HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS STATE OF NEW JERSEY; CONTAINING A GENERAL COLLECTION OF THE MOST INTERESTING FACTS, TRADITIONS. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, ANECDOTES, Etc. RELATING TO ITS HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES, GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF EVERY TOWNSHIP IN THE STATE. Illustrated by 120 Eng:ravin§s. ^-^ .A TV BY JOHN W. BARBER, AUTHOR OF CONNECTICUT AND MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS, ETC. AND HENRY HOWE, AUTHOR or "the MEMOIRS OF EMINENT AMERICAN MECHANICS," ETC. [Arms of the State of Now Jersey.] NEW YORK: PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHORS, BY S. TUTTLE, 194 CHATHAM-SQUARE. , 1844. .o>' Entered according lo the Act of Congress, in the year 1844, by John W. Harder and Henry Howe, in the Clerli's office of the District Court of Connecticut. PREFACE. The object of this work is to give an account of the most important and interesting events which have occurred in the State of New Jersey, togctlicr with geographical de- scriptions and numerous engravings. In selecting the extracts which are introduced in the course of the volume, care has been taken to avoid dry detail and tedious ofBcial documents, which usually appear in regular, formal history, and to give those selections likely to interest the feelings, refresh the memory, and instruct the mind. We are aware there arc historical items in these pages which may seem to some too trivial, or perhaps too much beneath what is termed " the dignity of history." It may be observed, however, that we arc not always competent judges of what may be val- uable or interesting to posterity. Much important information has undoubtedly been lost to the world by fastidious views on this subject ; and of that preserved, much at the time considered comparatively insignificant, has proved the most useful and instructive. In view of the great variety of subjects introduced, and the almost impossibility of producing a publication of this kind without errors and imperfections, it is with a degree of diffidence that it is submitted to the public, especially wlien we consider who are to be our readers. Travellers, in giving accounts of foreign countries, can make statements at random which may pass for truth, when there is none at hand able to detect their errors. This publication will come before many persons who have better means of information and more knowledge on some subjects introduced than can reasonably be expected from the authors. This is especially true in relation to the descriptive part of the book, for we were obUged to obtain much of that kind of information at second hand, and consequently were liable to adopt the errors or misrepresentations of many informants. In collecting the materials for this work, we have travelled over the State, conversed with her most intelligent citizens, among whom were survivors of the Revolution, and obtained from them descriptions of tlieir respective localities, and many items of histori- cal value. We have, moreover, solicited written communications from gentlemen in all parts of the state, embodying facts of great value, which could be properly prepared only by those who resided on the spot. These solicitations have been met with a prompt- ness altogether imexpected, and the materials thus obtained have much enhanced the value of this publication, and placed us under lasting obligations. It will be perceived that numerous quotations are made in tills volume from a variety of authorities ; in most instances of which credit has been given. As a general rule, wc have preferred each account to appear as originally written, in the author's own words, from which the reader can draw his own inferences. In tiic geographical depart- ment, some information relating to the topography of the counties has been obtained from Thomas F. Gordon's valuable " Gazetteer of the State of New Jersey," published at Trenton in 1834, by Daniel Fenton. The description of villages and the cities has been brought down to the present day by personal inquiry. For the boundaries of the town- ships and counties, their extent, course of rivers, &.C., we are indebted to tlie large, elegant, and uncommonly accurate map of New Jersey, drawn by Thomas (iordon, Esq., of Trenton, from his own original surveys. This valuable map is about to be re- publlslicd, and it is hoped will receive, as it well deserves, a generous patronage llirough- out the state. The population and statistics of the several townships arc from the Uni- ted States census and statistics of 18 10, by the order of Congress. 4 PREFACE. Tlic drawings for the numerous engravings interspersed throughout the work, were, with two or tliree exceptions, taken on tiie spot by the authors. In these engrav- ings, the principal object was to give faithful representations, rather than picturesque scenery, or beautiful specimens of art. Wc wish it to be remembered, that the appear- ance of places will be essentially altered as viewed from different points. In order to form an entirely correct judgment of the faitiifulness of these illustrations, it will be necessary to stand upon the places from whence they were taken. The plan of this work is not altogether new. The first of the kind, the " Historical Collections of Connecticut," by the senior compiler of tliis volume, was published in 1836. Three years later he prepared a work on the same plan on Massachusetts, and in 1841, in conjunction with the junior compiler of the present work, the Historical Collec- tions of New York was issued. Tiie present year a similar volume on Pennsylvania, by Mr. Sherman Day, has been published. In the spring of 1843, the comj)i!ers turned their attention to the State of New Jersey. The result of their labors (whatever may be its imperfections) has served to embody a mass of materials for future history in a tan- gible and substantial form, and to rescue from mere tradition many incidents which at- tend this extraordinary age and country, important in their local and general bearing, which would otherwise be lost in the lapse of time. The history of New Jersey is one of deep interest. Some of the most important events of the American Revolution occurred upon her soil. In that arduous struggle, the sacrifices she made will ever redound to her praise ; and for her treatment of the aborigines she shall receive still higher praise. In the language of one of her favorite sons, " It is a proud fact in her histor}-, that every foot of her soil has been obtained from the Indians by fair and voluntary purchase and transfer — a fact that no other state in the Union, not even the land which bears the name of Penn, can boast of." Errors and OmixRions. — It is stated in a recent communication to the compilers, that tlic First Presbyterian Church of Freehold, (see page '346,) was founded about the 3'ear 16912, by Scotch emigrants, who were cast away upon the shores of Monmouth. Their first edifice, known as " the Scotch meeting house," the ruins of which are still to be seen, stood near the site of the present edifice, wliich last was erected about the year 17.34. Their first clergyman is supposed to have been a Scotch divine, who accompanied the colony from .Scotland. The present pastor is the Rev. Luther H. Van Doren. Page 1.37. For (Uoucesler Co., read Salem Co. Page IHo. Name to the last inscription on the page omitted. Page 200. There is a bank at Plainfield. Page 210. For T. S. t> E., read T. J. & E. H. Saunders. Page 216. (Irrrnwich contains 12 stores, 1 woolen fac. 4 grist m. 5 saw m. ; cap. in manufac. .S41,l.'j0; 9 schools, 762 scholars. Pop. 2,958. Page 217. There is an Episcopal church in Berkeley village, in Greenwich township. Clarkuhoru, about 1 mile below Berkeley, on the Salem road, has 1 Methodist church, 1 academy, a post office, and about 20 houses. Page 219. For John Ifadi/oii, read Jolm Estaugh. Page 292. The ma[) of Trrnton in 1776, is from Wilkinson's memoirs. It is not strictly accurate, altliougli perhaps sufiiciently so for general purposes. Page 408. Patcrsou not at this time [1?44] governed bj- a mayor, &:c. Page 464. Stanliojir, on the line of the Morris canal, has recently become quite a flourishing village. It lias at present 5 stores and 2 churches. TOWNSHIPS, CITIES, AND VILLAGES. Absecombe, 67 Acquackaiioiick, 405 A(liiioiie!i.son, '-207 Ali'xaniiria, 239 Allfntowii,:nO Allowavstdwn, 41G Ainbov, 305,309 Aiuwell, '240 Asbiiry, 488 Augusla, 465 Bapti?t-to\vn, 249, 356 Barfraintown, 64 Barnejjat, 309 Barnesboro, 217 Baskiiigridge, 443 Batsto, 121 Bi^atty'stnvvn, 500 Bediiiiiister, 440 Belviilere, 502 Belleville, 153 Berceii, 226 Borkek-v, 217 Ui'inarJ, 442 Bethlehem, 243 Uilliii^sport, 217 Birniiiisihaiii, IJ8 Blackwoodlovvn, 215 JJIackvvells, 455 Blavvetibiirg, 4G1 BloomCieUI, 156 Elonmsbury, 243, 264 Booiitoii, 381 Bi)iihamto\vn, 324 Bordentown, 99 - Bound Brook, 452 Braiichville, 465 Bridgeport, 121, 223 Bridgeton, 137 Bridcewater, 448 Brookhn, 322 Buckshiilein, 142 Bull's Ferry, 75 Buddslown, 118 Burlinsitou, 86 Byram, 464 Caldwell, 157 Camden, 203 Camptown, 158 Canton, 426 Cape May, 122 Carpenter's Landing, 217 Cawtaba, 69 Cedar Creek, 328 Cedarville, 142 Centreville, 137, 172, 255 431 Chanceville, 350 Chatham, 375, 378 Chester, 97, 378 Chesterfield, 99 Chew's Landiiit;, 215 Clinton, 158,244 Cold Sprini;, 127 (Mil's Ncr.k, 304 Colnnihla, 261, 375,507 Columbus, 110 Conimunipaw, 230 ('onupcticut Farms, 196 Cooperstown, 122, 221 Coursenville, 405 Cranberry, 319 Crosswicks, 103 Daretown, 431 Danville, 499 iJi'Ckertown, 483 Delaware, 245 Decifield, 137 Dennis, 123 Dennisville, 123 Deptt'ord, 206 Dividing Creeks, 141 Dorchester, 148 Dover, 327, 399 Dovvne, 140 Drakestown, 401 Drakesvillc, 401 Eayrstown, 118 Kalontown,'363 East Windsor, 257 Kast Madison, 375 Egg Harbor, 64 Eiig Harbor, Little, 107 Elizabethtown, 158 Elsingborough, 428 Englishtown, 350 En^li-h Neighborliood, 73 Eveiilt'stowii, 240 Evesham, 104 Ewiug, 258 Fairfield, 142, 158 Finesville, 489 Flatbrookville, 482 Flemingtou, 250 Fort Lee, 74 Frankford, 464 Keyport, 356 Kingston, 319 Kingwood, 249 KnowUon, 507 Lafayette, 477 Lamberton, 264 Lambertville, 241 Lawrence, 262 Lawrenceville, 263 Lebanon, 249 Leedsville, 64 Leesburg, 148 Little Egg Harbor, 107 Little Falls, 406 Litllelown, 382 Livingston, 172 Lodi, 79 Long-a-coming, 215 Long Branch, 363 Lower Alloway's Creek 426 Lower Evesham, 105 Lower I'enn's Neck, 429 Lower Township, 125 Madison, 375 Manahocking, 369 Manchester, 406 Maniiington, 428 Mansfield, 109, 111, 499 Franklin, 71, 158, 213,454, Marshallsville, 148 469, 488 Franklinville, 154, 214 Freehold, 329 Frenchtown, 240 Galloway, 67 German Valley, 402 Glassboro, 214 Gloucester, 70, 215, 220 Goshen, 370 Green, 467 Greenville, 250, 467 Greenwich, 143, 216, 489 Griggstown, 454 Hackensack, 73, 80 Hackettstown, 497 Haddonfield, 218 Hamburg, 481 Hamilton, 68, 258 Hampton, 121 Hanover, 106, 379 Hardiston, 467 Hardwick, 490 Harmony, 356, 491 Harrington, 77 H arrisou, 230 llarrisnnville, 223 Hartford, 105 Higlitstown,257 Hillsborough, 454 Hoboken, 23-1 Hope, 491 Hopewell, 146,259 Hornerstown, 370 Howell, 350 Hughesville, 490 Tmlaystown, 370 Independence, 497 .lacobstowu, 106 Jacksonville, 120,309 Jackson Glass Works. 222 Jeffeison, 402 •lersey City, 230 Johnsonburg, 490 Matouchin, 324 Mauricetown, 141 Maurice River, 147 May's Landing, 68 M'Cartyville, 121 Mechaiiicsville, 255 Medlord, 105 Mendham, 382 Middle Township, 129 Middlebush, 454 Middletown, 353 Miltbid, 239 Millstone, 455 Milville, 149 Monroe, 322, 382 Montague, 469 Montgomery, 461 Moorestown, 97 Morrislown, 384 Mount Airy, 242 Mount Clinton, 73 Mount Holly, 111 Muliica, 70 Mullica IlJIl, 216 Nanttixet, 142 Newark, 173 New Barbadoes, 80 New Brunswick, 310 New Durham, 234, 322 New Egypt, 370 New Geijnantown, 255 New Hampton, 250 New Milford, 73 New Palcrson, 478 New Providence, 186 Newton, 217,471 New Vernon, 384 North liianch, 452 Northampton, 11 1 North Bergen, 233 North Brunswick, 310 Northlield, 172 Nottingham, 264 Ozdensbutg, 469 Old Bridge, 309 Orange, 186 Oxford, 500 Paliaquarry, 505 Paramus, 72 Parcipany, 382 Pateison, 407 Peinberton, 106 I'eiuiinglou, 260 Peiin's Grove, 429 Pequaniiock, 397 Perth Amhoy, 305 Peter's Valley, 473 Philipsbiiig, 489 Pilesgrove, 430 Piscaiaway, 322 Pitts Grove, 431 Pitlstown, 240 Plaiutield, 199 Plainsborough, 319 Pluckainin, 440 Pompton, 397, 413 Port Elizabeth, 147 Port N orris, 142 Port Republic, 67 Princeton, 264 Ciuakertown, 249 Rahway, 188 Hancocus, 122 Randolph, 399 Rarilan', 250 Readington, 255 Red Bank, 360 Ringwood, 413 Ringoes, 242 Rockaway, 397 Rocky Hill, 461 Roxbury, 400 Ryerson's, 413 Saddle River, 84 Salem, 432 Sandtown, 217 Sandiston, 478 Scotch Plains, 200 Shrewsbury, 358 Soinerville, 448 South Aniboy, 309 South Brunswick, 319 South Orange, 186 Sparta, 468 Spotswood, 322 SpriiigfieM, 119, 100 Stiuan, 350 Squanknm, 222 Squiretown, 172 Stafford, 368 Stanhope, 464 StewarlS'ille, 489 Stillwater, 478 Stow Creek, 152 Suck.isnnny, 401 Svvedesboro, 223 Taunton, 105 Tewksbnrv, 255 Tinlon Falls, 364 Toms River, 328 Trenton, 281 Tuckahoe, 132 Tuckerton, 107 Union, 195, 196, 220 tipper FrerlKild, 370 Upper Alloways Creek, 415 Upper Peiufs Neck, 429 INDEX. Upper township, 132 Van Vorst, 238 Vernon, 158, 48(» Vincenttown, 118 Waertown, 309 WtUpack, -181 Wnnta!;e, 482 Warren, ■1(;3 Wasliiiiv'tdii, 85, 120, 222, :)1(), 4(12, 4!I9 WatLTl'ord, 221, 222 Westlield, 98, l " Robbers, thrilling account of Philosophic Solitude, poem upon Pirate Tree Poor, Gen., funeral of Potts, Miss, narrow escape of Powwowing Preacher, the sleeping Presbyterian church, First, with services in Kn- glish Prices, profits, and currency in 1670 Princeton, Battle of 69 73 412 91 392 135 6.) 351 162 92 84 298 149 1.50 160 47 267 Printers, early 44, 91 I'rivateers' rendezvous 108 Privateer, Gov. Livingston 139 Pulaski, defeat of kkj Pulaski, his expert horsemansliip 387 Kahl, Col., death of. 298 Railroad arch Ray, Col., escape of 343 Red Bank, battle at 21I Refugee boat attacked 69 Revolutionary anecdote 98 " reminiscences of, at Mendham 384 " incident l.i(; Robber, death of :j77 Robbers, pine y5| Rogennes, notice of 401 361 426 JUS no 33 127 368 363 ■.m 421 4.56 393 135 134 37 108 241 192 489 383 Sandy Hook, curious Indian document respecting Salem Co., interesting military operations at 416, Sassafras exported Scattergood, Thomas, notice of Seal, Great Sea, encroachments of, at Cape Island Shrewsbury, incursion into Silver coin, ancient 98, Sinicoc, Lieut. Col., wounded at Monmouth " military operations in Salem " " Somerset Singing, troubles respecting Shipwreck, appalling 109, Skunk, adventures of the .Slavery Sloop, the making of Snake stories 141, Spiin^'lirld, battle of Spring, chalybeate 364, 403, Southard, Samuel L., teaches school at Mend- ham Southard, Samuel L., extract from address upon Indian claims sn Slout, Mrs., remarkable preservation of 259 Superstition, lecture upon 148 Swamp, the Morris 049 Swartwout's Pond, Indian barbarities near 479 Taylor, Rev. James Brainerd, allusion to 263 Tea burnt at Cohansey in the Revolution 145 " first introduction of, into Cape May 126 Tennant, Rev. Wm., remarkable trance of. 347 Thanksgivings and Fast days 37 Theological Seminary 267, 311 Transport, a British, taken i:)4 Travelling in 1680 41 Trenton, battle of 281 " bridge 286 Treen, Capt. Wm., heroism of I. 35 Twins, remarkable connection of 38i» Uncle Piiilip, eccentricities of 466 Vessels, British, capture of 134 VisiLs and refre.shmeiits 435 Wampum, manufacture of, at the present day. . Washington, anecdotes of 82, 386-89, 107. " farewell address " head-quarters 385, " heroic devotion of. , " reception at Trenton in 1789. " plan to capture him " proclamation against gaming Washington's Rock , Wayne, (Jen., anecdote respecting Whales caught at the present day Wiliberly Wist, the deet hunter Webb, C.ipt., the preacher Will's Fulls Wiodniill Island, execution of pirates at Wild biiusis, bounties on Witches' Tree " concert of " pranks 01' William the Fourth at Mt. Holly Woodhull, Rev. Mr., patriotism of 72 , 462 461 ,461 276 301 377 388 201 373 369 36-t 261 212 204 40 92 93 466 113 3m 8 INDEX. Woodbridge, skirmishes nrar 325 Woolmaii House, view of 114 Yankee, trick of tlie 363 Young, Henry, anecdote of 133 Zinc, the only locality of, in tlie Union 409 Zinzendorf, Count, interesting anecdote of 48 Mrs. Judith Spicer 128 Peter Sonmans, Esq 172 Rev. Elihu Spencer 302 Rev. Caleb Smith 187 Pres. S. S. Smith 279 William Stewart 498 Capt. J. Swain and sons 362 Rev. Daniel Tavlor 187 Col. Richard Viirick 84 Rev. Elias Van Bunschoten 318 Rev. John S. Vredenburg 452 Mrs. Ann Wade 199 Henry Waddell, D.D 303 Capt. Cornelius Williams 199 Pres. J. Wiiherspoou 299 NEW JERSEY. OUTLINE HISTORY. Soon after the voyages of Columbus, John Cabot and Sebastian his son, two Venetians, in the service of Henry VII. of England, were commissioned " to discover the isles, regions, and provinces of the heathen and infidels, which had been unknown to all the nations of Christendom, in whatever part of the globe they might be placed." Under this commission, on the 24th of June, 1497, the Cabots discovered the island of Newfoundland. From thence they sailed downward along the coast, it is believed, as far south as Cape Florida. It does not appear that they made any attempt to form settlements ; but they landed at various places, and took possession of the country in the name of the English king. From a variety of causes, the English took no further advantage of their discoveries till nearly a century afterwards. In 1584, Queen Elizabeth of England, by patent, granted to Sir Walter Raleigh authority to discover, occupy, and govern " remote, heathen, and barbarous countries," not previously possessed by any Christian prince or people. Under this commission, Raleigh and his asso- ciates sent two ships to America, commanded by Amidas and Bar- \o\v. These men landed at Roanoke, took possession of the coun- try for the crown of England, and called it Virginia. An attempt was made to establish a settlement in 1585 and in 1590, both of which were unsuccessful. In 1000, King James, without regarding Raleigh's right, granted a new patent of the country of Virginia, the bounds of which were considered as extending from the south- ern boundary of North Carolina to the northern boundary of Maine. This tract was divided into two districts ; the one called North, the other South Virginia. The southern district was granted to Sir Thomas Gates and his associates, chiefly resident in London, and therefore styled the London Company. North Virginia was grant- ed to Thomas Hanham and his associates, \vho were styled the Plymouth Company. In 1009, Henry Hudson, an English mariner, in the service of the Dutch East India Company, in attempting to find a passage through the American continent, entered Delaware bay, on the 28th of Au- gust. Finding the navigation somewhat difficult, on account of shoal water, he proceeded but a short distance. Following the eastern shore of New Jersey, he anchored his ship (called the Half- moon) within Sandy Hook, on the 3d of Septembei", 1009. 2 IQ OUTLINE HISTORY. On the 5th of September, Hudson (as it appears from his journal) sent his boat ashore, for the purpose of exploring and sounding the waters lying to the south, within Sandy Hook, and forming now what is called the Horse-shoe. Here the boat's crew landed, and penetrated some distance into the woods, in the present limits of Monmouth county. They were very well received by the natives, who presented them very kindly with what the journal calls " green tobacco," and also with '* dried currants," [probably whortleberries,] which were represented as having been found in great plenty, and of a very excellent quality. " On the 6th of September, Hudson sent a boat manned with five hands to explore what appeared to be the mouth of a river, at the distance of about four leagues from the ship. This was no doubt the strait between Long and Staten islands, generally called the Narrows. Here, the writer of the journal observes, 'a good depth of water was found,' and within a large opening, and a narrow river to the west ; in which it is evident he refers to what is now called the Kills, or the channel between Bergen Neck and Staten island. In exploring the bay and the adjacent waters, the boat's crew spent the whole day. On their way in returning to the ship, towards night, they were attacked by the natives, in two canoes ; the one carrying fourteen men, the other twelve. A skirmish en- sued, in which one of Hudson's men, named* John Colman, was killed by an arrow, which struck him in the throat ; and two more were wounded. The next day the remains of Colman were in- terred on a point of land, not far from the ship, which from that circumstance received the name of Colman's Point ; and which, probably, was the same that is now called Sandy Hook." On the 11th of September, Hudson sailed through the Narrows, entered the river which bears his name, which it appears he ex- plored as far as Albany. On the 4th of October, Hudson came out of the river, and, without anchoring in the bay, proceeded direct- ly on his voyage to Europe. " The Dutch immediately began to avail themselves of the ad- vantage which the discovery of Hudson presented to their view. In 1610, it appears that at least one ship was sent hither by the East India Comj^any, for the purpose of trading in furs, which it is well known continued, for a number of years, to be the principal object of commercial attraction to this part of the new world. In 1614, a fort and trading-house were erected, on the spot where Al- bany now stands, and called Fort Orange ; and about the same time another fort and trading-house were established on the south- west point of Manhattan island, and called New Amsterdam. The whole colony received the name of New Netherlands." The precise date of the lirst European settlement, within the limits of New Jersey, does not distinctly a])pear. It is believed that the first settlement commenced at Bergen, about the year 1618, by a number of Dam^s or Norwegians, who accompanied the Dutch colonists who came over to New Netherlands. It appears that, as OUTLINE HISTORY. H early as 1G14, a redoubt was tlirown up on the right bank of Hud- son river, probably at the })resent Jersey City point. In 1021, "the privileged West India Company" was formed in Holland: this company, in 1023, dispatched a ship, under the com- mand of Cornelius Jacobse Mey, with settlers, fully provided with means of subsistence, and with articles of trade. Mey entered Delaware bay, and gave his own name to its northern cape, which it still retains, [Cape May.] He explored the bay and the river, and at length landed, and built a fort at Techaacho, upon a stream called by the natives Sassackon. This stream, now called Timber creek, empties into the Delaware, a few miles below Camden. The fortification was called Fort Nassau, and its erection may be con- sidered as the first attempt to establish a settlement on the eastern shore of the Delaware. " The West India Company, under whose direction the enterprise had been attempted, endeavored, by the offer of many advantages, to induce others to engage therein. They even granted charters to individuals, giving to them the exclusive right to large portions of land, subject only to the Indian claim. A number of persons took advantage of this privilege, and sent out agents to select and purchase tracts. One was obtained, in this way, thirty-two miles in length, and two in breadth, upon the western side of the bay. Another, sixteen miles square, on the peninsula of Cape May, was bought of nine Indian chiefs ; and other portions were taken up in a similar manner." " The possessors of these claims formed an association among themselves, having in view the permanent settling of these lands, as well as the prosecution of trade. They dispatched a vessel, un- der the command of David Peiterson De Vries. He left the Texel December 12th, 1030, and arrived in the Delaware in the course of the winter. It is stated that De Vries found none of the Euro- peans who had preceded him, and that Fort Nassau had fallen into the hands of the Indians. Misfortune also awaited the new set- tlers. Having erected a fort, the commander returned to Holland ; and during his absence a feud arose with one of the native tribes, which at length terminated in the massacre of every one of the colonists." '• De Vries returned shortly afterward with a new company, and while he mourned the loss of his former companions, he narrowly escaped a similar fate. Pressed for provisions, he was » compelled to conceal his resentment, and to continue an intercourse with the natives ; and they, under the pretence of giving a supply, directed him to proceed up the river and enter the Timmerkill, a small stream, now called Cooper's creek. He was saved by the kindness of an Indian woman. She informed him that treachery was in- tended, and that the entire crew of a vessel had already been de- stroyed in that place Disheartened by repeated disasters, the Dutch soon afterward abandoned the country ; and lor some; years not a single European was left upon the shores of the Delaware." 12 OUTLINE HISTORY. " It was next visited by another people, the Swedes. It is not easy to determine the precise objects of the Swedish immigrants, or upon what ground their claims were founded. By one of their own historians, it is said that they had acquired the right both of the English and of the Dutch, either by grant or by purchase ; but this declaration is wanting in other support. At a subsequent pe- riod, indeed, after they had been some time in the country, applica- tion was made by Chancellor Oxenstiern, the Swedish embassador, to have the rights of the English yielded up ; but it does not ap- pear that even then any agreement was concluded. But whatever was the nature of their claim, the Swedes proceeded in the prose- cution of their plans. Extensive grants had been made by the government, giving to certain companies the full right to the lands they should purchase of the natives, and conferring also the power of making laws, subject only to the control of the crown." "In the year 1G37, two Swedish ships arrived in the Delaware, bringing a number of settlers. They landed on the western shore, but purchased lands on both sides of the river. They were soon followed by other companies ; and in the year 1642, John Printz, a military officer, was sent over as governor of the colony. He es- tablished himself upon an island called Tennekeng, or, as the word is now pronounced, Tinnicum ; and this island was given to him in fee by the Swedish queen. Here he erected a fort, planted an or- chard, and built a church and several dwellings. For himself it is said he built a fine house, and called it, from his own name, ' Printz Hall.' At the same time with the governor came John Campanius Holm,* a clergj^man, and the future historian of the colony ; and in the same company was Lindstrom, an engineer, who afterward published a map of the Delaware and the adjacent parts." " If ever the Dutch had relinquished the claim to their posses- sions upon the Delaware, they seem to have paid but little regard to the agreement ; for we soon find them again established at Fort Nassau, and attempting settlements at other places. For a time the country was occupied by the two nations in common ; and it is hinted, by some writers, that an agreement was concluded between them in order to resist the pretensions made by the English. How- ever this may be, a difierence soon arose between themselves ; and the Swedes, either aggravated by injury or injustice, or moved by a feeling of jealousy, made a demand for the surrender of certain places held by their rivals. The demand being refused, the places were taken by force ; and the violence thus committed was the commencement of general hostilities. The Dutch had powerful aid at hand, in the settlements of their countrymen at New Am- sterdam ; and Stuyvesant, the governor at that place, immediately departed, with a strong force, to the Delaware." He first descended upon the fort at Elsingburg, and, having cap- * The latter name, /fo/m, "was added because of Stockholm being the place of his residence." — CUn/s Annals of the Swedes. OUTLINE HISTORY. 13 tured the garrison, proceeded at once to the reduction of other places. The Swedes had no adequate means of resistance, and were finally compelled to give up all their possessions. The fort on the island of Tenneking, with all the improvements, fell into the hands of the conquerors. These occurrences took place toward the close of the year 1055. Thus terminated the Swedish au- thority."* * Printz, tlie governor of New Sweden, (as this part of the country was called,) con- tinued his authority till he returned to Sweden, about 1054, having first deputed his son, John Papegoia, governor in his stead. Papcgoia soon returned to Europe, and left the government to John Claudius Rising. "Soon after Mr. Rising became governor, he invited ten of the Indian chiefs to a friendly conference. It was held at Tinnicum, on the 17th of June, 1654. He saluted them, from the Swedish queen, with assurances of her favor, put them in mind of the purchase of the lands already made, and requested a continuation of their friendship. He distributed various presents among them, and gave a good entertainment to them and their company. They were much pleased, and assured him of a faithful affection. Mr. Campanius has given a very particular account of this conference, in which he represents one of their chiefs, named Naaman, as making a speech, in the course of which ' he rebuked the rest for having spoken evil of the Swedes, and done them an injury, hoping they would do so no more, for tiiat the Swedes were very good people.' He also observed that 'the Swedes and the Indians had been as one body and one heart, and that thenceforward they should be as one head, at the same time making a motion as if he were tying a strong knot ; and then made this compari- son, that as the calabash was round without any crack, so tlicy should be a compact body without any fissure.' Campanius represents the Indians as having been frequent visitors at his grandfather's house. In the conversations he there had with them, we are told, ' he generally succeed- ed in making them understand that there was one Lord God ; that he was self-existent, one and in three persons ; how the same God had made the world from nothing, and created man, from whom all other men had sprung ; how Adam afterward, by his diso- bedience, had sinned against his Creator, and involved in tjie penalty of that sin all his descendants ; how God sent upon earth his only Son, Jesus Christ, who was born of the Viririn Mary, for the redemption and salvation of mankind ; how he died upon the cross, and was raised again the third day ; and, lastly, how after forty days he ascended to Jieaven, wlience he will return at a future day to judge the quick and the dead, &c.' The Indians took so much interest in these instructions, and seemed so well disposed to em- brace the Christian religion, that Mr. Campanius was Induced to learn their language, that he might the more effectually bring them acquainted with these great truths. He translated the catechism into their language ; and, if he did not convert many of them to the Christian faith, they at least acquired so much knowledge of it, as to be led to see and admire its great beauty and excellency. The above facts suggest the remark, that the Swedes may claim the honor of having been the first missionaries among tiie Indians, at least in Pennsylvania ; and that, per. haps, the very first work translated into the Indian language, in America, was the trans- lation of Luther's Catechism, by Campanius. Notwithstanding Gov. Rising's disposition to live upon good terms with his Dutch neiglibors, the Swedes were soured by the encroachments they had made upon their ter- ritory, in building a fort at Sandhuken, or Newcastle ; and, finding remonstrance useless, soon came to the determination to drive the Dutch back to tlie eastern side of the river. They accordingly, in the year 16.')4, took Fort Cassimir by storm, and expelled the Dutch ; after which, the fortifications were greatly strengthened and improved by the engineer, P. Lindstrom, and it was named Tnjalldig/ieflt, or Trinity Fort. The Dutch had too good an opinion of their own numbers and prowess, not to feel disposed to retaliate on the Swedes the injury they had received in the loss of their fort. Yet they went to work with caution, resolving, when they gave the blow, to make it tlic more felt from its being sudden and unexpected. There seems to have been a wi'.nt of good faith, or at least the practice of some deception, on the part of the Dutch, as v/e are told by Campanius that ' the dltlerences appeared 1o have been amicably settled, m the j'car 1G54, between the Swedish governor, John Rising, and the Dutch govc;rnor, Peter Stuyvcsant.' This amicable settlement seems to have been only a cloak to prepa- 14 OUTLINE HISTORY. The country upon the Delaware, now entirely under the control of the Dutch, was governed by directors, who received their ap- pointment from the governor of the colony at New Amsterdam. The first who exercised the office was Johannes Paul Jaquet, who was succeeded by Peter Alricks, Hinojossa, and William Beekman. These officers granted lands, and their patents make part of the titles of the present possessors. At this period the Dutch acquired large tracts of country upon the eastern side of New Jersey ; and it may be reasonably supposed that there were some settlements on the road between the colonies on the Hudson and Delaware. The claim of the English, founded on prior discovery, to the ter- ritory now occupied by the Dutch, was never abandoned. As early as 1640, a number of emigrants from the New Haven colony set- tled on the left shores of the Delaware ; and it is said that some of their descendants are to be found in Salem, Cumberland, and Cape May counties. The attempts of the English to form settle- ments on the Delaware were resisted, both by the Swedes and Dutch. In one instance their trading-house was destroyed ; in others, their goods were confiscated and their persons imprisoned. These proceedings occasioned long and angry controversies between the New England and Dutch governments. In the year 1604, Charles II. resolved upon the reduction of New Netherlands. Before any formal declaration of war with Holland, Sir Robert Carr, Col. Richard Nichols, and some others, with a small fleet and some land forces, were sent over to take possession of the territory. This expedition arrived before New Amsterdam the latter part of the year 1664. Stuyvesant, the Dutch governor, though a brave soldier, vi'^as, on account of the defenceless state of the place, obliged to surrender. Sir Robert Carr, with two frigates, was sent to compel the submission of the colony on the Delaware ; " which he effected with the expenditure of two barrels of powder and twenty shot." Immediately upon the subjection of the Dutch, and even before this had been accomplished, Charles, the English king, made an extensive grant of territory to his brother, the Duke of York. This was done by a royal charter, dated 20th of March, 1664. Upon the 23d of June, in the same year, the duke conveyed a portion of this territory to two other persons. Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. The conveyance to these individuals was made by an in- strument in the form as follows : " This indenture, made the three-and-twentieth day of June, in rations for more effectual hostility ; for ' the next year, on the 30th of August, the Dutch sailed from Manhattan, or New Amsterdam, (now New York,) with seven ships, and six or seven liundred men, under the command of the said Stuyvesant ; and fell uiitu wares on tiic Swedish settlements.' Assailed under such circumstances, and by such a force, resistance was of little avail. One Swedish fort after another fell into the hands of the invaders, who ' laid waste the houses and plantations, killing tlie cattle, and plun- dering the inhabitants of every thing they could lay their hands on.' The officers and principal people were made prisoners, and earned to New Amsterdam ; while the Dutch retained possession of the country." — Clay's Aimals of the Swedes. OUTLINE HISTORY. 15 the sixteenth j'^ear of the Ilaignc of our Sovrci^n Lord Charles the ^^econd, by the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith — Anno Domino 1()04. Be- tween his Royal Highness James Duke of York and Albany, Earl of Ulster, Lord high Admiral of England and Ireland, Constable of Dover Castle, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, and Governor of Portsmouth, of the one part, John Lord Berkeley, Baron of 8tratton, and one of his majestie's most honorable pinvy Council, and »Sir George Carteret of Sattrum in the County of Devon, Knight, and one of his majestie's most honorable privy Council, of the other part, Witnesseth that said James Duk(^ of York, for and in consideration of the sum of ten shillings of lawful money of England, to him in hand paid, by these presents doth bargain and sell unto the said John Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, all that tract of land adjacent to New England, and lying and being to the westward of Long Island. Bounded on the east part by the main sea, and part by Hudson's river, and hath upon the west Dela- ware Bay or river, and extendeth southward to the main ocean as far as Cape May at the mouth of Delaware Bay, and to the north- ward as far as the northernmost branch of said bay or river of Delaware, which is in forty-one degrees and forty minutes of lati- tude, and worketh over thence in a straight line to Hudson's river — which said tract of land is hereafter to be called by the name, or names of Nova Cesarea, or New Jersey."* This appears to be the first instrument in which the bounds of New Jersey are regularly defined. In addition to the consideration of ten shillings, mentioned in the above agreement, there was to be a rent of " one pepper-corn," to be paid on the day of the nativity of St. John the Baptist, if legally demanded. " The two proprie- tors formed a constitution for the colony, securing equal privileges and liberty of conscience to all, and appointed Philip Carteret governor. He came over in 1G65, fixed the seat of government at Elizabethtown, purchased land of the Indians, and sent agents in- to New England to invite settlers from that quarter. The terms oflfered were so favorable, that many accepted the invitation." The constitution granted by Berkeley and Carteret was the first constitution of New Jersey, and it continued entire till the province became divided, in 1 676. This instrument was entitled " The con- cessions and agreement of the Lords Proprietors of the province of New Ccpsdrea or Neio Jersey, to and with all and every of the new adventurers, and all such as shall settle or plant there." The fol- lowing items, (fee, are extracts : " 9. Item. That the inhabitants bcinf^ freemen, or chief aace the Ibllowing spring. New Nether- lands, (the territory of New York and New Jersey,) so called by the Dutch, was again surrendered to the English. Some doubts having arisen as to the validity of the Duke of York's title, on ac- count of the Dutch conquest, he deemed it prudent to procure a new patent, including the same territory as the former. In 1071, Maj. Edmund Andross, .so well known by his tyrannical usurpa- tions, came over as governor (under the Duke of York) of the province of New York. Andross also claimed jurisdiction over the Jerseys, insisting that the conquest by the Dutch divested the pro.' prietors of all their rights. 3 18 OUTLINE HISTORY. In the commencement of 1675, Philip Carteret returned to New Jersey, and resumed the government of the settlements in the east- ern part of the province. The inhabitants having suffered some- what by the Dutch conquest, and the arbitrary rule of Andross, readily received him ; " and as he postponed the pa3^ment of their quit-rents to a future day, and published a new set of ^concessions' by Sir George Carteret, a peaceable subordination was once more established in the colony. These new ' concessions,' however, re- stricted the broad grant of political freedom originally framed." Much uneasiness, however, still continued, for several years, on account of the efforts of Andross to enforce the duke's unjust pre- tensions. Gov. Carteret, in hope of obtaining for his people the advantages of commerce, attempted to establish a direct trade be- tween New England and New Jersey. This was opposed by An- dross, as being injurious to New York. He confiscated the vessels engaged in such trade, and went so far as to dispatch a force to Elizabethtown to arrest Gov. Carteret, and convey him prisoner to New York. Lord Berkeley, having become dissatisfied with the pecuniary prospects in his adventure in colonization, offered his share of the province of New Jersey for sale. His right or interest was pur- chased by John Fenwick and Edward' Byllinge, members of the Society of Friends. The conveyance to these individuals was exe cuted to the former, in trust for the latter, for the sum of one thou sand pounds. The tract thus purchased was afterward known as West New Jersey. In 1075, Fenwick set sail to visit the new pur- chase, in a ship called the Griffith. " Arriving after a good pas- sage, he landed at a pleasant rich spot, situate near Delaware, by him called Salem, probably from the peaceable aspect it then bore. He brought with him two daughters and many servants, two of which, Samuel Hedge and John Adams, afterward married his daughters. The other passengers were Edward Champness, Ed- ward Wade, Samuel Wade, John Smith and wife, Samuel Nichols, Richard Guy, Richard Noble, Richard Hancock, John Pledger, Hipolite Lufever, and John Matlock : these, and others with them, were masters of families. This was the first English ship that came to West Jersey, and none followed for near two years, owing probably to a difference between Fenwick and Byllinge." Byllinge, it appears, was the principal proprietor, as, after the purchase of West Jersey, an award was made, by which it was determined that the whole should be cast into one hundred parts, ten of which should be conveyed to Fenwick, and the remaining ninety parts should belong to Byllinge. Not long after the de- parture of Fenwick for America, Byllinge, in consequence of losses in trade, was brought into difiiculty, and rendered unable to pursue his plans. His property was intrusted to William Pcnn, Gawen Lawrie, and Nicholas Lucas, (all Friends, or Quakers,) to be used for the benefit of his creditors. " These trustees, under the pres- sure of cjjcumstances, sold a considerable number of shares of the OUTLINE HISTORY. 