pittstown or passes by 4 miles East of it. We all join in wishing you and yours every blessing. I am yours M. Furman. He was actively engaged in the founding of many public works, Director of the Delaware and Raritan Canal 1804, and a large stockholder at the be- ginning of the New Jersey Turnpike Co., Trenton Turnpike Co., and the Bank of New Brunswick and possessed much property. inThe New Jersey Turnpike Co., incorporated 1806 to construct a road from New Brunswick to Phillipsburg, passing through Somerset, Hunter- don and Sussex Counties. It was completed in 1809. The Letters of Moore Fubman 139 Lamberton July 24th 1806. Dear Sir A "^stranger arrived among us on Friday last without a name, which we are desirous of supplying him with, but are at a loss what it shall be, a consultation was had, when William was mentioned, which was agreed to Nem. Con. Then it was debated whether he should have but one Chris- tian name or two, when the question was put and resolved unanimously that he should have two and that the second should be Edgar. Now Sir, if these things be agreeable to you we will proceed, if not, we must alter our course more agreeably to your recommendations. We are all as well as can be expected, and hope you and yours are happy and healthy at your retreat. My strength is wasting without much severe pain so that it begins to be difficult for me to write. I am yours M. Furman. Greenburg July 31 1806 My dear Sir, I received yours of the 24th this day and I have my friend the General's of the 19th, I congratulate you both, with the iisCommander William Edgar Hunt, U.S.N., son of Peter Hunt and Maria Furman, was born at Lamberton, N. J., July 18, 1806. Married (1) Susan Elizabeth, daughter of James Clarke and Mary de Belleville, his wife; (2) Annie de Belleville, sister of his first wife, and was lost at sea in 1860. He became an orphan at an early age, and his guardian and rela- tive, Admiral LeRoy, secured his appointment as a midshipman in the Navy in 1831. He was appointed Acting Master of the John Adams, com- missioned Lieutenant on June 21, 1833. He was appointed as a special officer with Commodore Stockton in 1841, and was with him when the great gun exploded on the Princeton, destroying several lives. He was actively engaged during the Mexican War, and was especially commended for his services. He was commissioned Commander, August, 1855, and in 1859 ap- pointed to command the Levant in the Pacific Ocean. He was heard from at Honolulu in September, 1860, and shortly after this date a great typhoon was reported to have occurred in the course of the vessel, and nothing more was heard of the ship or her crew. His children were: Moore Furman, married (1) Mary Hunt, (2) Julia Gould; Annie, died young; Virginia Higbee married Lieutenant Peter Har- gous, of New York; William, died young; Aubelsue, died young; Annie Belleville, married Edward Shippen Mcllvaine. By his second wife he had: Sue Elizabeth, married Elmer Ewing Green; Matilda Emily, married Cleaveland Hilson. 140 The Lettees of Moore Fueman happy Mother on the birth of her son, I am flattered with the compliment of giving him my name at full length, but is it not too much to heap all the honours on one side, will the Gen. consent without murmur, to have one son called Moore Fur- man, and one W. Edgar, if he does, I shall believe he expects a third, even then I think it is a kind condescension to our dear Maria. ******* I enjoy health in the country but the absence of Annabella and Maria is a great drawback on my enjoyment, they are at Newport R. I, with Mrs. Edgar's sister Mrs. Read, I con- sented to their going in hopes the jaunt might restore my dear Annabella's health, and I am happy to hear it has had that effect, you and I, my dear friend, must prepare to quit this stage, and let us be thankfull for the blessings we have enjoyed and do still enjoy. Mrs. Edgar joins me in every good wish for yourself the Gen. and the Lady in the Straw. Yours W. E. Lamberton October 20, 1806. My dear Sir, I have your much esteem'd favour of the 27th Ult. before me. you are certainly right in making the second dividend some of the Legatees being in want — the third I suppose will nearly finish the business, when convenient please to forward the Certificate and Interest money per Mail — We have not heard of your return to the City — believe I must introduce the General to your Correspondence in matters of business here- after, he is a ready writer and I am almost worn out. Yes my dear Sir your son & his companion called to see us and I was quite revived to see them, the Genl. happened to be in the Country and did not see them, from present appearances you will have pleasure in future with the conduct of your son. Maria's children was Baptised the 11th Instant by Revd. Mr. Armstrong as follows. Sally Ann Hunt. Maria Furman. Re- naudet Furman. William E. Our assembly perhaps will drop Hunt at the end of my name. And then the two boys to whom I mean to give Pitts Town, can go into business there to- gether and continue fii-m of Furman & Hunt — I also thereby preserve the name of the Doctor wliich seems to be his desire The Letters of Moore Fueman 141 by the deposit of the two, if you have any Objections or obser- vations to make to my plans I wish you to do it for I esteem the advice of a friend much in all my conduct, and want how- ever to say something respecting your Children, whom you and I love, particularly but hardly know how to introduce it, — Sometime ago you mentioned that you meant to appoint me your Execut. or one of them, that Idea is done away by a hand able and Willing to do better for us then we can do for ourselves, the last time you mentioned the matter I think you said you had thoughts of appointing a Gentlemen in N. Y. to that trust so very important to your children, what I want to ask of you now is to re-consider that matter, will it not be better to add one or two more to meet death or other accidents to a single Executor in which case your Estate may fall into hands you never intended — I could not be satisfied with myself without communicating this Idea to you. — for which I know you will excuse me — Agreably to my letter to John White last April I must say something to him ere long, do you wish anything or nothing said of or for you — I mean to stand or fall with you in this affair unless you wish it otherways. — You will excuse the Composition and writing of this letter as I can hardly Act or think as I ought. We all joyn in best wishes for you and yours, M. Furman. Lamberton November 22nd 1806. My dear Sir, I have your favour of the 20th and am very sorry to hear that your health begins to fail, were we situated nearer to- gether we could converse conveniently, but in that respect sup- pose our lot is cast and we must acquiesce. I did not think your son was so far advanced in years, there is room to hope you may both live to see many happy years. The Gen. can't say when he will see N. York, the busy time in the country is come on, perhaps not before next Spring. I should not have troubled you with a reply to your favour of the 20th so early, but on account of John White