19 undivided moiety to different purchasers, who thereby became pro- prietaries, in common with them. These proprietors agreed upon a tbrm of government, comprising many of the provisions of the instrument formed by Berkeley and Carteret, together with others originating with themselves. The constitution or form of govern- ment thus made was entitled, " The concessions and agreements of the proprietors, freeholders, and inhabitants of the province of West New Jersey, in America." The following is an extract from this instrument, (chap. 3 :) " That hereafter, upon the fiirtlicr settlement of the said province, the proprietors, freeholders, and inhabitants, resident upon the said province, shall and may, at or upon the five-and-twentieth day of the month called March, which shall be in the year, ac- cording to the English account, one thousand six hundred and eighty ; and so thence- forward, upon the five-and-twentioth day of March yearly, by the ninth hour in the morning of the said day, assemble themselves together, in some public place to be or- dered and appointed by the commissioners for the time being ; and upon default of such appointment, in such place as they shall see meet, and then and there elect, of and amongst themselves, ten honest and able men, fit for government, to officiate and exe- cute the place of commissioners for the year ensuing, and until such time as ten more, for the year then next following, shall be elected and appointed ; which said elections shall be as followeth : that is to say, the inhabitants, each ten of the one hundred pro- prieties, shall elect and choose one, and the one hundred proprieties shall be divided into ten divisions or tribes of men. " And the said elections shall be made and distinguished by balloting trunks, to avoid noise and confusion, and not by voices, holding up of the hands, or otherwise howsoever ; which said commissioners, so yearly to be elected, shall likewise govern and order the affairs of the said province, (pro tempore,) for the good and welfare of the said people, and according to these our concessions, until such time as the general free assembly shall Ixi elected and deputed in such manner and wise as is hereafter expressed and con- tained." The constitution, of which the foregoing is an extract, is wit- nessed and signed in the following manner : " In testimony and witness of our consent to and affirmation of these present laws, concessions and agreements, we, the proprietors, freeholders, and inhabitants of the said province of West New Jersey, whose names are underwritten, have to the same volunta- rily and freely set our hands — dated this third day of the month commonly called March, in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred seventy-six. " Gawen Lawrie, Wm. Penn, VVm. Emley, Josh. Wright, Nicho. Lucas, Wm. Haig, Wm. Peachee, Rich. Matthews, John Harris, Francis CoUinsf Wm. Kent, Benj. Scot, .Tho. Lambert, Tho. Hooton, Henry Stacy, Edw. Byllinge, Rich. Smith, Edw. Nclthorp, John Penford, Dan. Wills, Thomas Olive, Tho. Rudyard, William Riddle, Robert Stacy, John Farrington, Wm. Roydon, Rich. Mew, Pcrcival Towle, Mahlon Stacy, Tho. Budd, Sam. Jcnings, John Lambert, Will. Ileulings, George Deacon, John Thomson, Edw. Bradway, Rich. Guy, James Nevill, Wm. Cantwell, Fospe Ontstout, Maehgijel Baron, Casper Herman, Turrsc Psese, Robert Kemble, John Comeliesse, Gerrat Van Jumne, Wm. Gill Johnson, Mich. Lackerouse, Markus Algus, Evert Aldricks, Hendrick Ever- son, Jillcs Tomescn, Claas Jansen, Paul Doequet, Aert Jansen, John Surige, Tho. Smith, James Pearce, Edw. Webb, John Pledger, Rich. Wilkison, Christo. Sanders, Renear Van Hurst, William Johnson, Charles Baglcy, Sam. Wade, Tho. Woodrofe, John Smith, Tho. Peircc, Will. Warner, Joseph Ware, Isaac Smart, And. Thomson, Thomas Kent, Henry Jcnings, Rich. Wortsaw, Christopher White, John Maddocks, John Forrest, James Vickory, William Rumsey, Rich. Robinson, Mark Reeve, Thomas Watson, Sam. Nicholson, Dan. Smith, Rich. Daniel, Will. Penton, Will. Daniel, Robert Zane, Walter Peiterson, Anthony Page, Andrew Bartlcson, Woolley Woollison, Anthony Dixon, John Derme, Tho. Benson, John Pain, Rich. Briffington, Sam. Lovctt, Henry Stubbcns, Will. Willis, George Hasclwood, Roger Pedrick, Will. Hughes, Abra. Van Highest, Hipolitaa Lefevcr, Will. Wilkinson, Andrew Shenneck, Lausc Cornelious, Sam. Hedge, Will. Massler, John Grubb, John Worlidge, Edw. Meyer, Tho. Barton, Robt. Powcl, Tho. 20 OUTLINE HISTORY. Harding, INIatthcw Allen, Bernard Devcnish, Thomas Stokes, Thomas French, Isaac Marriott, John Butcher, George Hutcheson, Tlio. Gardner, Tho. Eves, John Borton, John Paine, Elcazer Fcnton, Samuel Oldale, Will. Black, Anthony Woodhousc, Dan. Leeds, John Pancoast, Francis Belwicke, Will. Lusvvall, John .Snowdon, Rich. Fencmore, Gruna Jacobson, Tho. Scholcy, Tho. Wright, Godl'rcy Hancock, John Petty, Abraham Healings, John Ncvvbould, John White, John Roberts, John Wood, John Gosling, Tho. Revell." The next business of tho new proprietors was to clTect a division of the province, so that they miglit determine what part was to fall under their control. This was concluded by a deed, between Sir George Carteret of the one part, and the trustees of Byllinge on the other, dated July 1st, 1G70. The divisional line is thus defined by William Penn and his associates : " We have all that side on Delaware river from one end to the other ; the line of partition is from the east side of Little Egg Harbor, straight north, through the country, to the utmost branch of Delaware river ; w'ith all powers, privileges, and immunities whatsoever. Ours is called New West Jersey; his is CciWeA New East Jersey." Penn and his associates now having the control of West Jersey, issued a declaration, set- ting forth the situation in which they stood, and the designs they had in view. Their statements were so satisfactory, that many per.sons were induced to emigrate, particularly members of the Society of Friends. '• Among other purchasers of the W^est Jersey lands were two companies, one made up of some Friends in Yorkshire, (as hinted in the concessions,) the other of some Friends in London ; who each contracted for considerable shares, for which they had patents. In 1G77, commissioners (agreeable to expectation given) were sent by the proprietors, with j)ower to buy the lands of the natives ; to in- spect the rights of such as claimed property, and to order the lands laid out ; and in general to administer the government, pursuant to the concessions. These commissioners were Thomas Olive, Daniel Wills, John Kinsey, John Penford, Joseph Helmsley, Robert Stacy, Benjamin Scott, llichard Guy, and Thomas Foulke.* They came in the ITe/i^Gregory Marlow master, being the second ship from London, to the w^estern parts. After a tedious passage they arrived at Newcastle, the Kith of the sixth month, O. S. King Charles the Second, in his barge, pleasuring on the Thames, came alongside, seeing a great many passengers, and, informed whence they w^ere bound, asked if they were all Quakers, and gave them his blessing. They landed their passengers, two hundred and thirty in number, about Rackoon creek, where the Swedes had some scattering habi- tations ; but they werxj too numerous to be all provided for in houses : some were obliged to la}^ their beds and furniture in cow- stalls and apartments of that sort. Among other inconveniences to which this exposed them, the snakes w^ere now^ plenty enough to be frequently seen upon the hovels under which they sheltered. * Richard Guy came in the first ship. .John Kinsey died at Shackamaxon soon after liis landing : hi.s remains were interred aJ. Burlington, in ground appropriated for a bui-y • lEg-ground, but now a street. OUTLINE HISTORY. 21 Most of the passengers in this ship were of those called Quakers ; some of good estates in England. The commissioners had before left them, and were by this time got to a place called Chygoe's* island, (afterward Burlington,) their business being to treat with the Indians about the land there, and to regulate the settlements, having not only the proprietors' but Gov. Andros's commission for tliat purpose ; for in their passage hither, they had tirst dropped anchor at Sandy Hook, while the commissioners went to New York to acquaint him with tlieir design ; for though they had con- cluded the powers they had from the proprietors were suflicient to their purpose, they thought it a proper respect to the Duke of York's commission to wait on his governor upon the occasion. He treated them civilly, but asked them if they had any thing from the duke, his master. They replied, nothing particularly ; but that he had conveyed that part of his country to Lord Berkeley, and he to Byllinge, &c., in which the government was as much conveyed as the soil. The governor replied, All that will not clear me ; if I should surrender without the duke^s order, it is as much as my head is worth ; but if you had hut a line or two from the duke, I should be as ready to surrender it to you as you would be to ask it. Upon which the commissioners, instead of excusing their imprudence in not bringing such an order, began to insist upon their right, and stren- uously to assert their independency. But Andros, clapping his hand on his sword, told them that he should defend the government from them till he received orders from the duke, his master, to sur- render it ; he, however, softened, and told them he would do what was in his power to make them easy, till they could send home to get redress ; and in order thereto, would commission ate the same persons mentioned in the commission they produced. This they accepted, and undertook to act as magistrates under him, till fur- ther orders came from England, and proceed in relation to their land affjiirs according to the methods prescribed by the proprietors. "When arrived at their government, they applied to the Swedes for interpreters between them and the Indians. Israel Helmes, Peter Rambo, and Lacy Cock were recommended. By their help ,they made a purchase from Timber creek to Rankokas creek, an- other from Oldman's creek to Timber creek. Alter this they got Henric Jacobson Falconbre to be their interpreter, and purchased from Rankokas creek to Assunpink ;t but when they had agreed * From Chygoe, an Indian sachem, wlio lived there. t The deed for the lands between Rankokas creek and Timber creek bears date the \{)th of September, 1G77; that for the lands from Oldman's creek to Timber creek, the 21th of September, 1G77 ; and that from Rankokas creek to Assmijunk, the IQth of Oc- toiler, 1677. By the consideration paid for the lands between Oldman's and Timber creek, a judgment may bo formed of the rest. It consisted of 3(1 matolicoats, 20 guns, 30 kettles and one great one, 30 pair of hose, 20 fathom of dufields, 30 petticoats, 30 narrow hoes, 30 bars of lead, 15 small barrels of powder, 70 knives, 30 Indian axes, 70 comhn. (iO pair of tobacco-tongs, (iO s(;issors, GO tinshaw looking-glasses, 120 awl-l)l:ules, 120 fish-hooks, 2 grasps of red paint, 120 needles, GO tobacco-boxes, 120 pipes, 200 bells, 100 Jewsharps, 6 anchors of rum. 22 OUTLINE HISTORY. upon this last purchase, they had not Indian goods sufficient to pay the consideration, yet gave them what they had to get the deed signed. They were, however, obliged to agree with the Indians not to settle till the remainder was paid. Having travelled through the country and viewed the land, the Yorkshire commissioners, Joseph Helmsley, William Ejaol^y, and Robert Stacy, on behalf of the first purchasers, chose from the falls of Delaware down, which was hence called the first tenth ; the London commissioners, John Penford, Thomas Olive, Daniel Wills, and Benjamin Scott, on behalf of the ten London proprietors, chose at Arwaumus, (in and about where the town of Gloucester now is.) This was called the second tenth. To begin a settlement there, Olive sent up servants to cut hay for cattle he had bought. When the Yorkshire com- missioners found the others were like to settle at such a distance, they told them if they would agree to fix by them, they would join in settling a town, and that they should have the largest share, in consideration that they (the Yorkshire commissioners) had the best land in the woods. Being few, and the Indians numerous, they agreed to it. The commissioners employed Noble, a surveyor, who came in the first ship, to divide the spot. After the main street w^as ascertained, he divided the land on each side into lots ; the easternmost among the Yorkshire proprietors, the other among the Londoners. To begin a settlement, ten lots of nine acres each, bounding on the west, were laid out ; that done, some passengers from Wickaco, chiefly those concerned in the Yorkshire tenth, ar- rived the latter end of October. The London commissioners also employed Noble to divide the part of the island yet unsurveyed between the ten London proprietors, in the manner before mention- ed. The town thus by mutual consent laid out, the commissioners gave it the name first of New Beverley, then Bridlington, but soon changed it to Burlington. Some of the masters of families, that came in the ship last mentioned, and settled in that neighborhood, were Thomas Olive, Daniel Wills, William Peachy, William Clay- ton, John Crips, Thomas Eves, Thomas Harding, Thomas Nositer, Thomas Fairnsworth, Morgan Drewet, William Pennton, Henry Jenings, William Hibes, Samuel Lovett, John W^oolston, William Woodmancy, Christopher Saunders, and Robert Powell. John Wilkinson and William Perkins were likewise, with their families, passengers ; but, dying on the passage, the latter were exposed to additional hardships, which were however moderated by the care of their fellow-passengers. Perkins was early in life convinced of the principles of those called Quakers, and lived well in Leices- tershire : but seeing an account of the country, wrote by Richard Hartshorne, and forming views of advantage to his family, though in his fifty-second year, he, with his wife, four children, and some servants, embarked in this ship. Among the latter was one Mar- shall, a carpenter, particularly serviceable in fitting up habitations for the new-comers ; but it being late in the fall when they arrived, the winter was much spent before the work was begun. In the OUTLINE HISTORY. 23 interim they lived in wigwams, built after the manner of the In- dians. Indian corn and venison, supplied by the Indians, was their chief food. These people were not then much corrupted with strong liquors, but generally very friendly and helpful to the Eng- lish ; notwithstanding, it was thought endeavors had been used to make them otherwise, by insinuations that the English sold them the small-pox in their matchcoats. This distemper was among tliem, and a company getting together to consult about it, one of their chiefs said, ' In my grandfather's time the small-pox came ; in my fathers time the small-pox came ; and now in my time the small-pox is come.' Then, stretching his hands toward the skies, he said, ' It came from thence.' To this the rest assented. " Having traced this ship's company into winter-quarters, the next in course is the Willing Mind, John Newcomb commander: she arrived from London in November, and dropped anchor at Elsing- burgh — brought about sixty or seventy passengers. Some settled at Salem ; others at Burlington. Among the former were James Nevill, Henry Salter, and George Deacon, with their families. In this year, also, arrived the 'Flie-boat Martha,' of Burlington, (Yorkshire) — sailed from Hull the latter end of summer, with one hundred and fourteen passengers, designed to settle the Yorkshire tenth. Some masters of families, in this ship, were Thomas Wright, William Goforth, John Lynam, Edward Season, William Black, Richard Dungworth, George Miles, William Wood, Thomas Schooley, Richard Harrison, Thomas Hooten, Samuel Taylor, Marmaduke Horsman, William Oxley, William Ley, and Nathaniel Luke ; the families of Robert Stacy, and Samuel Odas ; and Thomas Ellis and John Batts, servants,* sent by George Hutchin- son, also came in this ship. Twenty of the passengers, perhaps more, were living forty-five years afterward." — Smitli's Hist. N. J. The following, extracted from a letter from Mahlon Stacy, one of the first settlers of New Jersey, to his brother Revell, and some others, is descriptive of West Jersey at this period. It is dated the 2Gth of the 4th month, 1G80 : " But now a word or two of those strange reports you have of us and oiu* country: I affirm they are not true, and fear tlicy were spoke from a spirit of envy. It is a coun- try that produccth all things for the support and sustenance of man, in a plentiful man- ner ; if it were not so, I should be ashamed of what I have before written. But I can stand, having truth on my side, against and before the face of all gainsayers and evil spies. I have travelled through most of the places that arc settled, and some that arc not ; and in every place I find the country very apt to answer tiie expectation of the diligent. I have seen orchards laden with fruit to admiration, their very limbs torn to pieces with the weight, and most delicious to the taste, and lovely to behold. I have seen an apple-tree from a pippin-kernel yield a barrel of curious cyder ; and peaches in such plenty that some people took their carts a peach-gathering : I could not but smile at the conceit of it. They arc a very delicate fruit, and hang almost like our onions that * Many that came servants succeeded better than some that brought estates : the first, inured to industry, and the ways of tbe country, became wealthy ; while the other.s, obliged to spend what they had in the difficulties of first improvements, and others living too much on tluMT original stock, for want of sufficient care to improve their estates, have, \t many instances, dwindled to indigency and want. 24 OUTLINE HISTORY. arc tied on ropes. I have seen and known, this summer, forty bushels of bold wheat of one bushel sown ; and many more such instances I could bring, which would be too tedious here to mention. We have, from the time called May until Michaelmas, great store of very good wild fruits, as strawberries, cranberries, and hurtleberries, which are like our bilberries in England, but far sweeter : they are very wholesome fruits. The cranberries are much like cherries for color and bigness, which may be kept till fruit come in again; an excellent sauce is made of them for venison, turkeys, and other great fowl ; and they are better to make tarts than either gooseberries or cherries. We have them l)rought to our houses by the Indians, in great plenty. My brother Robert had as many cherries this year as would have loaded several carts. It is my judgment, by what I have observed, that fruit-trees in this country destroy themselves by the very weight of their fruit. As for venison and fowls, we have great plenty : we have brought homo to our houses, by the Indians, seven or eight fat bucks of a day, and sometimes put by as many, having no occasion for them. And fish, in their season, are very plenteous. My cousin Revell and I, with some of my men, went last third montli into the river to catch lierrings ; for at that time they came in great shoals into the shallows. We had neither rod nor net, but, after the Indian fashion, made a round pinfold, about two yards over, and a foot high, but left a gap for the fish to go in at ; and made a bush to lay in the gap to keep the fish in ; and when that was done, we took two long birches and tied their tops together, and went about a stone's cast above our said pinfold : then hauling these birch boughs down the stream, where we drove thousands before us, but so many got into our trap as it would hold. And then we began to haul them on shore, as fast as three or four of us could, by two or three at a time ; and after this manner, in half an hour, we could have filled a three-bushel sack of as good and large herrings as ever I saw. And as to beef and pork, here is great plenty of it, and cheap ; and also good sheep. The common grass of this country feeds beef very fat : I have killed two this year, and therefore I have reason to know it. Besides, I have seen this fall, in Bur- lington, killed eight or nine fat oxen and cows, on a market day, and all very fat. And though I speak of herrings only, lest any should think we have little other sorts, we have great plenty of most sorts of fish that ever I saw in England, besides several other sorts that are not known there — as rocks, catfish, shads, sheep's heads, sturgeons ; and fowls plenty — as ducks, geese, turkeys, pheasants, partridges, and many other sorts that I can- not remember, and would be too tedious to mention. Indeed the country, take it as a wilderness, is a brave country ; though no place will please all. But some will be ready to say, he writes of conveniences, but not of inconveniences. In answer to those, I honestly declare, there is some barren land, as (I suppose) there is in most places of the world, and more wood than some would have upon their lands ; neither will tiie country produce corn without labor, nor cattle be got w-ithout something to buy them, nor bread with idleness — else it would be a brave country indeed. And I question not but all then would give it a good word. For my part, I like it so well I never had the least thought of returning to England, except on the account of trade. Mahlon Stacy." In a letter to William Cook of Sheffield, and others, Stacy wrote thus : " This is a ihost brave place ; whatever envy or evil spies may speak of it, I could wish you all here. Burlington will be a place of trade quickly ; for here is way for trade : I, with eight more, last winter, bought a good ketch of fifty tons, freighted her out at our own charge, and sent her to Barbados, and so to sail to .Saltcrtugas, to take in part of her lading in salt, and the rest in Barbados goods as she came back ; w'hich said voyage she hath accomplished very well, and now rides before Burlington, discharging her lad- ing, and so to go to the West Indies again. And we intend to freight her out with our own com. We have wanted nothing since we came hither but the company of our good friends and acquaintance. All our people are very well, and in a hopeful w'ay to live much better than ever they did ; and not only so, but to provide well for their posterity. They imjirove their lands, and have good crops ; and if our friends and countrymen come, they will find better reception than we had by far at first, before the country was settled as now it is. I know not one among the people that desires to be in England again — I mean since settled. I wonder at our Yorkshire people, that they had rather live in servitude, and work hard all the year, and not be three-pence the better at the year's end, than stir out of the chimney-corner, and transport themselves to a place where, with the like pains, in two or three years they might know belter things. I never repented my coming hither, nor yet remembered thy arguments and outcry against New .Jersey with regret. I live as well to my content, and in as great plenty as ever I did ; and in a far more likely way to get an estate. Tliough I hear some have OUTLINE HISTORY 25 thougrht I was too large in my former, I affirm it to be true ; having seen more with mine eyes, in this time since, than ever yet I wrote of. Mahlon ibTACY. '"From the Falls of Delaware, in West New Jersey, ) the 26/A of (he 4th month, IGBO." \ " Sir George Carteret, sole proprietor of East Jersey, dying in 1G79, by will, ordered that province to be sold, to pay his debts; which was done accordingly, by his widow and executors, by in- denture of lease and release, bearing date the 1st and 2d of Feb- ruary, 1G81-82, to William Penn, Robert West, Thomas Rudyard, Samuel Groome, Thomas Hart, Richard Mew, Thomas Wilcox, of London, (goldsmith,) Ambrose Rigg, John Haywood, Hugh Harts- horne, Clement Plumsted, and Thomas Cooper, their heirs and as- signs ; who were thence called the twelve proprietors. They, being together so seized, in this year published an account of their coun- try, a fresh project for a town, and method of disposing of their lands." The following items are extracts from the account re- ferred to above : " Second. The conveniency of situation, temperature of air, and fertility of soil is such, that there are no less than seven considerable towns, viz : Shrewsbury, Middletown, Bergen, Newark, Elizabcthtown, Woodbridge, and Piscataway ; which arc well inhabited by a sober and industrious people, who have necessary provisions for themselves and fam- ilies, and for the comfortable entertainment of strangers and travellers. And this colony is experimentally found generally to agree with English constitutions." "Fourth. For fishery, the sea-banks there are very well stored with variety of fish — for not only such as are profitable for transportation, but such also as are fit for food there ; as whales, cod-fish, cole and hake-fish, large mackerel, and also many other sorts of flat and small fish. The bay also, and Hudson's river, are plentifully stored with sturgeon, great bass, and other scale-fish, eels, and shell-fish, as oysters, &.C., in great plenty, and easy to take." ********** " Seventh. The land or soil (as in other places) varies in goodness and richness ; but generally fertile, and with much smaller labor than in England. It produccth plentiful crops of all sorts of English grain, besides Indian corn, which the English planters find not only to be of vast increase, but very wholesome and good in its use ; it also produ- ccth good flax and hemp, which they now spin and manufacture into linen cloth. There is sufticient meadow and marsh to their uplands ; and the very barrens there, as they are called, are not like some in England, but produce grass fit for grazing cattle in summer season. " Eighth. The country is well stored with wild deer, conies, and wild fowl of several sorts, as turkeys, pigeons, partridges, plover, quails, wild swans, geese, ducks, &.C., in great plenty. It produccth variety of good and delicious fruits, as grapes, plums, mul- berries ; and also apricots, peaches, pears, apples, (juinccs, watermelons, &c., which are here in England planted in orchards and gardens. These, as also many other fruits, which come not to perfection in England, are the more natural product of this country. " Ninth. There is also already great store of horses, cows, hogs, and some siieep, which may be bought at reasonable prices, with English moneys or English commodities, or man's labor, where money and goods are wanting. " Tenth. What sort of mines or minerals are in the bowels of the earth, aftcr-time must produce, the inhabitants not having yet employed themselves in search thereof; but there is already a smelting furnace and forge set up in this colony, where is made good iron, which is of great benefit to the country. " Eleventh. It is exceedingly well furnished with safe and convenient harbors for ship- ping, which are of great advantage to that country ; and afibrds already, for exi)ortation, great plenty of horses, and also beef, ])ork, pipe-staves, boards, bread, flour, wheat, bar- ley, rye, Indian corn, butter and cheese, which they export for Barbadoes, Jamaica, Ne- vis, and other adjacent islands ; as also to Pprtugal, Spain, the Canaries, &c. Their whale-oil and whale-fins, beaver, mink, raccoon, and marten-skins, (which this country produccth,) they transport to England." 4 2(5 OUTLINE HISTORY. " Thirteenth. The Indian natives in thia country are but few, comparative to the neighboring colonies ; and those that are there arc so far from being formidable or inju- rious to the planters and inhabitants, tiiat they arc really serviceable and advantageous to the English — not only in hunting and taking the deer, and other wild creatures, and catching of fish and fowl fit for food, in their seasons, but in the killing and destroying of bears, wolves, foxes, and other vermin and peltry, whose skins and furs they bring the English, and sell at less price than the value of time an Englishpian must spend to take them." " As for passage to this province, ships are going hence the whole year about, as well in winter as summer, Sandy Hook bay being never frozen. The usual price is five pounds per head, as well masters or servants, who are above ten years of age ; all under ten years, and not children at the breast, pay fifty shillings : sucking children pay nothing. Carriage of goods is usually forty shillings per ton, and sometimes less, as we can agree. The cheapest and chiefcst time of the year for passage is from midsummer till the latter end of September, when many Virginia and Maryland ships are going out of England into those parts ; and such who take then their voyage, arrive usually in good time to plant corn sufficient for next summer. " The goods to be carried there arc, first, for people's own use ; all sorts of apparel and household stufT; and also utensils for husbandry and building : secondly, linen and wool- len cloths and stuffs, fitting for apparel, &c., wliich are fit for merchandise and truck there in the country, and that to good advantage for the importer — of which further ac- count will be given to the inquirer. " Lastly. Although this country, by reason of its being already considerably inhabited, may afford many conveniences to strangers, of which unpeopled countries are destitute, as lodging, victualling, &.C., yet all persons inclining unto those parts must know that, in their settlement there, they will find their exercises. They must have their winter, as well as summer. They must labor before they reap ; and, till their plantations be cleared, (in summer time,) they must expect (as in all those countries) the mosquitos, flies, gnats, and such like, may, in hot and fair weather, give them some disturbance, where people provide not against them — which, as land is cleared, arc less troublesome." The plan and proposals of the twelve proprietors became quite popular, particulary among the Scotch, many of whom came over and settled in East Jersey. " The twelve proprietors did not long hold the province to themselves, but, by particular deeds, took each a partner: their names were James, {Earl of Perth) John Drum- mond, Robert Barclay, Robert Gordon, Aarent Sonmans, Gawen Lawrie, Edward Byllinge, James Braine, William Gibson, Thomas Barker, Robert Turner, and Thomas Warne. These, with the other twelve, were called the twenty- four proprietors : to them the Duke of York made a fresh grant of East New Jersey, bearing date the 14th of March, 1G82." At this period there were " supposed to be about seven hundred families settled in the towns of East Jersey, which, reckoning five to a famil}-, were three thousand and five hundred inhabitants ; be- sides the out plantations, which were thought to contain half as many more." Philip Carteret continued governor of East Jersey after the " quinty partite" division, till about the year 1G81.* The sessions of the assembly were mo.stly held at Elizabethtown, occa- sionally at Woodbridge, and once or more at Middletown and Pis- cataway. * His salary was generally .I'.SO a year, paid in country produce, at prices fixed by law ; and sometimes four shillings a day besides, to defray his charges while a sessions was held. Tlic wages of the council and assembly, during their sitting in legislation, was to each member three shillings a day- The rates for public charges were levied at two shillings per head for every male above fourteen years old. OUTLINE HISTORY. 27 " Some of the first laws, as published by the legislature at Eliz- abethtowii, were, in substance : That persons resisting authority- should be punished at the discretion of the court ; that men, from sixteen to sixty years of age, should provide themselves with arms, on penalty of one shilling for the first week's neglect, and two for every week after ; that for burglary, or highway robbery, the first ofTence, burning in the hand, the second, in the forehead — in both to make restitution — and for the third olfcnce, deatli. For stealing, the first offence, treble restitution, and the like for the second and third offence, with such increase of punishment as the court saw cause, even to death, if the party appeared incorrigible ; but if not, and unable to make restitution, they were to be sold for satisfac- tion, or to receive corporal punishment. That conspiracies, or at- tacks upon towns or forts, should be death ; that undutiful children, smiting or cursing their father or mother, except provoked there- unto for self-preservation, upon complaint of, and proof from their parents, or either of them, should be punished with death; that in case of adultery, the party to be divorced, corporally punished, or banished, or either or all of them, as the court should judge proper ; that for night-walking and revelling, after the hour of nine, the parties to be secured by the constable, or other officer, till morning, and then, not giving a satisfactory account to the magistrate, to be bound over to the next court, and there receive such punishment as should be infficted. That the meeting of the assembly should be always on the first Tuesday in November, yearly, and oftener if the governor and council thought necessary ; and that they should fix the governor's salary — the deputies of each town to be chosen on the first of January, according to the concessions. Any deputy absenting himself, at such times, was to be fined forty shillings for every day's absence. That thirty pounds should be levied for pro- vincial charges — i. e., £5 to be paid by each town, in winter-wheat, at five shillings a bushel, summer- wheat at four and six-pence, peas at three shillings and six-pence, Indian corn at three shillings, rye at four shillings, barley at four shillings, beef at two-pence half- penny per pound, and pork at three-pence half-penny. That no son, daughter, maid, or servant, should marry without the consent of his or their parents, masters, or overseers, without being three times published in some public meeting or kirk, near the party's abode, or notice being set up in writing at some public house near where they lived, for fourteen days before ; then to be solemnized by some approved minister, justice, or chief officer, who, on penalty of twenty pounds, and to be put out of office, were to marry none who had not followed those directions." Among the new proprietors of East Jersey was Robert Barclay, of Urie, a Scottish gentleman, who had adopted the sentiments of the Friends or Quakers, and was the author of the celebrated ^'Apology" in their defence. By the unanimous choice of his colleagues, he was appointed for life first governor of East Jersey, under the new administration, with dispensation from personal residence, and 28 OUTLINE HISTORY. authority to nominate his deputy. Thomas Rudyard was appointed depurv'-ffovemor, and arrived at his government about the begin- ning of 1CS3. He was superseded, however, at the close of the year, by Gawen LaviTie, also of London, who had been one of Byllinge's trustees for West Jersey. The successor of Lawrie was Lord S'iel Campbell, who was succeeded by Alexander Hamilton, Esq. About the year 1680, West Jerse}-, by the accession of many settlers, became somewhat populous. Samuel Jennings, having received a commission from Byllinge as deputy-governor, came over to West Jersey, called an assembly, and with them agreed upon a constitution of government, on the 25th of IS ovember, 1681. From this period, yearly assemblies were held, courts established in different places, and justice was administered in due course of lavi-. The successors of Jennings in the administration of the gov- ernment were Thomas Olive, John Skeine, William Welsh, Daniel Cox, and Andrew Hamilton, who continued governor till the pro- prietan,- charter was surrendered to the crown. " The year 1686 seems to have been a dangerous one in East Jersey, if the law then passed against wearing swords was prop- erly founded. According to that, several persons had received abuses, and were put in great fear from quarrels and challenges : to prevent it for the future, none, by word or message, were to make a challenge, upon pain of six months' imprisonment, ^Nithout bail or raainprize. and a ten-pound fine. Whoever accepted or concealed the challenge was also to forfeit ten pounds. Xo person was to wear any pocket-pistols, skeins, stilladers, daggers, or dirks, or other unasual weapons, upon pain of five pounds' forfeiture for the first offence, and for the second to be committed, and on con- \'iction imprisoned for six months ; and moreover to pay a fine of ten pounds. Xo planter was to go armed with sword, pistol, or dasrger. upon penalty of five pounds. Officers, civil and militar}', soldiers in service, and strangers travelling upon lawful occasions, were excepted. This law, lor any thing that appears, is yet in force. - The settlers, in both West Jersey and Pennsylvania, about the year 1687, were put to difficulties on account of food : their crops having in great part failed. Several families had already spent their last, and were forced to subsist on what was spared by such of their neighbors as were better provided. These were few in proportion to the moutLs to be filled. Some nigh the rivers had lived weeks upon fish : others were forced to put up with herbs ; but unexpectedly to many arrived a vessel from New England to Philadelphigu laden M'ith com, which proved an agreeable supply. This vessel meeting xN-ith a good market, others soon followed ; so that the settlers were not afterward exposed to the like necessity for want of food." The year 1701 was a memorable era in the history of New Jer- sey, on account of the disturbances and confusions that violently OUTLINE HISTORY. 29 agitated the minds of the people. Each province had many and difterent proprietors, who promoted separatt.> and intervening schemes and interests. To promote particular ])urposes, one party would have the choice and management of the governor, while another refused any but of their own nomination ; and a third objected to proposals from either. Discord prevailed, and every expedient to restore order, union, and regularity proved unsuccess- ful. The disorders in East Jersey made such an impression on the minds of many of the people, that they readily hearkened to over- tures made for a surrender of the proprietary government. A con- siderable part of West Jersey was also, for similar reasons, dis- posed to a resignation. The proprietors, weary of contending with each other, and with the people, drew up an instrument, whereby they surrendered their right of government to the crown, which was accepted by Queen Anne on the 17th of April, 1702. Immediately upon the transfer of the right of government to the crown. Queen Anne reunited East and West Jersey into one prov- ince, and intrusted its government, as well as that of New York, to her kinsman, Edward Hyde, Lord Cornbury, grandson of the chancellor. Earl of Clarendon. The commission and instructions which Cornbury received formed the constitution and government of the province, until its declaration of independence. The new government was composed of the governor and twelve councillors, nominated by the crown, and an assembly, of twenty-four mem- bers, to be elected by the people, for an indefinite term, whose ses- sions were to be holden, alternately, at Perth Amboy and Burling- ton. Among the numerous instructions given to the governor was one directing him " to permit liberty of conscience to all persons, (except Papists,) so they may be contented with a quiet and peace- able enjoyment of the same, not giving offence or scandal to the government ;" also one stating that, " Forasmuch as great incon- veniences may arise by the liberty of printing in our said province, you are to provide, by all necessary orders, that no person keep any press for printing, nor that any book, pamphlet, or other matters whatsoever, be printed without your especial leave and license first obtained." At this period the province was supposed to contain 20,000 in- habitants, of whom 12,000 belonged to East, and 8,000 to West Jersey. The militia amounted to 1,400 men. The trade of the province was considerable. Its exports consisted of agricultural produce, which supplied the West Indies ; furs, skins, and a little tobacco, for the English market; and oil, fish, and other provisions, which were sent to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary islands. Lord Cornbury arrived in New Jersey in August, 1703. He con- tinued in the office of governor of New Jersey and New York till 1708; when the complaints of the people were such that the queen was compelled to revoke his commission. When deprived of his office, his creditors put him in prison in the province he had governed, where he remained till the death of his father elevated 30 OUTLINE HISTORY. him to the peerage, which entitled him to liberation. " We never had a governor," (says a writer who knew him well,) " so univer- sally detested, nor any who so richly deserved the public abhor- rence : in spite of his noble descent, his behavior was trifling, mean, and extravagant. It was not uncommon for him to dress himsrlf in a woman's liahil, and then to patrol the ibrt in which he resided. Such freaks of low humor exposed him to the universal contempt of the people ; but their indignation was kindled by his despotic rule, savage bigotry, insatiable avarice, and injustice, not only to the public, but even his private creditors." John, Lord Lovelace, Baron of Hurley, being appointed to suc- ceed Cornbury, he summoned the council to meet him at Bergen, December 20th, 1708. The hopes entertained, from his exalted character, of a happy administration, were frustrated by his death, on the succeeding 5th of May. The administration now devolved on Lieutenant-governor Ingoldsby, who laid before the assembly the design of the crown respecting an expedition against Canada. " The assembly prepared three bills, one for raising £3,000,* an- other for enforcing its currency, and a third for the encouragement of volunteers going on the Canada expedition. These bills having received the governor's assent, the house was adjourned to the first of November, to meet at Burlington. In November they met ac- cordingly, but deferred business till December ; when they sat ten weeks, passed eighteen bills, were then adjourned, and after- ward prorogued, from time to time, till dissolved by Governor Hunter, in 1710." Governor Hunter commenced his administration in 1710, and in 1720 resigned in favor of William Burnet, (son of the celebrated bishop,) and returned to England. " He had a ready art at pro- curing money : few loved it more. This foible, it is said, drew him into schemes, gaming, and considerable losses. Though not in all respects accomplished, his address here was engaging and suc- cessful : he assented to most of the laws the people wanted, and filled the offices with men of character. * Here began the paper currency in New Jersey. The care of the legislature respect- ing it, in this and all the succeeding emissions, being to render the funds for sinking, according to the acts that created it, secure, and to prevent the currency failing in value ; by changing the bills as they became ragged and torn, and allowing no re-emissions on any other account whatsoever. It has thence, from tiie beginning, preserved its credit, and proved of great service to the proprietors in the sale of their lands, and to the set- tlers in enabling them to purchase and contract, and pay English debts, and go on with their improvements. The securities, when issued on loan, were double the value in lands, or treble in houses, and five per cent, interest ; but now (1765) there is none current on this footing. The funds for sinking, by tax, the money created for the e.vpedition, and other purposes, are mortgages (secured in the acts that make the respective emissions) on the estates, real and personal, in the province ; hence they are secured as firmly as the province itself. They arc a legal tender to all the inhabitants in the province, and elsewhere, but not to others, except while in the province. The remittances of this province to England, being chiefly from New York and Philadelphia, and the bills no le- gal tender there, they can never operate to the prejudice of English debts, let exchange be as it may ; because none there are obliged to take them. This is a particularity only belonging to the state of trade of New Jersey, and renders a paper currency there free from tlic objections usually made against it in England. — Smith's Hist. N. J. OUTLINE HISTORY 31 Some of the most remarkable acts of the assembly, during Gov. Burnet's administration, were, that for tlie support of government, in which the sahiry of the governor was fixed for five years, at £500 per annum, and that authorizing the issue of £40,000 in bills of credit, with the view, principally, of increasing the circu- lating medium of the colony. The country, as the preamble to the act sets forth, had been wholly drained of a metallic currency ; and, as the paper currency of the neighboring colonies was not a legal tender in the payment of debts, much embarrassment was produced. The payment of taxes was occasionally mad(} in l)roken plate, ear-rings, and other jewels : and the law authorized their payment in wheat. Forty thousand pounds, in bills in value from one shilling to three pounds, were issued by the government to borrowers, on the pledge of plate, or real estate, at five per cent, per annum. The whole sum was apportioned to the counties in which loan-offices were established: the bills were made current for twelve years, and were made a legal tender for debts. In 1730 another act added £20,000 to this medium, and were made current for sixteen years. All these issues (although at one period they were at a discount of sixteen per cent.) were fully and duly re- deemed.* " Gov. Burnet, after this, continued to preside over New York and New Jersey, till 1727 ; when he was removed to Boston, and succeeded by John Montgomerie, Esq. He continued till his death, which happened in the summer of 1731. To him succeeded Wil- liam Cosby, Esq. He continued till his death, in 1736. The gov- ernment here then devolved on the president of the council, John Anderson, Esq. He died about two weeks afterward, and was succeeded by John Hamilton, Esq., (son of Andrew Hamilton, governor in the proprietors' time.) He governed nearly two years. In the summer of 1738, a commission arrived to Lewis Morris, Esq., as governor of New Jersey, separate from New York. He con- tinued till his death, in the spring of 1746. He was succeeded by President Hamilton. He dying, it devolved upon John Reading, Esq., as the next eldest councillor. He exercised the office till the summer of 1747, when Jonathan Belcher, Esq., arrived. He died in the simimer of 1757, and was succeeded by John Reading, Esq., president. Francis Bernard, Esq., arrived governor, in 1758 ; was removed to Boston, and succeeded here by Thomas Boone, Esq., in 1760. He was removed to South Carolina, and succeeded here by Josiah Hardy, Esq., in 1761. He was removed, and afterward ap- pointed consul at Cadiz." Gov. Hardy was succeeded in his office, in the spring of 1763, by William Franklin, Esq., the last of the royal governors, and the son of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. The year 1 763 was distinguished by a treaty of peace between Great Britain and France, by which Canada was ceded to the British king, and the colonies secured * See Gordon's History of New Jersey, pp. 91-96. 32 OUTLINE HISTORY. from the ravages of French and Indian wars, which had continued for more than half a century. When Mr. Pitt, the celebrated British minister, called upon the colonial government to make an effort to destroy the French power in America, " the assembly of New Jersey, instead of raising reluctantly five hundred men, doub- led that number, and, to till the ranks in season, offered a bounty of twelve pounds per man, increased the pay of the officers, and voted a sum of £50,000 for their maintenance. They at the same session directed barracks to be built at Burlington, Trenton, New Brunswick, Amboy, and Elizabethtown, competent each for the ac- commodation of three hundred men This complement of one thousand men New Jersey kept up during the years 1758, 1759, and 1700 ; and in the years 1761 and 1702 furnished six hun- dred men, besides in the latter year a company of sixty-four men and officers, especially for garrison duty ; for which she incurred an average expense of £40,000 per annum." At the commencement of the revolutionary period. New Jersey was among the foremost of her sister colonies in resisting the aggres- sions of British tyranny. Early in July, 1774, the inhabitants of the several counties of New Jersey assembled in their county towns, and passed resolutions strongly disapproving the acts of parliament — closing the port of Boston, &c. They nominated depu- ties to meet in convention for the purpose of electing delegates to the general congress about to meet in Philadelphia. The New Jersey delegates reported the proceedings of congress to the assembly, January 11th, 1775, by whom they were unanimously approved: "such members as were Quakers excepting only to such parts as seemed to wear an appearance, or might have a ten- dency to force, as inconsistent with their religious principles." The joint action of the colonies was opposed by their royal gov- ernors, who threw every obstacle in their power to prevent its ac- complishment. Gov. Franklin refused to summon the assembly, notwithstanding the petitions of the people ; therefore the first del- egates to congress were elected by a convention. The second pro- vincial convention met at Trenton, May 23(1, 1775, and directed that one or more companies of eighty should be formed in each township, or corporation ; and, in order to raise necessary funds, imposed a tax of £10,000. The provincial congress of New Jer- sey reassembled August 5th, 1775, and directed that fifty-four com- panies, each of sixty-four minute-men, be organized. These troops were formed into ten battalions : in Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, Morris, Sussex, Hunterdon, and Burlington, one each ; in Gloucester and Salem, one ; while in the counties of Cumberland and Cape May were independent light infantry and rangers. But the chief measure of this congress was the perpetu- ation of the authority which they had assumed ; they therefore re- solved and directed that, during th(i continuance of the controversy between Great Britain and America, the inhabitants (jualified to vote should yearly choose deputies to tlie provincial congress, who OUTLINE HISTORY. 33 now took upon tlirmsclvos the management of the affairs of the colo- ny, rchiting to their rights and liberties. Gov. Franklin convened the legislature November 16th, 1775. He made an address, the prominent objects of which seem to have been to obtain irom the assembly an assurance of personal safety, and a disavowal of all intention to proclaim independence. On the (Jth of December he prorogued the house till January 3d, 177G, but it never reassembled ; and thus terminated the provincial legis- lature of New Jersey. [The above is copied from an impression of the original " Great Seal of the State of New Jersey," in the secretary of state's office;, at Trenton. It is the one used at the present time, though mucli worn.]* The provincial congress of New Jersey convened at Burlington, June 10th, 1776. At this period the general congress of i\ve United Colonies was in session in Philadelphia, and, on the memorable /oMr^A of July, declared themselves independent of Great Britain. On the 18th of the same month the provincial congress assumed the title of the " State Convention of New Jersey." During the pro- gress of these events. Gov. Franklin was compelled to stand by an almost idle spectator, as the torrent of public opinion was too * The following is the report of the committee appointed to prepare this seal : " Tlie joint committee appointed by both houses, to prepare a great seal, beg leave to report — That they have considered the siibjcct, and taken the sentiments of several intflliirent gentlemen thereon, and are of the opinion tliat Francis Hopkinson, Esq., should be immediately engaged to employ ]tropcr ])crsons, at Philadelphia, to prepare a 'feilvcr seal, wliicii is to be round, of two and a iialf inches diameter, and tiirce-cighths of an inch thick ; and that the arms shall be three ploughs in an escutcheon, the supporters Tiiberty an-d Ceres, and the crest a horse's head. These words to be engraved, in large letters, round the arms, viz : ' The (Jreat Seal of the State of New Jersey.' "Princeton, 3d Oct. 177G. By order of the committee : Richard Smith, chairman." 34 OUTLINE HISTORY. strong for him to attempt to turn its course. He however, by pro- clamation of the 30th of May, summoned the house, in the name of the king, to meet on the 20th of June. The provincial congress, seeing the mischief of the measure, resolved, by a vote of thirty- five to eleven, that the proclamation of William Franklin, late governor, ought not to be obeyed ; and, as he had shown himself to be an enemy to the liberties of his country, his person should be secured. This was accordingly done ; and, by an order of the continental congress, on the 25th of June, the deposed governor was sent, under guard, to Gov. Trumbull of Connecticut, who was desired to take his parole, and in case he refused to take it, to treat him agreeably to the resolutions of congress respecting pris- oners. This request was immediately complied with. On his re- lease, he sailed to England, where he received a pension for his losses. The first legislature of independent New Jersey convened at Princeton, August 27th, 1770, and on the 31st of the same month William Livingston, Esq., was, in joint ballot, chosen governor of the state ; and, being annually re-elected, was continued in office for fourteen years. During his administration, the state was the theater of war for several years. In the revolutionary struggle, her losses, both of men and property, in proportion to the popula- tion and wealth of the state, was greater than any other of the thirteen states. When Gen. Washington was retreating through the Jerseys, almost forsaken, her militia were at all times obedient to his orders ; and for a considerable time composed the strength of his army. There is ha,rdly a town in the state, that lay in the progress of the British army, that was not signalized by some en- terprise or exploit. At Trenton the enemy received a check, which may be said, with justice, to have turned the tide of war. In the summer of 1778, Sir Henry Clinton retreated, with the British army, from Philadelphia, through New Jersey to New York. The battle of Monmouth signalizes this retreat. The military ser- vices performed by the soldiers of New Jersey, and the sufferings of her people, during the revolutionary war, entitle her to the gratitude of her sister states. By her sacrifices of blood and trea- sure, in resisting oppression, she is entitled to stand in the foremost rank among those who struggled for American freedom. Gov. Livingston died in 1700, and in October of that year was succeeded in office by William Paterson. He was re-elected in the autumn of 1791. In the spring of 1792, he was appointed a judge of the supreme court of the United States, and on the 23d of May, in that year, he resigned the office of governor. Richard How- ell was elected June 3d, 1792, and continued in office till October, 1801 ; when he was succeeded by Joseph Bloomfield. In 1802, there being no choice of governor, John Lambert, vice-president of the council, performed the duties of governor for that year. In October, 1803, Gov. Bloomfield was elected, and continued in office till 1812 ; when he was succeeded by Aaron Ogden ; who, in 1813, was in turn succeeded by William S. Pennington. In 1815, Gov. OUTLINE HISTORY. 35 Pennington was succeeded by Mahlon Dickerson ; who, in turn, was succeeded by Isaac W. Williamson, in 1817. Gov. M^illiamson continued in oliice till 1829, and Garret I). Wall was chosen to succeed him. This gentleman, on the 2d of November, declined the appointment, by letter ; and on the Gth of the same month Pe- ter D. Vroom was elected. He continued in oihce till 1832, when he was succeeded by Samuel L. Southard. On the 23d of Februa- ry, Gov. Southard was elected to the senate of the United States ; and on the 27th of that month Elias P. Seeley was chosen in his place. In 1834, Gov. Vroom was elected governor, and in 1836 Avas succeeded in office by Philemon Dickerson ; Avho in turn was succeeded by William Pennington, in 1837. In 1843, Gov. Pen- nington was succeeded by Daniel Haines. The following miscellaneous items of history, &c., will serve to throw light on the history of the times to which they refer. They are, for the most part, extracted i'rom a series of articles recently published in the Newark Daily Advertiser. EARLY MORAL LAWS. " 'Concerning tlic beastly vice, drunkenness,' the first laws inflicted fines of one shilling, two shillings, and two shillings and sixpence, for the first three offences, with corporal punishment, should the offender be unable to pay ; and if unruly, he was to be put in the stocks until sober. In 1682 it was treated more rigorously : each offence incurred a fine of five shillings, and if not paid, the stocks received a tenant for six hours; nnd constables, not doing their duty under the law, were fined ten shillings for each neglect. This increase of punishment indicates a growth in the vice, which may have been attributable in part to the removal of restrictions on the sale of "liquors in small quantities, which had previously been imposed. " In 16G8 each town was obliged to keep an 'ordinary' for the relief and entertainment of strangers, under a penalty of forty shillings for each month's neglect ; and ordinary-keepers alone were permitted to retail liquors in less quantities than two gallons. In 1077 the quantity was reduced to one gallon. In 1683 ordinary-keepers were debarred the privilege of recovering debts for liquor sold, amounting to five shillings ; but whatever good this might have done was destroyed by the assembly authorizing others than keepers of ordinaries to retail strong liquors by the quart. In 1692, ' forasmuch as there were great exorbitances and drunkenness observable in several towns. Occasioned by tolerating many persons in selling drink in private houses,' an attempt was made to establish an excise ; but the following year it was repealed, and the licensing of retailers confided to the governor. "The observance of the Lord's day was required, by abstaining from all servile work, unlawful recreations, and unnecessary travelling ; and any dis- orderly conduct could be punislied by confinement in the stocks, fines, im- prisonment, or whipping. In 1704, under the administration of Lord Corn- bury, many of the early prohibitions were re-enacted j but by that time, it 36 OUTLINE HISTORY. would seem, the use of ardent spirits began to be considered necessary . keepers of public houses were not to allow ' tippling on the Lord's day, ex- cept/or necessary refreshment.' " Swearing, or ' taking God's name in vain,' was made punishable by a shilling fine for each offence, as early as 1668, and such continued to be the law until 1682, when a special act provided that the fine should be two shillings and sixpence ; and if not paid, the offender was to be placed in the stocks, or whipped, according to his age, whether under or over twelve. " 'All prizes, stage-plays, games, masques, revels, bull-baitings, and cock- fightings, which excite the people to rudeness, cruelty, looseness, and irre- ligion,' were to be discouraged and punished by courts of justice, according to the nature of the offence. Night-walkers or revellers, after nine o'clock, were to be secured by the constable till jnorning; and, unless excused on examination, to be bound over to appear at court. " The resistance of lawful authority, by word or action, or the expression of disrcspecful language referring to those in office, was made punishable either by fine, corporal punishment, or (as from 1675 to 1682) by banish- In 1676 all liars were included — for the second offence incurring a fine of twenty shillings; and if the fines were not paid, the culprits received cor- poral punishment, or were put in the stocks." " The name of Mr. Basse is first met in connection with the affairs of New Jersey in July, 1697, when he was commissioned by ten proprietors as govern- or of the eastern province. He arrived the following spring — presented his commission to the council on the 7th April, and on the following day had it publicly proclaimed. His authority was immediately acknowledged, the fact not being then generally known that his commission had not received the signatures of sixteen proprietors, the number required to render it valid — which subsequently, with other reasons for opposition, rendered his continu- ance in office impracticable. The common seal of the twenty-four had for one of its mottoes, " Righteousness exalteth a Nation ;" and, judging from a proclamation issued at the time his commission was published. Governor Basse appears to have entered upon the discharge of his duties with proper views of the truth of the sentiment, and the necessity for vigilance on the part of the executive in upholding the measures best calculated to insure the growth of morality and religion among the people. This proclamation, which the writer believes has never appeared in print, was as follows : " BY THE GOVERNOR— A PROCLAMATION. " It being very necessar}', for the good and propriety of this province, that our princi- pal care be, in obedience to tlie laws of God and the wliolesome laws of tliis prov- ince, to endeavor as much as in us lyeth the extirpation of all sorts of looseness and prophanity, and to unite and join in the fear and love of God and of one anotlier, that by the rclifjious and virtuous carriage and behavior of every one in his respective station and calling, all heats and animosities and dissensions may vanish, and the blessing of Abniglity God accompany our honest and lawful endeavors, and tliat we may join our affections in tiic true support of his majesty's government over us, who has so often and so generously exposed liis royal person to imminent danger to redeem us from the growing power of popery and arbitrary government, and hatli, by a suigular blessing attending his endeavors, procured our deliverance and a happy and iionorablc peace, and is a great example and encourager of rehgion and virtuous living, — I have tlierefore tiiought fit, by and with tiic advice of tlic Council of this province of East Jersey, strictly to prohibit all inhabitants and sojourners within this ])rovince from cursing, swearing, immoderate drinking, sabbath breaking, and all sorts of lewdness and prophaiie behavior in word or action ; and for the true and effectual performance hereof, I do, by and with the advice OUTLINE HISTORY. ^7 aforesaid, strictly charfjc and command all Justices of the Peace, Slicriffs, Constables, and all other olhccrs witiiin the province, that they take due care that all the laws made and provided for the suppressing of vice and encouraginjr of relijjion and virtue, particu- larly the observation of the Lord's day, be duly put in execution, as they will answer the contrary at their peril. Given under the seal of said province this eijrlith day of April, Anno Dom. Ki'JB, in the tenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord William the tliird over England, &c. King J. 13ASSE. " By the Governor's command. "JoiLN Barclay, Dcp. Sec^ij s. It derives its name from the fort built in the war of the rev- olution, on the summit of the rocks, about 300 feet above the river, overlooking the village. Traces of the ruins of the fortress still exist, and until within a short time some of the stone huts used by the soldiers were standing. They were small, low, rude structures, only large enough for one or two men. In digging the cellar for the hotel, a few years since, swords, bullets, bayonets, and other military relics were found. The site of the fort is overgrown with low trees. Fort Washington is on the opposite side of the Hudson, about three miles above. When it was taken, jVov. IG, 1770, and the garrison put to the sword, tradition affirms that Washington stood on " Bluff Point" a high eminence just N. of Fort Lee, and with a spyglass witnessing the massacre, appeared greatly agitated, and BERGEN COUNTY. " 75 wept. Four days after, tho Americans evacuated Fort Lee. The ibllowiim account is from the "American Crisis," by the author of "Common Sense." As I was with the troops at Fort Lcc, and marclied with them to the edge of Pcnn- svlvania, I am well acquainted with many rircumstances which tliosc wlio lived at a distance knew a httic or nothing of. Our situation tlicre was cxce(HHn<;ly cramped, the pUice i)ein{r on a narrow neck of land, between the North river and Hackensack. Out force was inconsiderable, being not one fourth as great as Howe could bring against us. We had no army at hand to have relieved tho garrison, had wc shut ourselves up and stood on the defence. Our amntunition, light artillery, and the best part of our stores had been removed, u[)on the apprehension that Howe would endeavor to penetrate the Jerseys, in which case Fort Lee could be of no use to us, for it must occur to every tliinking man, whether in the army or not, that these kind of field forts arc only for tern- porary purposes, and last in use no longer than the enemy directs his force against the particular object which such forts are raised to defend. Such was our situation and condition at Fort Lee on the morning of the 2nth of No- vember, when an officer arrived witli information that the enemy with two hundred boats had landed about seven or eight miles above. Major Gen. Greene, who commanded the garrison, immediately ordered them under arms, and sent an express to his Excellency Gen. Washington, at the town of Hackensack, distant by the way of the ferry six miles. Our first object was to secure the bridge over the Hackensack, which laid up the river between the enemy and us ; about six miles from us, and three from them. Gen. Washington arrived in about three quarters of an hour, and marched at the head of the troops toward the bridge, at which place I expected we should have a brush. How- ever, they did not choose to dispute it with us, and the greatest part of our trooj)s went over the bridge, the rest over the ferry, except some which passed at a mill on a small creek between the bridge and ferry, and made their way through some marshy grouTul up to the town of Hackensack, and there passed the river. We brought off as much baggage as the wagons could contain ; the rest was lost. The simjjle object was to bring off the garrison, and to march them on until they could be strengthened by the Pennsylvania or Jersey militia, so as to be enabled to make a stand. We staid four days at Newark, collected in our outposts, with some of the Jersey militia, and marched out twice to meet the enemy on information of their being advancing, though our numbers were greatly inferior to theirs. A few miles below Fort Lee, at the base of the Palisades, is an- other small village called Bulls Ferry, from a ferry which has ex- isted there for more than half a century. Immediately below the village stood, in the war of the revolution, a small blockhouse, in possession of the enemy. It was unsuccessfully stormed by Gen. Wayne. The account of this event is thus given by Washington. Head Quarters, Bergen Co., July 21, 1780. Sir — Having received information that there were considerable numbers of cattle and horses in Bergen Neck, within reach of the enemy, and having reason to suspect that they meant shortly to draw all supplies of that kind within their lines, I detached Brig. Gen. Wayne on the 20th, wifli the first and second Pennsylvania brigades, with four pieces of artillery attached to them, and Col. Moylan's regiment ol dragoons, to bring them off. I had it also in contemplation, to attempt at the same time the destruction of a blockhouse erected at Bulls Ferry, which served the purjwse of covering the enemy's wood-cutters, and giving security to a body of refugees, by whom it was garrisoned, and who committed depredations upon the well-affected inhabitants for many miles around. Gen. Wayne having disposed his troops in such a manner as to guard the diflennt landing-places on the Bergen shore, upon which the enemy might throw over troops from York Island to intercept his retreat, and having sent down the cavalry to execute the business of driving off the flock, proceeded with the first, second, and tenth regiments, and tlic artillery, to the blockhouse, which he surrounded by an abattis and stockade. He for some time tried the effect of his field-pieces upon it, but though the tire was kept up for an hour, they were found too light to penetrate the logs of which it was construct. ed. The troops during this time being galled by a constant fire from the ]ooplioln at his trade in the regiment, was selected to make his coffin, which he perl'ornied, and painted black, agreeably to the custom in those times. " At this time Andre was confined in what was called a Dutch churcli, a small stone building, with only one door, and closely guarded by six sentinels. When the hour ap- pointed for his execution arrived, which 1 believe was two o'clock, P. M., a guard of three hundred men were paraded at the |)lacc of his confinement. A kind of procession Was formed by placing the guard in single file on each side of the road. In front were a large number of American officers, of high rank, on horseback. These were followed by the wagon containing Andre's coliin ; liien a large number of officers on foot, with Andre in their midst. The procession moved slowly up a moderately-rising hill, I should 78 BERGEN COUNTY. think about a fourth of a mile to the west. On the top was a field without any enclo- sure. In this was a very high gallows, made by setting up two poles or crotches, laying a pole on the top. The wagon that contained the coffin was drawn directly under the gallows. In a short time Andre stepped into the nind end of the wagon ; then on his coffin — took off his hat and laid it down — then placed his liands upon his hips, and walked very uprightly back and forth, as far as the length of his coffin would permit ; at the same time casting his eyes upon the pole over his head, and the whole scenery by which he was surrounded. He was dressed in what I should call a complete British uniform : his coat was of the brightest scarlet, faced or trimmed witli the most beautiful green. His under-clothes, or vest and breeches, were bright buff, very similar to those worn by military officers in Connecticut, at the present day. He had a long and beauti- ful head of hair, which, agreeably to the fashion, was wound with a black riband, and hung down his back. All eyes were upon him ; and it is not behoved tliat any officer in the British army, placed in his situation, would have appeared better than this unfortu- nate man. " Not many minutes after he took his stand upon the coffin, the executioner stepped into the wagon, with a halter in his iiand, on one end of which was what the soldiers in those days called a hangman's knot, which he attempted to put over the head and around the neck of Andre ; but by a sudden movement of his hand this was prevented. Andre took off the handkerchief from his neck, unpinned his shirt-collar, and deliberately took the end of the halter, j)Ut it over his head, and placed the knot directly under his right ear, and drew it very snugly to his neck. He then took from his coat-pocket a handker- chief, and tied it over liis eyes. This done, the officer that commanded (his name I have forgotten) spoke in rather a loud voice, and said that his arms must be tied. Andre at once pulled down the handkerchief he had just tied over his eyes, and drew from his pocket a second one, and gave to the executioner ; and then replaced his handkerchief. His arms were tied just above the elbows, and behind the back. The rope was then made fast to the pole overhead. The wagon was very suddenly drawn from under the gallows, which, together with the length of rope, gave him a most tremendous swing back and forth ; but in a few moments he hung entirely still. During the whole trans- action, he appeared as little daunted as Mr. John Rogers, when he was about to be burnt at the stake ; but his countenance was rather pale. He remained hanging, I should think, from tweny to thirty minutes ; and during that time the chambers of death were never stiller than the multitude by which he was surrounded. Orders were given to cut the rope, and take him down, without letting him fall. This was done, and his body carefully laid on tlie ground. Shortly after, the guard was withdrawn, and spectators were permitted to come forward to view the corpse ; but the crowd was so great that it was some time before I could get an opportunity. When I was able to do this, his coat, vest, and breeches were taken off, and his body laid in the coffin, covered by some un- der-clothes. The top of the coffin was not put on. I viewed the corpse more carefully than I had ever done that of any human being before. His head was very much on one side, in consequence of the manner in which the halter drew upon his neck. His face appeared to be greatly swollen and very black, much resembling a high degree of morti- fication. It was indeed a shocking sight to behold. There were at this time, standing at the foot of the coffin, two young men, of uncommon short stature — I shoidd think not more than four feet high. Their dress was the most gaudy that I ever beheld. One of them had the clothes, just taken from Andre, hanging on his arm. I took particular pains to learn who they were, and was informed tiiat they were his servants, sent up from New York to take care of his clothes ; but what other business I did not learn. " I now turned to take a view of the executioner, wlio was still standing by one of the posts of the gallows. I walked nigh enough to him to have laid my hand upon his shoulder, and looked him directly in his face. He appeared to be about twenty-five years of age, his beard of two or three weeks' growth, and his whole face covered with what appeared to me to be blacking taken from the outside of a greasy pot. A more fright- ful-looking being I never beheld : his whole countenance bespoke him to be a fit instru- ment for the business he had been doing. Wishing to see the closing of the whole .business, I remained upon the spot until scarce twenty persons were left; but the cof- fin was still beside the grave, which had previously been dug. I now returned to my tent, with my mind deeply imbued with the shocking scene I had been called to witness." The following account of the massacre of Col. Baylor's troop, in October, 1778, is taken from Ramsay's History of the American Revolution, (vol. ii.) This bloody transaction took place (it is BERGEN COUNTY. 7q stated) about two and a half miles SW. of Tappan, in a barn which formerly stood near llackensack river. " One of the most disastrous events which occurred at tliis period of the campaifrn, was the surprise and massacre of an American roijiment of H'dit dragoons, commanded by Lieut. Col. Baylor. While empToyed, in a de- tached situation, to intercept and watch a British foraging party, they took up their lodging in a barn, near Tappan. The officer°who commanded the party which surprised them was Maj. Gen. Grey. He acquired the name of the 'no-f/nt General,' from his common practice of ordering the men un- der his command to take the flints out of their muskets, that thoy mi^dit be confmed to the use of their bayonets. A party of militia, which hacf been stationed on the road, by which the British advanced, quitted their post without giving any notice to Col. Baylor. This disorderly conduct was the occasion of the disaster which followed. Grey's men proceeded with such silence and address, that they cut off a sergeant's patrol, without noise, and surrounded old Tappan without being discovered. They then rushed in upon Baylor's regiment, while they were in a profound sleep, hicapable of defence or resistance, cut off from every prospect of selling their lives dearly, the surprised dragoons sued for quarters. Unmoved by their sup- plications, their adversaries applied the bayonet, and continued its repeated thrusts while objects could be found, in which any signs of life appeared. A few escaped, and others, after having received from five to eleven bayo- net wounds in the trunk of the body, \vere restored, in course of time, to perfect health. Baylor himself was wounded, but not dangerously. 'Ho lost, in killed, wounded, and taken, 67 privates, out of 104. About 40 were made prisoners. These were indebted for their lives to the humanity of one of Grey's captains, who gave quarters to the whole fourth troop, thou'rh contrary to the orders of his superior officers. The circumstance of the at- tack bemg made in the night, when neither order nor discipline can be ob- served, may apologize, in some degree, with men of a certain description for this bloody scene. It cannot be maintained that the laws of war re- quire that quarters should be given in similar assaults ; but the lovers of mankind must ever contend, that the laws of humanity are of superior ob- ligation to those of war. The truly brave will spare when resistance ceases, and in every case where it can be done in safety. The perpetra- tors of such actions may justly be denominated the enemies of refined so- ciety. As far as their example prevails, it tends to arrest the growing hu- manity of modern times, and to revive the barbarism of Gothic a^es On these principles, the massacre of Col. Baylor's regiment was the s^ubject of much complaint. The particulars of it were ascertained, by the oaths of sundry credible witnesses, taken before Gov. Livingston, of Jersey • and the whole was submitted to the judgment of the public." ' LODL This township was formed from New Barbadoes, in 1825, and reduced in limits, in 1840, by the formation of Hudson co. Its length is about 6 miles. It is bounded N. by New Barbadoes. E. by llackensack, S. by Hudson co., and W. by Hudson co. and Saddle Jlivcr. The Saddle river courses on its western, and the Hackcn- 80 BERGEN COUNTY sack on its eastern boundary. As tending to show the preservation of the ancient Dutch names in this region, it is mentioned that in a sabbath-school, formed in this township, in 1827 or 1828, out of 41 scholars, 40 bore the name of Yierriance. This township con- tains a dyeing and printing establishment, 3 grist-mills, 3 saw-mills ; capital in manufactures, $70,000 ; 2 schools, 52 scholars. Popula- tion, 687. NEW BARBADOES. This township is about 7 miles long, and 3^ wide. It is bounded N. by Washington, E. by Hackensack, S. by Lodi, and W. by Saddle River and Franklin. The Hackensack is on the eastern, and Saddle river on the western boundary. The surface is generally level, or undulating ; the soil is highly cultivated and productive. Several sloops ply, on the Hackensack, between here and New York, laden with the wood and produce of the country. Popula- tion, 2,104. Hackensack, the seat of justice for Bergen co., is on the west bank of Hackensack river, 13 miles from New York city. The town was originally settled by six or eight Dutch families, and in- cluded in a patent, granted by the proprietors of East Jersey, to Capt. John Berry, commencing about 5 miles below the town, at what was then called the Boiling Spring road, and extending to the north of it about 2 miles ; and bounded on the E. by Hackensack, and W. by Saddle River. It was subject to a quit-rent : all the titles to lots in the town are derived originally from this grant ; but no quit-rents have been paid since the revelation. At the commencement of the revolutionary war Hackensack contained only about 30 houses. It now has over 200, and a popu- lation of about 1,500. There are 4 churches. The Ref Protestant Dutch church is a handsome stone edifice (shown in the annexed engraving) on one side of the public green. It is the third built on that site. The first was erected in 1696, and the present one in 1791. There is another in the lower part of the town, erected by a congregation formed from the first, styled the " True Re- formed Dutch church." The third one, called " The Independent church," was formed from the last. There is also a Methodist church in the village. The last three are wooden structures erect- ed within a few years. The courthouse built in 1819, a handsome brick building, is the fourth erected. Hackensack is one of the most pleasant villages in the state, stretching along through the meadows, on two main streets, for a mile or more : back of these is a new street recently laid out. There are four streets leading from the front to the rear streets. There are several elegant mansions in the town, and a great addi- tion is made to its appearance by the cultivation of shade-trees and shrubbery. From a hill about a quarter of a mile west is a beau- BERGEN COUNTY. 81 View of the Courthouse and Church, Ilackensack. tiful landscape, comprising the whole of the town with its neat white buildings, the Hackensack quietly meandering through fertile meadows, and in the distance the high hills bounding the Hudson. There are 5 large stores, besides several smaller ones, which do an extensive business with the surrounding country. Six vessels are constantly plying between here and New York ; a considerable lumber trade is carried on, and large quantities of pine wood for steamboats are brought from Virginia. The town has many me- chanics of almost every variety, and 4 taverns, 3 of which are on the village green. There are 2 academies and 1 female boarding- school, and also a select grammar-school, where young men are prepared for college, under the direction of Rev. John S. Mabon, A. M. The stone academy built in 17(52, was the first erected in the village. The frame academy at the upper end of the town has been built only a few years. There are three turnpikes leading from the place ; one to Fort Lee, one to Paterson, and one to IIo- boken. The last was the second chartered in New Jersey. We are indebted to the kindness of an eye-witness, for the fol- lowing detailed account of military operations in this place and vicinity in the war of the revolution. "After the evacuation of Fort Lee in Nov., 177G, and the sur- render of Fort Washington to the British, Washington, at tlie head of his army, consisting only of about 3,000 men, having sent on his baggage to Acquackanonck, crossed the New Bridge into the town. It was about dusk when the head of the troops entered Hacken- sack. The night was dark, cold, and rainy, but I had a fair view of them from the light of the windows, as they passed on oia- side: of the street. They marched two abreast, looked ragged, some without a shoe to their I'eet, and most of them wrapjK'd in thtMr blankets. Washington then, and for some time previous, had his head-fiuarters at the residence of Mr. I'eter Zabriskic, a })riv;i1e house, the supplies for the general's table being furnished by Mr. 11 82 BERGEN COUNTY. Archibald Campbell, the tavern-keeper. The next evening, af- ter the Americans had passed through, the British were encamped on the opposite side ot' the river. We could see their fires about 100 yards apart, gleaming brilliantly in the gloom of night, ex- tending some distance below the town, and more than a mile up toward the New Bridge. Washington was still at his quarters, and had with him his suite, life-guards, a company of foot, a regi- ment of cavalry, and some soldiers from the rear of the army. In the morning, before the general left, he rode down to the dock where the bridge now is, viewed the enemy's encampment about ten or fifteen minutes, and then returned to Mr. Campbell's door and called for some wine and water. After he had drunk, and when Mr. Campbell was taking the glass from him, the latter, with tears streaming down his face, said, ' General, what shall I do, I have a family of small children and a little property here ; shall I leave it?' Washington kindlj'took his hand and replied, ' Mr. Campbell, stay by your property and kcej) neutral,^ then bidding him ' good- bye,' rode oil". About noon the next day, the British took posses- sion of the town, and in the afternoon the green was covered with Hessians, a horrid, i'rightful sight to the inhabitants. There were between :{,000 and 1,000, with their whiskers, brass caps, and ket- tles or brass drums. A part of these same troops were two months after taken prisoners at Trenton." "In the latter part of March, 1780, a party of about 400 British, Hessians, and refugees, passed through Hackensack on their way to attack some Pennsylvania troops at Paramus. It was about 3 o'clock in the night when they entered the lower part of the town. All was quiet. A small company of 20 or 30 militia, under Capt. John Outwater, had retired for the night to the barracks, barns, and out-houses, where those friendly to the American cause generally resorted to rest. One half of the enemy marched quietly through. When the rear, consisting mostly of Hessians, arrived, they broke open the doors and windows, robbed and plundered, and took pris- oners a few peaceable inhabitants, among whom was Mr. Archi- bald Campbell. This gentleman, who had been for several weeks confined to his bed with the rheumatism, they forced into the street and compelled to follow them. Often in their rear, they threatened to shoot him if he did not hasten his pace. In the subsequent con- fusion he escaped and hid in the cellar of a house opposite the New Bridge. He lived until 1798, and never experienced a return of the rheumatism. The Hessians burnt 2 dwellings and the courthouse. The latter stood on the west side of the green, 8 or 10 rods from Campbell's tavern. Fortunately the wind was Irom the west and drove the llames and sparks over the green, and the tavern was saved by the family throwing water over the roof. At this time those in the out- houses were aroused, and the militia hastened across the fields, mounted horses, and alarmed the troops at Paramus. By the time the enemy had arrived at what is now the Red Mills, 4 miles from BERGEN COUNTY. 83 Hackensack, they ascertained the Americans were on their way to meet them. Disappointed, they retraced th(;ir steps, and when near Hackensack turned ofT to the north, on the road h^adini^ to the New Brid<,^e, to the left of which there is a range about half a mile distant Irom the road, the intervening ground being level. Here the continentals and militia were hurrying over, kept how- ever at a distance by large flanking parties of the enemy, who, on arriving at the bridge, were detained about two hours in replacing tlie plank torn olF by the Americans. In the mean time their par- ties were skirmishing with our people. Having crossed over, they marched down the east side of the Hackensack through the Eng- lish Neighborhood, being pursued 12 miles, to a consideraljle distance within their lines, down to Bergen woods. They lost many killed and wounded. There were none killed on our side. A young man of the town was wounded by a spent ball, which cut his up- per lip, knocked out four front teeth, and was caught in his mouth. Capt. Outwater received a ball below the knee, which was never extracted. He carried it for many years, and it was buried with iiim. The following account of an exploit performed about one and a half miles from the New Bridge, by the celebrated Aaron Burr, then in the revolutionary army, is from a statement made by Judge G. Gardner. "In September, 1777, the regiment called Malcom's regiment lay at SulFren's, in the Clove, under the command of Lieutenant- colonel Burr. Intelligence having been received that the enemy were in Hackensack in great force, and advancing into the coun- try, Col. Burr immediately marched with the etlective men, except a guard to take care of the camp We arrived at Para- mus, a distance of 1(> miles, before sunset. There were considera- ble bodies of militia in great alarm and disorder, and doing much mischief to the neighboring farms. They could give no intelligence of the enemy but from rumor. They supposed them to be within a few miles and advancing. " Col. Burr set some of the militia to repair the fences they had destroyed, and arranged them as well as time would permit ; and having taken measures to secure the troops from surprise, and also for the protection of the cornfields, he marched immediately, with about 30 of the most active of the regiment, and a few of the mi- litia, to ascertain the position and numbers of the enemy. About 10 o'clock at night, being 3 miles from Hackensack, we got certain intelligence that we were within a mile of the picket guai-d of th(^ enemy. Col. Burr then led the men into a wood, and ordered them to sleep till he should awake them, of which we had great need, having marched more than 30 miles since noon. Col. Burr tiien weiit alone to discover the position of the enemy. He returned about half an hour before daj^ and waked us, and told us that he was going to attack the picket of the enemy ; that we had only to follow him, and then forbid any man to speak or to fire, on pain of death. He then led us between the sentinels in such a a\ ay, that 84 BERGEN COUNTY. we were within a few yards of the picket guard before they sus- pected our approach. He then gave the word, and we rushed up- on them before they had time to take their arms, and the greater part were killed. A few prisoners and some accoutiements were brought off without the loss of one man. Col. Burr immediately sent olf an express to Paramus, to order all the troops to move, and to rally the country. Our little success had so encouraged the in- habitants, that they turned out with great alacrity and put them- selves under the command of Col. Burr. But the enemy, probably alarmed by these threatening appearances, retreated the next day, leaving behind them the greater part of the plunder which they had taken." The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the graveyard annexed to the church. The first is on a tall granite monument in the rear of the building, and the last on a flat stone lying horizontally upon the ground, under the willow seen in the preceding engraving. " In memory of Col. Richard Varick, formerly mayor of the city of New York, and at the time of his decease, president of the American Bible Society. Born 25th March, 1753. Died 30th of July, 1831, aged 78 years, 4 months, and 5 days." " In memory of Peter Wilson, LL.D., who was born in the parish of Ordignhill in the shire of BamtF, Scotland, Nov. 23d, 17'lt), and emigrated to this county in 17fi3. For many years he was the efficient and successful principal of the academy in this place, and afterward of that at Flatbush, L. I., and for 2G years officiated as professor of languages in Columbia College. A zealous and successful patriot and Christian, and exemplary in all the public, social, and domestic relations which he sustained, he closed a life of indefatigable activity and constant usefulness, on the 1st of August, 1825, in the 7i)th year of his age. ' Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. They rest from their labors and tiieir works do foUow them.' " " In memory of the Hon. Brigadier-general Enoch Poor, of the state of New Hamp- shire, who departed this Ufe on the 8th day of September, 1780, aged 44 years." At the time of the death of General Poor, the American army w^as at Kinerhamach, near the line of New York and New Jersey. The funeral was attended by Washington and Lafayette, and the procession, composed of a long line of soldiers, both loot and horse, extended from the church to the upper end of the town. They had 2 lield-pieces, which were not discharged, probably on account of the vicinity to the enemy. Lafayette, on his last visit to this country, was shown the grave. He was much affected, and on turning away, exclaimed, '* Ah ! that was one of my generals !" SADDLE RIVER. Saddle River, previous to the formation of Passaic co., com- prised within its limits what is now Manchester of that co. It was then shaped like a saddle, from \A-hich it derived its name. It is now 7 miles long and 2 wide, and is bounded N. by Franklin, E. by New Barbadoes, SE. by Lodi, and W. by Acquackanonck and Manchester. The Passaic courses its western and the Saddle BURLINGTON COUNTY. 