with whose attorney you say you have settled all his concerns, (is John in N. York or where is he?) I wish to know if agreeable, what is settled and what if any thing is unsettled so that I may make 142 The Letters of Moore Furman no mistake. I have not yet wrote to him nor shall not until I hear from you, and he is in N. Y. must the lease & release be given up when the order appears believe you have them, I never, as I remember, heard of such an order before. I will thank you for a line. Do with my money as you will, send it forward as early as convenient in January. All well but my- self. I weaken, wish you all well, in all conditions am your obliged friend etc. M. Furman. Monday June 8th 1807. My dear Sir, Maria and I have taken the liberty to open your letter di- rected to the G. H. that we might acknowledge the receipt of it and have the wished for pleasure of hearing you are all well. The Gen. is gone to the Genesee Newtown, State of N. York and not expected back for two weeks more. We mourn with you in silence the loss of your amiable daughter, our cousin and friend, if she, that had not a fault, is not happy, where must the wicked appear, how strange the thought, it cannot be, youth nor age nor anything that has life must loose it, death conquers all, even I must go soon, very soon, may we all be ready. I have not wrote anything but my name for some time be- fore, you see I make a poor hand at it. I am sorry it is not convenient to visit us this summer, we looked for it, Maria is well and in a fair way, cliildren well and promising to make good citizens if the present inhabitants dont break up our gov- ernment. You make great progress in turnpiking, but little doing in this state, except from hence to Brunswick, they are at work double times, and say it will be ready to travel over in a month or two. I hope a correspondence will be kept up among the families, they may be usefull to each other, and it is pleasant to have a friend to write to. I expect you are about removing into the Country, we all joyn in wishing you and your family all possible comfort there and forever. M. Furman. The Letters of Mooee Fueman 148 Lamberton July 8th 1807. Dear Sir, I am on my return from the Northward favored with your letter of the 3rd Ultimo, and have noted contents, I am really sorry that you cannot make it convenient to pay us a visit this summer as we had calculated on it, and I hope that Mrs. Edgar, William and the young ladies, may yet take a ride this way during the summer even if you could not accompany them, but perhaps, you may on second thought incline to join them, which would be very grateful to us all. I am gratified to hear of the progress you are making in your turnpike, it was much approved by the Citizens in the Northern part of your State and there cannot be the least doubt but your means will be equal to its accomplishment in a few years. The road from hence to N. Brunswick is now open the Bridges are all up, part of it gravelled and in considerable use by common travelling as well as by regular teams that have commenced for the transportation of goods from your City to Philadelphia, and from thence to your place. I observe the stockholders have again put me into the direction, this I was entitled to as the largest stockholder in the State, having bought out some disconsolates, but from the expenditures al- ready made I find that the cost of making this road is almost double what was expected and what I am confident it could be done for if to be done again, this extra expence I am confident is not owing to any bad intentions on the part of the officers, or from the funds being diverted from their proper course, but from precipitate engagements for the Land, workmen, etc. of this Mr. Rutherford can better inform you. he was of much use- fulness in the board and in my humble opinion would have arranged the operations with more economy than the whole board besides, however, I am yet confident the stocks will pro- duce a handsome premium, and I should not hesitate had I funds to invest to be more interested. I find that the corre- spondence you opened for the Trenton Bank with the Man- hattan has been of great convenience to us here and if it be not mutual it is not for want of inclination on my part. I think that I informed you that it was probable that they would turn me out of the Direction at their last election but they did not make the attempt as my friends in Pliiladelphia put it out of their power, not that it is any great honour or profit, but 144 The Letters of Moore Furman should not like to be put out of an institution that I had so faithfully served. This eventful moment calls forth the anxiety of all classes, I hope with the assistance of Divine interposition all may go well with us, but we must be prepared to act our part, I am much gratified to find that both parties here unite heartily in resisting the late or any future outrages from Great Britain, (with the exception of a few old tories) Should those troubles become serious they would injure me materially in a pecuniary way, as I have purchased and improved some very valuable property in this part of the country for which I am in part indebted and a depression of business would retard if not pre- vent my collections, I had my affairs so arranged that in a few years more of peace and prosperity my children would have had expectations inferior to none in New Jersey, however I must put my trust in God, and take my chance with my fel- low citizens. I am confident your patience will be exhausted before you turn over this long and uninteresting letter, but as it is the la^t to one of my oldest and best friends have indulged too long in writing it. Nothing will give me greater pleasure than to keep up a correspondence with William and I can say sincerely that I shall always feel pleasure in serving you any of your family when ever in my power, with my best compli- ments to Mrs. Edgar and family I am dear Sir Yours truly Peter Hunt. Mr. Furman Mrs. Hunt & the Children are all in good health, I think Mr. Furman with the exception of the trembling in his hand rather better than he was during the winter & Master W. E. Hunt has grown to be a fine hearty darkened fellow & begins to walk and to talk a little & I hope will never disgrace the name. Yrs Sincerely P. Hunt. Lamberton, December 17th, 1807. Dear Sir, I am favored with yours of yesterday, and am happy to have it in my power to inform you that Mr. Furman has so far recovered from his indisposition as to come from his room, he retains his faculties pretty well, has not much pain and toler- able appetite, but palsey has rather increased which has pre- The Letters of Moobe Fueman 145 vented him writing or attempting to do anything or kind of business, he seems perfectly resigned to obey the calls of Provi- dence and often wishes that it was His will to take him from hence, his mind has been long and much engaged to make for such an event. Truly our public affairs are coming to a crisis, what will the event be cannot be known but to Him that governs us all and on Him must we rely. Mr. Furman and Mrs. Hunt join me with their best