85 river its E. line. The latter merges into the former at the S. point of the townsliip. The surface is level, and the suil well-cultivated, and very productive in garden vegetables. The township contains 4 grist-m., 1 saw-m. ; 3 schools, 80 scholars. Pop. 8:;i8. WASHINGTON. Washington was formed from the western part of Harrington in 1840. It is about 7 miles long, 5 wide, and is bounded N. by Rock- land CO., N. Y., E. by Harrington, S. by New Barbadoes, and W. by Franklin. The Saddle river courses on its W., and the Hacken- sack on its E. boundary. The surface is level and well watered. The dairy business is extensively carried on. Paskack, is the name of the post-office in this township, 10 miles N. of Hackensack, and 73 from Trenton. The township contains stores, cap. $7,800 ; G grist-m., 14 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $5,200 ; 4 schools, 135 schol- ars. Pop. 1,833. BURLINGTON COUNTY. Thk bounds of Burlington co. were first established (though not with much particularity) in 1GU4. They were definitely settled by the act of 1710. The limits were reduced in 1710 by the forma- tion of Hunterdon co., by which the Assanpink creek w^as made the northern boundary, and still further in 1838 by the erection of Mer- cer CO., when the township of Nottingham was annexed to the new county. This county derives its name from the town of Burlington, which was early settled by English Friends. It is a long tract, ex- tending from the Delaware river to the Atlantic ocean ; being the only county that reaches across the width of the state. Its extreme length is about 50 miles ; breadth on the NW. about 22, and near the SPj. end about 13 miles. It is bounded NNW. by the Delaware river, N. by Mercer co., ENE. by Moimiouth co., SE. by the Atlan- tic ocean, and SW. by Atlantic and Gloucester counties. The county is of an alluvial formation, composed of sand, gravel, loam, and clay, and its surface is generally level or undulating. In the interior, a few miles from the Delaware, is a strip of exceedingly fertile land several miles wide, on which are some of the linest farms in the state, highly cultivated, and much improved by the marl which abounds there. The prominent agricultural j)ro(lucts of the county are wheat, corn, rye, oats, grass, beans, and potatoes. Beyond the above tract, for about forty miles, nearly to the sea-shore, the whole country is generally a light sandy soil covered princi- pally with pines, in which are but few inhabitants, who are occu- pied in cutting timber for transportation, or are employed in the glass works and iron foundries scattered here and there over its surface. Along the sea-shore is a narrow strip ol' fertile land. 86 BURLINGTON COUNTY. The SE. part of the county is watered by the Little Egg Harbor river and its branches, which flow to the ocean ; the NVV. by the Rancocus, Crosswick's creek, and other streams emptying into the Delaware. Burlington co. is divided into the following 11 townships, all of which, excepting Washington, were incorporated in 1798. Burlington Evesham Mansfield Washington Chester Hanover Northampton Willingboro Chesterfield Little Egg Harbor Springfield The population of the townships now composing the county, in 1810, was 23,745 ; in 1820, 25,189 ; in 1830, 27,209 ; in 1840, 32,83G. BURLINGTON. The extreme length of Burlington is 7 miles. It is bounded NE. by Mansfield, SE. by Northampton, SW. by Willingboro, and N W. by the Delaware river. Pop. 3,434. Its surface is level, or gently undulating, and its soil fertile. Burlington city, of Burlington township, Burlington county, 20 miles NE. from Philadelphia, 158 from Washington city, and 12 SW. from Trenton, is pleasantly situated upon the river Delaware, opposite Bristol in Pennsylvania. Among the original purchasers of West Jersey lands, were two companies, one composed of some " Friends" in Yorkshire, and the other of some " Friends" in Lon- don, who each contracted and had patents for considerable shares. In 1607, commissioners were sent by them empowered to buy lands of the natives, &c. (For the names of the commissioners, see Smith's History of New Jersey.) They embarked in the Kent, (being the second ship from London to the western parts.) Charles II, pleasuring in his barge on the Thames, came alongside and gave them his blessing. In June of that year, said commissioners ar- rived at an island in the Delaware on the Jersey shore, (now at- tached to the main land by causeways and bridges,) called from an old Indian chief, Chygoe's Island. Here the two parties above re- ferred to agre(!d to unite in settling a town. Noble, a surveyor who came in the first ship, was employed to divide the spot. The main street (now High-street) being ascertained, he divided the land on each side into lots, the eastern among the Yorkshire pro- prietors, the other among the Londoners. To the town, thus by mutual consent laid out, the commissioners gave the name first of New Beverly, then of Bridlington, and finally Burlington. Corpo- ration privileges Avere first granted to it by the General Assembly of New Jersey, in May, 1693, and May, 1695 — the bounds extending only to the island. It was incorporated by letters patent of George II, A. D. 1734, extending the limits to the township. The present charter bears date Dec. 21st, 1784, and declares it to extend the length of 3 miles on the river Delaware, and one mile into the countv from the river at right angles. Prior to 1676, the site of BURLINGTON COUNTY. 87 St. Mary's Hall, and Bishop Donne's Residence. [Tlic annexed cngravinj^ is a representation of St. Mary's Hall seen on the loft, and of Bishop Doanc's residence, a Gotliic structure, seen on the riglit.] this town Avas holden by 4 Dutch families, one of whom kept an inn for the accommodation of travellers passing to and from the settlements on the west shores of the Delaware, and New York. It contains about 500 dwellings, and about 3,200 inhabitants, of whom about 300 are colored. It has places for divine worship as follows : 1 Methodist Episcopal, 1 of the Society of Friends (ortho- dox,) 1 Baptist, 1 Protestant Episcopal, 1 Presbyterian, and two meeting-houses of people of color. It has also a city hall and mar- ket ; an arsenal ; a lyceum belonging to an incorporated company which originated in 1835; a valuable and ancient public library; a humane society for the recovery of drowned persons ; an hospital ; two large beneficial societies, one formed on the principle of total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks; a large temperance society ; two Dorcas societies; a vigorous and highly commendable society instituted in the year 1796, and since incorporated, called " The Friendly Institution," and composed chiefly of ladies, for the pri- Vide relief of distress, and having for its motto the line, " To spare the modest blush, — to {rive unseen." The city is supplied with the purest of water by an aqueduct company (incorporated A. D. 1801) which obtains its supplies from some springs in high ground in the neighborhood. The city also owes much to an incorporated meadow company which has stopped out the tide, and con\erted the marshes into exc(dlent mendows. It has a celebrated boarding-school conducted by Charles Atherton, successor to John Gummere and vSainuel Aaron ; also, St. iAIary's Hall, a large and magnificent boarding-school for girls. delighfl'iiHy situated on the Green Bank, under the exclusive direction of I lie bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in this state. 88 BURLINGTON COUNTY. There is in the city a free-school, chiefly maintained from the rents of Mattnicunk, or Burlington Island, given for that purpose by act of assembly, Sept. 28th, 1G82. This island contains about 300 acres, and is divided into two farms. It is in the Delaware, (which is at this place over a mile in width,) opposite the city. There are also, a school endowed by the Society of Friends, a number of common schools for white, and one for colored children. There is a large and ;lourishing steam saw and grist mill. There are three fire com- panies. The Mechanics' Bank of this place does a good and safe business, and in public estimation ranks among the first in the state. There are four physicians, several practising attorneys, a consider- able number of well-conducted and well-supplied stores, devoted to general merchandise ; one large drug-store, and several mainly devoted to that business. Shoes are extensively manufactured. The number of mechanics is large, and these are nearly all pledged to total abstinence, together with many other inhabitants, which adds to the moral tone for which this city has ever been remarka- ble. Burlington was originally the capital of New Jersey, and also the seat of justice of the county, but was deprived of these advantages in consequence of its location not being sufficiently central. The regulation of the city is intrusted to a mayor, re- corder, and three aldermen, appointed by the legislature, and six common council-men annually elective. It is a place of summer resort, on account of its salubrity. The harbor is good. The Cam- den and Amboy railroad passes through one of the principal streets ; and by means of this and the numerous steamers plying on the Delaware, great facilities are afforded for communication with Philadelphia. By reference to a fair original record now extant, we find that a monthly meeting of the Society of Friends was regularly organ- ized in Burlington "the 15th of y'' 5th mo"' 1678." The first item of business of this body was to agree " that a collection be made once a month for y" use of y" poor." In September of the same year it is recorded, " Friends also stak't or mark't out y" burying ground, and gave order for y*' fencing of itt." The corner-stone of the Episcopal church was laid March 25th, 1703. This church, in the first charter, granted Oct. 4th, 1704, was called St. Anne's, after the name of the queen. But a more ample charter being granted in 1709, the church was named St. Mary's, on account of the cor- ner-stone having been laid on the day of the annunciation. This building has been within a few years enlarged and beautified. The river shore is occupied with handsome residences, and the prome- nade in front of these, called " Green Bank," is of surpassing beauty, and is justly the admiration of all visitors, and of passengers in the steamers. BURLINGTON COUNTY. 89 St. Mary's Church and Gratcyard. The above is a view of St. Mary's church, and some of the monu- ments in the adjoining graveyard. The monument of Elias Bou- dinot, LL.D., the first president of the American Bible Society, is seen on the right, having the following inscription : — Here lies the remains of the Honorable Elias Boudinot, LL.D. Born on the 2d day of May, A. D. 1740. He died on the 24th day of Oct., A. D. 1821. His life was an exhibition of fervent piety, of useful talent, and of extensive benevolence. His death was the triumph of Cliristian faith, the consummation of hope, the dawn and the pledge of endless fehcity. To those who knew him not, no words can paint ; And those who knew him, know all words are faint. Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace. The following is a copy of an inscription on another monument in this yard : — Here lies the remains of WILLIAM BRADFORD, Attorney-gencral of the United States under the Presidency of WASHINGTON ; and previously Attorney-general of Pennsylvania and a Judge of the Supreme Court of that state. In private life he had acquired the esteem of all his fellow-citizens. In professional attainments he was learned as a lawyer, and eloquent as an advocate. In the execution of his public offices, he was vigilant, dignified, and impartial. Yet in the bloom of life ; in tiie maturity of every faculty that could invigorate or embellish the human mind ; in the prosecution of the most important services that a citi/.cn could render to his country ; in the perfect enjoy- ment of the highest honors that public confidence could bestow upon an individual ; blessed in all tlie pleasures which a virtuous reflection could furnish from the past, and animated by all the incitements which an honorable ambition could depict in the future — he ceased to be mortal. A fever, produced by a fatal assiduity in performing his official trust at a crisis interesting to the nation, suddenly terminated his public career, extin- guished the splendor of his private prosperity, and on the S.Sd day of August, 17D5, in the 40th year of his age, consigned him to the grave — Lamenteu, Ho.nored, and Be- loved. His widow erected this monument to his memory. The following notice of the early settlement of Burlington by the Engli.sh, communicated to the Hist. Soc. of Pennsylvania, by John F. Watson, was copied from the original autograph of Mrs. Mary Smith, a Friend, who a,rrived with tlie primitive colonists, when she was only four years of age : 12 90 BURLINGTON COUNTY. " Robert Murfin and Ann his wife, living in Nottinghamshire, England, had ono daughter born there in the year 1674, the 4th of the 2d month, named Mary, (the writer of this account, who married the first Daniel Smith of Burlington.) Alter that, they had a son called Robert. " Some time after, it came in their minds to move themselves and family into West Jersey in America ; and in order thereto, they went to Hull and provided provisions suit- able for their necessary occasions, — such as fine flour, butter, cheese, with other suitable commodities in good store ; then took their passage in the good ship, the Shield of Stock- ton, with Mahlon Stacy, Thomas Lambert, and many more families of good repute and worth : and in the voyage there were two died and two born ; so that thoy landed as many as they took on board. And after about sixteen weeks sailing or on board, they arrived at Burlington in the year 1678 ; this being the first ship that ever was known to come so high up the Delaware river. Then they landed and made some such dwellings as they could for the present time ; — some in caves, and others in palisade-houses secured. With that, the Indians, very numerous, but very civil, for the most part, brought corn and venison, and sold tlie English for such things as they needed ; so that the said Eng- lish had some new supply to help their old stock, which may well be attributed to the good hand of Providence, so to preserve and provide in such a wilderness. " I may not omit some English that came the year before, which landed lower down the river, and were gotten to Burlington, who came in some small vessels up to Burling- ton before us, — and was so consented to by the Indians. " The first comers, with the others that came near that time, made an agreement with the Indians for their laud, — being after this manner : — From the river to such and such creeks ; and was to be paid in goods, after this manner, say — so many match-coats, guns, hatchets, hoes, kettles ; two full boxes, with other materials, all in number as agreed upon of both Indians and English. When these goods were gotten from England and the Indians paid, then the above-mentioned people surrendered some part of the land to settle themselves near the river — for they did not dare to go far from it at first. " I must not forget, that these valiant subjects, both to God and their king, did buy their land in old England before they entered (upon this engagement,) and after all this, did submit themselves to mean living, taking it with thankl'uhicss, mean and coarse ; as pounding Indian corn one day for the next (lay ; for there was no mill, except some few steed-mills, and (we) thought so well of this kind of hard living, that I never hedrd them say, ' I would I had never come !' which is worth observing, considering how plentifully they lived in England. It seems no other than the hand of God, so to send them to prepare a place for the future generations. I wish they that come after may consider these things, and not be like the children of Israel after they were settled in the land of Canaan, forgetting the God of their fathers and following their own vanities ; and so bring displeasure, instead of the blessings of God, upon themselves ; which fall and loss will be very great on all such. " Now to return to Robert Murfin and his wife ; after they came into this land, they had one son called John; and in the year 1681, they had another son called William; and in the year 1684, they had a daughter called Johanah. Robert and John died young.* " It may be observed how God's providence made room for us in a wonderful manner, in taking away the Indians. There came a distempert among them so mortal that they could not bury all the dead. Others went away, leaving their town. It was said that an old Indian king spoke prophetically before his death and said, ' the English should increase and the Indians decrease ." " In a few years after the first settlement, it would seem as if this place had grown to be a place of the first importance, or at least comparatively so, as its meridian and latitude was assumed for the calculation of the first Almanac, the title-page whereof was as fol- lows, to wit : — "An Almanac for the year of the Christian account, 1687, particularly respecting * " Mary Smith was found drowned with her horse, in the year 1739, near the Long Bridge, in the Northern Liberties ; supposed to have occurred from her intending to give her horse water, where it was very deep :" that was then the direct and only " road to Burlington." t This was the small-pox, (brought amongst them by the colonists) which, from the manner of treatment, by sweating and then plunging into cold water, was very fatal. BURLINGTON COUNTY. 91 the Meridian and Latitude of Bitrlimrton, hut may indifferently serve all places adja. cent. By Daniel Leeds, Student in Agriculture. Printed and sold by William Brad, ford,* near Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, Pro Anno, 1G87." The parly Quaker inhabitants of Burlington were distinguished as well for their intelligence as for their piety. Dr. Franklin found among them minds congenial to his own, whose society he much enjoyed. To go still further back, the following may interest our readers as one of the pleasant little traditions of the good old times. William Penn, when governor of Pennsylvania, used to sail up in liis barge from Philadelphia to his manor house at Pennsbury, a few miles above Bristol. He would frequently stop on his way to visit Governor Jennings, of New Jersey, (who was also a distin- guished Quaker minister,) whose house in Burlington is still stand- ing. On one occasion, Jennings and some of his friends were en- joying their pipes, — a practice which the gentlemanly Penn disliked. On hearing that Penn's barge was in sight, they put away their pipes, that their friend might not be annoyed, and endeavored to conceal from him what they were about. He came in upon them, however, somewhat suddenly, and pleasantly remarked that he was glad they had sufficient sense of propriety to be ashamed of the practice. Jennings, rarely at a loss for an answer, rejoined that they were not ashamed, but desisted to avoid hurting a ivcak brother. Another anecdote we will give, illustrative of the sim- plicity and genuine hospitality of early days. Somewhere about the year 1753, the family of John Smith, (brother to Smith the his- torian,) then occupying the venerable, and, in those days, imposing mansion of the late excellent Mr. Coleman, were sitting at their tea-table under the trees at their door in the main street. A gen- tleman (a stranger) passing along, was invited to partake of their fare, and was induced, by the conversation that ensued, to settle in the place. He became one of the most efficient and valuable citi- zens of Burlington, and his family, in the second and third genera- tions, are among the most respectable inhabitants. This was the first Burlington printer — editor of an ably conducted paper, which was commenced Dec. 5th, 1777, and was employed successively by the colony and the states. Throughout the war it was the leading vehicle of information to the whigs, and Governor Livingston and others wrote many effective essays for it. He printed Livingston's Philosophic Solitude, a large edition of the Bible, the Burlington Almanac, and probably the first continental money. We will now relate a tradition of a very different nature. There were two old trees of haunted memory. The first is The Wilchrs' Tree, a large and noble buttonwood, still standing on that beautiful portion of Green Bank formerly occupied by William Franklin, when governor of New Jersey. It was planted, by his direction, by old Adam Shepherd, father to the well-known Ben. Shepherd. * It is believed that W. Bradford set up his, the first printinjr.prcss, at Kcnsincrton, near the Trciity Tree. He landed in 1GHS2 or '3, where Philadelphia soon aflerward was laid out, and bclbrc a house was built. This almanac was his first publication. n BURLINGTON COUNTY. Ancient Tree, Burlington. This was held to be the favorite resort of witches, who (though they were, like all the early reminiscences of the place, strictly English) danced around it after the manner of the Kettentanz of the German witches on the Hartz mountains. The other was T/ip^ Pirate Tree, a large black-walnut, the enormous stump of which may still be seen in the tanyard on Wood-st. Superstition held it famous, as the place of deposit for gold and silver, by Blackbeard and his associate pirates. It is said that they landed one stormy, terrific night, loaded with an unusual quantity of plunder, which they buried in silence at the root of this tree, which took its name from this circumstance. They covered the gold with " a broad flat stone," and having done so, their chieftain called aloud, " Who'll guard this wealth ?" We should have mentioned, that the transac- tion was performed in darkness, as well as in silence ; but at this question, a vivid flash of lightning revealed the pale and appalled countenances of the pirates, who, though ready at all times to dare death and to trample on the laws of Heaven and of man, were yet unwilling to offer themselves a sacrifice, to be murdered in cold blood. Some one, however, must be interred with the gold to pro- tect it from depredation ; and at last one of the most reckless out- laws, a Spaniard, who had long merited the honors of the neigh- boring Gallows Hill, stepped forward and offered himself as their victim. He was shot through the brain by Blackbeard, with a charmed bullet, which penetrated without occasioning a wound, thus leaving him as well prepared as ever for mortal combat, ex- cept the trifling circumstance of his being stone dead. He was buried in an erect position ; and so well has he performed his trust, that, for any evidence we possess to the contrary, the treasure re- mains there to the present day. On one occasion, it is said, an at- tempt was made to regain it ; but the hazardous deed will not be likely to be repeated while the attendant circumstances are remem- BURLINGTON COUNTY. 93 bered. It is suspected by some (though tradition is silent on this point) that a black dog was buried with the pirate, since an appa- rition of that shape has been seen in Wood-st. by the believers. These supernatural appearances are rarely beheld in the present tlay, — tor want, doubtless, of that faith which is the only possible evidence of certain unseen things. We will close this legend, for the introduction of which we crave our readers' pardon, with an admirable specimen of the characteristics of an old witch song, M'hich is represented as having been heard from the witches dancing with linked hands around their favorite tree on the night of the Spaniard's interment. Just at its close, they were intruded upon by some beings of mortal mould, and uttering something like the exclamation of the ancient Scottish witches, " Horse and hattock in the devil's name," they were all instantly seated upon broomsticks, and rode away at a speed exceeding that of the forked lightning. Their next voy- age, it is said, was disastrous and fatal. CONCERT OF WITCHES. Merrily daunce we, merrily daunce we, around the sycamore tree ! Full many will daunce this terrible night, but none will be merry but we. The ships shall daunce on the yesty waves, the billows shall daunce and roll, And many a screech of despair shall rise from many a sin-sick soule ! Be merry, be merry ; the lightning's flash itself were sufficient light, And we've got us a phosphor-gleaming corse to be our candle to-night. There never was night more foul and black — there never was fiercer blast — • Oh many a prank the winds will play, ere this terrible night be past ! Be merry ; the fiends are roving now — and death is abroad on the wind — • Join hands in the daunce, to-morrow's light full many a corse shall find. Our sisters are out on mischief bent — the cows their milk shall fail, The old maid's cat shall be rode to death, and her lap-dog lose his taile. The farmer in vain shall seek his horse — who fastened his stable door With key and with bolt — if he has not nailed a horsc-shoc firmly o'er. 1st witch. I saw dame Brady sitting alone, And I dried up tlie marrow within her hip bone. When she arose she could scarcely limp, — Why did I do it ? — she called me foul imp I 2d witch. I scratclicd the Justice's swine on the head — When he wakes in the morning he'll find them dead. And I saw the Pirates land on the shore, Loaded with gold, but crimsoned with gore. 3d witch. I saw them bury their golden store at the root of the Pirate tree : Bold Blackbcard cried, " Who'll guard this wealth ?" and oh ! 'twas mercy to see How even the wretch who fears not hell, turns pale at the thought of death ! But one bold knave stood bravely out and offered himself for scath. " I'll watch it," quo' he — " for these forty years, I've wandered o'er land and sea, And I'm tired of doing the devil's work — so bury me under the tree : And better I'll rest as I guard this wealth, than you in the realms below. Where llic soul cannot burst amid endless groans — where the Pirate's soul must go. So they shot him dead with a eliarnied ball, and they laid a broad Hat stone Deep in the earth above the gold, and they stood the corpse thereon. 94 BURLINGTON COUNTY. Now wo betide the daring fool who seeketh that gold to win. Let mortals beware of the noble wretch who standeth that grave within. 4th witch. I saw the Pirates enter their boat. Sullen they looked, as well they mote — I wore a shape which they shook to see, And they made the sign of the cross at me. But the sign of the cross avails not those Whose sins have made all the saints their foes. And they fired at me an idle shot, For powder and ball could harm me not. But skaith and ruth shall be theirs, I ken ; We brook not defiance from mortal men. There they go rowing adowne the streame, I see their oars in the lightning's gleame, They are singing the dirge of their comrade low ; Sisters, what say you — let's curse them now. CONCERT OF WITCHES. Away ! away ! the night is foule, hut fouler by far are ye ! The storm is fierce, but fiercer by far is your terrible destiny ! Your vessel sliall sink amid mountain waves, and the fearful blasts of hell, And you'll dwell for aye with the foule, foule fiend, whom here you have served so well ! Some shall go down with a bubbling groan on the ocean's pathless way, Some shall be dashed on the flinty rocks — the vulture and sea-bird's prey, Some shall be washed alive on shore, to die on the gallows tree. But gold, or wife, or children deare, none, none shall live ever to see. Away, away, while the tempest howls, and the thunders are heard in wrath, Away on your errand of guilt and blood, and destruction attend your path 1 The followino:, communicated by an aged and highly respectable gentleman, (still living,) briefly relates an attack upon Old Bur- lington : "In the twelfth month, 1776, Count Donop, commanding a detachment of Hessians, (say 400.) entered Burlington, and were encamped on the premises of Thomas Wetherill, below York bridge. Two brass field-pieces were placed in the road, near Robert Deacon's corner ; their muskets were stacked in the middle of the street, and guards placed near — the troops cooking their provisions. Prompted by curiosity, and having obtained permission from home, I entered their encampment. Amused with the novelty of the scene, so entirely new to me, I for a time forgot both friends and home, and tarried longer than prudent. My parents in the mean time had become uneasy at my stay, being ignorant of the cause ; and my father arrived, in search of me, just as the row-galleys in the Delaware, opposite the town, began firing — which apprized us of the necessity of seeking a place of safety. On our way home, when we arrived at .John Neal's, corner of York and Broad streets, he was standing at his door ; and hearing the reports of the can- non, fired in quick succession, he accosted my father with, 'Mr. , these are perilous times.' At that instant an eighteen- pound double-headed shot struck the back of the house, within less than twenty yards of us, broke a large hole through the wall, and lodged in the fireplace, driving the ashes out of the front door ; which my father observing, said he thought they were firing red-hot balls. His wife was standing on the sill of the door, and in her fright sprang beyond the porch. On our way home we BURLINGTON COUNTY. 9i had to face the cannon, as thoy fired up York-street. My father bade me watch the fas li, and immediately fall Hat, which we both did ; and were favored to arrive safe. We found the family had retired to the cellar, which was the retreat chosen by numbers. In the spring of 1778, on a first-day afternoon, a number of women and children (myself amongst them) assembled on the bank, in front of James Kinsey's house, above the town-wharf, to view the British naval armament, that had been up the Delaware and de- stroyed the American frigates and row-galleys ; and as they had pass- ed up peaceably the preceding day, it was not supposed they would fire on the town. Now a large sloop, with cannon in her bow, (I believe a twenty-four pounder.) approached the wharf A man stood on the quarter-deck, waved his hat, and called aloud, ' The women and children must leave the bank ; we are going to fire !' I immediately took shelter behind Abraham Hewling's brick store, on the wharf, and watched their movements. I distinctly heard the word • Fire !' (being not two hundred yards from the vessel.) The first shot struck Adam Shepherd's stable, below the wharf, where several men were standing ; all of whom escaped injury. Supposing myself out of danger, I continued an attentive spectator to their valiant attack on the peaceful city of Burlington. The wind being ahead, the sloop had to tack, and continued firing un- til she passed the city. Providentially, not one human being was injured, so far as I can learn." HeJaworrp fO J^ro a d Alley «3-HS3.UnxonSt ii> S'treet Ancient Plan of Burlington. [References.— \, 1. Old Market-houses. 2. Courthouse, (taken down in 1795 or 179G.) 3. Gov. Frankhn's mansion. 4. Grounds of do. 5. Horace Binncy's. 6. Mr.'?. Ches- ter's. 7. Market-house. 8. Place of occasional meetings of the legislature. 9. Resi- dence of Samuel Smith, treasurer of the colony. 10. St. Mary's church. 11. Ferry, house, (kept by Mr. Shepherd.) 12. Hay's Burlington House, (new.) 13. J. H. Ster- ling's house, (built in 1731.) 14. Town-wharf.J 96 BURLINGTON COUNTY. The above is an ancient plan of Burlington, showing the situa- tion of the most noted buildings, &c., in ancient times. It appears that the legislature, both of the colony and state, sat at various places besides the courthouse — sometimes at taverns, and other public places, and sometimes at private residences. No. 8, on the above plan, was a large wooden building, at or near the site of James Sterling's celebrated store. No. 9, the residence of Treas- urer Smith, was a large brick building, in which the meetings of the council were frequently held. It was afterward owned, for many years, by Mr. Joshua M. Wallace. It was bought by the late Rev. Joseph Maylin, and by him taken down in 1832. James Lawrence, a captain in the United States navy, was born in Burlington, October 1st, 1781 ; and was the son of John Law- rence, Esq., an eminent counsellor. Having a strong predilection for a sea-faring life, his friends procured for him a midshipman's warrant, when he was between sixteen and seventeen years of age. When war was declared against Tripoli, he was promoted to a lieutenancy, and appointed to the command of the schooner Enter- prise. He volunteered his services in the hazardous exploit of de- stroying the Philadelphia, and accompanied Decatur as his first lieutenant. At the commencement of the war with Great Britain, in 1812, he sailed in the Hornet sloop-of-war, as part of the squad- ron that cruised under Commodore Rogers. His second cruise was under Commodore Bainbridge. On the 24th of February, 1813, the Hornet, under the command of Capt. Lawrence, while cruising off Demarara, fell in with the British brig Peacock, Capt. Peak, a vessel of about equal force. The contest commenced within half pistol-shot ; and so tremendous was the fire of the Americans, that in less than fifteen minutes the enemy surrendered, and made a signal of distress, being in a sinking condition. Notwithstanding every exertion to keep her afloat, she sunk, with thirteen of her crew, and three Americans, who perished in relieving a conquered foe. The slaughter on board the Peacock was very severe ; and among the slain was her commander. Capt. Lawrence, on his return, was appointed to the command of the frigate Chesapeake ; and while lying in Boston roads, nearly ready for sea, the British frigate Shannon, Capt. Brooke, appeared off the harbor, and made signals expressive of a challenge. Capt. Lawrence immediately determined on accepting it, although it ap- pears the Chesapeake was not in good order, and the crew not un- der proper discipline. On the 1st of June, 1813, the Chesapeake put to sea ; and coming up with the Shannon, both vessels ma- noeuvred in awful silence until within pistol-shot, when the Shan- non opened her fire, and both vessels almost at the same moment poured forth tremendous broadsides. The havoc on both sides was dreadful ; but the fire of the Shannon was peculiarly fatal, cutting down most of the American officers. The Chesapeake had three men successively shot down from her helm, which produced irreg- ularity in the steering ; and her anchor caught in one of the Shan- BURLINGTON COUNTY. 97 non's after-ports, and her guns could not be brought to bear upon the enemy. At this juncture the Chesapeake was boarded, Capt. Lawrence being mortally wounded. His last words were, as he Avas borne bleeding below, '■'Dont give up ihe shipT l^esistance, however, was vain,- and the ship was surrendered. Capt. Law- rence lingered through lour days, in extreme bodily pain, and then expired. His body was wrapped in the colors of his ship, and was buried by the British, at Halifax, with the honors of war. Thence it was removed to ISalem, IMassachusetts, and finally to New York ; where thert^ is a monument to his memory, in Trinity churchyard, with the following inscription : " In memory of Captain .Tames Lawrence, of tlie United States navy, who fell on the 1st day of June, 1813, in the 32d j^ear of his age, in the aetion between the frio-ates Cliesapeake and Shannon. He had distinguished himself on various occasions, but par- ticularly when commanding the sloop-of-war Hornet, by capturing- and sinking his IJri- tannic majesty's sloop-of-war Peacock, after a desperate action of fourteen mituitcs. His bravery in action was only equalled hy his modesty in triumph, and his magnanimity to the vanquished. In private life, he was a gentleman of the most generous and endear- ing qualities ; and so acknowledged was his public worth, that the whole nation mourned his loss, and the enemy contended with his countrymen who most should honor his remains. The Hero, whose remains are liere deposited, with his expiring breath expressed his de- votion to his country. Neither the fury of battle, the anguish of a mortal wound, nor the horrors of approaching dcatli, could subdue his gallant spirit. His dying words were, ' Don't give up the siiii" I' " Note. — The compilers of this work are mainly indebted for the account of Burlington to a communication from Wm. J. AUinson, a gentleman living in the place. The his- torical part is evidently drawn up with care and accuracy. CHESTER. Chester is about 7 miles long, 5 broad, and is bounded NNE. by Willingboro, 8E. by Evesham, SW. by Waterford, Glou- cester CO., and NW. by the Delaware. The surface is level and undulating, and the soil fertile and under good cultivation. The Rancocus flows on its N., and the Pensaukin creek on its SW. boundary. The township contains 10 stores, cap. $25,200 ; 3 grist- m., 3 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. !3!37,100; 9 schools, 4G7 scholars. Pop. 2,G()3. The village of Moorestown is pleasantly situated on the road from Camden to Freehold, miles from Mount Holly, and 1) from Camden. It derives its name from an early settler named Moore. It was probably early settled, as Smith, in his history published in nofi, alludes to it as one of the principal villages of the county. It was then sometimes called Chester, and the lower part of it Rodney town. Moorestown is well built, and stretches along the road for about a mile, which being ornamented with trees, gives it a pleasant appearance. It contains 2 hotels, 3 stores, 5 houses for public worship, and about 100 dwellings in the village and vicinity. The following is a view of the I'ipiscopal church standing at f lie SVV. extremity of the village. It is a handsome stone structure, huilt 13 98 BURLINGTON COUNTY. View in Moorestown, in 1838, at an expense of 84,500. The Baptist church, a short dis- tance further up the street, is a neat, plastered edifice. The Meth- odist church is a substantial an ct: structure in the central part of the village. There are also two meeting-houses at the other end of the town, belonging to Friends. There is scarcely a village in the state which has so many houses for public worship in propor- tion to its population. When the British army were on their march from Philadelphia to Monmouth, a part of it passed through this village. They en- camped on the night of June 19th, 1778, on land now owned by Amos Stih^s and Benj. Warrington, about 300 yards from the Friends meeting-house. The troops plundered many of the inhab- itants of the country through which they passed. The people re- sorted to various methods to conceal their property. The Ibllow- ing anecdote is related of an individual who lived not far from this vi- cinity. He had scarcely time to bury his goods under ground, when the gleaming of bayonets from a distant hill warned him of the approach of the enemy. Fearing the damp appearance of the fresh earth would betray the hiding-place, he dashed a pail of wa- ter over the spot, and throwing down a quantity of corn called his hogs. This well-timed stratagem probably saved his effects. Commodore Truxton, the distinguished naval commander, once resided in a dwelling now standing about a mile and a half from Moorestown on the road to Mount Holly. Westfield, on the road from Camden to Burlington, one and a half miles E. of the Delaware, contains about 15 dwellings and a Friends meeting-house. There are also three other houses for pub- lic worship in its vicinity, viz. : a Friends, a Christ-ian, and a Meth- odist. Bridgcborough, a small village on the same road, and on the Rancocus, contains 2 stores, a tavern, and a few dwellings. Ten pieces of silver coin, about two hundred years old, were ploughed up some years since in this township, on the farm of P. C. Tini!(!ucn, dated 1647, under Fred. Henry, Prince of Orange. BURLINGTON COUNTY. 99 CHESTERFIELD. This township is about 10 miles long, with an average width of 5 miles, and is bounded N. by Hamilton, Mercer co., E. by Upper Freehold, Monmouth co., and Hanover, S. by Springfield, SW. by Mansfield, and W. by the Delaware river. Its surface is level or undulating; soil sandy, with some clay and loam, and made pro- ductive by marl. The township contains 22 stores, 3 grist-m. ; cap. in manufac. $127,780; 11 schools, 557 scholars. Pop. 2,716. Arch over the Railroad, Bordentown. Bordentown, 9 miles from Burlington, 12 from INIount Holly, and 7 from Trenton, is at the head of steam navigation on the Dela- ware. It is built on a level plain elevated above the river. It contains 4 hotels, 8 stores, 1 Episcopal, 1 Baptist, and 1 Methodist church, and a Friends meeting-house, and about 1,800 inhabitants. The Bellevue Female Seminary, under the charge of the Rev. W. H. Gilder, of the Philadelphia Conference, was commenced in this place in Oct., 1842. Bordentown is not only remarkable for its neat appearance, but as affording one of the most magnificent riv- er views in the country. From the brow of the hill, on which the town is situated, to the N. and W., the spectator sees nearly 100 feet beneath the whole country spread out level for many miles, through which winds the Delaware until lost to view behind pro- jecting headlands. An autumnal sunset, " When the restless day Expiring, lays the warbling world asleep," is here a scene of glory ; when the forests are robed in brilliant tints, the clouds brightened with warm gorgeous hues, and the wa- ter reflecting the charms of the heavens and earth upon its sur- face, where " Shade, uiipcrccivcd, softens into shade, And all forming one harmonious whole." 100 BURLINGTON COUNTY. The elegance of the scenery, and the purity of the air in the sum- mer, draws to this village many visitors. Bordentown is on the direct railroad route from New York to Philadelphia, 28 miles from the latter. The two railroads crossing New Jersey, the one from Amboy and the other from Jersey city, here merge into each other and form one continuous line to Cam- den. The above engraving represents the arch over the railroad, and under Main-st. it is of stone, 18 feet in height, 22^ broad, and 83| feet long. The outlet lock of the Delaware and Raritan canal is in front of the town. This vicinity was first settled in 1G81, by Thomas Farnsworth, an English Friend ; but the village derives its name from Joseph Borden, an early settler. In the revolutionary struggle, it was sev- eral times in possession of the British troops. Early in May, 1778, the enemy, then in possession of Philadelphia, sent an expedition up the Delaware for the purpose of destroying several vessels brought here for safety, and lying in Barnes' and Crosswick's creeks. Their force, consisting of two row-galleys and three other armed vessels, with twenty-lour flat-bottomed boats, carrying (500 or 800 troops, left that city about 10 o'clock in the evening, intending to arrive here before morning. For the first 10 miles the wind was fair ; it then died away, and they were obliged to row the remain- der of the distance. Early dawn found them opposite Burlington, and they did not reach Bordentown until late in the forenoon. Be- fore landing, they burnt two frigates at the White Hills, just below the village. Afterward they destroyed several smaller vessels, the hulk of one of Avhich, at very low tide, is still to be seen in Crosswick's creek. On arriving at the village, the enemy burnt the dwelling and store of Mr. Joseph Borden, the former of which stood in Main-st., on the present site of Mr. John M'Knight's store. They also intended the destruction of the dwelling of a Mr. Em- ley, an influential whig ; but learning it had been sold, they com- mitted no other mischief than breaking in the window-sashes and doors with the breeches of their guns. Little or no opposition was made to them. They remained but a few hours, and embarked on board their vessels in the afternoon. The next day they proceeded up the river as far as Bile's island, intending to make a descent upon Trenton ; but meeting with unexpected opposition from ar- tillery Gen. Dickinson had ordered down for that pur])ose, and the militia having turned out with spirit to oppose them, they judged appearances too unfavorable to proceed. On their return, they landed at Col. Kirkbride's farm on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware, and destroyed his buildings. Gen. Dickinson having sent a detachment of militia down the river, they made prize of a sloop the enemy had loaded with plunder, with six men on board. The following additional particulars, relating to this incursion, were derived from conversation with a resident at the time. Four men were murdered in cold blood, after they had surrendered, in the vicinity of what is now Hilton's tanyard, at the foot of Walnut- BURLINGTON COUNTY. 101 street. Thoy were Joseph Greo^ory, Edward Isdell, Sutton, and another person Irom Ikirlington. An old hidy, by the name of Isdell, was shot in a dwcllinr^ then standine^ opposite the site of the present post-office, in IMain-street. A British spy, who had come from Philadelphia with the troops, and while quietly reposing on the river bank, was, through mistake, mortally wounded by liis friends. His protection was tbund in his ])ocket. The British officers dined at the dwelling of Francis llopkinson, Esq. Himself and family were absent; but an excellent dinner was provided by jMiss Mary Comely, their housekeeper, a young lady of about eighteen years of age. While they were there, in- formation was given to her that the soldiers were robbing the dwelling of her mother and grandmother, on the opposite side of the street ; the same that is now owned by Mr. William M'Knight. She went in, and privately cut a piece from the skirt of one of the soldiers' coats. When the troops were formed, previous to their departure, the thief, through the kind interference of the officers, was identified by the hole in his regimentals. By this means, not only the property of her relations was restored, but some belonging to her neighbors, which she had the art to claim, and afterward re- stored to the proper owners. A whig, named Carter, residing in a dwelling next above Kester's hotel, on hearing the enemy were approaching, determined to disarm their hostility by a kind recep- tion. He therefore killed a sheep, and, as the soldiers entered, ac- costed them cordially, expressing joy at their arrival. He told them he had some fresh mutton, and if they would wait he would pro- vide them as good a dinner as in his power ; and then bade the " good woman" to hurry, and have every thing in readiness for the feast. The men were pleased with his apparent frankness and as- siduity, but were obliged to leave before the meal was ready ; and it was partaken of by a party of American lighthorse, under Capt. Baylor, who entered the village in the latter part of the day. Francis Hopkixson, one of the signers of the Declaration of In- dependence, resided in Bordentown, at the time of the revolution. He was born in Pennsylvania, in 1738. After the peace, he held a place for some time in the loan-office ; and was afterward ap- pointed a judge of the district court of the United States. He died May 8th, 171)1. He was distinguished for his vivacity and wit, and published, during the revolution, several poetical pieces, which were highly popular ; among which was the " Battle of the Krgs.'" This ballad was occasioned by a real incident. In January, 1778, while the British troops were in possession of Philadelphia, certain machines, in the form of kegs, charged with gunpowder, were sent down the river, to annoy their shipping, which was anchored be- fore the city. The danger of these machines being discovered, the British manned the wharves and vessels, and discharged their small-arms and cannon at every thing they saw floating in the river. The ballad consists of twenty-two stanzas, from which the i'ollowing are selected ; 102 BURLINGTON COUNTY. " Gallants, attend, and hear a friend Trill forth harmonious ditty : Stransje thinfjs TU tell, which late befell In Philadelphia city. 'Twas early day, as poets say, Just when tlie sun was rising, A soldier stood on log of wood, And saw a thing surprising. ******* ' These kegs, I'm told, tlie rebels hold, Pack'd up like pickled iicrring ; And they've come down t'attack the town, In this new way of ferry'ng.' The soldier flew, the sailor too, And, scar'd almost to death, sir, Wore out their shoes to spread the news, And ran till out of breath, sir. ******* Sir William he, snug as a flea, Lay all this time a snoring ; Nor dream 'd of harm, as he lay warm In bed ^^^^^^^^^ Now, in a fright, he starts upright, Awak'd by such a clatter ; He rubs both eyes, and boldly cries, ' For God's sake, what's the matter?' 'Arise, arise!' Sir Erskine cries ; ' The rebels — jnore's the pity — Without a boat are all afloat. And rang'd before the city. The motley crew, in vessels new, With Satan for their guide, sir, Pack'd up in bags, or wooden kegs, Come driving down the tide, sir. Therefore prepare for bloody war — i These kegs must all be routed. Or surely we despis'd shall be, And British courage doubted.' The cannons roar from shore to shore ; The small-arms loud did rattle : Since wars began, I'm sure no man E'er saw so strange a battle. From morn to night, these men of might Display'd amazing courage ; And when the sun was fairly down Retir'd to sup their porridge. A hundred men, with each a pen, Or more, upon my word, sir. It is most true, would be too few Their valor to record, sir. Such feats did they perform that day, Against those wicked kegs, sir. That, years to come, if they get home, They'll make their boasts and brags, sir.' Residence of Joseph Buonaparte, Bordentown. The above is a representation of the residence of .Joseph Buona- parte, Count de Surveilliers, the ex-king of Naples and of Spain, and the eldest brother of the Emperor Napoleon. He came to this country in 181"), and settled here during the following season, where he has generally resided most of the time since. He has, however, recently been to Europe, where he has remained for three or four years past, leaving his residence here in charge of Mr. Prince. The park and grounds of the Count comprise about fourteen hun- dred acres, which, from a wild and impoverished tract, he has con- verted into a place of beauty, blending the charms of woodland and BURLINGTON COUNTY. 103 plantation scenery with a delightful water-prospect. His first man- sion, wiiich stood on the site of the present one, was destroyed by fire, together with some rare pictures, from the pencils of the first masters, whose merit made them invaluable. In the present build- ing are busts of all the Buonaparte family, carved from the finest Italian marble ; among which is that of Pauline, the Princess Bor- ghese, the Emperors favorite sister, who was considered one of the most elegant women of her time. In the collection there is a most exquisite statue of the infant Napoleon sleeping. The Count is now about seventy-five years of age, polished in manners, and charitable to the poor. While here, his time was occupied in plan- ning and executing improvements upon his grounds. lie did not mingle in society ; but was frequently seen walking through his park, attending to his workmen, or, with hatchet in hand, lop- ping branches from the trees. View of Crosswicks from the Bordentown Road. Crosswicks and Recklesstown are also villages in this township. The latter, 5 m. 8E. of Bordentown, is in a fertile country, and contains 15 or 20 dwellings. Crosswicks, 4 m. E. of Bordentown, on a creek of the same name, and on the road to Freehold, is sup- posed to have derived its name from the Indian word Crossiveek- sung, (signifying a separation) originally applied to the creek, which separates into two branches 2 m. E. of the village. It was first settled about 1081, by Friends; and, in the early history of the county, was a place of some importance, — for we find that the pro- vincial assembly met here in Oct. 171(5. The village is principally situated on a ridge considerably ele- vated above the creek, across which is a handsome lattice-bridge of Town's patent. On the opposite bank is a collection of dwellings called Woodwardsville. There are here, including the latter set- tlement, several mechanic shops, 4 stores, a grist and a saw mill, 2 Friends meeting-houses, a Methodist church, and about 70 dwell- ings. Near the village is a bed of bog iron ore, formerly exten- sively worked and the ore transported to furnaces in the pines. When the British troops marched from Philadelphia on their way 104 BURLINGTON COUNTY. to Monmouth, in June, 1778, they came through this part of the country in three detachments — one by Mt. Holly, one through Co- lumbus, and the third by Bordentown. The latter attempted to cross Crosswicks creek over a drawbridge near the latter place. The continental troops, and a great part of the militia stationed in that vicinity under Gen. Dickinson, had been withdrawn, excepting those of Cols. Philips and Shreve, who had been previously de- tached to guard a ford one mile further up the creek ; and only the three regiments of Cols. Frelinghuysen, Van Dike, and Webster remained, when a party of the enemy appeared, and with great zeal began to repair the bridge, the planks of which had been pulled up, and the draw raised. For this purpose, they ripped off the planks from an adjoining hayhouse. Upon their approach, the troops rushed down with the greatest impetuosity, and a small party from one of the regiments, happening to be considerably advanced, caused them to retire, with the loss of 4 killed and several wound- ed. This detachment then united with the other two at Crosswicks, and, in the course of the same day, attempted crossing the bridge there, Avhich had also been destroyed by the Americans. Another skirmish occurred, in which a British officer and two or three men were shot. The wounded officer was conveyed to the dwelling now occupied by Mr. Thomas Newell. An American named Clev- enger was killed. He had cut away the last sleeper of the bridge, and, while retreating, was shot in the back of the head, fell among the high grass, and was discovered a few days after by the stench of his decaying body. The next day the enemy repaired the bridge and proceeded on their march. During this skirmish the Ameri- cans, who were stationed on the Woodwardsville side of the creek, fired several cannon-balls, one of which lodged in the Friends meeting-house, and there remained until the house was repaired, a few years since. Soon after the battle of Trenton the American troops, for a time, occupied the Friends meeting-house for barracks. On Sundays, the benches were arranged and worship held, as usual. A gentleman with the troops during these skirmishes, says, in a publication of the day, " The conduct of the militia saved, in my opinion, Trenton and the country adjacent from rapine and desola- tion. In short, their conduct during the whole time gave me the most pleasing ideas of the strong love of liberty which is natural to the human soul. Surely, while the farmers of the country are in- duced, by the mere fondness of freedom, to leave all their domestic concerns at this season of the year, and undergo the hardships of a soldier's life — to suffer the severest fatigues, and with pleasure face every danger, — I say, while this continues — Amencuns must and will he free /" EVESHAM. This township is 14 m. long, 8 wide ; and is bounded NE. and . by Northampton, S. by Washington and Waterford, Glouces- BURLINGTON COUNTY. 105 ter CO., W. by Waterford, Gloucester co., and NW. by Chester. The surface is' level or undulating. In the S. part there is much pine timber ; in the other portions, the soil is generally fertile, and improved by marl. There are in the township 19 stores, G grist- m., 12 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $97,600 ; 21 schools, 167 schol- ars. Pop. 5,000. The village of Medford is 7 m. S. of Mt. Holly. Sixty years since, it was called Up|)er Evesham, and then contained but a few houses. Twenty years later, its present name was given to it. The View of the Friends Meeting-house, Medford. village is mostly built in a compact manner, on a single street, and many of the buildings are of brick. It contains 7 stores, several mechanic shops, a bank, 1 Baptist and 1 Methodist church, 2 Friends meeting-houses, and a population of about 700. The above is a representation of one of the Friends meeting- houses, said to be the largest in the county — measuring 74 ft. long by 42 broad. It is constructed of brick, and is a fair specimen of the architecture adopted by Friends in their houses for divine wor- ship, being substantial in material, and plain and unpretending in finish. Marlton, 41 m. W. of Medford, is a new and flourishing village, containing 2 stores, a Methodist and a Baptist church, and about 30 dwellings. Lower Evesham has 2 stores, a Friends meeting, and a few dwellings. At Taunton, 4 m. S. of Medford, is a manufactory for edge tools. Chairville, where there is an ex- tensive chair factory. Cross Roads, Hartford, and Green Tree, con- tain each a few dwellings. Capt. Jonathan Beesley, in .Tune, 1778, having been mortally wounded, was taken to the dwelling now occupied by Mr. Hinch- man Haines, in this township, where he died. He was a captain in the Cumberland co. militia, and had been in active service about two years previous to his death. Arduous in the cause, and guided by a sense of duty, he paid Utile regard to his personal safety. He was in the neighborhood of Haddonfield when the British were on their march across the state from Philadelphia. He, with two other oflicers, in reconnoitring, were fired upon by a party of Brit- ish secreted in a rye-field, — when he fell, wounded, into their hands, 14 10(> r>l Kl.lNUTON rOlNTV. We w.Hs coudnotod to tho rnrniy's cnni]\ :\\^^\ qtu^stionod by tho oriuvrs ros|-KVtinir tho situation and pivhabU^ inovMuptorily rtMiisod jri\ iuir thoiu any inlor- n>ation. Fiudiuir tbat uoilhor ontnwtios or throats would pn^vail in oxtortiui: any thiuir t'tx^m him to tho injury of his country, the otiicor in oomntand. sooinc: his a^iony. oixiortnl his o\vi\ suriroon to Attond him. and to tako pn^por cafi^ of him. — at tho sjimo timo ri-^ markinff. " ho was a bravo man. and shouUl i\ot bo tn\Uod with indiirnity." Ho Hvod until tho noxt day. — tho onouiy takinsr him with thom on ihoir march to tho dwelling alv>vo montionod. whoro ho st-HMi expired, and xxas buried b\ thom \> ith tho honors ot' war. His nMii.ains wen' soon a.t>or nMUOved to Haddoutiold, and interred there in t^~r Fi-'m.'-; br.r\ ■.r.c-i:ror.nd. HANOVER. This to\vusliip is nearly trianguk-vr in torm. its lonjrost side moASuring n. and the other two. l.'> miles each. It is Ixumded E. by Tpiv^r Freehold and Dover. Monmouth co., 8. by the \. branch of the Kaucocus, separatiua: it from Northampton, and \V. by Clies- tortield and Spriuirtield. Pop. S.IH5. The surlace is level, the soil birht, and in the N. part fertile and improved by marl. The SE. ix>rt.ion is sreiierally covered vkHth pines. The to\\i\ship con- tains 1 1 stores, 4 grist m,. S saw m. : c^jx in manufac. $74.i>00 : 9 schtx^ls. 4T4 scholars. IVniborton. (i miles from Mount Holly, ne.ar the SW. corner of the toxxniship. is built on .a contle ele\~;vtion btnween Budd's run ajid the N. branch of the Rancocus. The land in this vicinity was originally owT>ed by David Budd. wlio. alx>ut the year 17 5S, sold out to a company of four persons, who built a grist and a saw mill on the Kanoocus, a.nd called the place ** Xnc Mills," in contradis- tinction To a nv.ll then standing on Budd's run. on the opposite side of : site. The villa^re was incorporated in ISvJO by its pr( > .0, alYer .Tames PemWrton. It is thriving, and contains 3 stories. 1 large s;vw, .and 1 larcre grist-m.. a turning-m.. a pump manufactory. '2 CAiriairo makers. sevenU mechanic shops, 1 Baptist and 5 Methodist churches, and above UV) dwellings. The wutei^ povrer on the R^ncocus, on which the mills are situated, is one of the Wst in this n^gion. Shelltown. Arneystown. C\x»kstown. Han- ovr- ' - ^ reenwood. ^V^ightsto\^^^, .lacobstown. ani. .: Svkesto\A-n. are small vilkiges and k>c. . - At Jacobstoxxni there is a Baptist church, ana . - .: .1;icobsto\ATi and Wrightstown. The - - ons .are copied from mommients in the gravey-.iiw .» . ..i;ui. . r Methodist church; — Sarjpd to the Tnem.vT of thf Rrv. Wilux* Bmiv who df parted this hfe 28ih SepU, IC^A. ft|fed 67 vfi,iam Denning, in the 94th year of his age. The deceased was an arti- ficer in the army of the revolution, — he it was, who in the day of his country's need, made the oiiUj successful attempt ever made in the icorhl to manufacture wro(;c;iit-iron cannon, one of which lie com- pleted in Middlesex, Penn., and commenced another and iai-ger 15 114 BURLINGTON COUNTY. one at Mount Holly ; but could get no one to assist him who could stand the heat, which is said to have been so severe as to melt the lead buttons on his coat." The unfinished piece is now in the Phil- adelphia arsenal. " The one completed was taken by the British at the battle of Brandywine, and is now in the tower of London. The British offered a stated annuity and a large sum to the person who would instruct them in the manufacture of that article ; but the patriotic blacksmith preferred obscurity and poverty in his own beloved country, though the country for which he had done so much, kept her purse closed from the veteran soldier until near the period of his decease." Woolnian House, near Mount Holly. The above is a representation of the " Woolman Place," situated a little out of the village of Mount Holly, on the road to Spring- field. The house represented was built according to the particular directions of John Woolman, the celebrated travelling preacher among the Friends, and in which his wife and daughter resided af- ter his decease. John Woolman was distinguished for purity of heart and benevolence of principle, one of the genuine nobility of the human race. He was born in Northampton, Burlington co., N. J., in 1720. At a very early age his mind was drawn toward religious subjects. When about eighteen years of age he was powerfully impressed with religious truth, and with a strong and prayerful desire to be delivered from the power of sin. In his Journal he writes, " I kept steadily to meetings ; spent first-days' afternoon chiefly in reading the scriptures and other good books, and was early convinced in my own mind, that true religion consisted in an inward life, wherein the heart doth love and rever- ence God the Creator, and learns to exercise true justice and good- ness, not only toward all men, but also toward the brute crea- tures — that as the mind was moved by an inward principle to love God as an invisible, incomprehensible Being, by the same principle it was moved to love him in all his manifestations in the visible world — that as by his breath the flame of life was kindled in all animal sensible creatures, to say we love God as unseen, and, at the same time, exercise cruelty toward the least creature moving BURLINGTON COUNTY. 115 by his life, or by life derived from him, was a contradiction in itself. I found no narrowness respecting sects and opinions ; but believed that sincere, upright-hearted people in every society, who truly love God, were accepted of him. As I lived under the cross, and simply followed the openings of truth, my mind, from day to day, was more enlightened." Mr. Woolman lived with his parents and "wrought on his fa- ther's plantation, till he was about twenty-one years of age, when he hired himself to tend a shop and keep the books of a man who did business at Mount Holly, about five miles from his father's house. His employer, though a retailer of goods, was by trade a tailor, and kept a servant-man at that business, of whom ^Ir. Wool- man learned his trade. His first religious visit or tour was into East Jersey, in 1743, and in 1749 he was married to Sarah Ellis. Woolman, from the commencement of his religious course, felt himself bound to give his testimony against slavery, then so preva- lent in all the colonies, and even to a considerable extent among Friends. He was frequently called to write wills for those who resided in his vicinity, but although a profitable business, he re- fused to write any in which the right of holding human beings as property was acknowledged. Until this year, 1756, I continued to retail jroods, besides following; my trade as a tailor, about which time I grew uneasy on account of my business growing too cumber- some. I had begun with selling trimmings for garments, and from thence proceeded to selling cloths and linens ; and at length, having got a considerable shop of goods, my trade increased every year, and the road to large business appeared to be open ; but I felt a stop in my mind. Through the mercies of the Almighty, I had, in a good degree, learned to be con- tent with a plain way of living. I had but a small family, and on serious consideration, I believed truth did not require mc to engage in much cumbering affairs. It had been my general practice to buy and sell things really useful. Things that served chiefly to please the vain mind in people, I was not eas)' to trade in ; seldom did it ; and, when- ever I did, I found it weakened me as a Christian. Tlie increase of business became my burden ; for, though my natural inclination was toward merchandise, yet I believed Truth required me to live more free from outward cumbers ; and there was now a strife in my mind between the two ; and in this exercise my prayers were put up to the Lord, who graciously heard me and gave me a heart resigned to his holy will. Then I lessened my outward business, and, as I had opportunity, told my customers of my intentions, that they might consider what slio[) to turn to, and in a while, wholly laid down mer- chandise, following my trade as a tailor, myself only, having no apprentice. I also had a nursery of apple-trees, in which I emi)loyed some of my time in hoeing, grafting, trim- ming, and inoculating. In merchandise it is the custom where I lived to sell chiefly on credit, and poor peoj)le often get in debt ; and when payment is expected, not having wherewith to pay, their creditors often sue for it at law. Having often observed occur- rences of this kind, I found it good for me to advise poor people to take such goods as were most useful and not costly. In the time of trading, I had an opportunity of seeing, that the too liberal use of spirituous liquors, and the custom of wearing too costly apparel, led some people into great inconveniences ; and these two things appear to be oltcn connected one with the otlier ; for, by not attending to that use of things which is consistent with universal righteousness, there is an increase of labor which extends beyond what our heavenly J'athir intends for us ; and by great labor, and often by much sweating, there is, even among such who are not drunkards, a craving of some liquors to revive the si)Jrits ; that partly by the luxurious drinking of some, and partly by the drinking of others, (led to it through immoderate labor,) very great quantities of rum are every year expended in our colonies ; the greater part of which we should have no need of, did we steadily attend to pure wisdom. 116 BURLINGTON COUNTY. During the French war in 1757, Aug. 9th, the military officers of Burlington county received orders to draft from the militia a body of soldiers to go to the relief of Fort William Henry, then in- vested by the French and Indians. The militia \vere reviewed at Mount Holly and sent oif under some officers. This was a time of trial for many Friends ; but by the forbearance of the officers, such as were drafted were allowed to remain at home. On the fourth day of the fourth month, in the year 1758, orders came to some officers in Mount Holly, to prepurc quarters a short time for about one hundred soldiers ; and an officer and two other men, all inhabitants of our town, came to my Jiouse ; and the otfi- cer told me he came to speak with me, to provide lodging and entertainment for two sol diers, there being six shillings a week per man allowed as pay for it. The case being new and unexpected, I made no answer suddenly, but sat a time silent, my mind being inward ; I was fully convinced that the proceedings in war are inconsistent with the purity of the Christian religion ; and to be hired to entertain men who were then under pay as soldiers, was a difficulty with me. I expected they had legal authority for what they did, and after a short time I said to the officer, If the men are sent here for enter- tainment, I believe I shall not refuse to admit them into my house. But the nature of the case is such, that I expect I cannot keep them on hire. One of the men intimated that he thought I might do it consistent with my religious principles, to which I made no reply, as believing silence at that time best for me. Though they spake of two, there came only one, who tarried at my house about two weeks, and behaved himself civilly ; and when the officer came to pay me, I told him I could not take pay for it, having ad- mitted him into my house in a passive obedience to authority. I was on horseback when he spake to me ; and as I turned from him, he said he was obliged to me, to which I said nothing ; but thinking on the expression, grew uneasy ; and afterward being near where he lived, I went and told hun on what grounds I refused pay for keeping the soldier. Mr. Woolman died at York, England, while on a religious visit to that country in 1772. His opinions on plainness of dress, &c., was carried to a greater extent than would be thought necessary at this time. In the latter part of his life he allowed his beard to grow, and when of an inconvenient length, clipped it with scissors. He wore clothing of the natural color ; the woollen white, the lin- en flax. The following summary account of his life is from the testimony of the monthly meeting of Friends, prefixed to the vol- ume entitled " The Works of John Woolman." A TESTIMONY of the monthly meeting of Friends, held in Burlington, the first day of the eighth month, in the year of our Lord 1774, concerning our esteemed friend, John Woolman, deceased. He was born in Northampton, in tlje county of Burlington, and province of West New Jersey, in the eighth month, 1720, of religious parents, who instructed him very early in the principles of the Christian religion, as professed by the people called Quakers, which he esteemed a blessing to him, even in young years, tending to preserve him from the infection of wicked cliildren ; but through the workings of the cnemj^ and levity inci- dent to youth, he frequently deviated from those parental precepts, b^' which lie laid a renewed foundation for repentance, that was finally succeeded by a godly sorrow not to be repented of, and so became acquainted with that sanctifying power which qualifies for true gospel ministry, into which he was called about the twenty-second year of his age ; and by a faithful use of the talents eonjinitted to him, he experienced an increase, until he arrived at the state of a father capable of dividing the word aright to the different states he ministered unto, dispensing milk to babes, and meat to those of rij)er years. Thus he found the efiicacy of that power to arise, which, in his own expressions, " pre- pares the creature to stand like a trumpet through which the Lord speaks to his people." He was a loving husband, a tender father, and very humane to every part of the crea- tion undi;r Jiis care. His concern for the poor and those in affliction, was endent by his visits to them, BURLINGTON COUNTY. 117 whom he frequently relieved by his assistance and charity. He was for many years deeply exercised on account of the poor enslaved Africans, whose cause, as he some- times mentioned, lay almost coiititiually upon him, and to obtain liberty to those cap- tives, iin labored both in public and in private, and was favored to see his endeavors crowned with considerable success. He was particularly desirous that Friends should not be instrumental to lay burdens on this oppressed j)eople, but remember the days of sutVering from which they had been providentially delivered, that if times of trouble should return, no injustice dealt to those in slavery might rise in judfrrnent against us ; but, being clear, we might on such occasions address the Almighty with a degree of contidence, for his interposition and relief, being particularly careful as to himself, not to countenance slavery even by tlic use of those conveniences of life which were furnished by their labor. He was desirous to have his own and the minds of others redeemed from the pleasures and innnoderate profits of this world, and to fix them on those joys vviiich fade not awav ; his principal care being alter a life of purity, endeavoring to avoid not only the grosser pollutions, but those also which, ajjpearing in a more refined dress, arc not sufR- cicntlv guarded against by some well-disposed people. In the latter part of his life he was remarkable for the plainness and simplicity of his dress, and as much as possible avoiding the use of plate, costly furniture, and feasting ; thereby endeavoring to become an example of temperance and self-denial, which he believed himself called unto, and was favored with peace therein, although it carried tiie appearance of great austerity in the view of some. He was very moderate in his charges in the way of business, and in his desires after gain ; and, though a man of industry, avoided and strove much to lead others out of extreme labor and anxiousness after perishable things, being desirous that the strength of our bodies might not be spent in procuring things unprofitable, and that we might use moderation and kindness to the brute animals under our care, to prize the use of them as a great favor, and by no means abuse them ; that the gifts of Providence should thankfully be received and applied to the uses for which they were designed. He several times opened a school at Mount Holly for the instruction of poor Friends' children and others, being concerned for their help and improvement therein. His love and care for the rising youth among us was truly great, recommending to parents and those who have the charge of tiiem, to choose conscientious and pious tutors, saying, ♦' It is a lovely sight to behold innocent children," and that " to labor for their help against that which would mar the beauty of their minds, is a debt we owe them." His ministry was sound, very deep and penetrating, sometimes pointing out the dan- gerous situation which indulgence and custom leads into, frequently exhorting others, especially the youth, not to be discouraged at the difficulties which occur, but press after purity. He often expressed an earnest engagement that pure wisdom should be attended to, which would lead into lowliness of mind and resignation to the Divine will, in which state small possessions here would be sufficient. In transacting the affairs of discipline, his judgment was sound and clear, and he was very useful in treating with those who had done amiss ; he visited such in a private way, in that plainness which truth dictates, showing great tenderness and Christian for- bearance. He was a constant attender of our yearly meeting, in which he was a good example, and particularly useful ; assisting in the business thereof with great weight and attention. He several times visited most of the meetings of Friends in this and the neighboring provinces, with the concurrence of the monthly meeting to which he belonged, and we have reason to believe had good service therein, generally or always expressing at his return, how it had fared with him, and the evidence of peace in his own mind for thus performing his duty. He was often concerned with other Friends in the important service of visiting families, which he was enabled to go through with sat- isfaction. In the minutes of the meeting of ministers and elders for this quarter, at the foot of the list of members for that meeting, made about five years before his death, we find in his handwriting the following observation and reflection : — " As looking over the minutes made by persons who have put off this body, hath sometimes revived in me a thought how many ages pass away ; so this list may probably revive a thought in some, when I and the rest of the persons aboved-named arc centred in another state of being. The Lord who was the guide of my youth, hath in tender mercies helped me hilhcrto ; he hath healed me of Wounds ; he hath helped me out of grievous entanglements ; he remains to be the strength of my life ; to whom I desire to devote myself in time and eternity." Siirurd, John Woolma.n. In Uie twelfth month, 1771, he acquainted this meeting that he found his mind drawn 118 BURLINGTON COUNTY. toward a religious visit to Friends in some parts of England, particularly Yorkshire. In the first month, 1772, he obtained our certificate, which was approved and endorsed by our quarterly meeting of ministers and elders at Pliiladelphia. He embarked on his voyage on the fifth and arrived in London on the sixth month following, at the time of their annual meeting in that city. During his short visit to Friends in that kingdom,. we are informed that his services were acceptable and edifying. In his last illness he uttered many lively and comfortable expressions, being " perfectly resigned, having no will eitlier to live or to die," as appears by testimony of Friends at York, in Great Brit- ain, in the suburbs whereof, at the house of our friend Thomas Priestman, he died of the small-pox, on the seventh day of the tenth month, 1772, and was buried in Friends' burying-ground in that city, on the ninth of tiie same, after a large and solid meeting held on the occasion, at their great meeting-house, aged nearly fifty-two years ; a minis, ter upwards of thirty years, during which time he belonged to Mount Holly particular meeting, which lie diligently attended when at home and in health of body, and his la- bors of love and pious care for the prosperity of Friends in the blessed Truth, we hope may not be forgotten, but that his good works may be remembered to edification. Signed in and hy order of the said meeting by Samuel Allinson, Clerk. Read and approved at our quarterly meeting, held at BurUngton, the 29th of the 8th month, 1774. Signed by order of said meeting, Daniel Smith, Clerk. Lumberton, two and a half miles from Mount Holly, on the south branch of" the liancocus, contains a store, a rAwa manufactory, a ,■4 1'ti -mill, a Methodist church, and 45 dwellings. It lies at the head of navigation. A considerable number of vessels, sloops, scows, &c., run from here to Philadelphia with lumber and charcoal. A little more than half a century since, there were only 11 dwellings in the place. The names of some of the inhabitants at that period were 8olomon Gaskell, a blind preacher ; Joseph and Richard Ed- wards, storekeepers ; Eber More, carpenter ; John Wilson, tanner ; John Bnrcfoot, James Rogers, John Armstrong, and Isaac and Thomas Smith. Eayrs-town, three and a half miles from Mount Holly, on the south branch of the Rancocus, has a grist, saw, and a fulling mill, and about 20 dwellings. Shreve's Mills are two and a half miles from Mount Holly, on the North branch of the Ranco- cus. Buddstown, on the Stop-the-jade creek, about eight miles from the courthouse, on the edge of the pines, contains 2 stores, a saw-mill, several mechanics, and about 30 dwellings. Birming- ham, four miles E. of Mount Holly, on the North branch of the Rancocus, contains a grist, saw, and fulling mill, and about 20 dwellings. There are several other localities, situated principally among the pines. They are Red Lion, Mount Misery, Ong's Hat, Burr's Mills, White Horse, Friendship, Pine Cabin, Tabernacle, Retreat Factory, Prickets, Mary Ann, Half- Way, Turpentine, and Timbuctoo. Vincent-town, five miles SE. of Mount Holly, at the junction of Stop-the-jade creek with the South branch of the Rancocus, is a flourishing village, mostly grown up since the revo- lutionary war. The village is compactly built, principally on a single street, with a slight elevation to the southeast, of which the annexed view, taken near the store of R. H. Woolston, is a representation. It contains 4 stores, a grist, saw, and turning mill, an extensive tan- nery, a select school, 1 Baptist, 1 Methodist church, and a Friends meeting, 90 dwellings, and about 600 inhabitants. In this vicinity BURLINGTON COUNTY. 119 L I' .--^1*?'-Li«^" *ffliiiw "--.-t.rr ,-J-i . ! :l l.lilnll^Hiii!! Ills I'll Central View in Vincent-town. excellent "ini jiiiy in'iu" is found. There was anciently a settle- ment of Indians about a mile west of Vincent-town, on Quakeson creek, where stood a log church, in which the Rev. John Brainard, a brother of the celebrated missionary, occasionally preached. This clergyman lived at Mount Holly during the American revolu- tion, in a dwelling now occupied by John Gibson, in the E. part of Brainard-st., where he died. The Presb;yi;erian church in which he officiated at Mount Holly, was burnt in the war ; whether by acci- dent or design is unknown. The following account of a hermit, residing near the western line of the township over 60 years since, is extracted from a news- paper of the time. On the 19th inst. (Jan. 1778) died, in the 66th year of his age, Francis Furgler, the hermit, who existed alone twenty-five years, in a thick wood about four miles from Bur- lington, through all the inclemencies of the seasons, without fire, in a cell made by the side of an old log, in the form of an oven, not high or long enough to stand upright in, or lie extended. His recluse manner of living excited the curiosity of strangers, by whom he was often visited. Ilis reasons for thus secluding himself from hmnan society we believe he never communicated to any person in these parts, but it is thought he meant by it to do penance for crimes committed in his own country ; for he was a man subject to violent passions. He subsisted upon nuts, and the charity of the people in the neighborhood. From whence he came, or who Jie was, nobody could find out, but appeared to be by his dialect a German, yet he spoke that language imperfectly, either through design, or from some defect in his intellects. The evening before his death a friend carried him a little nourishment, of which he partook, earnestly praying for his dissolution ; and would not suffer himself to be removed to a more comfortable dwelling. Next morning he was found dead in his cell, with a crucifix and a brass fish by his side ; and on the 2Uth he was decently interred in Friends' burying-place at Mount Holly. SPRINGFIELD. Springfield is triangular in' form, its longest side measuring 10, and the others 7 and 9 miles in length. It is bounded N. by Mans- 120 BURLINGTON COUNTY. field, SE. by Hanover, and SW. by Northampton and Burlington. There are in the township 3 stores, cap. in manufac. $6,320 ; 7 schools, 411 scholars. Pop. 1,030. The surface is mostly level, and soil sandy loam, and generally very fertile. The township was settled by Friends, between the years 1G82 and 1695, principally emigrants from Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and the adjoining counties in England. Some of the early settlers, however, were Irom Long Island, and the state of Rhode Island. The Assiscunk and Barker's creek, and also North run, formerly called Tomlinson's run, one of the principal tributaries of Crosswick's creek, rises in the town- ship. The two first head on the marl region, and have on them large tracts of superior meadow. The farms of the township are large, with substantial dwellings and barns, and are well adapted to the culture of grain and grass. Large numbers of live-stock are raised, particularly in the marl district. Juliustown, the largest village, named from .Tulius Evans, is 7 miles NE. of jNIount Holly, and contains about 30 dwellings, and a Methodist church. Jobs- town, 6 miles from Mount Holly, on the road to Freehold, contains a few dwellings. It is named from Job Lippincott, who owned a chief part of the land in the vicinity, and built a tavern there about the year 1798. Jacksonville, in the NW. part of the township, has 2 stores, a Methodist church, and about 12 dwellings. There are in Springfield 3 Friends meeting-houses, — one of brick, built at Up- per Springfield in 1727, about 3 miles E. of Jobs-town; one of brick at old Springfield, half a mile E. of Jacksonville ; and one of stone at the Mount, about a mile westerly of JuliustowTi. WASHINGTON. This township was formed in 1802, from Northampton, Evesham, and Little Egg Harbor. It is nearly triangular in form ; its north- ern line measuring about 21, its eastern 15, and its south w^estern 23 miles. It is bounded N. by Northampton and Evesham, E. by Little Egg Harbor, and SW. by Mullica and Galloway, Atlantic co., and Waterford, Gloucester co. The surface is level ; soil generally sandy and covered with pines. It is thinly settled and has few in- habitants, excepting such as are employed in the glass and iron works. The vicinity of the Quaker bridge, in this township, is a remarkably interesting botanical region, there being there many rare and beautiful flowers. There are large quantities of hog iron ore in the township. It is an interesting fact, that after being dug, the de])o.sit is in time re- newed. In some places the period does not exceed twenty years. The renewal of the ore arises from the circumstance that the soil in which it is formed, is incessantly washed by springs containing much iron in their composition. The Wading river and its branches drain the central .part of the township, and the Little Egg Harbor river forms its SW. boundary. These are never-failing streams, BURLINGTON COUNTY. 121 and fin-nisli more natural water-power than is to be found in any other township in this part of New Jersey. The townsliip contains 4 stores, 2 furnaces, 5 grist-m., 8 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $70,000 ; 8 schools, 470 scholars. Pop. 1,630. At IM'Cartyville, on Wading river, about 28 miles from Mount Holly, is one of the largest and best paper-mills in the state, owned by an incorporated company, and erected at a great expense. There are there twenty or thirty houses. Green Bank, on the Little Egg Harbor river, 3 miles below Batsto, contains 1 saw, 1 grist-mill, a glass factory, and about 20 dwellings. Lower Bank, 6 miles below Batsto, on the same stream, has a Methodist church and about 30 dwellings. Martha, Speedwell, and Union Works, are furnaces on Wading river, at present not in operation. Bridge- port, at the head of navigation on Wading river, has a few dwellings. Hampton, in the NW. corner of the township, contains a forge, saw-mill, and 10 dwellings. The well-known Batsto furnace is on Batsto river, near the forks of Little Egg Harbor river, on the SW. line of the township, 28 miles SE. of Mount Holly. The name is supposed to have been derived from an Indian word signifying Bathing, this having been a favorite resort of the natives for that purpose. It contains a large grist and saw mill, and the furnace of Jesse Richards, Esq., where are usually employed about 125 men; and it is estimated that 700 or 800 persons derive their subsistence from these works. Batsto was founded in 1766, by Charles Reed. In the American revolution it was owned by Col. John Cox ; at which time the furnace was employed in casting cannon, shot, and bomb-shells, for the American army. The workmen were organ- ized into a military corps ; but were excused, by act of legislature, from actual service, unless in case of an invasion of the county. Atsion is on Atsion river, a branch of the INIullicas or Little Egg Harbor. It lies at the angle of Burlington, Gloucester, and Atlan- tic counties, 18 miles SE. of Mount Holly, and contains 15 or 20 dwellings, a Methodist church, and a furnace employing about 120 workmen. Edgepelick is the name of a locality about 3 m. N. of Atsion, where was the last Indian settlement in the state. The remnant of the tribe, consisting of about 100 souls, emigrated to the West nearly half a century since. There is, however, a single family — but of mixed breed — residing in the vicinity, in a log hut. Brain- ard, the missionary, for a time resided among the Indians at this place. His dwelling stood about 8 rods S. of the saw-mill of God- frey Hancock, on rising ground, the site of which is still marked by a depression, showing the precise spot where the cellar was. Within a few rods is the spring from which the family obtained water. The natives had a saw-mill on the site of Nicholas S. Thompson's mill, a quarter of a mile NE. of Brainard's house. Their burying-ground was on the edge of the pond, about 40 rods NW. of the same dwelling. In the vicinity stood their church, 16 122 CAPE MAY COUNTY. built of logs, and destroyed about 35 years since. After the Indians left, it was used by the whites for public worship. WILLINGBORO. This township is about 5 m. long, 3 wide ; and is bounded NE. by Burlington, E. by Northampton, SW. by Chester, and NW. by the Delaware river. Its surface is level ; soil fertile, and, in the eastern part, productive in grain and grass, and in the western, in vege- tables. The railroad between New York and Philadelphia passes through the W. part of Willingboro. The township was early set- tled by Friends. It contains 4 stores ; cap. in manufac. $3,100 ; 2 schools, 73 scholars. Pop. 900. Cooperstown is on the Camden and Burlington road, 3 m. from the latter place. It contains a Methodist and a Free church, and a few dwellings. Dunks Ferry, a noted crossing-place on the Delaware in the war of the revolution, contains a few dwellings and an Episcopal church. Rancocus, 4 m. W. of Mt. Holly, on the line of this and Northampton township, is a new and handsome village, grown up within a few years, and containing a Friends meeting and about 30 dwellings. On the site of the Franklin Park Academy, on the bank of the Rancocus, formerly stood the mansion of William Franklin, the last of the colonial governors of New Jersey. It was destroyed by fire a few years since. " Within sight of the academy was the first Rancocus meeting-house of Friends — now down. An ancient tree near there, of imported and unknown character, now shows the graveyard, close to the tumulus formed by the graves of the In- dians. There they used to be brought on wickers, on men's shoul- ders, and were interred in sitting postures, surrounded and defend- ed by upright wickers." CAPE MAY COUNTY. Cape May county is bounded N. by Atlantic co., E. and S. by the ocean, and W. by Delaware bay and Cumberland co. : length, 30 miles ; greatest breadth, 14 miles. This county is level, and its formation alluvial. Alonj? on the seaside, several beaches, known as •' Two-mile Beach," " Five-mile," " Leaming's," " Ludlam's," and " Peck's," unitedly extend the whole length of the county. They are covered with grass, and afford excellent pasturage. West of this is a marsh, from 2 to 3 miles wide, broken by many small salt- water lakes, communicating by inlets with the ocean. There is a similar marsh, though not interspersed with lakes, on the western, and one on the northern boundary of the county. The soil of the CAPE MAY COUNTY. 