wishes for yourself and family. I am dear sir with much esteem Yr. O. H. St. Peter Hunt. Lamberton January 11th 1808. Dear Sir, Since I had the pleasure to write to you last, our friend Mr. Furman has continued to be in tolerable health, until within about a week he has been confined to his room and bed and has now become very weak and reduced, his physician and friends have no hopes of his recovery, he remains for the most part perfectly composed in his mind, and does not complain of any bodily pains, his greatest complaints are want of sleep and appetite, which has rendered him very feeble indeed. The rest of the family are in good health. That you may perceive that the Jerseymen are not asleep at this momentous time you have enclosed a general order and I trust that we could assemble our requisition on the shortest notice, but we are very deficient in arms and accoutrements, however we hope that if our men are called into actual service the general Government will afford us a supply. Mr. Furman and Mrs. Hunt join with their best compliments to Mrs. Edgar and family, I am dear Sir, Yours sincerely Peter Hunt. Lamberton February 5th 1808. Dear Sir, Since my last respects to you, our friend Mr. Furman has continued confined to his room and mostly to his bed which has reduced him very much both in strength and flesh, his mind has for about two weeks been much impaired and there is little prospect of his recovering his faculties as he has a constant 146 The Letters of Moore Furman fever, we have done everything in our power for him but his complaint is beyond the reach of human skill. The accounts from Washington are not favorable as to nego- ciation, I fear we must come to open hostility. With my best wishes for yourself and family I am dear sir Yr. O. H. St. Peter Hunt. ■TV c- Lamberton March 21st 1808. Uear oir, I have to communicate to you the very unpleasant informa- tion of the decease of our friend and relation Moore Furman Esq. he was taken off on Friday last, by a complication of complaints which have confined him to his room and bed for near three months. This event has been the cause of much sorrow and grief among his numerous friends and acquaintances and in par- ticular to Mrs. Hunt. I have taken the liberty to enclose you a tribute paid to Mr. Furman by some of his friends. they are taken from our two Trenton papers. Mrs. Hunt desires her best wishes for you and family I am dear sir with respect, and esteem Yr. O. H. St. Peter Hunt. ^ ^^. Lamberton May 18, 1808. I am favoured with your kind letter of the 23rd March and contents of which we have duly considered. Mrs. Hunt and the other friends & relations of Mr. Furman have been much more composed than when I last write you altho the loss to many is irreparable. The disposition that he made of his worldly affairs I think was once in fact mentioned to you by me, however I trust it might not be unpleasant to you I have taken the liberty to mention, in substance the contents of the Will. The Pitts Town Estate was left to Mrs. Hunt and myself or the sur- vivors of us during our lives & then to our children or the sur- vivors of them when the youngest shall arrive to the age of twenty one years. The remainder of the estate real & per- sonal (except his plate to the children and a few small legacys The Letters of Mooee Furman 14T amounting to about 200 Dols. divided among his domesticks) to Mrs. Hunt and to her heirs and assigns for ever, she was left an executrix & I was the only executor and as she does not act the business all developed on me, but as he had been for years puting his house in order there will be but little trouble in closing his affairs. He has left a very handsome real estate, I think the best of this of N. Jersey and is almost unincum- bered, It has been selected from time to time by him and is most of it in good situations both for productiveness and raising in value & is so situated that we ought not in Justice to our family & Interest dispose of any part at this time if for years to come, as the rise of the property is considerable now than common interest. There is wanted by Mrs. Hunt and myself to clear off all manner of debts or claims as well from Mr. Furman's estate as my own about $8000 for a few years for which we would willingly pay the common Interest of this State which is 7 Pr. Cent & as the income of our property will be more than amply sufficient to support our family and pay the Interest on this sum at the worst of times, it will be punctually paid. I can have from the Trenton Bank to any amount that I might wish, but as I once told you the Directors of that Institution shall never have a control over me. While I am entirely independent of them, my influence in the board is preserved, was it other wise you are the best judge how the State of things would change. I never have or will owe them more than I can pay in three days, for in little Towns like ours where there are envy & rivalship in the same business that would not be thought of in a large City. Mrs. Hunt and the Children are well, She joins me with her best wishes for yourself & family & hopes that it may be con- venient for you to bring Mrs. Edgar & the young Ladies this way during the fine weather etc. — Wm. promised us a visit please to make my respects to him & inform him that he is ex- pected, we flatter our Selves that he will not be unsafe with us, we think our example is such as you approve — I am D. Sir Yrs. Sincerely P. Hunt. Wm. Edgar Esq. 148 The Letters of Moore Furman Lamberton April 21st 1809. Dear Sir, I have your favour of the 22nd January last and sincerely thank you for your kind wishes for the recovery of my health, I have to lament that for the last three months past I have been confined to my room and bed (but without as much real suffering as many have to .indure) and have not until this written a letter or been able to attend to any business, more than give verbal directions. I have to be thankful since the warm weather has come on I feel much better, I have twice been out and flatter myself that if it be God's will I may soon get about again. The rest of our family are very well, we hear that you are going to have a new connection in your family this spring by the marriage of your son William, please to give my best wishes and respects to him and tell him that we would be very glad to see him and his. Mrs. Hunt desires me to make her best respects to Mrs. Edgar and all your family. I am dear sir with my best wishes for your happiness Yours etc. Peter Hunt. Lamberton May 10th 1809. Dear Sir, I am favoured with your letter of the 30th Ultimo and sin- cerely congratulate you and your family on the information it contains of your son's marriage and that so much to your ap- probation. I immediately wrote him a line and invited him and lady and any of his friends to make an excursion to our place, as a place of rest and retirement from the dissipation and noise of a city and we shall look for him should his lady not know how to accomodate herself to our plain and frugal habits I am confident William will make our apology by in- forming her that our friendship is not less sincere than that of many who move in the more splendid circles. I am dear Sir Yours sincerely Peter Hunt. The Letters of Moore Furman 149 Lamberton July 31st 1809. Dear Sir, Since my last to you I have disposed of the other part of the Check as you ordered and have no doubt all is right. I hope William and his company may have a pleasant journey to the Northwest and we shall be glad to see them on their return, I feel much inclined to take your advice and make an effort to find a climate better adapted to my health, my physicians ad- vise the South of France, but the disturbances beginning to dawn from the country will prevent it. I have thought of Charlestown, St. Sabastina, New Orleans and Bermuda, but have not yet determined on any one, the winter I must avoid and if Providence shall answer that my health be restored I might be thankful, I am confined almost entirely within doors, and am not able to do anything active in business. Maria has presented me with another daughter, and is with her infant as well as can be expected, this our sixth, three sons and three daughters. The convulsion in Europe seems as if they would now reach us especially the commercial part, things are now worse than when the embargo was on in many respects. Maria and Sally Ann join me with their best wishes for yourself and family, I am very sincerely Yours etc. Peter Hunt. Lamberton October 2, 1809. Dear Sir I have again taken the liberty to trouble you in this way, merely to inform you that I have found from the difficulty of intercourse that I cannot get to Bermuda or Maderia, and have concluded to go to Charleston and remain for some time and if thought most advisable to proceed farther South per- haps to St. Augustine. Mrs. Hunt seems determined to ac- company me, we expect to sail the last of this month from Pha. in the Ship Pennsylvania packet, have you any commands that way if you have I would be at your service. This is to us a great undertaking to leave our children friends & property & go such a distance from them, but we shall leave all in very safe hands & trust that the same protec- tion will be over them that is always over us all, and make 150 The Letters of Moore Furman ourselves as content as possible, Mrs. Hunt joins me with her best wishes for yourself and family I am very sincerely Yr. friend Peter Hunt. Wm. Edgar Esq Sullivan's Island, November 3rd, 1809. Wilham Edgar Esq. Dear Sir, I have this day received your favor bearing date the 15th Ultimo with an enclosure for Mrs. Reed which has been deliv- ered to her v/ho had received subsequent letters from you and they have offered us every attention and civility. At present we are confined to the bounds of this Island owing to the con- tagious fever prevailing in Charleston. As soon as the health of the city is restored we hope to have the pleasure of waiting upon Mr. and Mrs. Reed. We arrived in this harbour the 22nd of last month after a passage of only sixty hours from Cape to Cape. The weather has been very changeable and wet ever since we left home scarcely an interval of one fair day; however I think on the whole I have not losst any thing as to health and hope, if it be the will of providence when the weather becomes settled that I may benefit by the change of Climate. The citizens of Charleston who resort here in great numbers in time of sickness offer us every attention. The Ship Pennsylvania having sailed sooner than was contemplated prevented our seeing your son at Lamberton which we much regretted. Please to tender our united thanks to Mrs. Edgar for her kind attention. As I am not well enough to write Sally Ann is my scribe who is with her Mama in perfect health, who join with me in their best wishes for yourself and family. I am with great respect dear Sir your friend and humble servant Peter Hunt. Charleston December 26. 1809. Dear Sir, Your much esteemed favor, bearing date the 25th Ultimo was forwarded to me by Mrs. Reed. Mrs. Hunt having lately written to Miss Edgar giving a pretty general description of our situation etc. leaves but little for me to say, more than The Letters of Moore Furman 151 that we have changed our lodgings from the Hotel to private ones where we are as comfortable as could be expected. The citizens of this place, continue to be very kind and show us every attention. I should be wanting in gratitude, were I not to mention that Mrs. Reed has done as much for us, as if we were one of her own family. The general and his two daugh- ters were with us this morning, his family are all well. As to my health I sometimes hope it is yielding a little to the cli- mate but cannot say I feel much flattered by any favorable symptoms 1 have, however by mercy been able to preserve my fortitude and keep my mind easy and Tranquil prepared to meet such events as cannot be controlled. I have had a very uncommon season to contend with for this climate, however I think on the whole that I have rather gained Strength than otherwise. My scribe is much flattered with your approbation of her last production and hope she may continue to merit it. Mrs. Hunt and Sally Ann are very well and join with me in wishing yourself and family the compliments of the season. I am sincerely your friend, Peter Hunt. ^ ^. Charleston March 12th 1810. Dear Sir, I had the honour to address a few lines to you by sea a few days past in answer to your favour of the 25th Jan. I did not then expect to be obliged again so soon to write to you nor to be the harbinger of disagreeable news. It gives me much pain to be obliged to say that our es- teemed and valued friend and acquaintance Gen. Hunt is no more. He died yesterday about 20 minutes before twelve o'clock without a groan or a struggle. It was evident to his friends that for the last fortnight the General was very rap- idly declining, and we expected his dissolution but yet hoped his life might be protracted till he could return home and again see his children but hopes were vain ! Yesterday morn- ing at about 4 o'clock he seemed struck with death and in fact to be dying ; but he recovered and M^as much better, at the hour of going to Church sent our coachie for little Sarah, to ac- company our girls to Church, when Mrs. Hunt informed us of the General's sad change and which was the first we had heard of it. Mrs. Read went immediately, and I as soon as I could have the coach returned, I found the General quite sensible, 152 The Letters of Moore Furman entirely resigned and calm, he knew me but did not speak, but pressed my hand several times very feelingly, I do not know that I was ever more affected; he spoke two or three words afterwards to direct his position to be changed and finally at the time I have already said, went off as in a doze. I assisted in the mournful task of adjusting his limbs and sincerely la- mented his early exit. His mild manners and amiable disposi- tion had given him a deep interest with us all. The General is to be bui-ied to-day and I have ordered military honours to be paid to his remains. Mrs. Read prevailed upon Mrs. Hunt to come away from the melancholy scene, and she and little Sarah are with us, she is deeply afflicted ! tho