123 soil of the county is composed generally of sand, loam, and gravel, which in many places is covered with oak, and in the northern part pine is Ibund. The inhabitants are mostly engaged in agriculture ; wheat, rye, oats, and Indian corn being the principal crops. Large quantities of timber are annually exported to market. Nearly all the hay is obtained from the salt-marshes. This county derives its name from Cornelius Jacobse Mey, who, in liJ21, was sent out by the Dutch West India Company, with a number of settlers ; and explored the coast, from Cape Cod to the Delaware, and gave his own name to its northern cape.* In 17:29, the Dutch Company sent out three ships, with agents to purchase lands of the natives; one of which entered the Delaware, and bought, the succeeding year, of nine Indian chiefs, for Goodwin and Bloemart, 10 square miles, on the peninsula of Cape May. Noth- ing definite can be gathered of its first settlement, previous to 1091 ; yet it is not improbable it was settled as early as 1040. A large proportion of the original settlers came from Long Island, the whale- fishery then holding out strong inducements for them to visit its shores. Cape May was first made a county by a proprietary law, in 1092 ; by another, in 1094, it had its bounds better ascertained; and by the act of 1710 they were definitely fixed. Cape May co. is divided into 4 townships, viz : Dennis, Lower, Middle, Upper. Its population, in 1720, was 008; in 1738, was 1,004; in 1790, was 2,571, (of whom 141 were slaves;) in 1810, was 3,032; in 1830, was 4,930, (slaves 3 ;) in 1840, was 5,324. DENNIS. This township was formed in 1826. It is 13 miles long, with an average width of about 0. It is bounded N. by Upper Township, E. by the ocean, S. by Middle Township, and W. by Maurice river, Cumberland co. Dennis creek runs through an extensive cedar swamp. The whole township, except that part cultivated, or meadow, is covered with oaks, pines, and cedars. There are in the township 7 stores, 2 grist-mills, 6 saw-mills ; 4 schools, 205 scholars. Pop. 1,350. Dennisville is a post-village, extending on both sides of the creek for a mile. It is 8 miles north of the courthouse, 8 south of Tucka- hoe, and 28 from Bridgeton. It contains 5 stores, about 70 dwell- ings, a neat academy — the upp(!r story of which is used for a ly- ccum, and for religious meetings. Ship-building and the lumber- trade are carried on here. The Methodist church, at this place, * Mcy must have possessed a due share of egotism, as he named the bay of New York " Port Mey ;" the Delaware, " New Port Mey ;" its north cape, " Cape Mcy ;" and its south cape, " Cape Cornelius." Only one of his designations has been handed down to posterity, and that has undergone some change in its orthography ; the e being changed to a. 124 CAPE MAY COUNTY. was the first erected in the county. It was finished in 1803. The trustees were Constantine Smith, James Ludlam, Christopher Lud- 1am, Nathan Cresse, J. Tomlen. John Goff is believed to have preached the first sermon. The members of the class were Nathan Cresse and wife, II. Woodruff, William and John Mitchell, John Townsend, jr. and wife, Jeremiah Sayre and wife, Sarah Wintzell, Mrs. Enoch Smith, and David Heldreth, who was a local preacher. The number of members of the Methodist denomination in the county is now upwards of 1,100. There is a Baptist church in the eastern part of the township. West Creek, 4 miles NW. of Den- nisville, is a thickly-settled agricultural neighborhood. The following is from a manuscript of Thomas Leaming, who died in 1723, aged 49 years; and was buried in the old burying- ground on the place of Humphrey Leaming, on the sea-shore. A rough head-stone marks the spot. " In July, 1674, I was born in Southampton, Long Island. When I was 18 years of age, (1692,) I came to Cape May ; and that winter had a sore fit of the fever and flux. The next summer I went to Philadelphia, with my fatlier, (Christopher,) who was lame with a withered hand, which held him until his death. The winter following I went a whaling, and we got eight whales, and five of them we drove to the Hoarkills, (Lewistown, Del- aware;) and we went there to cut them up, and staid a month. The first day of May we came home to Cape May, and my father was very sick ; and the 3d day, 1695, departed this life, at the house of Shamgar Hand. Then I went to Long Island, staid that summer, and in the winter I went a whal- ing again, and got an old cow and a calf. In 1696 I went to whaling again, and made a great voyage ; and in 1697 I worked for John Reeves all sum- mer, and in the winter went to whaling again. In 1698, worked for John CrafTord, and on m}'^ own land ; and that fall had a sore fit of sickness, at Henry Stitcs's — and in the year 1700 I lived at my own plantation, and worked for Peter Corson. I was married in 1701 ; and in 1703 I went to Cohansie, and fetched brother Aaron. In 1706 I built my house. Samuel Matthews took a horse from me, worth JE7, because I could not train. [Leaming was a strict Quaker at this time.] In 1707 we made the county road." It has been supposed by many, that the number of ahorigines in this state, when first visited by Europeans, was inconsiderable. That they were very numerous in this county, there cannot be any doubt, from the great quantities of shells found contiguous to the seaboard. Many hundreds of bushels are to be seen, in numerous places, in one mass : and the soil in many places abounds with them, and is enriched thereby. There is a singular and, perhaps, unaccountable fact, respecting these deposits : the shells are, uni- versally, so broken that seldom a piece is found larger than a shil- ling. Many Indian relics have been discovered, such as isinglass, medals, stone-hatchets, arrow-heads, earthen-ware of a rough de- scription, beads, javelin-heads, &c. Annexed is a copy of the oath of allegiance taken and signed, by those friendly to the revolution, with the names of all the sign- ers in this county : CAPE MAY COUNTY. 135 Oath of Allegiance. — " I do sincerely profess and swear, I do not hold myself bound by allegiance to the King of Great Britain — so help me God. I do sincerely profess and swear, that I do and will bear true faith and alle- giance to the government established in this state, under the authority of the people— so heTp me God. May 27th, 1778." "John Taylor, Ellis Hiia:lies, Elijah Shaw, Levi Hand, Aaron Swain, Reuben Swain, Daniel Crcssee, Aaron Eldrcd^e, Constant Hughes, Henry Stevens, Matthew Whillden, Levi Eldredge, David Johnson, George Campbell, Jacob Richardson, Daniel Crowell, Ezekicl Eldredge, Jonathan Eldredge, Abner Periman, Simeon Izard, Gideon Kent, Humphrey Stites, John Stites, Silas Swain, Constantino Foster, Daniel Hewitt, William Schellcnger, Mcinucan Hughes, Ellis Hughes, Jr., Benjamin Ballcngcr, Richard Stevenson, Uriah Gandy, Thomas Gandy, Thomas Hand, Stephen Foster, John Nickleson, David Townsend, Joshua Ganctson, Samuel Townsend, John Goldin, Peter Corson, John Baker, David Corson, Elijah Ganetson, Rem. Corson, Joseph Ludlam, James Hildrcth, Jr., Abncr Corson, David Hildrcth, Jacob Crowell, Jonathan Townsend, Jeremiah Richardson, Ezra Hand, John Goof, David Cressec, Jesse Corson, James Godfrey, Jr., Zcbulon Cressee, Nezer Swain, Lewis Crcssee, George Taylor, Philip Godfrey, Israel Stites, William Shaw, Henry Schellinger, Nathan Hand, Josiali Crowell, Daniel Johnson, Richard Matthews, Isaac Matthews, Samuel Peterson, George Norton, Arthur Cressee, John Foster, Christopher Learning, Richard Edmonds, William Yates, John Izard, Daniel Ganetson, John Holmes, Jonathan Hildrcth, Absalom Hand, Jacob Stites, Jesse Hughes, Jonathan Learning." George HoUingshead, Jacob Smith, The aged people of the county can recollect, m the dark days of the revolution, when the army was barefoot, and provisions so exceed- ingly scarce, that their people boiled out, dried, and strung large quantities of clams, and transported them to the army. No doubt they were esteemed a luxury by the half-starved soldiery, and sub- stituted, in some measure, beef and pork. Salt was then manufac- tured, in considerable quantities, by the inhabitants. The remains of a large establishment are yet apparent, near Townsend's sound, on the James Townsend place. It was owned by a Dr. Harris, who Avas odious to the British, because he sold gunpowder. They offered a reward for him, and threatened the destruction of his works ; but never dared put their threat in execution. LOWER. This, the most southern township in New Jersey, was incorpo- rated in 1798. Its length, N. and S., is 8 m. ; width, J*', and W., the same. It is bounded N. by Middle Township, E. and S. by the Atlantic ocean, and W. by Delaware bay. A great portion of its surface is covered with a salt marsh and sea-beach. On the ocean shore the soil is loamy ; the bay shore is sandy, and the central part sandy loam. There is much young timber in the town.ship. Th(; inhabitants are mostly engaged in agriculture, or maritime pursuits. There are in the township stores, 3 saw-m. ; G schools, 240 scholars. Pop. 1,133. Among the early settlers of this township, who came here about 126 CAPE MAY COUNTY. 1691, principally from Long Island, were Christopher Learning and his son Thomas, Cesar Hoskins, Samuel Matthews, Jonathan Osborne, Nathaniel Short, Cornelius Skellinks, (now Schellinger,) Henry Stites, Thomas Hand and his sons John and George, John and Caleb Carman, John Shaw, Thomas Miller, William Stillwell, Humphrey Hewes, William Mason, and John Richardson. Very soon, quite a business was done here ; as a town called Cape May Town sprang up at Bay shore, for the accommodation of whalers, which was probably the first town built in the county. From the Journal of Aaron Leaming, Esq., who was born in 1715, we extract the following : "In 1691, Cape May was a new country, and, begin- ning to settle very fast, seemed to hold oat good advantages to the adventurer. I never saw any East India tea till 1735. It was at the Presbyterian parson's, the followers of Whitefield, that brought it into use at Cape May about 1744-5-6 ; and now it impoverish- eth the country Christopher Leaming's remains were interred at the place called Cape May Town, which was situated above New England Town creek, and contained about 13 houses ; but on the failure of the whale-fishery in Delaware bay, it dwin- dled into common farms, and the graveyard is on the plantation now owned by Ebenezer Newton. At the first settlement of this county, the chief whaling was in Delaware bay ; and that occa- sioned the town to be built there. But there has not been one home in that town since my remembrance. In 1734 I saw the graves. Samuel Eldredge showed them to me. They were then about 50 rods from the bay, and the sand was blown up to them. The town was between them and the water. There were then some signs of the ruins of the houses." Below is a copy of the inventory of John Story, who died in this township in 1687. It is an interesting relic, showing the prices of various articles at that time. The original spelling is preserved : £ s. d. "A chest, and small things, . . . 16 A gon, 10 2 bras cities an on frying-pan, . . . 10 2 axes an on shobel, . . . . 5 6 On sadell, 10 On blanket, 2 6 On hous an improvments, . . . . 10 On stier, 4 yer ould, . . . . 5 2 sticrs goin to yer ould, . . . . 4 On bull, 2 10 On heifer whit calfe, 3 10 p , , S JOHN BRIGGS, rrased Dy us, ^ ALEXANDER HUxMPHRIES." The village of Cape Island is a favorite watering-place in the southern part of this township, 13 m. S. of the courthouse. It be- gan to grow into notice as a watering-place in 1812, at which time there were but a lew houses there. It now contains 2 large hotels, 3 stories high and 150 feet long, — and a third lately erected, 4 sto- ries high and 100 feet in length ; besides numerous other houses CAPE MAY COUNTY. 127 Cape May Island. for the entertainment of visitors. The whole number of dwellings is about 50. In the summer months the island is thronged with visitors, principally from Philadelphia, with which there is then a daily steamboat communication. It is estimated that 3,000 stran- gers annually visit the place. The village is separated by a small creek Irom the mainland ; but its area is fast wearing away by the encroachments of the sea. Watson, the antiquarian, in a MS. journal of" a trip to Cape Island in 1835, on this point says : "Since my former visit to Cape Island in 1822, the house in which I then stopped, (Capt. Aaron Bennett's,) then nearest the surf, has been actually reached by the invading waters ! The distance from Bennett's house to the sea bank in 1822, was 165 feet ; and in 1804, as it was then measured and cut upon the house by Com- modore Decatur, it was 334 feet. It had been as much as 300 ft. further off, as remembered by some old men who told me so in 1822." A large portion of the inhabitants of the village are Dela- ware pilots, a hardy and industrious race. About 2 m. W. of the boarding-houses is the Cape May lighthouse. In the late war, when the British fleet were blockading Dela- ware bay, a boat was sent ashore from the 74-gun-ship Poictiers, with a flag of truce to Cape Island, with the request to Capt. Hughes, commander of a small body of men stationed there, to al- low them to obtain a supply of water. On his refusal, the boat returned ; and shortly after, another was sent ashore, with the throat that unless allowed peaceably to get water, they would bombard the place. Capt. Hughes, with the advice of his officers, discreetly acceded to their demand. He was, however, arrested on a cnarge of treason, for giving supplies to the enemy, and narrowly escaped severe punishment. Cold S[)ring, 10 m. S. of the courthouse, is a thickly-settled agri- cultural neighborhood, containing about 40 houses within the circle of a mile. It derives its name from an excellent spring of cold water lluwiug up from the salt marsh, which is much frequented by 128 CAPE MAY COUNTY. sojourners at Cape Island. It contains an academy, a Methodist church, (the second built in the county,) erected about 30 years since, and a Presbyterian church, erected in 1823 on the site of an old one. The history of this church is thus given by Johnson, in his history of Salem : " It is to be regretted that the records relating to the Presbyterian church in the county of Cape May were lost, and we have to begin their date from the year 1754, when the Rev. Daniel Lawrance officiated there, and lived on the parsonage which had been pur- chased of the Rev. John Hradnor, (in 1721,) who was a member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, and resided there, preaching for the people in that part of the county. The Rev. Samuel Finley, (who some years after became the president of Princeton college,) resided there, and officiated for the Cape May people. He, no doubt, was made instru- mental in producing that extraordinary revival which was had among the Presbyteriau and Baptist churches, from the year 1740 to about 1743. The parsonage was purchased by the following named constituents : Humphrey Hughes, Barnabas Crowell, Nathaniel Rex, George Hand, Jehu Richardson, Yelverson Crowell, John Parsons, George Crawford, Josiah Crowell, Col. Jacob Spicer, Benjamin Stites, William Mulford, Shamgar Hand, Jeremiah Hand, William Matthews, Joshua Gulicksen, Samuel Eldridge, Samuel Bancroft, Samuel Johnston, Recompenee Jonathan Furman, Eleazer Nocault, Constant Hughes, Ezekiel Eldridge, Joshua Crofferd, Cornelius Schcllenger, Eleazer Newton, Samuel Foster, Jehu Hand, Joseph Wiklen, John Matthews. Nathaniel Hand, Nathaniel Norton, The present supporters of the Presbyterian church are principally the descendants of the above-named persons The Rev. James Watt succeeded Mr. Lawrance. Abijah Davis was succeeded by David Edwards, who had removed from Salem county, and became the pastor in 1804 — continued until his death in 1813. Mr. Ogden suc- ceeded Edwards, and resigned his charge in 1825, and was succeeded by Rev. Alvin H. Parker, who was succeeded by the present incumbent, Rev. Moses Williamson. The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in an old graveyard, now overgrown with timber, at Cold Spring. They commemorate a father and a son who occupied prominent stations in society in their day : — In memory of Col. Jacob Spicer, who died April 17th, 1741, aged 73 years — Death, thou hast conquered me, I, by thy darts am slain, But Christ shall conquer thee, And I shall rise again. Jacob Spicer, Esq., departed this life, Sept. 17th, 1765, in the 49th year of his age— If aught that's good or great could save, Spicer had never seen the grave. His wife, who lies by his side, has upon her monument — Judith Spicer departed this life, Sept. 7th, 1747, in the 33d year of her age. Virtue and piety give way to death, Or else the entombed had ne'er resigned her breath. Fishing Creek, on the bay shore, G miles SW. of the courthouse, is an agricultural vicinage similar to Cold Spring. A survey has been made for a breakwater, at Crow's shoal in this township, near the mouth of Delaware bay. When the wind is NE., a good har- bor is atiorded at this place ; and sometimes as many as 100 ves- CAPE MAY COUNTY. 129 sels are anchored off here. On a sudden chanf^e to the NW. vessels are frequently driven ashore. The breakwater will be an effectual protection against winds from this direction. MIDDLE. Middle Township was incorporated in 1798. It is 12 miles long and 10 broad; and is bounded N. by Dennis, E. by the ocean, S. by Lower Township, and W. by Delaware bay. About half the township is salt marsh or sea-beach ; the remaining portion is mostly sandy loam. The township contains 12 stores, 2 grist-m., 2 saw-m. ; 5 schools, 328 scholars. Pop. 1,024. Goshen, 5 miles NW. of the courthouse, has a handsome Methodist church and about 20 dwellings. The village of Cape May Courthouse is in the central part of the township, 110 miles from Trenton, and 36 SE. of Bridgeton, and contains a courthouse, a jail, and the county offices, (shown in the accompanying view,) a Methodist and a Bap- View in the Village of Cape May Courthouse. tist church, and 30 or 40 dwellings in the vicinity. The Methodist church at this place is of recent origin, but the Baptist is very ancient. " The Baptist church at Cape May took its origin from a vessel which put in there from England, in the year 1675. Two persons, to wit, George Taylor and Philip llill, though not ministers, officiated as such in private families, until tlie Rev. Elias Keach ordained one Ashton to be a deacon. After liini, the Rev. Nathaniel Jenkins took the oversight, and a church was constituted by Rev. Timothy Brooks, of Cohansey, in 1712. The elders were Dickison Shcppard and Jeremiah Bacon. The names of the male constituents were, Rev. Nathaniel Jenkins, Artliur ("ressee, Seth Brooks, Abraham ymith, Williiim Seagreaves, Jonathan .Swain, Jolin Slilhvell, ilenry Stites, Benjamin Hand, Richard Bowns, Ebenezcr Swain, Williuni Smitli, John Taylor, Abraham Hand, Christopher Church, Charles Robinson, and their wives. In 1714, the settlement had well-nigh been depopulated by a grievous sickness, which swept off a vast number of their people. Jenkins had by his wife, whose name was Esther Jones, nine children, viz : Hannah, Phcbc, Nathaniel, (his successor,) Tabitha, David, Jonathan, Esther, Abinadab, and Jonadab ; these married into the families of tlie Shaws, Serleys, Downeys, Ilurriscs, Poolcs, Lakes, and Taylors. Nathaniel Jenkins succeeded his father in tlic ministry, and died in 176'J, and was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Heaton, and he by the Rev. Jolm Sutton, and he by Rev. Peter Peterson Vanhorn, and he by Rev. David Smitli, and he 17 130 CAPE MAY COUNTY. by Rev. Artis Scagreavc, who took the oversight of the chureh in 1785, and resigned in 1788." — Johnson's Hist, of Salem. In 1789, John StancUff came and remained until his death in 1802. That year came Jonathan Germain, wno died in 1808; then Jen- kins David, and continued until 1822; then Mr. Robinson, till 1831; Samuel Smith, until 1838 ; and Peter Powell, until 1843. The present brick Baptist church was erect- ed on the site of that built in 1719. The following, relating to land titles, &c., in this county, was communicated by Dr. Maurice Beesley, of Dennisville, to whose industrious researches the compilers are indebted for most of the materials introduced respecting the county. In 1G88, the 95,000 acre tract was granted to Dr. Daniel Coxe, of London, one of the West Jersey proprietors. The line com- mences at the hammocks below Goshen creek, on the bay shore, and in its passage across the county comes between Joseph Falken- burge's and John M'Crea's, and thence on a direct line NE. by N. over the head of Dennis creek to Tuckahoe river, including in the tract all the lanete SE. of this line. In 1691, Dr. Coxe conveyed this tract and all his other lands in the state, to the West Jersey Society, from whom the land titles of the county have mostly ema- nated. This line, called the "Society's line," was first run in 1(591. Between 1740 and 1750, the cedar swamps of the county, then very extensive, were mostly located ; previously they were not considered of sufficient value to survey. In 1756, Jacob Spicer the second, bought the interest of the West Jersey Society in all the lands of the county, constituting what is called the " vacant right," now owned by Jacob Leaming, John Moore White, Esq., and heirs of Spicer Leaming. Aaron Leaming and Jacob Spicer were competitors in this purchase of the right of the society ; but the latter overreached the former. Although these personages, perhaps two of the most popular men of that time, were opposed to each other at home in consequence of their land speculations, yet when at Trenton, as representatives of their county, where they served for about 30 years, they united their energies, and were faithful and efficient public servants. The fact that the legislature intru.sted them to make a collection of state papers, termed " Xe«m- fwif and Spicer's Collections" which must have been an arduous duty, is proof of the high estimation in which they stood. The first-named of these gentlemen was buried in the old Leam- ing burying-ground, two miles above the courthouse. The follow- ing is the inscription on his monument : — In memory of Aaron Leaming, Esq., who represented this county in assembly, 30 years. Died Aug. 28th, 178U, age of G5 years, 1 mo., 11 days. Beneath this stone, here lies a name That once had titles, honor, wealth, and fame : How loved, how honored, now avails thee not, To whom related, or by whom begot ; A heap of dust alone remains of thee, 'Tis all thou art, and all the proud shall be. EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNTY RECORDS The first meeting for public business in the county was held at the house of Benjamin Godfrey, in the year 1692. CAPE MAY COUNTY. 131 In the second suit on record, " George Taylor accuscth John Jarvis for hclpinir the In. dians to rum. William Johnson deposeth, and saith, that he came into tlie house of the said Jarvis, and he found Indians drinking rum, and one of the said Inchans gave of the said rum to the said Johnson, and he drank of it with him ; the said Jarvis refusing to clear himself, was convicted." 1693. "The grand jury upon complaint made by Elizabeth Crafibrd, and we have taken it into consideration, and we find that no farincr ought to rate ale or other strong drink to ye inhabitants of Cape May, except they have a lysence for so doing. So the court orders that no person shall sell liquor without a license, and that .£40 be raised by tax to defray expenses, with a proviso that produce should be taken at ' money price in payment.' " 1698. " We the grand jury order that if any person will hang a gate anywhere be- tween Joshua Cannans and old Elizabeth Carmans, and clear the old road to the gate, and from the gate to the mill, they may do it, and that shall be the road ; and if that wont do, let them hang a gate in the old road." Same court presents John Coston for being drunk, and Henry Stites for breach of Sabbath in driving cattle and slaughtering a steer. Joseph Ludlam admonished in court, " that for time to come he be careful m taking an oath, and to mind to what it doth relate to." The following is a specimen of the manner of tying the matri- monial knot in olden time : — "These may certify that on the 15th day of February, 1693, then and there came be- fore me, Henry Stites and Hannah Garlick, and did each take the other to be man and wife, according to the law of this province, being lawfully pubhshed according to order, as witness their hands the day and year abovesaid. Henry Stites, Sa.muel Crowell, .lustice. Hannah Garlick. " Witnesses — John Carman, Jonathan Pine, John Shaw, Jonathan Osborne, Caleb Carman, Shamgar Hand, Ruth Dayton, William Harwood, Jacob Spicer, Ezekiel El- dredge, Timothy Brandilh." 1705. " The grand jury agree to have a prison built 13 feet by 8, and 7 feet high in the first story, upon the Queen's highway, eastvvardly of Gravel- ly run." Stocks and whipping-posts were ordered at the same time. A license was granted tliis year, from Gov. Cornbury to Capt. Jacob Spicer, of the sloop Adventure, owned by John and Richard Townsend ; burden 16 tons. She traded from Cape May to Philadelphia and Burling- ton, and no doubt was considered a vessel of some magnitude in those days. 1706. This year Shamgar Hand and Wm. Golden, commissioners for the purpose, laid out the road from Egg Harbor to Cold Spring, and thence to Town Bank, as follows, viz : " Beginning at a bush near the water's edge on Great Egg Harbor river, and from said bush alon^r Wm. Golden's fence to the gate-post ; from thence along the fence to the corner thereof; thence by a line of marked trees to the first run ; thence to the head of John Coston's branch ; thence to the head of dry swamp ; thence to the head of Joseph Ludlam's branch ; thence around the head of John Townsend 's branch, to the going over the branch between Abraham Hand's and Thomas Leon- ard's ; thence to the bridge over Leonard's branch ; thence to the bridge over the branch towards the head of Wm. Johnson's land, so on to the bridge over Ihc tork branch ; thence to the bridge over John Crcssce's creek ; thence to tlie bridge over crooked creek, so by a line of marked trees to the bridge over Gravelly run ; thence to the bridge over Cressce's creek ; thence to the old going over at John Shaws; thence to the old going over at Wm. Shaw's branch ; thence to the head of John Taylor's branch ; thence to the liim- ing-out of Cold Spring path, so on by a line of marked trees, partly along the old road down to the bay side, between George Crawford's and the hollow." 132 CAPE MAY COUNTY. Fifteen shillings a head bid by the court for wolves and panthers, and half price for young ones. 1707. " John Townsend and Shamgar Hand, commissioners, laid out the road from the head of John Townsend's creek to the cedar swamp ; so through the same to a place called Ludley's bridge, and towards Maurice river as far as the county goeth." Thus, after 14 years hard talking, for it appears notiiing else had been done until now, the road through the cedar swamp, lying between the head-waters of Cedar Swamp creek and Dennis creek, (then called Cedar creek, Sluice creek being named Dennis,) was laid out, and according to records of the first Thomas Learning, completed this year. It is a question by what route the inhabitants had communication with the other parts of the colony, as they appear to have been completely isolated until tins road was made. 1716. The old county road from Long bridge to the head of Tuckahoe, and from thence to Gloucester Point, was made this year. 1740. This year Jacob Ludlam, jr., took license, and opened a house of entertainment on the sea-shore. In 1750, Nicholas Stillwcll at Egg Har- bor. Both of these were in Upper Township. In 17.52, Jacob Spicer at Cold Spring. In 1761, Aaron Leaming on the sea-shore, two miles above the courthouse. In 1763, Christopher Leaming where Ilumphi'ey Leaming and Nathaniel Foster now live. In 1764, Daniel Hand at the courthouse. In 1768, I\femucan Hughes and James Whillden at and near Cape Island. In 1790 a law was passed to build a bridge over the N. and S branches of Dennis creek, and to lay out a public road from Thomas Leaming's ship- yard, on the S. branch, to the road leading from the Long bridge to John- son's mill. Daniel Townsend, Christopher Smith, Henry Ludlam, and Jacoks Swain, were the surveyors. UPPER. This township was incorporated in 1798. It is 10 miles long, with an average width of 7 ; and is bounded N. by Great Egg Harbor bay and Tuckahoe river, separating it from Atlantic co,, E. by the ocean, S. by Dennis, and W. by Maurice river, Cumberland CO. Pop. 1,217. Its surface is level ; soil sand and loam, and well timbered with cedar, oak, and pine. It contains 4 stores, 1 grist- m., 4 saw-m. ; 5 schools, 219 scholars. The village of Tuckahoe is situated on both sides of Tuckahoe river, on the county line, 18 miles from the courthouse, 11 from the sea, 28 from Bridgeton, and 13 from May's Landing. It contains 3 taverns, several stores, about GO dwellings, and a jNIethodist church. There are besides, in the township, 1 Baptist and 1 Methodist church, and a Friends meeting-house. Wood, lumber, and ship- building, constitute the business of the village. As early as 1()!)2 a ferry was established at Beesley's Point, over Great Egg Harbor river ; a proof there must have been inhabitants upon both sides of the river at that early period. The I'ates were 1*. for passengers, 2d. a bushel for grain, 4r/. each for sheep or hogs, and Is. for cattle per head. The toll-bridge over Cedar Swamp creek was not built until 17G2. Joseph Corson, James Willets, Isaac Banner, and John CAPE MAY COUNTY. I33 Mackey, were potitioners for it. Wagons were charged 6d., pas- sengers Id. John Townsend, ancestor of all in the county of that name, and of many in Philadelphia and els(>vvhere, emigrated with three brothers to Long Inland j)revious to 1(580. They were mem- bers of the Society of Friends. One settled in New England, one in New York, John and the other came to Leeds Point, near Little Egg Harbor. About or previous to 1(590, John (the other brother having gone to Pennsylvania) travelled to Somers' Point, crossed the Egg Harbor river, ajid followed the seaboard down about ten miles, until he came to a stream of water that he thought would do for a mill. He returned to Egg Harbor, bought a yoke of oxen, got them across the river, took the yoke on his back, as there was not room for the timber to drive his oxen abreast, and drove them before him down an Indian path to the place of his i'uture residence. His wife's name was Phebe. They cleared land, built a cabin and a mill on the site of Thomas Vangilders. He died in 1722, and left three sons, Ivichard, Robert, and tSylvanus. John and Peter Corson were the first of the name that came to the county, and were here as early as 1G'J2. The second generation was Peter, jr., John, jr., Christian, and Jacob. This family became nmnerous. There were 52 families, in 1840, of that name in this township. All the Townsends in the county descended from the Jolui Townsend ahove mentioned ; All the Corsons from Peter and Jolni C-orson " LeaminjSfS " Christoplur Lcaming " Ludlams " Joseph Ludlani " Schellingcrs " Cornelius Skellinks " Hughes " Humphrey Hughes « Whilldens " .Joseph WhiUden " Hewitts " Randal Hewitt " Stites " Henry Stites " Cresses " Arthur Crcsse " Willets « John VViUcts " Goffs » John Goff " Youngs " Henry Young " Eldredges " Ezekiel Eidrcdge " Godfreys " Benjamin Godfrey " Matthews " Samuel Matthews. Henry Young was a man of some note in the county about a cen- tury ago. He was impressed in England, his native country, when very young, on board of a m;in-of-war, from which he made his es- cape to a vessel bound to l^hiladelphia. Here, to elude pursuit, he was secreted in a hogshead, in the hold of the vesscd ; and as soon as they put to sea he was relieved ; but not until nearly exhausted for want of fresh air. He was justice of the peace from 1722 till his death in 1767, and member of the legislature for 8 sessions. There was an Indian killrd on Foxborough Hill, at Beesley's l^oint, in 1730, by old Joseph Golden, who got into a quarrel and probably unintentionally killed his opponent. It is said the Indians were so enraged against Golden, that he was for a long time oblig(>d to secrete himself to avoid their vengeance. A suit was instituted against him in this county, which was removed to Bur- lington, where he was tried and acquitted; but its great cost 134 CAPE MAY COUNTY. obliged him to dispose of that part of his place NW. of the main road to the Point, to Nicholas Stillwell. In the American revolution the inhabitants of Cape May, to pro^ tect themselves from the incursions of the British and refugees, armed and manned a number of boats and privateers. They manifested great bravery and address, and were successful in taking prizes. They had the most to fear from the refugees — as their names were synonymous with burglary, arson, treachery, and murder. Only two, as far as is known, were from this county. They were finally taken prisoners. The following, chiefly extracts from the New Jersey State Gazette, relate to incidents of the war, principally off this coast : "June 23d, 1779. An open boat, caWed "The Skunk," mounting 2 guns, and 12 men belonging to Egg Harbor, sent in tlierc, on Wednesday last, a vessel with a valua- ble cargo — which makes her nineteenth prize since she was fitted out." Upon one occasion this boat had quite an adventure, when commanded by Capt. Snell and John Goldin. They thought they had discovered a fine prize, off Egg Harbor, in a large ship wearing the appearance of a Merchantman. The boat approached cautiously, and, after getting quite near, the little Skunk was put in a retreating position, stern to the enemy, and then gave him a gun. A momentary pause ensued. All at once, the mer- chantman was transformed mto a British 74, and in another moment she gave the Skunk such a broadside that, as Goldin expressed it, " the water flew around them like ten thou- sand whale-spouts." She was cut some in her sails and rigging, but by hard rowing made good her escape, — with Goldin to give the word, " Lay low, boys .' lay low for your lives .'" "June 2d, 1779. The brigantine Dehght, Capt. Dawson, on the 20th ultimo, from Tortula to New York, mounting 12 guns, with 29 hands, came ashore on Peck's beach, in a fog, at Cape May. Her cargo consisted of 80 hhds. of rum, some sugar, &c. Soon alter she came ashore, our militia took possession of both vessel and cargo, and sent off the crew under guard to Philadelphia." A few years since, the tide being very low, one of the cannon thrown overboard in the attempt of the British to get her off, was found by Mr. Uriah Smith, and placed at the corner of his yard for a fender. There were 3 balls in it. " Oct. 6, 1779. On Friday last, Capt. Taylor, of Cape May, sent into Little Egg Harbor a transport from New York to Halifax, with a quantity of drygoods, and 214 Hessians, including a colonel, who are properly taken care of." " Aug. 7, 1782. John Badcock took the Hawk, when commanding the Rainbow : her cargo consisted of spirits, tar, flour, coal, and iron, — which was sold at James Wil- let's, (who kept tavern where Capt. John S. Chattin now docs,) for the benefit of those concerned." " Capt. Hand, of the Enterprise, and Capt Willets, of another boat, on the 5th of May, 1782, chased ashore, near Egg Harbor, the refugee boat Old Ranger, mounting 7 swiv- els and 1 three-pounder, commanded by one Fryan, with 25 men, bound to the capes of the Delaware, and up the same as far as Christiana, tcith orders to take prisoners whom they pleased. They afterward fell in with a schooner laden with corn, and another with lumber, which they took." "Jan. 3, 1782. William Treen and Joseph Edwards, commanders of the whale-boat Unity, captured the Betsey, which lately sailed from Jones's creek, Delaware, loaded with wheat, Indian corn, and flour, — which was taken in the Delaware by a British cruiser, and retaken by said Treen and Edwards." "Feb. 7, 1781. The brig Fame, Capt. William Treen, of Egg Harbor, about 10 days ago took the privateer schooner Cock, Capt. Brooks, bound from New York to Chesapeake bay, and sent her into a port in New Jersey." " On the night of the 22d of the same month, the brig Fame, while at the anchoring-point near Egg Harbor inlet, in a heavy gale from the NW. with some snow squalls, on the flood tide, was tripped and upset — by which sad mishap some 20 lives were lost." Capt. Treen, Wm. Lacke, and three others, were on shore. Thomas Adams, Eleazer Crawford, Jacob Corson, and Steelman, CAPE MAY COUNTY. 135 succeeded in landings on the point of the beach. The cold was in- tense. Stecdman, wlio was most active in cheering his companions and freeing the boat, perished when near land. Four only of the crew lel"t on board were rescued in the morning, th(! rest having perished by the cold ; these kept alive only by constant and unre- mitting exertion — that being the only method of shaking ofl'.the sleep of death. Capt. Wm. Treen (above mentioned) was bold and fearless, and very successful in taking prizes. He was, however, run down on one occasion by two frigates, for not immediately answering their summons to surrender. Both frigates passed quite over his vessel. Treen and a boy, only, caught to the rigging of one of the frigates, and were saved. Others made the attempt, but had their fingers and arms cut off by cutlasses. Treen implored for the lives of his crew — among whom was a brother of Jesse Somers, now (1812) living at Somers Point. This being refused, he boldly upbraided them for their cruelty. They could not but admire his heroic bear- ing, and, while with them, he was well treated ; but on their arri- val in New York he was placed in that den of horrors, the New Jersey prison-ship, and was one of the few that escaped with life. In 180G he went to the west. Nathaniel Holmes, who lived at the courthouse, (a highly respectable man, who died about 9 years since,) was, at one time, also confined on board this prison-ship. In the latter part of December, 1815, the brig Perseverance, Capt. Snow, bound from Havre to New York, with ten passengers, and a crew of seven men, was wrecked on Peck's beach, opposite the residence of Thomas Beesley, in this township.* " On Friday, the day before she was cast away, a ship from New York was spoken, which deceived them, by stating they were 200 miles east of Sandy Hook. It was with great gratification that the passengers received this joyous news ; and, elated with the hope of soon resting on ' terra firma,' gave themselves up to hilarity and merriment — whilst the captain, under the same impulse, spread all sail to a heavy northeaster, with high expectations of a safe arrival on the morrow. Delusive hope ! To-morrow too many of them were destined never to see. " Thus she continued on her course until three o'clock, Saturday morning ; when the mate, wliose watch it was on deck, was heard to give the dreadful cry, ' Breakers ahead ." The brig, by the instant efibrts of her steersman, obeyed her helm ; but as she came around, ahead off' shore, her stern striking knocked off' her false keel, deadened her head- way, and she backed on the beach stern foremost. In less than fifteen minutes, the sea made a clean breach over her. The scene, in the mean time, ' beggars description :' the passengers rushed out of the cabin, some of them in their night-clothes ; six of whom, and two of the crew, got in the long-boat. One of these was a young French lady, of * The gentleman from whom the account of this shipwreck is derived says : " The Per- severance had a very valuable cargo on board, of rich goods, china, glass, silks, &-c., which were strewn for miles along the beach. The people of Cape May were charged, upon this as upon some other occasions, of having converted some small portion of the goods, thus washed upon our shores, to their own use. I would ask, is there a spot up- on the Atlantic coast, from Maine to I'lorida, where tlierc would not be as much danger of depredation as at Cape May '! I will go further : what would be the fate of a ship of merchandise, scattered in tlie streets of our [)rincipal cities, without a guard, for twenty- four hours ? I do not intend to defend the person that will take that which does not belong to him : far from it ; but I do contend that the innocent should not suffer for the guilty, and tliat there is as much honesty and integrity among the people of ('ape May as in any ol/wr community, on the seaboard or elsewhere." 