something better and more calm to-day. Sarah is well. Be assured Sir that Mrs. Read and myself will omit nothing that we can do to blunt the effect of this heart thrilling stroke! We will delay our intended journey a few days until we can see Mrs. Hunt in better spirits and some prospect of her returning to Philadelphia. Mrs. Read joins me in a very sincere tender of respects to yourself and of love and best affections to Mrs. Edgar and the ladies of your family. I am Sir with very great gratitude and esteem Your most obedient humble servant Jacob Read. Dear Sir, April 18th 1810. I beg pardon for deferring so long answering your kind let- ter of the 12th ultimo. The letter you wrote prior to that has not reached me, I suppose it is lost, accept my sincere thanks for the extraordinary kind attention of yourself and Mrs. Read to my late friend Gen. Hunt and to his widow and daughter. Mrs. Hunt writes to Maria she cannot express in words her gratitude to you and Mrs. Read, at her earnest request Mrs. Edgar and myself intend paying her a visit, I am under particular obligations to Mrs. Read for her charming description of your plantation, I believe it will have the effect of making my place more agreeable to Mrs. Edgar. I shall place her money in the same situation with my own, our "^Brother Livingston is yet in the land of the living, Mrs. L. is iisPhilip Livingston, son of Peter Van Brugh Livingston and Mary Alexander, his wife, was born Nov. 3, 1740. (Known as Gentleman Phil.) The Letters of Moore Furman 153 the best and tenderest of wives. She cannot fail of her reward in a better world. From William Edgar to Jacob Read. Trenton Jan. 8th, 1812. My dear Uncle, I have all the Fall been anxiously waiting for an oppor- tunity to visit you and Mrs. Edgar, but I seem doomed to be disappointed in all my wishes of late, 'tis long since I have heard from you but it is said no news is good news, which I hope in tliis case may prove true. I hope Maria will excuse my not answering her letter I shall write her soon. ^^'^Mr. Guild mentioned to me your having some money in your hands for me, will you my dear uncle be so good as to name the sum. I have an account to settle with the executors, and wish to ap- propriate that money to that purpose. I do not want the money forwarded, but merely to know the sum. My Maria has been very ill, she is now we hope out of danger, but still con- fined to her bed, Sally Ann is very much engaged with her studies, I hope she will make a fine woman, we often lament the distance which separates us from our friends, indeed my dear Uncle it would be a great comfort to me to be near you and your family, I feel as if alone in the world, for here I have not one connection but my children and they are too small to add much to my comfort as companions. They join me in affectionate love to you, Mrs. Edgar & the girls, and believe me when I assure you that no one more sincerely loves and esteems you than your affect. Niece A. M. Hunt. Married Cornelia, darghter of David Van Home and Ann French, his wife, in 1790. He was graduated from Kings College in 1760 and became secretary for Governor Moore of New York. He served as Registrar and Principle Surrogate. He was Trustee of Kings College, 1797-1806. His children were: Peter Van Brugh, married Agnes S. Houston; and Charles Ludlow. i20Benjamin Guild, son of John Guild and Abigail Howell, his wife, was born in 1773; married Ann, daughter of Rev. Enoch Green and Mary Beatty, and died in 1815. He was a merchant in Pittstown and later in New Brunswick. His children were: John, Maria, Christianna B., Elizabeth, Ralph, mar- ried Ellen Hunt; Charles B. Green; Ann Matilda, married Galbraith Stewart. THE END BIBLIOGRAPHY. Deeds and Wills in Office of Secretary of State, Trenton, N. J. Family Bibles and unpublished letters. Archives of New Jersey. Colonial Documents of New Jersey. History of New Jersey, Gordon. Genealogy New Jersey, Lee. Collections of New Jersey Historical Society. General Catalogue of the College of New Jersey. Early Settlers of Trenton and Ewing, Cooley. History of Hunterdon and Mercer Counties. Courts of New Jersey, Field. History of Burlington County. History of Trenton, Raum. Monographs, Stryker. Officers and Men of New Jersey in the Revolution, Stryker. History of Elizabeth, Hatfield. History of Perth Amboy, Whitehead. First Presbyterian Church of Newark, Steams. History of Essex and Hudson Counties. The Combined Register of the First Presbyterian Church of Morristown. History of Morris County. Elmer's Reminiscences of New Jersey. History of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties. History of Bergen County. Historical Collection of New Jersey, Barber Surveyors' Association of West New Jersey The Story of an Old Farm, Mellick. Historic Houses of New Jersey, Mills. History of the Colony of Nova Caesarea or New Jersey, Smith. Newspaper Extracts, 1776-1777. Legislative Manual of New Jersey. Genealogy of the Hunt Family, Weyman. ^'^ Genealogy of the Borden Family. 165 156 Bibliography Souvenir of the Moravian Seminary. History of the Trenton Banking Co. History of the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, Hall. Genealogies of the Male Descendants of Daniel Dod, Dodd. Collins Genealogy. Lyons Memorial, Lyons. History of Sussex and Warren Counties. History of the Trenton Academy. Bonaparte Park and the Murats. History of Gloucester County. History of Woodbridge, Dalley. Encyclopedia of Biography, Appleton. First Settlers of Newton, Riker. Bartow Genealogy. History of Saratoga County, N. Y. Colonial Documents of New York. New York Genealogical and Biographical Record. Record of the New York Chamber of Commerce. Valentine's Manual. Year Book of the Sons of the Revolution. Biographical Annals of the Government of the U. S., Lanman. Pierrepont Genealogy. Gustin Genealogy. Old Kent Maryland, Hanson. Famous Families of New York. History of the City of New York, Lamb. Colonial New York, Schuyler. New York Historical Collections.. New Yorkers of the XIX Century, Van Rensselaer. Genealogy of the Cornell Family, Cornell. The Clarkson Family, Clarkson. Family Record and Events, Rutherford. The Greenes of Rhode Island, Clarke. Legislative Manual of New York. Works of Albert Gallatin. Archives of Pennsylvania. Colonial Documents of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Magazine. Coxe Family, Leach, in the Philadelphia North American. Provincial Counsellors, Keith. The Sayre Genealogy, Sayre. INDEX. Abbott, Ann, io8 Abeel, David, 126 Captain David, 126 Gertrude (Neilson), 126 Col. James, 126 Joanna, 126 Johannes, 126 Rev. John Neilson, 127 Maria (Duyckinck), 126 Adams, John, 102 The John, 129 Sarah, 24 Agnew, James,. 