136 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. great beauty. The remainder of the crew and passengers succeeded in reaching the round-top, excepting a Mr. Cologne, whose great weight and corpulency of person com pellcd him to remain in the shrouds. Soon the sea carried the long-boat and its passen- gers clear of the wreck, when it was too late discovered she was firmly attached to it by a hawser, which it was impossible to separate. Had it not been for this unfortunate cir. cumstance, they might possibly have reached the shore. Their cries were heart-rending, but were soon silenced in the sleep of death : the boat swamped, and they were all con- signed to one common grave. The body of the lady floated on shore. " The sea ran so high that it wet those in the round. top ; and although many effbrtij were made, on Saturday, to rescue them, it was found impossible, as the boats would up- set by ' turning head over stern,' subjecting those in them to great danger. Capt. Snow lost his life, in attempting to swim ashore. On Sunday the sea fell a little, and those on the wreck were made to understand they would have to build a raft of the spars, and get on it, or they could not be saved. The mate had fortunately secured a hatchet, with which one was constructed ; by which the survivors, (except a negro who was washed overboard, and reached the shore in safety, whilst making the raft,) were rescued by the boats. There were but four saved, out of the seventeen souls on board, viz : one passenger, who was badly frozen, the mate, and two of the crew, including the negro. Three perished in the round-top, and were thrown over. " Mr. Cologne, who was in the rigging, and unable to descend from the shrouds, let go and fell into the water, and was caught, as he came up, by his hair, and thus towed ashore. He lived only three days after, although every possible attention was paid him. He and his niece, the young French lady, were buried side by side, in the Golden bury- ing-ground, at Beesley's Point. An eye-witness, Dr. Maurice Beesley, from whom the above account is derived, says : ' I saw this young and beautiful female after she had been transferred from the beach to the main. Her features were perfectly natural ; her cheeks bore the crimson tinge of life ; and it was scarcely possible to realize that, in- stead of a concentration of all the graces of the female form, animated by the fervor of life, I was gazing upon a cold and lifeless corpse.' " CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Cumberland county is bounded SSW. by Delaware bay, NW. by Salem co., NE. by Gloucester and Atlantic cc, and SE. by Cape May CO. It is about 30 m. long, E. and W., and its extreme breadth, N. and S., is 28 miles. It was included in Fenwick's tenth, and was part of his colony. It formed a portion of JSalem county until 1747, when it was erected into a separate county, and named by Gov. Belcher in honor of the Duke of Cumberland. The county was, at its formation, divided into six townships, viz., Greenwich, Hope- well, Stow Creek, Fairfield, Deerfield, and ]\Iaurice River, — to which Millville and Dovvne have since been added. Along on its SW. boundary, on the Delaware bay, is a tract of marshy land, varying from one to six miles in breadth. This marsh extends up the principal streams, Maurice river and Cohansey creek, for seve- ral miles. The surface of the county is level — its soil of a,lluvial formation, and generally a sandy loam, with some clay. A large portion of the NE. part is covered with a pine forest. Cumber- land county is divided into eight townships, viz : Deerfield, Fairfield, Hopewell, Millville, Downe, Greenwich, Maurice River, Stow Creek. CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 137 In 1810, the population was 12,670 ; in 1820, it was 12,688 ; in 1830, it was 14,093 ; in 1840, it was 14,303. DEERFIELD. This township is bounded NE. by Pittsgrove, Salem co., NW. by U. Alloways creek, Salem co., S. by Fairfield, and W. by ITopewell, from which it is separated by Cohansey creek. Its ex- treme length N. and S. is 11, with an average breadth of 6 miles. It contains 1 flouring-m., 2 grist-m,, 2 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $97,975; 3 acad. 390 students, — 11 schools, 830 scholars. Pop. 2,621. The villages are Bridgeton, Deerfield, and Centreville. Deerfield is 7 m. N. of Bridgeton, and contains a large and flour- ing Presbyterian church, and 30 or 40 dwellings, Centreville is on the line of Ciloucester co., and contains a Methodist church and about 2.5 dwellings. Carllsburg is a hamlet in the central part of the township. ^^ li^^a&i Southern Vieu in Bridgeton. Bridgeton, the county seat, is pleasantly situated on both sides of the Cohansey creek, and therefore in the townships of Deerfield and Hopewell. It is 60 m. from Trenton, 17 from Salem, and 8 from Delaware bay. There ar^ in the village 4 churches, (viz. 2 Presbyterian, 1 Baptist, and 1 Methodist,) a newspaper printing- ofiice, the Cumberland Bank, a public librarj^ 2 mutual aid asso- ciations, 2 fire engines, 2 academies, 1 woollen factory, 2 grist-m., an extensive rolling-m., foundiy, and nail factory, 1 saw and 1 pa- per-m., several mechanic shops, 10 stores, and a population of about 2,500. A large business is done here, and about 30 coasting-ves- sels sail from this port, which is at the head of navigation on the Cohansey river. The above view was taken on the eastern bank of the river, about 40 rods below the bridge which connects the two portions of the village. On the left are seen the extensive iron- works of the Messrs. Reeves &, Whitaker, which at times employ over 100 hands. On the right is seen a small portion of the village on the eastern side of the river. 18 138 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. The original name of this part of the country, on both sides of the river, was Cohansey, — from an Indian chief named Cohanzick, who anciently resided here. The first settlement of Bridgeton was made at an early period : the precise date is unknown. There was, doubtless, a convenient fording-place across the Cohansey where the town now is ; and, in process of time a bridge being erected, and a settlement springing up, it was known by the name of Bridge Town, — and so continued until the establishment of a bank, in 18 10, when it was changed to Bridgeton. The courts of the county were held at Greenwich until Dec. 1748, when they were adjourned to Cohansey Bridge, there then being a few houses there. Since the revolution, the growth of the town has been steady. Up to that period, and for several years after, the houses were principally on the hill on the west side of the river. The principal taverns, the post-office, courthouse, and jail, were all on the hill. The courthouse was erected about 1750, and the present jail about 1790. Of late years, the larger part of the town has been built on the east side of the Cohansey. Until 1792, there was not any organized church in the town, neither was there a house for divine worship. Many of the inhabitants were connected with the congregations at Fairfield and Greenwich, and often had preaching at the courthouse. In ] 793, a Pres- byterian church was organized in union with the one at Greenwich ; and it is worthy of notice, that the burial-ground was presented to tlic society by a member of the Society of Friends. The brick building at the "vest end of the town, now unused, was erected in 1794, and the expense partly dcfrayec by a lottery. The Rev. Dr. Clarkson was the pastor until 1801. In 1805 the Rev. Jonathan Freeman became the pastorof the united churches, and continued until his deceass in 1822. The churches were then separated, and in 1825 the Rev. B. Hoff became the pastor of that in Bridgeton, and continued until 1834. To him succeeded the Rev. Joim Kennedy ; and after him, in 1839, tlic Rev. Samuel B. Jones, the present pastor. The number of members in regular connec- tion is 208. Number of the congregation, about 800. The edifice now occupied, on Laurel-st., was erected in 1838. A Metliodist Episcopal church was organized in the town, as part of the Cumberland circuit, in 1806, and a church erected in 1807. In 1823, this church became a station, and hid the following succession of preachers : the Rev. Messrs. Chas. Pitman, Walter Burrovs, JoIm Potts, James Smith, Robert Gerry, William Wiggins, Bartholomew Weed, Taomas M'CarroU, Abraham Owen, Tlionias Sovereign, John L. Lcnhart, and James 11. Dandy. The number of members in full standing is 352, connected with 14 classes. Nmnber of the congregation, about 850. The church on Commerce-st. was erected in 1833. "The Baptist church on Pearl-st. was fjst opened for divine service in 1816, the church worshipping there remaining connected with the Roadstown church until 1828. In that year thirty-eight individuals were coistituted a separate church, and tlie Rev. George Spratt chosen pastor. He was succeec'ed in 1831 by Rev. John C. Hopkins, and he in 1835 by the Rev. Miciiael G. Frederick, who died in 1837 ; and in 1838 the Rev. Charles Hopkins was chosen, and continues the pastor. Tlie number of communicants is 210, and that of the congregation about 400. In Oct. 1838, a second Presbyterian church was formed, with seventeen members; aid in 1840 the stone church on Pearl-st. was erected. Large and flourisiiing sabbath-schools are connected with all the churches." Johnson thus gives the history oi" the Deerfield Presbyterian church : " About the year 1732, a number of Presbyterian families, from different places, settled in Deerfield. They were early induced to organize themselves into a religious society. They therefore united in building up a good and convenient log-building, about the year 1737, in wliich worsliip was held, and supplies afforded them from time to time ; and in the absence of a minister the people regilarly attended for worship on llie sabbath-day, and conducted the same according to the established order of the church. CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 139 About the year 1740, tlic Rev. Samuel Blair, then tlic Rev. Gilbert Tcnnant, then, after him, Rev. Samuel Fiiiloy, and a few others not reeoUccted, dispcnstd tlie word of life to this people ; and their ministrations were abundantly blessed, and there was a glorious ingathering of many precious souls, through their instrumentality of preaching. The Rev. Andrew Hunter, having labored here as a supply, accepted a call from the united congregations of Greenwich and Deerfield ; and he was now constituted their first pastor 4th Sept. 1746. In the year 17G0, the pastoral connection with Mr. Hunter was dis- solved, and was destitute for four years, being dependent for supplies from the presbytery mitil the Rev. Simon Williams came, in 17()4, and resided with them for about the sjiace of two years; when, on the 9tli June, l7(J7, the Rev. Enoch Green was installed pastor of the Deerfield congregation, and so continued until Nov. !2d, 1776, when he died. In the following year, 1777, the Rev. John Brainard (brother of David, the celebrated mis- sionary) assumed the pastoral charge; and died on 18t!i March, 1781, greatly lamented by his congregation. Rev. Joseph Montgomery, and others, officiated as supplies until June 2r)th, 17e3, when Rev. Simon Hyde was ordained the jiastor, and by a sudden ill- ness died 10th Aug. 1783. The congregation were now dependent ujion supplies until June, 178(5, when William Pickles (an Englishman) was installed their pastor. He was very eloquent, and for some time exceedingly jjopular ; but his conduct becoming loose, and unbecoming the character of a minister, he was deposed by the ])resbytery of Philadelphia. The church was again assisted by supplies for almost eight years, when, on the l'2ih August, 1795, the Rev. John Davenport was histalled pastor; but, through age and otiier infirmities, he was dismissed, in Oct. 180'). Again the church became dependent on supplies for about three years, when the Rev. Nathaniel Reeve was installed pastor, Oct. 18()!S ; where he continued until lie was dismissed, at his own request, by the presbytery of Philadelphia, A{)ril 17, 1817. Afterward the Rev. Francis G. Ballentine was installed the pastor, June 22, 181!) ; and so continued untd, at a meeting of presby- tery, held at Salem, June 8th, 1824, at his request, his pastoral relation witii that congre- gation was dissolved. Then the Rev. Alexander McFarlane was ordained and installed, April 27, 1826, where he continued to discharge his duties as their pastor until he was dismissed from his charge, in 1830, and accepted of a professorship in Dickinson College, Carlisle. The Rev. John Burt then took the oversight of the church for some months, when Rev. D. McCuenne was installed the pastor of this church ; and on liJth Oct. 1836, was dismissed from his pastoral relation, at his request. On the 18th Oct. 1838, the Rev. Benjamin Tyler was ordained and installed the pastor thereof. "Names of ruling elders since 1779, to wit: William Tullis, Recompcnce Jeakc, William Smith, John Stratton, William Garrison, Abner Smith, Joseph jMoore, Ebenczer Loomis, Joseph Brewster, Nathaniel Diaments, Ebenezer Harris, Eplu"aim Loomis." The inhabitants of Bridgeton and vicinity were firm adherents to the cause of their country, in the war of the revolution. In 1775 a company of soldiers was raised here, of which the late Gen. Jo- seph Bloomfiold was captain, and the late Gen. Ebenezer Elmer a lieutenant. This corps marched to the north, and joined the army under Gen. Schuyler. Dr. .Jonathan Elmer, who lived many VL'ars in the place, and died there in 1817, was a member of the revolu- tionary congress ; and was one of the first senators under the pres- ent constitution of the United States. Simultaneously with the whigs of Salem, in the autumn of 1774, a committee of safety was appointed for the county, which consisted of two members from each township, who met occasionally, at Cohanscy Bridge, to see that the association be properly attended to, and energetically and punctually observed, in every particular. Toward the close of 177!), and spring of 1780, an association of whigs ol" this and Sa- lem CO. built and equipped, at Bridgeton, a fine schooner, as a let- ter-of-marque, which, in compliment to the governor of the state, was called the " Gov. Livingston." She made but one succes.sful trip ; and when on her second voyage, on her return home, having a very valuable cargo on board, waa captured, near the capes of 140 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. the Delaware, by a British frigate. No other attempts, of this na- ture, were made here afterward. The following notice respecting Gen. Elmer, of this town, is from the "Bridgeton Chronicle," Oct. 21st, 1843: " It is with deep sorrow that we record the death of our oldest and most estimable citi. zen, Gen. Ebenezer Elmer, President of the New Jersey Cincinnati Society, and the last surviving officer of the New Jersey line of the revolutionary army ; who died on Wednesday last, Oct. IBtii, aged ninety-one years. " Gen. Elmer was born at Cedarville, Cumberland co., N. J., and was the grandson of the Rev. Daniel Elmer, who came from Connecticut to Fairfield, in the year 1727. He studied medicine with his elder brother, the late Dr. Jonathan Elmer, and was about es- tabhshing himself in practice when hostilities commenced between America and Great Britain. In Jan. 177(), he was commissioned an ensign in the company of continental troops commanded by the late Gov. Bloomficld ; and served in that capacity, and as a lieutenant in the northern army, until the spring of 1777, when, the army being reorgan- ized, he was appointed a surgeon's mate. In June, 1778, he was appointed surgeon of the second Jersey regiment, and served in that capacity until the close of the war ; never being absent from duty. After the war he married", and settled in Bridgeton, as a phy- sician. In 1789 he was elected a member of assembly, and in several succeeding years in 1791 and in 179.'S he was speaker. In 1800 he was elected a member of congress, and sat in that body six years, during the administration of Jefferson, of which lie was a sup- porter. He was adjutant-general of the militia of New Jersey, and for many years brig- adier-general of the Cumberland brigade. During the last war with England, in 1813, he commanded the troops stationed at Blllii.g;j'crt, in this state. In the year 1807, and afterward in 1815, he was a member of the cov icll of this state, and vice-president. In 1808, he was appointed collector of the port of Bridgeton, which office he resigned in 1817 — was reappointed in 1822, and continued in that office until 1832, when he again resigned ; and having arrived at the age of fourscore, wholly declined public business. In his early years he was deeply impressed with a concern for his immortal interests, and has been for many years a member of the Presbyterian church. His great charac. teristic, through a long and useful life, was stern integrity. His generosity and benevo- lence are known wherever he was known, and ' his praise is in all the churches.' " Gen. Elmer was buried on Friday. The funeral proceeded from his late residence to the church in Broad-st., where the Rev. Ethan Osborne, one of his revolutionary com- patriots, preached an appropriate sermon, from Matt. xxv. 21 ; and then the body was interred in the Presbyterian burying-ground." It is stated, in a late number of the paper from which the above biographical sketch is taken, that Mrs. S.^rah Smith, who recently died at Bridgeton, was a lineal descendant of the royal family of Sweden. " Her great-grandmother Elizabeth, in the troublous times of that kingdom, was com- pelled to flee from her native country, wlien she was sixteen years old. She was con- cealed in a hogshead, on board of a ship, at Stockholm, for some time before the vessel sailed for America. She brought many valuable treasures with her across the water, whicii were also concealed on board tlie ship ; but after the vessel had sailed over the Atlantic, she was wrecked on the Jersey shore. This lady, with a few of the crew, barely saved their lives. In her destitute condition, on the shore of a vast wilderness, as New Jersey then was, she fell in with a hunter, by the name of tlarrlson. Their ac- quaintance grew into Intimacy, and ripened into love. She married him, and by him had ten children. It is said that her youngest son, William, was born when she was in her fifty-liltli year. She died in the ninety-fifth year of her age. She has a grandson now living, in Bridgeton, who was brought up by her, until he was about nine years of age, to whom she related this narrative, and many of her interesting adventures. Tliis gen. tleman computes his grandmother's descendants in the country at more tlian 1,000 souls." DOWNE. This township is about 11 miles long, E. and W., and f) broad N. and S. It is bounded N. by Millville and Fairfield, S. and SW CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 141 by the Delaware bay, E. by jNIaurico river and township of that name, and j\W. by Fairfield. A great portion of the township, that bordering on Delaware bay and IMaurice river, is marshy land. Downe was probably first settled by Swedes, between 1()37 and 1654. Egg island, in the Delaware bay, belongs to this township. From an original draft of a survey, made in IGDl, it seems this island then contained 300 acres ; but the continual encroachment of the sea has reduced it to one acre and a half. The township contains 4 stores, 7 grist-m., 4 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. 820,850 ; 7 schools, 250 scholars. Pop. 1,920. The village of Mauricetown is on the river, about 1 1 miles from its mouth, and 18 SE. of Bridgcton. It was settled at an early date, by the Petersons and Mattocks, and was known as Mattock's Landing, until about 1812. It is pleasantly situated, on a high bank, above the river ; and contains an academy, a Methodist church, and about 30 dwellings. The following account of an extraordinary den or burrow of rattlesnakes, found in this village, about 40 years since, was lately published : " In the early part of summer, Mr. Ichabod Compton, father of Mr. S. Compton, was attracted, by the noise of some crows, to a small island, in a swamp, lying contiguous to his farm. While in pursuit of the crows, he was startled by the sight of a large rattle- snake. He killed tliis, and another of the same kind, that afternoon ; and, returning the next day, he killed seven more, the last of which he found coming out of a hole in the ground. This circumstance led to the suspicion that this might be the place where the whole battalion had their usual winter-quarters. In the winter, young Compton, ac- companied by two of his brothers, repaired to the spot, witli implements for digging ; and after removing about eight inches of the turf, or upper surface of the ground, tlicy found immersed, in tliree inches of clean water, and lying side by side, twcnty-eiglit rat- tlesnakcs, one large spotted snake, and four black-snakes. And, to complete tliis ' in- teresting group,' there was, at least, a peck of spring-frogs associated with them. Ail of these reptiles were in a torpid state. For several years, immediately preceding the period above alluded to, from ten to twelve rattlesnakes had been destroyed, annually, in the neighlwrhood. " It is also stated that several dens, of a similar description, had been discovered in the neighborhood of Buckshutem; in all, or most of which, several kinds of snakes, and also frogs, were found grouped together." Dividing Creeks is near the central part of the township, on a creek of the same name, and 10 miles from Bridgeton. It has a Methodi.st and a Bapti.st church, and about 40 dwellings. One of the present members of the United States senate, from Mississippi, was bred a shoemaker in this village, and by his enterprise and industry won the way to his present station. Charles Brown, Esq., now a member of congress from Pennsylvania, was also bred here. A Baptist church was very early established at Dividing Creeks. " It was formed about the year 1719, from Cohansey, by Jonadab Slieppard, Thomas Shcppard, Wilhani Dallas, with their families, and some others. About the year ITfiO, Rev. Sanmel Heaton and Jolm 'JV^ry removed there, from Cape May. Mr. llenton's wife's name was Abbey Tuttle. They had ten children. These married info the fami- lies of the Col.sons, Reeves, Ijores, Garrisons, Clarks, Cooks, Johnsons, Tcrrys, and Kelseys. From these have sprung a numerous people in the county. Ileaton was sue- ceeded by the Rev. JJavid Shejjpard, in 1764; and he by Kcv. Peter Peterson Vanhorn, and he by Rev. John Garrison." 142 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Nantuxet, on a creek of the same name on the western line of the township, has a Methodist and a Baptist church, and about 40 dwellings. Buckshutem, where there is a Methodist church, and Port Norris, both on Maurice river, are small villages. The annexed brief account of an action in Maurice river, oppo- site Port Norris, is from a paper published Aug. 29th, 1781 : — " Last week, 7 refugees were brought to town from New Jersey. They were taken in Maurice river, a few days before, by a few Jersey mihtia commanded by Capt. James Riggins. The militia were in a shallop which the refugees attempted to board, when a sharp contest ensued, during which 7 of the refugees were killed, when the rest submit- ted. There were 15 in all ; and it is said their captain called out that he would give no quarter, which occasioned the action to become desperate." The following additional particulars of this event, arc derived from Mr. Thomas Beese. ley, of Capo May, then a boy, and a witness of the action. The brunt of the fight was sustained by Capt. Riggins and John Peterson, several of the militia having at the com- mencement jumped overboard and swam ashore, while others sneaked into the cabin. Riggins killed 4 or 5 of the enemy on their attempting to board. He fired his musket twice, and then made such good use of the breech, that at the end of the contest there was little left besides the barrel. Peterson was wounded by one of the refugees, who, thereupon, was about finishing him by cleaving his head open with an uplifted broad- sword, when his little son shot the man dead. Every refugee not killed was wounded, and some desperately. A boy only escaped, and a fox which was brought on board the day previous by one of the slain, who had joined them at the mouth of the river. There were a number of fowls on board, all of which were kOled. The brave Capt. Riggins lived to a good old age, having died only a few years since. FAIRFIELD. This township was named from Fairfield in Connecticut, from which it was partially settled. It is about 1 1 miles long, 6 broad, and bounded northerly by Deerfield, Greenwich, and Hopewell, from the two last of which it is separated by the Cohansey river, E. by Millville, and S. by Downe and the Delaware bay. The land in the township produces good crops of corn, wheat, and oth- er grain. There are some excellent tracts of land on the Delaware bay. The surface is generally level. Many of the present inhab- itants are descendants of the Harrises and Ogdens from Fairfield, Connecticut ; and the Batemans and Diaments from Long Island. About the year 1G95, the first road laid out in the county was made from Fairfield to Burlington, and passed through an Indian settle- ment, a little east of Bridgeton, at a locality at present known as the " Indian Fields." The township contains 7 stores, 2 grist-m., 1 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $44,015; 5 schools, 114 scholars. Pop. 1,935. Cedarville, on Cedar creek, 8 miles SE. of Bridgeton, is a village scattered a mile and a half on the road, and contains 2 Presbyte- rian, a Methodist, and a Baptist church, 2 stores, an oakum factory, a tannery, saw-m., &c., and about 100 dwellings. Fairton, 4 miles from Bridgeton, has a Methodist church, and about 50 dwellings. New England Town is a small scattered settlement where there is a Presbyterian church. CUMBERLAND COUNTY. I43 The three Presbyterian churches in this towiisliip were until a few years since one. The oriiriniil rhurch was constituted by fiiiiirrants iroiu Fairfield, in Connecticut, in the year 1G!)7, who purchased that tract of land lying on the south side of C^ucsaria river, or Cohanscy, and the Delaware bay. It lias been generally supposed that their minister made one of tlieir number, wiiose name was Kev. M. Bradnor ; next to him was Rev. Mr. Exile. About the year 1705, the Rev. Ilowrl Powel, from Wales, became the pas- tor—then, in 1719, Rev. Mr. Hooker— then, in 1727, the Rev. Daniel Elmer, from Con- necticut, became the settled minister until 17.55 — then, in 175G, tlie Rev. William Ram- sey became the pastor, until 1771, when he died. In 1773, the Rev. William ilollings- head became the pastor, and so continued until 1783, when he removed to Charleston, South Carolina. — Johnson's Hist, of iStilem. In 1789, the Rev. Etium Osborne, from Litchlicld, Connecticut, was settled over this congregation. In 1839, he preached hia half-century sermon. He still continues pastor over the original congregation, now much diminished by the division. GREENWICH. The extreme length of this township is 6, with an average breadth of about 3^ miles, and is bounded N. by Stow creek, E. by Hopewell and Cohansey creek, which separates it from Fair- field, 8. by Delaware bay, and W. by L. Alloways Creek, Salem CO. The township contains 3 stores, 1 grist-m. ; cap. in manufac. 815,362; 3 schools, 105 scholars. Pop. 918. The land was pur- chased from the Indians about the year 1077, who, judging from the excavations in the earth, still to be seen, and the quantities of stone mortars, axes, and Indian arrow-heads found, must have here had a considerable settlement. This is corroborated by tradition. The first purchasers of the soil were Nicholas and Leonard Gibbon, from England, and the first settlers from New England and Ireland. In the graveyard is, or lately was, a stone with this inscription : — "Here lies Deborah Swinncy, who died April 4, 1760, aged' 77 years. She was the first white female child bom at Cohansey." Making the subtraction, it appears she was born in 1683. Shortly after the first settlement, the town of Greenwich, which is 6 miles SW. of Bridgeton, was laid out. The main street was then made about 2 miles in length, and 100 feet in width, and an Episcopal, a Presbyterian, and a Friends meeting-house erected. The village, which is much scattered on this road, now contains about 100 dwellings. In 1697, fairs were establLshed at Cohansey, as this country was then called, and held semi-annually in April and October ; which for many years were much resorted to by traders from Philadelphia. After the formation of Cumberland co., the court was first held at Cohansey, May, 1748, and a log jail erected. " Attorneys' names appearing, were Daniel Mestayer, Rose, and Ilartshorne : the court sat in the meeting-house. Judges, John Brick, Richard Wood, John Remington. Sheriff, Ananias Sayre. Clerk, Ellas Cotting." In Dec(>mber sessions of this year, the court adjourned, and ordered the clerk to make the writs re- turnable to Cohansey Bridge, now Bridgeton, where the courts since have been held. Johnson gives the annexed historical sketches of religious socie- ties in Greenwich. 144 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Protestant Episcopal Church at Greenwich. — Two of tlic emigrants from Gravesend, in England, were brothers, to wit, Nicholas and Leonard Gibbon ; they purchased about 6,000 acres of land near to Cohansick, or, as it is now called, Greenwich, which they endeavored to settle by invitinjr their countrymen to emigrate and locate themselves there. Nicholas, the elder brother, built for himself in the village a good and substan- tial brick house, which, in those days, was considered elegant for that part of the coun- try in which he resided, until about the year 1740, when he removed to the town of Sa- lem. That liouse is now, or has been years past, in the possession of the Wood family. Leonard Gibbon, the otlier brother, built a good and convenient stone house for his resi- dence, on his part of the land, about, perliaps, two miles from Greenwich. Nicholas Gibbon, Samuel Hedge, and Capt. James Gould carried on mercantile business together, as spoken of before, and Gould being located in New York, the exports of the produc- tions of that part of the country were consigned to him. The Gibbons, probably being the most wealthy, and having a. greater quantity of land to dispose of than others of the adventurers, erected a neat, comfortable brick church, of the Episcopal order, in the village, for the purpose of accommodating their own and neighbors' families. When it was finished, they had it consecrated in due form by Rev. Phinchas Bond, a clergyman from New Castle, and John Pearsons, the settled minister of the Episcopal church of Saint John's in Salem. The consecration of the church took place in the year 1729, and was named Saint Stephen's. The Gibbons contracted with Mr. Pearson to officiate in their church for them as often as he could be spared from his Salem church ; but as the tide of emigration set toward that part of Cohanscy, so did the religious feelings of the community tend toward the Quaker, Baptist, and Presbyterian sects, until, as a dis. tinct body of Christians, the Episcopalians in a few years dwindled away. Baptist Church at Cohansey. — So early as about the year 1683, some Baptists from Tipperary, in Ireland, settled in the neighborhood of Cohansey. The most prominent persons were David Sheppard, Thomas Abbott, and William Button. Li 1685, Obadiah Holmes and John Cornelius came from Long Island, and settled there. The Rev Tho- mas Killingsworth officiated in that church in 1690. In 1710, Rev. Timothy Brooks emigrated from Swansey, in Massachusetts, and imited there. Obadiah Holmes used to preach for the people ; both he and Killingsworth were judges in the court of Salem. Killingsworth used to preach occasionally in the house of one Jeremiah Niekson, in Penn's Neck. He was succeeded by Rev. Timothy Brooke, and he by Rev. William Butcher — then Rev. Nathaniel Jenkins — then Rev. Robert Kelsey, who was from Ire- land — and he by Rev. Henry Smally, whose life of great usefulness, as a fervent and faithful minister of Jesus Christ, was protracted to this present year, 1839. Presbyterian Church at Greenwich. — The. Presbyterians received a deed of gift for a lot of land from Jeremiah Bacon, to Henry Joice and Thomas Maskell, in trust for the Presbyterian church and congregation, as early as the month of April, 1717 ; but in consequence of the parsonage house being burnt in 1739, all the books and papers be- longing to the pastor and congregation were destroyed. As emigrants flocked into Co- hanscy from New England, Long Island, Wales, and Ireland, it is very probable that a Presbyterian society was formed about the year 1700, or earlier. It has been generally believed that a Mr. Black was the first pastor — then the Rev. Ebcnezcr Gould was in- stalled as pastor, in 1728. The members and contributors to the old brick building which was taken down in 1835, after standing 100 years, were — Ebenezer Gould, the pastor. Josiah Fithian, William Watson, EHas Cotting, Samuel Clark, Benjamin Dare, Thomas Ewing, Abiel Carll, Thomas Buryman, Abraham Reeves, Jonathan Sayrc, Nathaniel Bishop, Samuel Miller, John Miller, Jonathan Holmes, Thomas Waithman, Matthias Fithian, Constant Maskell, John Woolsey, Ananias Sayre, Aaron Mulford, Charles Fordham, William Perry, Belbc Sheppard, Francis Brewster, James Caruthers, Thomas Read, Benjamin Wooten, Joim Woodruff, Noah Miller, Joseph Moone, John Pagget, Harbcr I'eck, Nehemiah Veal, Nathaniel Harris, Francis Julis, John Shaw, Philip Vickers, John Keith, Uriaii Bacon, Robert James, Stephen Jcssup, Moses Platts, Samuel Morfelt, John Fairlaw, Joseph Simkins, James M'Knight, Charles Campbell, John Alexander, Ebenezer Ash .Smith, Nathan Lupton, James Crawford, James Robinson, Nathaniel Moore, John Tyler, John Plumcr, William Tullis, Elias Davis, Deborah Keith, Mercy Maskell, Samuel Bacon, Josiah Parvin, Thomas Pagget. CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 145 The Rev. Ebenczcr Gould continued the pastor of that church from the year 1 728 to 1740, when he removed to Lonjr Ishind. This churcli was favored hy tlic suppHes of the Rev. Sanmel Finley, the celebrated preachers Georfrc Whitetield, 'I'ciinant, and oth- ers, during all whicli tunes there was a ^tmarkable revival of religion among that people. Whittf.cld, in a letter to his friend, dated Salem, 20th November, 1710, says, — "Yes- terday, at Cohansey, the Spirit of the Lord moved over the whole congregation ; what reason have we to be thankful for the great things that we botii see and liear 1" In 174(), the Rev. Andrew Hunter was ordained pastor over the united churches of Greenwich and Dcerficld. He continued to serve both those churches until 17tiO, whea he contiued his labors to the Greenwich churcli until his deatli, which was in July, 1775. And here I must be permitted to mention, that he was an ardent friend to the libertieg of America, and, like his friend and coadjutor in that noble cause, the Rev. Samuel Eaken, took an active part both in and out of the pidpit, and upon all suitaVile occasions, to arouse the spirit of the people against the opjjressivc measures of the British gov- enmient. After the decease of Mr. Hunter, the church relied upon supplies until April, 1782, when the Rev. George Faitoute was installed pastor. lie continued to officiate there until 1790, when he removed to Jamaica, Long Island, where he became the pastor of that church, and so continued until he died in a good old age. In 1792, a Presbyterian church was organized in Bridgeton, and a union being agreed ujjon by the two churches, the Rev. Mr. Clarkson took the oversight of them in 1794, and so continued their pastor until 1801, when he relinquished his charge, and settled in Savannah, in Georgia. In 1805, tlie Rev. Jonathan Freeman became their ])astor, and continued until his death, which was in November, 1822. The present incumbent. Rev. Samuel Lawrance, succeeded Mr. Freeman. Shortly after the destruction of the tea in Boston, the East India tea company determined to try whether they might not meet with better success in sending a cargo into the Cohansey. Accordingly the brig Greyhound, with a cargo of tea bound to Philadelphia, came up the river and discharged at Greenwich, depositing the tea in the cellar of a house standing in front of the market ground. In the evening of Thursday, Nov. 22d, 1774, it was taken posses- sion of by about 40 men, (Usguised as Indians, who deliberately conveyed the chests from the cellar, piled them in an adjoining field, and burnt them in one general conflagration. " The names of these bold and determined patriots," says John- son, " deserve to be handed down to the latest posterity ; and as far as can be recollected I herewith cheerfully record them. First, Dr. Ebenezer Elmer, Richard Howell, afterward a major in the army, and Gov. of New Jersey ; David Pierson, Stephen Pierson, Silas Whiteear, Timothy Elmer, Rev. Andrew Hunter, Rev. Philip Tith- ian, Alexander Moore, jr., Clarence Parvin, John Hunt, James Hunt, Lewis Howell, Henry vStacks, James Ewing, father of the late chief-justice of New Jersey, Dr. Thomas Ewing, father of the present Dr. William Bedford Ewing, Josiah Seeley, and Joel Fith- ian, Esquires. " This bold act of these men, (for they were all young fellows,) produced much excitement in the lower counties with such persons who secretly were disposed to favor the British interest. They were loud in their denunciations against these patriots, for what they called 'such wanton waste of property, and that they deserved to be .severely handled for it.' The owners of the tea, finding that some commiseration for their loss had been excited among the people in the neighborhood, thought proper to try whether they V3 146 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. could not obtain remuneration by having recourse to suits at law. Therefore, previous to the sitting of the supreme court, in April, 1775, Capt. Allen, John DufReld, Stacy Hepburn, and others, brought as many as half a dozen suits for damages against some of the whigs. The advocates for the plaintiffs were Gen. Joseph Reed, of Philadelphia, and Mr. Petitt. " As soon as this transaction was known, a meeting of the whigs took place, and they immediately resolved to raise, and did raise, a considerable sum of money to defend their friends in the contro- versy. Accordingly, they forthwith retained on the side of the whigs, as their counsellors, Joseph Bloomfield, George Read, of New Castle, Elias Boudinot, of Elizabethtown, and Jonathan Dick- inson Sargeant, of Philadelphia, who used to practise in the courts of the lower counties previous to the American revolution. Jo- seph Bloomfield appeared as attorney for the whigs — 'On motion of Mr. Sargeant, for Joseph Bloomfield, attorney for the defendants, ordered that the plaintiffs, being non-resident, file security for costs, agreeable to act of assembly, before further proceedings be had in these causes.' Frederick Smyth, the chief-justice, held the oyer and terminer in Cumberland county, next after the burning of the tea, and charged the grand jury on the subject, but they found no bills. He sent them out again, but they still refused to find any bills, for this plain reason — they were whigs. The foreman of that patriotic jury was Daniel Elmer. But as the American contest soon became serious, and hostilities were carried on in difierent parts of the states, the suits were dropped, and never after renewed." In the revolutionary contest, the inhabitants of the county upon the shore of Delaware bay were frequently alarmed and sometimes plundered by the refugees. When the British fleet ascended the Delaware to attack Philadelphia, a party of armed men landed and destroyed some cattle upon the salt marsh between the Cohan- sey and Stow creeks. On the appearance of a few militia they precipitately returned to their ships. The soil of the township is very fertile, and highly cultivated. The inhabitants are nearly equally divided between Presbyterians, Baptists, and Friends. There are 2 fine libraries. A line of mail stages runs twice a week to Philadelphia ; and the communication by water is almost continuous — the Cohansey being one of the best navigable streams in the state, and its mouth, at all seasons, a se- cure harbor for vessels under 15 feet draught. HOPEWELL. Hopewell is II m. long by 4 in breadth, — and is bounded N. by Upper Alio ways Creek, Salem co., S. by Fairfield, E. by Fairfield and Deerfield, and W. by Greenwich and Stow creek. The Co- hansey forms its eastern and southern boundary line. The surface is slightly rolling, — the soil, a clay loam. The township contains CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 147 5 stores, 1 for^re, 1 flourinir-m., 2 srist-m. ; cap, in manufac. $25,150 ; 12 scliools, 973 scholars. Poj). 2.220. Bridscton, the scat of justice lor the county, is partially in this township. Iloadstovvn, on its western border, about 1 m. iVom the courthouse, was early settled by the Mullbrd lamily. irom Long Island. It contains a Baptist church and about 40 dwellin},'s. Shi- loh, 2 m. NE. of Koadstown, has about 25 dwellings and a yeventh- day Baptist church. This cliurcli arose about the year 1737. The founders were John Swinnoy, Dr. Elijah Bowcn, John Jarnian, Caleb Barrett, Hugh Dunn, Rev. Jonathan Davis, Caleb Ayres, and some others, with their families. About the year 1790, a schism took place among them — one part of the society holding the doctrine as i)romulloomfield, Livingston, Orange, Union, Caldwell, Newark, Rahway, Westfield. Clinton, The population of the townships now composing Essex co., w^as in 1810, 23,961; in 1820, 27,455; in 1830, 34,201; in 1840, 44,621. BELLEVILLE. Belleville was formed from the eastern portion of Bloomfield in 1839. It is 5 miles long, with a width of 2 miles ; bounded N. by 20 154 ESSEX COUNTY. Acquackanonck, Passaic co. ; E. by Harrison, Hudson cc, from which it is separated by the Passaic river ; S. by Newark ; and W. by Bloomfield. The township contains 12 stores, 4 fulling m., 1 cotton and 2 woollen factories, 1 dyeing and printing establishment, 2 flouring-m., 1 grist-m. Cap. in manufac. $479,450. 7 sch., 316 scholars. Pop. 2,400. The soil of the township is well cultivated and productive. It is the seat of extensive manufacturing establishments. Eastern View of Belleville. The village of Belleville is beautifully situated on the W. bank of Passaic river, 3 miles N. of N^cwark. ThiK place was anciently called Second river ; and as early as 1682 had a considerable pop- ulation. The annexed engraving shows the prominent portion of the village, as seen from the eastern bank of the river. The bridge and the Reformed Dutch church are seen on the right — the Episco- pal church, a Gothic structure, on the extreme left ; the Methodist church is partially shown in the central part, and the Catholic church in the distance beyond, on the hill. This is a pleasant place of resort during the summer months, besides being one of consid- erable business. There are in the village 4 churches, about a dozen stores, many mechanic shops, several manufacturing establishments, and about 200 dwellings. There arc a number of vessels here, en- gaged in transporting raw and manufactured products to New York and elsewhere. Franklinville, formerly called Spring Garden, a flourishing little manufacturing village, contains about 25 dwel- lings, and a Methodist church. The following biographical sketches are from the 5th vol. of Alden's Collection of Epitaphs, Notes, &c. The Rev. Gerardus Haugevort came, with his consort, from Holland to America, a little before the middle of the last century. By the influence of Col. John Schuyler, ho was removed from tlie jilace of his first settlement, in the interior of New Jersey, to the Reformed Dutch ciuirch at Second river, now Belleville, in the township of Bloomfield. lie was a man of talents, and for a considerable time was hicrjiiy accej)tablc to the peo- ple of his cliarge. Beintj, however, of an irascible temper, he at length, by some un- guarded speech, offended his principal patron. To get rid of the dominie, the Col. de- clared himself an Episcopalian ; and invited the Rev. Daniel Isaac Browne, rector of ESSEX COUNTY. 