110 Alexander, Catherine, zy James, 9, 2t, hi Mary, 27, 152 Sarah Livingston, zj William (See Lord Stir- ling, 7 Allegre, Sophia, 124 Ailing, Joanna, 11 Samuel, 12 Sarah, 12 Appleton, Caroline, 93 Argyle, Duke of, 90 Armstrong, Eleanore Graeme, 74, 85 James Francis, 73, 74, 8s, 91, 140 Susannah (Livingston), 73 Aurora, The, 118 B Bache, Benjamin Frank- lin, 118 Bank of New York, 67 Banking Company, Tren- ton 5 Banks, Catherine, 21 David, 20, 44, 65, 66 James, 20 Lucetta, 20 Mary, 21 Mary (Ogden), 20 Susan, 21 Susan (Crane), 20 Barclay, Eleanor Porter, 95 John, 95 Bard, Eliza, 133 Martha, 90 Barkley, Mary, 43 Barton. Francis, 4 Baskinridge, 40 Bateman, Israel, 29 Bates, Mary, 12 Captain William, 12 Batsto Ironworks, 4 Batterson, Joseph, 12 Bayard, Gertrude, 44 Margaret (Van Cort- landt), 44 Samuel, 44 Baynton, Elizabeth (Che- valier), 75 Mary, 75 John, 75 Beakes, Lydia, 68 Mary (Trent), 68 Morgan, 68 Morgan (Jr.), 68 Nathan, 59, 68 Beatty, Mary, 153 Beegle, Elizabeth, 28 Beekman, James, loi Joanna, 8 Beers, Sarah, 136 Belleville, Trenton, N. J., 10 Belleville, Mary de, 139 Benners, Lucas, 86 Berry, Betsy, 38 Catherine (Waldron), 38 Daniel, 38 John Mehelm, 38 Mary, 38 Samuel Beekman, 38 Col. Sidney, 7, 26, zy, 29. Z2, 33, 34, Z7, 39. 44, 48, 49, 60 Susan Laboon, 38 Bethlehem Moravian Sem- inary, 80 Bicknell, Joseph Julius, 137 Biddle, Col. Clement, 3, 7, IS, 22, 25, 43, 44, 46, 47, 54 Clement, 43 Jacob, 43 James, 43 John, 43 Mary, 43 Mary (Richardson), 43 Nancy, 43 Rebecca, 43 Rebecca (Cornell), 43 Sally, 43 Sarah (Owen), 43 Thomas, 43 Biles, Daniel, 10 Elizabeth, lo Joan, 75 Langhorne, 42 Margaret, 10 Mary, 42 Bill, Ephriam, 92 Lydia, 92 Rillins, Charity, 24 Binney, Horace, 4 Bispham, Ann Newbold, 108 Stacy Budd, 108 Blackwell, Jonathan, 29, 113 John S., H3 Bleecker, Abigail, 135 Catherine, 135 Major Leonard, 127 Bloomfield, Joseph, 135, 136 Moses, M. D., 136 Polly (Mcllvaine), 136 Bloomsbury, 4, 11 Boats at Raritan, 34 Bonaparte, Napoleon, 127 157 Bonnel, Stephen, 11 Borden, Elizabeth, 68 Elizabeth (Rogers), 42 Joseph, 42, 68 Mary, 42 Mary (Church), 50 Mary Ann (Conover), 42 Nancy, 42 Ruth (Brown), 50 Seth, 50 Stephen, 50 Eordentown, 42, 48, 56 Bordes, Jean Marie de, 86 Bowen, Ann, 24 Charity (Billins), 24 Dan, 24 Deborah (Swinney), 23 Elijah, 23 Hannah, 109 Mary, 24 Sarah, 24 Capt, Seth, 23 Seth, 24 Bowes, Esther, 3 Francis, 4 Theodosia, 55 Boyd, Martha, 85 Brant, Sarah, 18 Bray, Andrew, 29 Betsy, 29 Capt. Daniel, 28, 29 Daniel, 29 Delilah, 29 Hannah, 29 John, 29 Jonathan, 29 Mary (Wolverton), 28 Susan, 29 Wilson, 29 Brigade, Capt. Brays, 28 Bristol. 45 Brockholst, Susanna, 9, 94 Brown, Gideon, 50 James, 92 Ruth, 50 Bruen, Sarah, 12 Brugh, Catherine, 9 Brunswick, 31 Budd, Rachel, 108 Rebecca, 108 Thomas, 108 Bullock, Margaret, io8 Bunyan, Margaret, 75 Burnet, Elizabeth, 11 George Whitefield, 1 1 Gertrude (Governeur), 11 Hannah, 11 Ichabod, ii Jacob, 1 1 James, 1 1 John, II Mary, 11, 64 Mary (Camp), 11 Nathaniel, 11 Sarah, 11 William, 8, 11, 12, 34 Dr. William (Sr.). 64 158 Index Burnside, James, lo, 13, 17, 33. 34, 37> 38, 41. 49. 50 Burr, Aaron, 117, 118 Aaron, 125 Beulah, no Franklin, no Keziah, 109 Joseph, no Richard, no Sarah, no, 118 William, no Cadwalader, Gen. George, . 43 Cairncross, Elizabeth, in Caldwell, 12 Elias Boudinot, 51 Esther Flynt, 51 Hannah, 51 Hannah (Ogden), 51 James, Rev., 8, 11, i-», SI, 66 James B., 51 John, 51 John Dickinson, 51 John Edwards, 51 Josiah, SI Margaret, 51 Maria, 51 Sarah, 51 Camp, Mary, 11 Nathaniel, n Campbell, Rev. Colin, 90 Martha (Bard), 90 Rebecca, 90 Canfield, Isaac, 51 Sarah, 11 Church, Joseph, 50 Mary, 50 Cincinnati, The, 12 Clark, Erastus, 54 Clarke, Annie Belleville, 139 Mary (Belleville), 139 Susan Elizabeth, 139 Clarkson, Gen. Mathew, in Clunn, John, 20 Coale, Mary, 122 Cochrane, Gertrude, 95 James, 95 Coeyman, Andreas, 134 Gertrude, 134 Joanna, 134 Collins, Anna Say, 109 Benjamin Say, 108 Charles, 108 Elizabeth, 108 Isaac, 108, 109 Joseph Budd, 109 Mary, 109 Rachel Budd, 108 Rebecca, 108 Sarah, 108 Stacy Budd, 109 Susannah, 108 Thomas, 108 William, 108 Carmack, Mr., 72 Cassilis, Earl of, 72 Chapon. Matthew, 43 Charleston, S. C., 4 Chester, 9 Chestnut, James, 4 Chevalier, Elizabeth, 75, 100 Isabella, 100 James, 100 Mary (Renaudet), 99 Morris, 100 Peter, 100, loi Peter Renaudet, 100 Rachel, 4 Susannah, 100 Coddington, Marv_, 58 Sarah (Wilkini), 58 William, 58 Congar, Samuel, 12 Constable, Anna Maria, 71, 136 Anne (White), 70 Emily, 72 Ewretta, 71, 133 Harriet, 72 Jane (Kerin), 70 John, 70, 72, 139 Julia, 72 Matilda, 72 Robert, yz William, 70, 71, 76, 136 William (Jr.), 71 Mrs., 69 Constitution (The), 7^ "Constitution" (The), 78 Continental Bridge, 55 Continental Loan, 56 Cooper, Abigail (Kenny), 32 Agnes Neaty, 11 Constant, 32 David, 32 Melietabel, 32 Phebe (Vanderhoof), 32 Sarah, 32 Cornell, Gideon, 43 Hannah, 92 Rebecca, 43 Rebecca (Vaughn), 43 Hon. Samuel, 92 Cottreal, Isaac E., 83 Cowen, Esek, 38 Cox, Catherine, 4 Catherine (Longfeldt), 3 Elizabeth, 4 Esther, 4 Esther (Bowes), 3 Col. John, 3, 4, 7, 10, 14, 32, 34, 37, 40, 57 John Bowes, 4 Mary, 4 Rachel, 4 Sarah, 4 Thomas, 113 William, 3 William (Jr.), 4 Miss, 80 Coxe, Charles, 95 Eliza Augusta, 95 John Redman, 4 Rebecca, 95 Rebecca (Wells), 95 Richard, 95 Tench, 95, viii Craig, Archibald, 5 Mary, 5 Crane, Catherine, n Daniel, 11 David, II Elizabeth, 11 Hannah (Miller), 11 Jacob, II Jonathan, 11 Joseph, II Phebe, n Stephen, 11 Susan or Susanna, 20 William, 1 1 Cumin^s, John N., 12 Crosswicks, 42 Currie, Ann, 83 Archibald, 83 Catherine (Sebring), 83 D Dagworthy, Anne, 35 Mary, 122 Darling, Mr., 21 Davis, George, 81, 90 Dayton, Elias, 65 Jonathan. 65 De Cou, Hannah, 90 Isaac, 90 De Tesus, Rev. Father Manoel, 81 De Kalb, Baron Johann, 61 De Lancey, William Healhcote, 125 Delaware Bridge Company, Trenton, 5 Dennis, Richard, 103 D'Estaing, Charles Hector, Count, 21, 24, 38 Destitution of Army, 51, 53 Dillon, Capt, 18 Dod, Abby, 12 Annah, 12 Maj. Caleb, 12 Daniel, 12 Elijah, 12 Jabish, 12 Mary, 12 Mary (Harrison), 12 Rebecca, 11, 12 Sarah, 12 Sarah (Ailing), 12 Samuel, n Douglas, Alexander, 68 Athalanah, 68 Elizabeth (Borden), 68 George, 68 Joseph, 68 Duane, Anatasia, n8 Edward Markoe, 118 Elizabeth, 118 Emma, 118 James, 72 Katherine, 75 Margaret Markoe, 118 Sidney, 117 William, 118 Dudley. ^Tary E., 109 Duer, William, 27 Duffield, Eliza, 103 JameSj 103 John, 103 Julianna, 103 Mary, 103 Richard, 103 Duhone, Isaac, 59 Mary Louisa, 59 Dunlap, Thomas, 43 Dunlop, Edward, 15 Durham Iron Works, 11 Durie. Thomas. 60, 61 Duyckinck, Maria, 126 Easton, 9, 10 Eddy, Phebe, 17 Edgar, .^nnahella, 6^ Ann (Van Horn), 67 Daniel McCormick, 93 Hannah, 93 Herman Le Roy, 93 Index 169 Isabella (White), 67 Juliet, 67, 92 Louisa, 67, 92 Maria, 67 Newbold, 93 Robert W., 93 William, 66, 67, 76, 93 William (Jr.), 67, 93 Mrs., 68, 69, 71 Edmonston, Elizabeth, 93 Edwards, Esther, 117 Jonathan, 117 Elderkin, Ann (Wood), S3 Jedediah, 53 Lora, 53 Elizabethtown, 9, 11 Ewing, Charles, 74, 85 James, 83, 85 Maskel, 85 Elmendorf, Dr., 35 Emerson, Ann, 136 Erskine, Elizabeth, 10 Robert, 10, 11 Federal City, yT, 78 Fever, Pestilential, 94 Fine, Mary, 26 Finley, Rev. Robert, 51 Flanagan or Flanning- ham Samuel, 18, 61 Hannah (Woolston), 18 Sarah Jennings, 18 Fleming, Alice, 79 Eleanore, 79 James, 79 Sampson, 79 Flint, James, 53 Jemima, 53 Lora (Elderkin), S3 Royal, S3 Sophia, 54 Ford, Mary, 120 Foster, Ingham, 131 Mr. Thomas, 130 Fothergill, Dr., 131 Francis, Mi., 100 Franklin, Benjamin, 123 Governor, 120 Frazer, Chas. Campbell, 91 Elizabeth, 91 Holland, 91 Jane, 91 Mary, 91 Rebecca, 91 Rebecca (Campbell), 90 William Bard, 91 William, 91 Rev. William, 90 Freehold, N. J., 5 Frelinghuysen, Gen., 35 French, Anna, 94 Ann, 153 Philip, 9 Philip, 94 Susanna, 9 Furman, Adrian, 69, 70, x Anne, 35, vii Maria, 68, 139, x Moore, 76, vii, xi Mrs., 69, 71, X Gage, Gen. Thomas, 44 Gallatin, Abraham Alfonso Albert^ 124 Albert Rolaz, 124 Frances, 124 Hannah (Nicholson), 124 James, 124 Jean, 124 Sophia Albertine (Ro- laz), 124 Sophia (Allegre), 124 Gamble, James, 14, 35 Garnet, John, 137 Gary, Samuel, S7 Geary, Samuel, 6 William, 91 Gennings, Ebenezer, 53 Jemima, 33 Gen. Woodford's Brigade, 45 Georgie, Bad success in, 38 Gibbs, Thomas S., 75 Glaser, John L., no Glendenning, James, 92 Gould, Julia, 139 Stephen, 20, 21 William, 21 Gordon, Mary (Craig), 5 Maj. Peter, s. 9. 1°. 18, 24, 25, 26 Susanna (Hunt), 5 Gouverneur, Gertrude, 11 Nicholas, 1 1 Grant, Catharine, 135 Green, Ann, 153 Elmer Ewing, 139 Rev. Enoch, iS3 Jemima, 107, 113 Joseph, 113 Greene, Rev. Ashbel, 32 George Washington, 4 Louise Catherine, s Martha Washington, 4 Mary (Mott), 4 Gen. Nathaniel, 4, 7, 10, Maj. Samuel, i3 Sarah, 12 Sarah fBruen), 12 Heard, Elizabeth, 120 James, 120 John, 120 Mary, 120 Mary (Ford), 120 Nathaniel, 120 Phebe, 120 Sarah, 120 William, 120 Hedden, Abigail, 11 Isaac, 12 Israel, 12 James, 12 Joseph, II Moses, 12 Rebecca (Dod), 11 Sarah, 12 Sarah (Canfield), 11 William, 12 Helme, Sarah, 15 Hendricks, Mr., 62 Herbert, Amy, 118 Higbee, Rachel, 123 Hilson, Cleaveland, 139 Hoffman, Christiana, 36 Cornelia, 76 Holmes, Mary, 118 Hooglandt, Belitje, 76, ^^, 99 Hooper, Elizabeth (Er- skine), 9 Margaret (Biles), 10 Chief Justice Robert Let- tis, 9 Col. Robert Lettis, 7, 9, 22, 39, 42 Sarah, 10 _ Hopewell, vii 22, 30, 40, 46, 54, 63 Hopkinson, Francis, 42 Nathaniel Ray, s Grellet, Stephen, 108 Gross, Catharine, 123 Guest, Capt., 31 Guild, Abigail (Howell), 153 Ann Matilda, 153 Benjamin, 153 Charles B. Green, iS3 Christianna B., 153 John, IS3 Maria, 153 Ralph, 153 H Hacketstown, 32 Haines, Jane Halstead, Susanna, 18 Plamilton, Alexander, 90 Philip, 90 Mrs., 90 Hammond, Sarah, 108 Haigous, Peter, 139 Harper, Rose, 89 Harrison, Jabez, 12 Mary, 12 Moses, 12 Elornblower, Christiana, 64 Elizabeth, 64 Elizabeth (Kingsland), 64 Henry Coerten, James, 64 Jonathan, 64 Joseph, 64 Joseph (Sr.), 64 Joseph Coerten, 64 Tosiah, 64 Margaretta, 64 Rebecca, 64 William, 64 Houston, Agnes S., 153 Howell, Abigail, 153 Ebenezer, 109 Richard, 109 Col. Thomas, 7, 14 Rowland, Abbie Woolsey, 92 Annabella, 92 Gardiner Greene, 92 Joseph, 92 Louisa (Edgar), 92 Maria Louisa, 92 Rev. Robert S., 92 William Edgar, 92 Hues, Ann, 24 Harris, Nathaniel Sayre, 4 Hunt, Abraham, 68, 122, Hart, Josiah, 74 Sarah, 74 Hassert, Jane, 126 Hawxhurst, Nathaniel, 108 Hays, Bruen, 12 Elizabeth Say, 12 Hannah, 12 Joseph, 12 Phebe, 12 123, XI Annie Belleville, 139 Annie Belleville (Clarke), 139 Aubelsue, 139 Charles Dagworthy, 123 Dora, 113 Elijah, H3 Elizabeth, 113 160 Index Ellen, 153 Henrietta, 123 Furman, 107 James, 60, 107, 113 James Wilson, 113 Jemima, 113 John S., 86 John Wesley, 123 Jonathan, 113 Joseph, 113 Maria, 107, xi Maria Furman, 140 Maria (Furman), 139, xi Mary, 139 Matilda Emily, 139 Moore Furman, 139 Nancy, 113 Pearson, 123 Peter, 94, 107, 113, I39t xi Philemon, 123 Renaudet, 140 Rhoda, 113 Robert, 123 Sally Ann, 140 Sarah Ann, 107 Sue Elizabeth, 139 Susan Elizabeth (Clarke), 139 Susan, 113 Susanna, 5 Susanna Matilda, 107 Theodore, 123 Theodosia, 123 Virginia Higbee, 139 Commander William Ed- gar, U. S. N., 107, 139, 140 William, 139 Wilson, 5, 113, 123 Ingersol, Jared, 55 J Jay, Eve, 124 John, 9, 125 Peter, 124 Jefferson, Thomas, 121, 136 Jenks, Hannah West, 109 Jennings, Sarah, i8 Johnes, Anna, 33 Timothy, s^ Johnson, Thomas P., 32 Johnston, Mary, 25, 36 Samuel, 25 Jones, Elizabeth, 33 Gardiner, 33 Sarah, 24 Jumel, Madam, 118 Kane, Alida, 72 Kayadarosaris Patent, 100 Kelly. Mary, 24 Kemble, Ann, 44 Elizabeth, 44 Elizabeth (Tuite), 44 Gertrude (Bayard), 44 Judith, 44 Margaret, 44 Peter, 43, 44 Peter (Jr.), 44 Richard, 43, 44 Robert, 44 Samuel, 44 Stephen, 44 William, 44 Kemble's House, Mr. 43, 44 Kennedy, Robert, 72 Kennan or Kinnan, Peter, 26 Kenny, Abigail, 32 Kepling, Elizabeth, 43 Kerin, Jane, 70 Ketaltas, Catherine, 9 Kingsland, Margaret (Coer- ton), 64 William, 64 Kinney, Abraham, 11 Mary Ann, 64 William, 64 Kinsey, Ann, 90 Charles, 90 Hannah, 90 Hannah (De Cou), go James, 90 John, 90 Mary, 90 Philip, 90 Sarah, 90 Thomas, 90 Kip, James H., 64 Kitchel, Sarah, 8 Kortright, John, 9 Elizabeth, 35 Lafayette, Gen., 12 I-ambert, Elizabeth, 10 Lamberton, 79 Leaman, Catherine, 9 Leavitt, Rufus, 92 Lee, Major Henry, 39, 46 Leffingwell & Pierrepont, 136 Lennington, Mary, 9 Le Roy, Admiral, 139 Ann Van Horn, 92 Anson Van Horn, 93 Caroline, 92 Cornelia, 93 Edwards, 93 Fred C, 93 Hannah (Cornell), 93 Herman, 92 Herman, C, 92 Jane, 93 Juliet (Edgar), 92 William Edgar, 9a Levant, The, 139 Lewis, Anna Brewster, 33 Anna (Johnes), 33 Edward, 33 Elizabeth, 33 Elizabeth Johnes, 33 Jacob Ford, 33 John Le Conte, 33 Joseph, 8, 14, 27, 32, 36, r- 37. 39 Sarah, 33 Sarah (Morris), 33 Stevens Johnes, 33 Timothy Johnes, 33 William Johnes, 33 Lillie, Jane Harriet, 100 Nathaniel, 86 Lindsley, Benjamin, 8, 36 Elizabeth, 8 Hannah, 8 Jane, 8 Jonathan, 8 Jonathan (Jr.), 8 Joseph, 8 Latta, 8 Mary, 8 Sarah, 8 Sarah (Kitchel), 8 Silas. 8 Timothy, 8 Litjtlefield, Edward Brin- Jey, 5 Katherine, 4 John, 4 Linn, James, 9 Livingston, Catherine, 9 Catherine (Van Brugh)^ 27 Christiana, 72 Charles Ludlow, 153 Elizabeth Clarkson, 9 Henry Brockholst, 9 John Lawrence, 9 Judith, 9 Margaret, 133 Mary, 9 Peter Van Brugh, 153, 153 Philip, 9, 27, 152 Philip French, 9 Philip Philip, 72 Philip Van Brugh, 9 Robert, 9 Robert James, 73 Robert R., 133 Sarah, 27 Sarah Van Brugh, 9 Susan, 72 Susanna, 9 Susanna (French), 9 Susannah, 73 William, g William (Jr.), 9 Lloyd, Harriet Brenecke, 21 Log (ioal, 32 Longfeldt, Catherine, 3 Longstreth, Isaac T., 109 Lorillard, Julia, 93 Lott, Cornelia, 5 Lowrey, Sarah (Spencer), 16 Col. Stephen, 4, 8, 16 Lucas, Ann, 123 Ludlow, Ann, 9 Maria, 79 Lyons, Capt. Abraham, 17- Lynch, Adelaide, 133 Anthony, 133 Dominick, 133 Edward, 133 Eugene, 133 James, 133 Jane, 133 Jane Caroline, 133 Julia M., 133 Margaret Augusta, 133 M MacComb, Helen, 31 Maj. Lee's Horse, 39, 46 Manhattan Company, 67 Marchand, Elizabeth, 113 Markoe, IMargaret, 118 Marsh, Major Daniel, 3, 13, 15, 20, 37, 39, 41, 44 so, 58 Elizabeth Ann, 33 Marshall. Rachel, 19 Mavrocordato, Miss, 43 Maxwell, Ann, 34 John, 34 Gen. William, 34 May, Miss Elizabeth H., gs- McCall, Archibald, 44 Index 161 McComb, Alexander, 70, 72 Alexander (Jr.), 72 Catherine (Navarre), 72 Charles, 72 Jane, 72 John, 72 John Navarre, 72 McCormick, Daniel, 70, 73 Mcllvaine,, Ann (Emer- son), 136 Edward Shippen, 139 Miss Polly, 136 William, 136 McKean, Thomas, 42 McVickar, Edward, 72 Eliza, 71 James, 71, 133 John, 133 John A., 133 Mary Stewart, 133 Mead, John, 12 Meeker, Mr., 21 Merselis, Annetje, 64 Middle Brook, 22, 60 Millhill, Trenton, 11 Mills Town, 31 Miller, Abigail, 11 Hannah, 11, 68 Minor, Dr. James Monroe, 137 Minturn, Sarah, 109 Mitchell, Col. John, 29, 48, 61, 63 Randle, 85 Montgomery, Henry Eglin- ton, 133 Mary C, 133 Moore, Anna, 133 Hannah, loi Samuel, 72 Moreaii, Jean Victor, 135 Morgan, Ann, 7$ Benjamin, 75 Gen. Daniel, 120 Elizabeth, 75 Evan, 75 George, 75 Joan (Biles), 75 John, 75 "Maria, 75 Mary, 75 Mary (Baynton), 75 Thomas, 75 Morrell, Charles H., 33 Morris, Deborah, 108 Helena, 117 Lewis, 117 Margaret, 109 Mary (Walton), 109 Sabina, 117 Robert R., 93 Morrison, 35 Samuel, 36 Morristown, 3 Morse, Phebe, 11 Mott, Jacob, 4 James, 118 Rest, 4 Mount, David, 113 Mount Holly, N. J., 4 Munro, Eve (Jay), 124 Frances, 125 Rev. Henry, 124 Margaret (White), 124 Peter Jay, 124 Mutual Insurance Com- Company, 67 N Navarre, Catherine, 72 Neilson, Abraham Schuy- ler, 135 Catheine (Voorhees), 134 Gertrude, 126 James, 135 John, Col., 31, 126, 134 John, M.D., 13s Nielson, William, 27 New Market, 30 New Mill, 4 Newtown, L. I., vii Nicholson, Hannah, 90, 124 Commodore James, 124 Nicoll, Elizabeth, 92 Nightingale, John Carlis, 4 Nugent, J. A., 5, 54 O Oarke, Anna Maria, 5 Ogden, Hannah, 51 Hannah (Sayre), 51 John, 51 Josiah, 20 Mary, 20 Olin, Rev. Stephen, 133 Osborne, Ann, 86 Elizabeth, 86 Eraser Mathews, 86 George Lucas, 85 George Renaudet, 86 Isabelle, 86 Jane, 86 Jane (Renaudet), 85 Mary Grace, 86 Robert, 86 Russell, 86 Owen, Sarah, 43 Paget, Mary, 85 Palmer, Berriah, 103 Elias, 103 George, 103 Park, Plukemin, 6 Park, The, 8 Parker, Catharine Alexan- der, III Elisha, III Parks, Miss, 113 Pascault, M. J. G., 124 Paulus Hook, 12 Payne, Isaac Bunnell, 38 Pearsall, Robert, 108 Pearson, Charles E., 81 Robert, 122 Theodosia, 122 Pennington, Samuel, 12 Perrine, Abigail, 33 Perry, Joseph Alfred, 137 Perry, Rest, 4 Pettit, Andrew, 54, vii Charles, 20, 34, 54, 59, vii Charles (Jr.), 55 Dinah, 54 Elizabeth, 55 Sarah (Reed), 55 Phillips, Rebecca, 31 Pierrepont, Anna C, 137 Anna Maria (Constable), 136 Ellen Isaphene, 137 Emily, 137 Frances Matilda, 13? Harriet C, 137 Henry Evelyn, 137 Hezekiah Beers, 71, 136 John, 136 Julia E., 137 Maria Theresa, 137 Mary Montague, 137 Sarah (Beers), 136 William C, 137 Mrs., lOI Pierson, Elizabeth, 18 Lemel, 18 Tabor, 12 Pike, Capt. Zebulon, 49, 50 Zebulon Montgomery, 49 Pittstown, N. J., 13, xi Plukemin, 6, 26, 34, 37 Pommeroy. John, 7, 27 Pompton, 26, 34 Potter, James, 103 Power, Margaret, 133 Price, Susanna, 5, 113 Princeton, 60 Provoost, Maria, 94 Mary Spratt, 1 1 1 Theodosia Stillwell, 118 Provost, David, 27 Mrs., 27 Queen's Rangers, 30 Quibble Town, 30, 31, 32 R Rapelje, Ann (Currie), 83 Archibald Currie, 83 Catherine, 83 Elizabeth, 83 Richard, 83 Richard, Major, 83 Ray, Phebe, 4 Raymond, Mr., 58 Read, Jacob, 152 Reed, Andrew, 55, xi Reeves, Tappan, 118 Remsen, Caroline, 93 Renaudet, Adrian, 77, loi Ann, 70, 76, loi, X Belitje (Hooglandt), 76 Elizabeth, loi James, 76, 77, 101 Jane, 85 Janeke, loi John R., loi Mary, 99, loi Peter, loi Resignation of Q. M. G., 47 Rhea, Ann, 62 David, 62 Rhinelander, Eliza L., 93 Ellen, 93 Reed, Sarah, 55 Theodosia (Bowes), 55 Richardson, Mary 43 Ridley, Mathew, 9 Ringwood Iron Works, 11, 20 Rittenhouse, Edward, 29 Elisha, 29 Jonathan, 29 Sarah, 29 Robertson, Robert S., 51 Rochambeau, 21 Rodgers, Hannah, 8 Phebe, 8 Rogers, Elizabeth, 42 James, 38 Rolaz, Sophia Albertine, Roosevelt, Cornelia (Hoiff- man), 76 162 Index Isaac, 76 Maria, 76 Ross, Susanna, 11 William, 103 Rossell, Gen. Zachariah, 68 Rutgers, Anthony, 1 1 Rutherford, Anna, 117 Catharine (Alexander), 117 Helena (Morris), 117 James Alexander, iii John, III, 117 iohn. Sir, iii ouisa, 117 Mary, in Robert Walter, 117 Susan, 117 Walter, in, 117 St. Patrick's Society, 67 Salisbury Plain, The Shep- herd of, lOI Sandy Point, 31 Sargent, Samuel, 120 S^y, Elizabeth, 12 Sayre, Anne, 11 Hannah, 51 Theodosia, 95 Schanck, John I., 49 Schuyler, Catherine, 134 Elizabeth, 90 Sebring, Catherine, 83 Shaw, Ann Marston, 81 John, 81 Shute, George, 24 William, 24 Simcoe, Commander, 31 Simcoe's Raid, 30 Singer, Rebecca, 109 Six Nations, 10 Skipwith, Peyton, 5 Spencer, Elihu, 16 Sarah, 16 Smith, Andrew, 74 Benjamin, 74 James R., 51 Richard Morris, 108 Sarah (Hart), 74 South Amboy, 30 Springfield, N. J., 3 Squabbletown, 30 Stevens, B. K., 124 John, 4 M. L., 124 Stewart, Charles, Col., 7, 25, 26 Galbraith, 153 Martha, 26 Mary (Johnston), 25 Matilda W., 92 Robert. 25 Samuel, 26 Stiles, Jemima, 8 Stille, Mary, 127 Stirling, Lord, 7, 27, 30, 32 Stites, Sarah, 24 Stockton, Commodore, 139 Elizabeth, 32 Helen (MacComb), 31 James, 32 job, 32 Ebenezer, 32 Lucius W., 95 Mary, 32 Nancy, 32 Rebecca (Phillips), 31 Richard, 117 Robert, 31, 60 Samuel Witham, 4 Stonehouse, Rev. Sir James, lOI Strong, Elizabeth, 133 James, 133 Sturup, Mrs. Mary, 93 Stuyvesant, Peter Gerard, 117 Suckasunny, 2^ Sufferans, 10 Sugar House Prison, 12 Sullivan's Army, John, Gen., 10, 12, 21, 24, 31 Swinney, Deborah, 23 Symmes, John Cleves, 9 Tagart, Jacob, 18, ig; 20, 23 Elizabeth, 20 Rachel (Marshall), 20 Richard, 20 Tasistro, Louis Fitzgerald, 133 Thompson, Elizabeth, 75 James, Col., 7, 60 Tillotson, Janet, 133 Thomas, 133 Tompkins, Mr., 71 Tontine (Zoffee House, 67 Turner, George, 100 Trent, Ann, 58 Chief Justice, 58 John, 59 Martha, 59 Mary, 59, 68 Mary (Coddington), 58 Sarah, 59 William (Jr.), 58 William, Major, 58 Trenton School Company, ^ . 72 Tuite, Elizabeth, 44 Turner, Henry E., 5 Turnpike Co., The New Jersey, 138 V V^ail, Elizabeth Smith, 13 Van Brugh, Catherine, 27 Van Court, Elias, 24 Elizabeth, 24 Mary (Kelly), 24 Michael, 24, 33, 41 Van Courtlandt, Eve, 124 Margaret, 44 Philip, Col., 12 Pierre, 12 Vanderhorst, Elias, 131 Vanderhoof, Phebe, 32 Van Horn, Abraham, 94 Ann, 67, 94 Ann (French), 153 Cornelia, 153 David, 67, 94, 153 Jacob, 120 Maria (Provoost), 94 Van Vechten, Margaret, 1 1 Van Wagenen, Gerrit G., Van Wyck, Mrs. 51 Varrick, Maria (Roose- velt), 76 Richard, 76, 77 Vaughn, Rebecca, 43 Vilhena, Lady Dona Guio- mar Magdalena de Sade, 81 Voorhees, Catharine, 134 Catherine Schuyler, 31 Johannes, 31, 134 Peter, Capt., 31 Vredenburg, Rev. John, 51 W Waldron, Catherine, 38 Daniel, 38 Joanna (Beekman), 38 Wallace, Rebecca, 11 Walton, Mary, 117 Washington, General, 4, 10, 18, 20, 23, 26, 27, 32, 50, 57, 80, 102 Water Works, Trenton, 5 Watkins, John, 9 Watson, Marmaduke 42 Watts, John, 117 Robert, 27 Webster, Daniel, 92 Wells, Rebecca. 95 West Indies, Count's Re- turn to, 38 West, Mary, 29 Thomas, 29 White, Ann, 70, 76, 136 Anne (Renaudet), 70, 75 Henry, 124 Isabella, 67, 76 James, 76 John, 76, 77 Margaret, 124 Sarah, 76, 107 Townsend, 67, 70, 76, 78, lOI White House, 34, 38 Whitney, William, 133 Widdle, Mary, 43 Wiley, Rev. Frederick S., 137 Wilkins, Sarah, 58 Williams, Christiana, 43 Lois, 12 Williamson, Mathias, Maj., 17, .18, 44, 56, 57 Mathias, Gen., 18 Mrs., 58 Susanna Halstead, 18 William, 58 Wilson, Judge, 26 Robert, Capt., 26 Witter, Frances, 124 Wolcott, Fred H., 92 Woodbridge, Dudley, 75 Woodhull, Rev. Nathan, 33- Sophia, 33 Woolsey, Mary E. W., 92 Woolston. Hannah, 18 Woolverton, Mary, 28 Wood, Ann, 53 Woodford, CJen. William, 45 Yard, Elizabeth, 35 Furman, 31, 35, 82 James, 35 Joseph, 31;, vii Yorktown, 12 Young, Capt. Henry, 7, 27,. 33 ^B 15 ^912 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS II iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii III mil III! mil III! nil 011800 850 9 #