155 Trinity church at Newark, to officiate at Second river. For some time Mr. Browne per- formed his ministerial functions in a private buildinfr near the margin of the Passaic, to accommodate tlic Dutch people, many of whom showed a reluctance at chanprinjf their de- nomination. Col. Schuyler was at the expense of a Dutch and Enjrli.sh impression of the Common Prayer Book. This was for many years used at Second river, but at pres- ent it is not known that a sinfjlc copy of it exists. Mr. Hauirovort, for some time after the unpleasant rui)ture, kept possession of his church, and statedly preached to his adhc- rents ; while the new society, havinfj left the private buildin, in the liilth year of his age. He sustained the oflice of governor and chancellor of the state of New Jersey, and various other imi)ortant i>ublic stations, honorably to iiimself and usefully to his country. His bereaved ehildren, in grateful remembrance of an aflectioriate and revered parent, have erected this memorial. Hoc marmore eommcnioratur — vir in sacri.s pcritus, nee in Uteris humanis minus sciens : — Rebus divinis a prima eetalc deditus, — Fidei Chiistianie strenuus assertor, — 24 186 ESSEX COUNTY. Et pietate null! sccundus. Moribus facilis, vita beneficus, — Oranigenae charitatis ex emplar : — Mille virtutibus instructus, quas sacra celavit niodestia. Translation. — Tliis marble is erected to the memory of a man imbued with sacred lore, and no less experienced in all human knowledge. From his earliest youth he was dedicated to holiness — a strenuous advocate of the Christian faith, and second to none in devotion. Of easy manners — humane in his conduct — an exemplar of every charity — adorned with a thousand virtues which his modesty concealed. NEW PROVIDENCE. New Providence was formed from Springfield in 1809. It is 7 miles long and 2 wide, bounded NE. by Springfield, SE. by West- field, S. by Warren, Somerset co., and NW. by Chatham and Mor- ris, in Morris co. The surface is hilly, and in the eastern part mountainous. The Passaic river forms the western boundary. The township contains 4 stores, 1 paper fac, 1 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $10,700 ; 1 school, 25 scholars. Pop. 832. The princi- pal portion of the population is in the western part, where there is a village, about 12 miles SW. of Newark, containing 4 stores, a Presbyterian and a Methodist church. ORANGE. Orange is about 5 miles long, 3 wide ; bounded N. by Caldwell and Bloomfield, E. by Newark, S. by Clinton, and W. by Livings- ton. The surface on the west is mountainous, being crossed here by the First and Second mountains : the eastern part is rolling, and the soil well cultivated. Near the centre of the township is situ- ated the " Orange Mineral Spring," formerly a place of considera- ble resort. The Morris and Essex railroad passes througli the township. Capital employed in manufactures, 876,750 ; 8 schools, 330 scholars. Pop. 3,201. The village of Orange, 3^ miles NW. from Newark, is a settle- ment extending 2 or 3 miles on the turnpike, passing through the township in a westerly direction, and on the Morris and Essex rail- road. It contains 2 Presbyterian, 1 Episcopal, and 1 ]Methodist church, 10 stores, and about 200 dwellings. The annexed engraving shows the main entrance to the cemetery, about a mile from the village. The land for this purpose has an undulating surface, consisting of 10 acres, and was laid out in the autumn of 1840. The whole is designed to be arranged with walks, adorned by a variety of trees, shrubbery, and evergreens. These tokens of respect to the memory and ashes of the venerated dead are in accordance with the best feelings of our nature, and it is to be hoped that this laudable example will be more generally followed in other jilaces. The village of South Orange lies on the turnpike from Newark to Morristown, 5 miles W. from Newark. It contains a Presbyte- rian church, and about 30 dweUings. ESSEX COUNTY. 187 Entrance to the Orange Cemetery. Thkj following inscriptions are from monuments in the old grave- yard, excepting the last two, which are from monuments in the Orange cemeter}'. Survivors, let's all imitate the virtues of our Pastor, And copy after him, like as he did his Lord and Master. To us most awful was the stroke, by which he was removed Unto the full fruition of the God he served and loved. Here lie the remains of the Rev. Mr. Damf.l Taylor, who was minister of this parish — years. He deceased 8th January, Anno Domini 1747-8, in the 57th year of his age. This stone was erected as a monumental token of love and gratitude to our late pas- tor, tlie Rev. Caleb Smith, who died 22d October, 1762, in the 39th year of his age. Beneath this tomb the precious relics lie, Of one too great to live, but not to die. Indued by nature with superior parts. To swim in science, and to scan the arts, To soar aloft, inflamed with sacred love, To know, admire, and serve the God above ; Gifted to sound tlie thundering law's alarms, The smiles of virtue, aiul the gospel's charms ; A faithful watchman, studious to discharge Th' important duties of his sacred charge ; To say the whole, and sound the highest fame, He lived a Christian, and he died the same. A man so useful from his people rent. His babes, the college, and the church lament. Sacred to the memory of Doctor John Condit, a patriot soldier and surgeon during Ihc struggles of his country for freedom ; a member of the N. J. Legislature, and a liepresentative and Senator in the Congress of the United States for thirty years in suc- cession. His honors were awarded him by grateful constituents for his sound and vigor- ous intellect, stern integrity, and unwavering patriotism, in times of peril, and tlirough- oul a long life. On the 4th of May, 183 1, he died in Christian hope, revered, respected, arid beloved by all who knew him, aged 79 years. In memory of Amos Dodd, who departed this life Sept. 20th, 1839, aged 71 years and 8 months. This stone records the name of an idiot, familiarly known as the Dumb IJoy. 'I'hoiigh he exhibited nothing of man but the material form, under its coarsest aspect, and always required the care of a child, his protracted life attests the affection- ate and dutiful kindness of the family to which he belonged. Twenty years ago a lond mother resigned this object of yearning solicitude, under Providence, to a brother, who closes his fraternal obligations and sympathies by raising tliis monument to the memory of Poor Amoa. 188 ESSEX COUNTY. Dr. Isaac Pierson, born Aujr. 15th, 1770, died Sept. 22d, 1833. ITc received liis academic education at Princeton College, and was subsequently admitted a Fellow of the College of Surgeons and Physicians, New York. During nearly forty years, he practised medicine in this village, and was a Representative of the State in the 20tli and 21st Congresses. The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance. Rev. Asa Hillyf.r, D. D., was graduated at Yale College 1786, ordained a minister of the gospel 1790, installed pastor of the Presbyterian church in Orange 1801, wliere he continued to labor until his decease, Aug. 28, 1840, in his 77th year. Erected by tiie Second Presbyterian Congregation of Orange, as a tribute of affection and csteeni for the deceased. RAHWAY. Rahway was taken from Westfield and Eliza])eth in 1804. Its average length is 0, and breadth 3 miles, bounded N. by Elizabeth Central part of Rahway. and Union ; E. by Staten Island Sound ; S. by Piscataway and Woodbridge, Middlesex co., and W. by Westfield. The surface of the township is very level, the soil well cultivated and produc- tive. The Rahway river passes through and partially bounds the township on the south ; on this stream are numerous mill and man- ufacturing establishments. There are in the township 1 paper-m., 14 flouring-m., 4 grist-m., 5 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. -$355,525 ; 1 acad., 41 students, 7 schools, 244 scholars. Pop. 2,533. Rahway was originally settled by the descendants of the set- tlers of pjlizabcthtown. The first dwellings appear to have been built about 1720. The lower part of the village was almost entirely settled by Friends. The place is supposed to have de- rived its name from an Indian chief named Rahwack, who is said to have lived where the town now stands. The annexed engraving is a view of the hotel and some other buildings in the central part of Rahway — a stopping-place for ESSEX COUNTY. 189 cars of the New Jersey railroad, 10 miles SW. of Newark, 19 from New York. 11 from New Brunswick, and 38 from Trenton. 'J'he town or villa.<::e of Kahway lies at tiie head of tide water, 5 miles from the mouth of Ilahway river. Schooners of the largest size are able to ascend the whole distance. It is divided by the county line, which mainly follows the river, into two parts, called Uj)f)er and Lower Kahway. The latter, formerly known by the name of Bridgetown, lies within the township of Woodbridge, jMiddlesex co., and includes Leesville ; the former is a part of the township of llahway proper, and includes the small village of Mil- ton. The population of the village in all its detached parts is 4,500. There are in the town 5 houses for public worship, 2 for Friends, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Methodist, and 1 Baptist ; an Episcopal church is now about being erected. Rahway enjoys excellent advantages for a liberal education for youth of both sexes. It has a classical boarding-school, where boys are prepared for college. The Rahway Female Institute, an excellent boarding-school for young ladies, has been for several years in successful operation. There are in the place a bank, an insurance-ofhce, and about 30 stores. Rahway derives its principal support from its manufactures. These are chiefly carriage-making, in all its branches, hats, and clothing. Previous to the late commercial embarrassments, there were 12 large factories for making carriages, several large hat factories, and the value of ready-made clothing amounted to about half a million of dollars yearly. There are also manufactured here stoves, earthen and stone ware : there is an extensive factory lor the dyeing, dressing, and printing of silks ; another for print- ing calicoes, and a third for fulling cloth and the manufacture of satinets. An iron foundry has been recently established. Abraham Clark, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born about one and a half miles from Rahway village, on the upper road to Elizabethtown, Feb. 15th, 1720. He was the only child of Thomas Clark, one of the aldermen of Elizabethtown. He had naturally a weak constitution and a slender form, which, though educated a farmer, prevented him i'rom engaging in any very laborious pursuits. His principal occupations in early life were surveying, conveyancing, and giving legal advice. He was not by prol'ession a lawyer, but gave advice gratuitously, and by his gen- erosity procured tor himself the honorable title of the "Poor Man's Counsel/or." He successively held the offices of high sheriff, com- missioner for settling undivided lands, and clerk of the colonial assembly. In 1770 he was aj^pointed one of the delegates to the continental congress. He continued to be elected to a seat in congress most of the time during the continuance of the old con- federation ; and after the adoption of the federal constitution ^^'as elected a member of the house of representatives of the United States. Mr. Clark retired from public life in June, 1701, and in the autunm of the same year exi)crienced a cuii^j dc soled, or stroke of 190 ESSEX COUNTY. the sun, which caused his death in two hours. " In private Hfe he was reserved and contemplative. Limited in his circumstances, moderate in his desires, and unambitious of wealth, he was far from being parsimonious in his private concerns, although a rigid economist in public affairs." The feelings which actuated Mr. Clark during his public life ap- pear to have been very remarkably disinterested. He scrupulously refrained from exerting his inlluence with congress in favor of his sons, who were ofHcers in the American army. In one instance, however, paternal feeling was exercised with propriety. Thomas Clark, one of his sons, a captain of artillery, was taken prisoner and immured in a dungeon, with no other food than that which w^as introduced by his fellow-prisoners through a key-hole. On a representation of this fact to congress, retaliation was resorted to upon the person of a British captain ; the desired result was pro- duced, and Capt. Clark's sufferings were mitigated. The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the graveyard at Rah way : Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Aaron Richards, of Raway, who deceased May 16th, 1793, aged 75 years, and in the 45th year of his ministry. All who knew the man will join Their friendly sighs and tears to mine ; For all who knew his merits must confess, In grief for him there can be no excess. His soul was form'd to act each glorious part ; Of life unstain'd with vanity or art. No thought within his generous mind had birth, But what he might have own'd in heaven and earth. In memory of Abraham Clark, Esq., who died Sept. 15th, 1794, in the 69th year of his age. Firm and decided as a patriot, zealous and faithful as a public servant, he loved his country, and adhered to her cause in the darkest hours of her struggle against oppression. Mr. John Lawrence, who, Nov. 6th, first drew his breath, and Oct. 16th, 1766, yield- ed to death. From London truly famed came I ; Was born in Stains, a place near by ; In Ra/way at old age did die ; And here intomb'd in earth must He, Till Christ ye dead calls from on high. SPRINGFIELD. Springfield was formed from Newark and Elizabeth, in 1793. It is about () miles long, and 4 wide ; bounded N. by Livingston, E. by Clinton and Union, SW. by Westfield and New Providence, and W. by Chatham. Morris co. The surface is generally hilly ; the Short Hills passing through it centrally. Rahway river, with sev- eral branches, is on its eastern boundary, on which are numerous mills and factories. There are in the township 1 1 paper-m., 3 ESSEX COUNTY. 191 grist-m., 2 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $158,694; 7 schools, 453 scholars. Pop. 1,051. The villag-e of Springfield is on the turnpike road from Eliza- bethtown to Morristown, G miles from the former, 1 1 from the lat- ter, 8 SW. from Newark, and 50 from Trenton. It is at the foot of the Short hills, or First mountain, near Rahway river. It is a Western View in Springfield. pleasant village, containing about 200 houses, a Presbyterian and a Methodist church, 5 stores, 10 paper-mills, with a number of hat and shoe manufactories. The annexed engraving shows, on the right, the Presbyterian church ; on the left, the Methodist church and the ancient parsonage. The parsonage was one of the few dwellings preserved, when the British burnt the village and church, in 1780. After the church was destroyed, public worship was for some months performed in the parsonage, until the barn was ren- dered in a measure convenient for that purpose ; where meetings were held until the present Presbyterian church was completed, in 1790 or 1791. The following historical items were derived from two manuscript sermons : one delivered by the present pastor of the Presbyterian church, Rev. J. C. Hart, July 4th, 1840 ; the other by a former pas- tor, in 1823. The time the earliest white inhabitants established themselves in Springfield, cannot now be ascertained with certainty. The earliest accurate date is the year 1717, when the Briant family came here, from Hackensack. The next authentic date is Irom a tonii)-stone of Mr. William Stites, in the old burying-ground, iiav- ing the date of 1727, When Mr. Briant's family came, there were only three houses between Elizabeth and Morristown. Springfield originally belonged both to the township and parish of Elizalxsth- town ; and it is said that tlie peo|)ie were accustomed to walk thither to church, from this place, Union, and Westfield. In 1738, it is believed that there were only three houses in the village of Springfield ; which were occupied by Thomas Demnan and the 192 ESSEX COUNTY. Van Winckle and Whitehead families. It is probable that the northern part of the township was first settled, inasmuch as the first meeting-house and burying-ground were situated there, about half a mile north of the present residence of Mr. Aaron Dean. The first Presbyterian church in this place was organized by the presbytery of New York, in 1745; and was originally a branch of that at Connecticut Farms. About that period the first church was built. In 174G, the Rev. Timothy Symmes became pastor, in connection with the church at New Providence, and continued un- til 1750. He was the grandfather of Capt. Symmes, whose novel theory of the structure of the earth excited so much attention, a few years since. The second house of worship was probably erected in 1761 or 1702, on the site of the present church. After a vacancy of 13 years, the Rev. Mr. Ker, a native of Baskingridge, was settled over the congregation, in 17G3. He remained only two years. In 1774, he was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Vanarsdalen, who was dismissed on account of ill health, in 1801, and died in this place, in 1803. His successor was Rev. Gershom Williams, installed Aug. 1803, and dismissed in 1818. He was succeeded by Rev. James W. Tucker, of Danbury, Conn., who was installed Aug. 1818, and died in 1819. The following account of the battle fought at Springfield, June 23d, 1780, and some of the previous events, are from newspapers published at the time : Extract, from a Letter from Morristoion, June 9. — The day before yesterday the ene- my came out from New York via Staten Island, and landed at Elizabetlitown about 5,000 men. Our army all moved to meet them. The militia turned out with spirit ; skirmishing in abundance. One militia-eaptain, with four men, took sixteen British. It is said the enemy intended for this town. They have been between Connecticut Farms and Springfield, and burnt every house in the former, (about twenty in number,) exec])! one. 1'hey liave been driven back to Elizabetlitown Point, where they lie behind our old intrenchments. Our army is at the Short Hills, this side of Springfield. The militia arc near the enemy, and keep a constant popping at tliem. I believe New York is very bare of troops. The tories were so sure of the enemy's succeeding, that they sent word to their friends in Elizabetlitown that they should pa^' them a visit the day after the enemy came over. They are balked ; the affair is not settled yet. Mr. Lud- ■wig, of your city, and baker-general of the army, was in the action, and taken a pris- oner. Extract from a Letter from Baskingridge, dated June \Q, 1780. — On Tuesday night, the Gth inst., the enemy landed at Elizabethtown Point, and early on Wednesday morn- ing advanced in force as far as Connecticut Farms, within about two miles of Spring- field. The Jersey brigade, wliich lay at Elizabeth, skirmislicd with them all the way up ; and such of the militia as could coll('(;t joined in opposing their progress, and fought in such a manner as does them great honor, and if possible exalts the reputation of the Jersey militia. Their progress was stopped at a small bridge, by a single cannon, aided probably by their own apprehensions. The skirmishing was very smart and bold on our part, so as to do them considerable damage ; but as they continued to advance, but few of their killed and wounded fell in- to our hands. They wounded four officers of the Jersey brigade, and killed one — a Mr. Ogden. I am uncertain of the number of men killed and wounded ; and two of them (British) have come to this place, wliicii is the nearest liospital. Gen. Knyphausen commanded in person, and it is said they brougiit with them seven days' provisions, a great number of wagons, &.C., as if they intended to make a stand at some distance in the country, perhaps on the First mountain ; but a detachment of our army, marching down as far as Springfield to meet them, arrived in the evening within ESSEX COUNTY. 193 two or three miles of the enemy, and halted until next mornincr, when a battle was ex- pected. Tlic enemy, in the mean time, not by mounliffht, but under cover of a dark cloud, attended with some rain, retreated to Elizabcthtown Point, where they have re- mained quiet ever since. Gen. Washington remains, witli the main body of our army, at the Short Hills. Gen. Maxwell, with some militia, lie as an advanced party, at or near Elizabeth. Since the enemy have been at Elizabcthtown Point, a party of sixteen of our militia have been out upon a scout — fell in with seventeen of the enemy, whom they brought oil", with their arms, without firing a gun. We are informed that the enemy still continue at Elizabcthtown Point, inactive, ex- cept scouting parties, that are daily skirmishing with our militia ; in several of which the militia have fought with great spirit, and been successful. Our loss is computed to be about thirty killed and wouiuled, Capt. Reves being among the former. The enemy's loss is said to be 150 killed, and as many more womided. Annexed is the report of Gen. Greene, relating to the action at Sprinf2:tielcl, and the burning of it by the British, .June 2yd, 17S0, Jn communicating this report to congress, Washington remarked: The conduct of the enemy giving us reason to suspect a design against West Point, on the 21st the army, except two brigades and the horse, (left under the command of Gen. Greene, to cover the country and our stores,) was put in motion, to proceed slowly towards Pompton. On the 22d it arrived at Rockaway bridge, about 11 miles from Morristown. The day following the enemy moved in force from Elizabcthtown toward Springfield. They were opposed, with great conduct and spirit, by Maj. Gens. Greene and Dickinson, with the continental troops, and such of the militia as had assembled. Hut, with their suj)eriority of numbers, they of course gained Springfield. Having burnt the village, they retired the same day to their former position. In the night they aban- doned it, crossed over to Staten Island, and took up their bridge. I beg leave to refer congress to Gen. Greene's report for particulars. The enemy have not made their incursion into this state without loss. Ours has been small. The militia deserve every thing that can be said, on both occasions. They flew to arms universally, and acted with a spirit equal to any thing I have seen in the course of the war. Major General Greene''s Report. SpRiNGFiicLD, .Tune 24, 1780. Sir : I have been too busily employed, until the present moment, to lay before your excellency the transactions of yesterday. The enemy advanced from Elizabethtown about five in the morning — said to be about five thousand infantry, with a large body of cavalry, and fifteen or twenty pieces of artillery. Their march was rapid and compact. They moved in two columns ; one on the 111(1171 road, leading to Springfield ; the other on the Vauxhall road. Muj. Lee, with the horse and piquets, opposed the right colunui, and Col. Dayton, with his regi- ment, the left ; and both gave as nmch opposition as could have been expected from so small a force. Our troops were so extended to guard the diftcrent roads leading to the several passes over the mountain, that I had scarcely time to collect them at Springfield, and make the necessary dispositions, before the enemy a])pearcd belbre the town ; when a cannonade commenced between their advance and our arfillcr3% posted for the defence of i/ie hridire. The enemy continued manaiuvring in our front for upwards of two liours, which induced me to believe they were attempting to gain our flanks. My force was small, and, from the direction of the roads, my situation was critical. I disposed of our troo|)3 in the best manner I could to guard our flanks, to secure a retreat, and oppose the advance of their columns. Col. Angell, with his regiment and several small detachments, and one piece of ar- tilli ry, was posted to secure the bridge, in front of the town. Col. Slirieve's regiment was drawn uj) at the second briih^e, to cover the retreat of those jiosted at the first, ^laj. Lee, with i>is dragoons, and the piquets commanded by Capt. Walker, was jjosted at Little's hridfre, on the Vauxhall road ; and Col. Ogden was detached to support him. The remainder of Gen. Maxwell's and Stark's brigades were drawn up on the /">/i grounds at the mill. The militia were on the flanks. Those under the command of (U:n. Dickinson made a spirited attack upon one of the enemy's flanking parties; but his force was too small to push the advantage he had gained. 194 ESSEX COUNTY. Plan of the Battle of Springfield, fought June 23, 1780. [References. — A. Church. B. Parson- age. E. First bridge on the main road, C. Second bridge. J. Vauxhall bridge, or Little's. D. Station of the Ameri- can troops, on rising ground. F. Prin- cipal pass over the Short Hills. II, G, I. Other passes. K. High grounds and mill, supposed to be the same as the first range of hills in rear of Byram's tavern. Note. — This map was drawn in 1842.] While the enemy were making demonstrations on their left, their right column ad- vanced on Maj. Lee. The bridge was disputed with great obstinacy, and the enemy must have received very considerable injury ; but by fording the river, and gaining the point of the hill, they obliged the major with his party to give up the pass.* At this instant their last column began the attack on Col. Angell. The action was severe, and lasted about forty minutes, when superior numbers overcame obstinate bravery, and forced our troops to retire over the second bridge. There the enemy were warmly re- ceived by Col. Shrleve's regiment : but as they advanced in great force, with a large train of artillery, he had orders to join the brigade. As the enemy continued to press our left, on the Vau-xliall road, whicli led directly into our rear, and would have given them the most important pass, and finding our front too extensive to be effectually secured by so small a body of troops, I thought it most advisable to take our post upon the first range of hills, in the rear of Bi/ram's tavern, where the roads are brought so near a point that succor might readily be given from one to the other. This enabled me to detach Col. Webb's regiment, commanded by Lieut. Col. Huntington, and Col. Jackson's regiment, with one piece of artillery, which entirely checked the advance of the enemy on our left, and secured that pass. Being thus advantageously posted, I was in hopes the enemy would have attempted to gain the heights ; but discovering in them no disposition for attacking us, and seeing them begin to fire the houses in town, detachments were ordered out, on every quarter, to prevent their burning buildings not under the immediate command of their cannon and musketry. In a few minutes they had set fire to almost every house in town, and begun their retreat. Capt. Davis, with a detachment of 120 men, several smaller par- ties, with a large body of militia, fell upon their rear and tlanks, and kept up a con- tinual fire upon them, till they entered Elizabethtown, which place they reached about sunset. Stark's brigade was immediately j)ut in motion, on the first appearance of a retreat, which was so precijjitate that they were not able to overtake them. The enemy continued at Elizabethtown Point until 12 o'clock at night, and then began to cross their troops to Statcn Island. By six this morning, they had totally evacuated the Point, and removed their bridge. Maj. Lee fell in with their rear-guard, but they were so covered by their works, that little or no injury could be done them. Ho made some refugee prisoners, and took some tories, which they abandoned to expedite their retreat. 1 have the pleasure to inform your excellency, that the troops who were engaged behaved with great coolness and intrepidity, and tlie whole of them discovered an im- * Probably the first bridge. J ESSEX COUNTY. I95 patience to be brougrht into action. The good order and discipline which tlicy exhibited in all tluir movements, do tliini the hifrhest honor. The artillery, under the command of Lieut. Col. Forest, was well served. I have only to regret the loss of Captain Tlioinpson, who fell at his side by a cannon-ball. It is impossible to fi.x with certainty the enemy's loss ; but as there was much close firinjr, and our troops advantageously posted, they must have suffered very considerably. I herewith enclose your excellency a return of our killed, wounded, and missing, which I am happy to hear is much less than I expected, from the heavy fire they sus- tained. I am at a loss to determine what was the object of the enemy's expedition. If it was to injure the troops under my command, or to penetrate further into the country, they were frustrated. If the destruction of this place, it was a disgraceful one. I la- ment that our force was too small to save the town from ruin. I wish every American could have been a spectator ; they would have felt for the sufferers, and joined to revenge the injury. I cannot close this letter without acknowledging the particular services of Lieut. Col. Barber, who acted as deputy adjutant-general, and distinguished himself by his ac- tivity in assisting to make the necessary dispositions. I have the honor to be, &.c. N. GREENE, Major-General. There were a number of prisoners made, but as they went to Morris, I had no return of them. To his excellency General Washingto.v. Return of the killed, wounded, and missing, in the action of the 23d of June, 1780. Springfield Artillery — Killed, I captain, 2 sergeants ; wounded, 2 matrosses. Angell's Regiment — Killed, 1 sergeant, 5 rank and file ; wounded, 1 captain, 3 subs., 3 sergeants, 25 ratik and file ; missing, 3 rank and file. Shrieve's Regiincnt — Killed, 1 rank and file ; wounded, 1 sergeant, 2 rank and file ; missing, 2 rank and file. Dayton's Regiment — Killed, 2 rank and file ; wounded, 1 sub., 6 rank and file ; miss- ing, 4 rank and file. Spencer's Rcgintent — Wounded, 1 sergeant. Lee's Detachment — Killed, 1 rank and file ; wounded, 4 rank and file. Total — Killed, 1 captain, 3 sergeants, 9 rank and file ; wounded, 1 captain, 4 subs., 5 sergeants, 37 rank and file, 2 matrosses ; missing, 9 rank and file. Tlie return of Davis's detachment I could not get, he having marched off the next morning after the action. The return -of the militia 1 cannot get. They had none killed, but about 12 wounded. (Signed) F. BARBER, Lieut. Col. UNION. Union was formed fixjm Elizabeth in 1808. It is 5 miles lonjs:, with an average width of 4^ miles: bounded N. by Clinton ; E. by Elizabeth ; 8. by Rahway, and W. by Springfield and Westfield, from which it is divided by Rahway river. The face of the town- shij) is undulating, the soil rich, easily tilled, very productive, and well watered with fine streams. It is said that when Washington was pa.ssing through this section, he pronounced it the "garden of New Jersey," on account of its beauty and fertility. There are large tracts of turf ?7ieadow in Union, containing probably about .500 acres, the largest of which lies directly south of the church. The turf or peat is dug out in the summer, and dried under sheds erected in the meadows, where it remains about one year to dry, when it is used extensively as fuel. The inhabitants are principal- ly agriculturists, who are generally in comibrtable circumstances. IQQ ESSEX COUNTY. There are 2 grist-m., 4 saw-m. ; 1 academy, 5 schools, 183 scholars. Pop. 1,482. The village of Union, or, as it is generally known, " Connecticut Farms,'' is in the northern part of the township, 4 miles NW. from Elizabethtown, 6 SW. from Newark, and 47 from Trenton. It con- tains the Post Office, Presbyterian church, and about 30 dwellings in the immediate vicinity. This place was originally known as ^^Wade's Farms" from early settlers of that name, who resided in this section. Previous to 1749, a number of families from Connec- ticut purchased a large tract of land here, and divided it into farms of a convenient size, and gave it the name of *' Connecticut Farms." The favorable traits of New England character are still retained among the inhabitants. The first pastor of the Presbyterian church at this place, of whom any information can be obtained, was the Rev. Mr. Horton ; but the date of his settlement and removal is unknown. The Rev. Mr. Thane was settled in 1749, and removed in 1757. Rev. Mr. Derbe was settled in 17.58, and continued about two years ; Rev. Benjamin Hait was settled in 17G6, and died in 1779. Rev. Mr. Fish was settled in 1789, and removed in 1799. He was succeed- ed by Rev. Samuel Smith in 1800, who died the next year. Rev. Stephen Thompson, the next minister, was settled in 1802, and re- moved in 1834, and was succeeded by Rev. Robert Street, the present pastor, in 1835. During the revolution, this place was visited by the enemy, and their path was marked by desolation and blood. When the British army, under General Knyphausen, were on their march from Eliza- bethtown toward Springfield, June 7, 1780, they burnt the church, parsonage, and several dwellings at Connecticut Farms. These were the houses of Benjamin Thompson, Moses Thompson, John Wade, Robert Wade ; all on the road running east from the meet- ing-house ; Caleb Wade at the foot of the hill on which the church stands. Before the dwellings were destroyed, they were searched, and every thing of a portable character carried ofl". Not any thing was left. Even the beds were ripped open, the feathers thrown into the street, and the ticking taken for clothing. The next day, it is said, the feathers were seen thickl}" strewn upon the ground. The few little valuables of the inhabitants, easily removed, were secured, and sometimes in a singular manner. For instance, what little silver they possessed, as spoons, &c., some Avould bury in the ground, others hide in the ash-hole, and some cast into the Avell. In two or three years after, the meeting-house was rebuilt on the same spot, and the parsonage also reconstructed on its former site. At the time the parsonage was burnt, and for a few months pre- vious, it was occupied by the family of the Rev. James Caldwell, pastor of the First Presbyterian church at Elizabethtown, to which they had resorted for greater security. " Mrs. Caldwell was the daughter of John Ogden, Esq., of Newark. Her amiable ESSEX COUNTY. I97 disposition, piety, and exemplary deportment had obtained for her the very partienlar respect and attachment dI" all wlio knew her. Her Vik had evinced she was worthy of the sphere in which she had moved, and prepared for the event whicli now prematurely befell her. She was the mother of nine children, the eldest of whom was sixteen years old, and the younjjest an infant. "Althouijh Mrs. Caldwell was apprized of the approach of the enemy in season to escape, her mind was made up on this subject, and she resolved, in humble reliance on Divine Providence, to remain at home. When the enemy were entering the villafje, she withdrew from the apartment siie usually occupied, into one more retired, for the purpose of devotion, as well as security, with her infant in her arms. The maid who had ac- companied her to this secluded apartment, and liad charge of the other small children, on looking out of a window into the back yard, observed to Mrs. Caklwcll that ' a red- coat soldier had jumi)C(i over tiic fence, and was coming up to the window with a gun.' Her youngest son, nearly two years old, playing upon the floor, on hearing what the maid said, called out, ' Let me see! let me see ." and ran that way. Mrs. Caldwell rose from sitting on a bed very near ; and at tiiis moment the soldier fired his musket at her through the window. It was loaded with two balls, which both passed through her body. The surrounding buildings, and the house in which this deed was perpetrated, were soon after set on fire. It was with diHieulty the dead body of Mrs. Caldwell could be preserved from the general destruction that ensued. After it had lain some- time exposed in the open street, and in the hot sun, liberty was obtained to place her re- mains in a small dwelling-house* on the opposite side of the road, which had survived the general conflagration. " The following night Mr. Caldwell spent at the Short Hills, near Springfield. He retired to rest in the evening in excessive anxiety respecting the fate of his wife and children. In his sleepless state he overheard two men in an adjoining room talking on the subject of the death of Mrs. Caldwell. He rose quickly, and entered their room in great agitation, and inquired what tiiey had heard on the subject. They represented it only a.s a rumor, and probably a mistake, and persuaded him to return to his bed. Tin; remainder of the night was to him a season of painful suspense and anxiety. In the morning Mr. Caldwell procured a. flag, and proceeded with all possible speed to Connec- ticut Farms, to visit his family, and ascertain their fate. While yet at some distance, he discovered that the church and village were in ruins, and that the enemy had re. turned to Staten Island ; and very soon he learned the truth of the afflicting rumor be- fore received, that Mrs. Caldwell was no more. Her friends were assembled ; and the funeral service performed, with as much solemnity and order as the desolation and alarm universally prevalent would permit." The inhuman murder of this estimable lady, together with the wanton destruction of the village, produced a strong impression on the public mind, and " served still more to confirm the settled hate of the well afi'cct- ed against the British government." Amonf? the traditions of the revolution, the following are chroni- cled in the memory of some of the aged at this place : A house at Lyon's Farms, about three miles distant, was taken possession of during the war by twenty-five Hessians, and made a place of rendezvous. Three daring men, viz, Matthias Wade, Barnabas Carter, and Morehouse, determined to surprise and rout them. The night was chosen, and their plan laid. Wade was to shoot the sentinel in front of the house, the report of whose gun was to be the signal for the other two to raise a shout back of the dwelling and fire into the windows. The plan was completely successful. The terrified Hessians, supposing they were surrountl- od by superior numbers, (led with all possible speed, leaving their guns, ammunition, and other articles of value, to their victorious enemies. At another time, five Hessian soldiers obtained possession of a * Then belonging to Capt. Henry Wade ; now rebuilt and occupied by Mr. Thineas Crilley. 198 ESSEX COUNTY. house near the present residence of Mr. Jonathan Mulford, in the south part of the township. No sooner was it known, than the dwelling was entered by Jonas and Matthias Wade, and Elijah Terrill. The latter was immediately clinched, and would have been overcome by the superior strength of his antagonist, but for the timely assistance of one of his comrades, w^ho ran the Hessian through with his bayonet. The remaining four were then taken prisoners. About a quarter of a mile east of the meeting-house the road is crossed by a small brook, on either side of which the ground is considerably elevated. On the western eminence, about sixty of the people planted themselves "with only muskets, resolved to dis- pute the passage of the British army on their march from Eliza- bethtown to Springfield ; and so well did they make their stand, that for several hours they kept the enemy at a stand, and prevented their progress until their want of ammunition compelled them to retreat. At this time, as the army were approaching the meeting-house, a Mr. Ball had stationed himself behind a shop at the foot of the church hill, across the road, to watch the movements of the enemy. As he was looking from his hiding-place, to see how near they had approached, a ball passed through his head, and brought him to the ground. On the opposite side of the street, directly in the rear of the store of Mr. Wade, Abial Hays and James W. Wade were secreted behind a shoemaker's shop, and were eye-witnesses to the fate of their friend. Unwilling to see him suffering without affording assistance, Mr. Hays crossed the street in the face of the enemy, carried away his M'ounded companion under cover of the shop and house behind which the unhappy Ball had fallen, and bore him to the house where Mr. Joel Searing now resides. On the same day, the enemy were repulsed on their approach to Springfield by a company of artillery under Capt. Little. This corps were drawn up on the eastern border of Springfield, on the bank of the Rahway river. As soon as the British^ rose the hill near the stream, they opened a fire upon them with so good an effect as to bring them to a pause, having killed one horse, dis- mounted a cannon, and wounded some of the men. In consequence a council of war was held, and the march delayed until the next day. Jersey Blues. The origin of this name is somewhat curious. It is said to have grown out of the following circumstance : A volunteer company was formed in this vicinity, and furnished by the ]):itriotic females with tow frocks and pantaloons di/cd blue. They must have presented a singular appearance ; but they were also singularly efficient in the day of trial. The following inscriptions are from monuments in the grave- yard adjoining the Presbyterian church. The first is that of the mother of one of the first settlers. _ J ESSEX COUNTY. 199 Here lycth yc body of Ann Wade, wife of Benjamin Wade, deceased ; who departed this lifo July ye 31, A Domini 1737, in yc 88th year cf her age. WHio knew him livinjr must lament him dead. Whose corpse beneath tliis Verdant Turf is laid. Bonncl, in Private Life, in Public Trust, Was Wise and Ivind, was (iencrous and Just. In Virtue's rigid Path unmoved he trod. To Self Impartial, pious to his God. Religion's Patron, and a Patriot True, A general Good, and private blessing too, Wbat Bonnel was, and what his Virtues were, The Resurrection day will best declare. Joseph Bonnel, Esq., deceased March ye 14, 1747-8, in ye 63d year of his age. In romrmbrance of Capt. Cornelius Williams, who died July 4, 1831, aged 77 years. He strvi d early and long in the revolution struggle ; was a brave soldier and a pleasant commander. WESTFIELD. We.stfielcl was formed from Elizabeth in 1794. Its extreme length is 10 miles, with an average breadth of 5 miles. It is Plainfield, from Randolph or Chestnut Hill, bounded NE. by Springfield ; E. by Union and Rahway ; S. by Piscataway and Woodbridge, Middlesex co. ; and westerly by Warren, Somerset county, and New Providence. Much of the soil is fertile, and in a state of high cultivation. Rahway river forms a part of the eastern boundary, and Green brook the western. There are in the township 12 stores, 1 paper fac, 5 flouring-m., 4 grist-m., 1 saw-m. ; cap. in rnanufac. $110,530; 2 academies, 70 students, 14 schools, 444 scholars. Pop. .•J,li30. The large and thriving village of Plainfield is beautifully situ- ated on Green brook, in the SW. part of the township of West- field, on the line of the Elizabethtown and Somerville railroad, 20 miles from Newark, IG SW. from Elizabethtown, 11 from New 200 ESSEX COUNTY. Brunswick, 25 from New York, and 45 from Trenton. The view from which the annexed engraving was copied, was taken from an elevation on the road to Rahway, upwards of a mile from the vil- lage. Plaindeld contains 7 stores, 8 tailoring and 6 hat manufac- turing establishments, 2 wheelwrights, 5 blacksmiths, 2 grist and 3 saw-mills, a Mutual Insurance company, established in 1832 ; 2 fire-engines, 2 boarding-schools, viz. "The Plainfield Family School," and a Female Seminary. It has 7 houses for public worship, viz. 1 Presbyterian, 2 Baptist, 1 Seventh-day Baptist, 2 Friends, and 1 Methodist ; there are about 300 dwelling-houses, and nearly 1,500 inhabitants. '"The country around the town is rich, well cultivated, and healthy ; the society moral and religious, and ambitious of improvement." The neighboring mountain, about a mile N. of the town, affords an abundant supply of cheap fuel, and screens the valley from the violence of the N. and NW. winds ; and from its summit a tine prospect is presented to the S. and E. over a space of 30 miles. The first frame-building in Plainfield was erected in 1735, at which period there were but a few scattered log huts and Indian wigwams. In 1750 the first grist-m. was built, and in 1700 the first school-house. In 1788 the first meeting-house was erected by the Friends. In 1808 the first hat manufactory was established. The first Baptist church was erected in 1818 ; the Rev. Jacob Randolph was pastor eight years, when he died. Rev. Daniel T. Hill was settled as pastor in 1828 : he remained till his resignation in 1839, when he Avas succeeded by Rev. Simeon J, Drake. The Presbyte- rian church was built in 1826 ; the Rev. Lewis Bond being its first pastor. The Methodist church was erected in 1832. The 2d Bap- tist church, an elegant building, was erected in 1843; and Rev. Daniel T. Hill chosen pastor. The Presbyterian society have laid out a beautiful cemetery near the town. The Scotch Plains, so named from having been settled by Scotch emigrants about 1084, is a rich agricultural vicinity, in the west part of the township, where there is a Baptist church. This church (says Benedict, in his History of the Baptists) is a branch of the ancient one in Piscataway, and was constituted in 1747, with 15 members. The first pastor was the Rev. Benjamin Miller, a native of the place. He was ordained in 1748, and continued pastor till his death in 1781. He is said to have been a wild youth, but met with a sudden and surprising change, under a sermon of the cele- brated Gilbert Tennent. Rev. Wm. Vanhorn was settled in 1785, and died in 1807, and was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Brown, of Newark. From this church originated James INIanning, D. D., the first President of Brown University. Westfield is 7 miles W. from Elizabethtown, on the line of the Elizabethtown and Somerville railroad. It is a neat village, con- sisting of about 30 or 40 dwellings, in the vicinity of which is a Presbyterian church. The following historical items are from a discourse preached in January, 1839, by Rev, James M. Hunting, pastor of this chuich. ESSEX COUNTY. 201 This parish was settled about the year 1720, by tlio En stores, 1 fulling-m., 1 woollen fac, 1 pottery, 3 grist-m. ; cap. in manufac. $21,190; 3 academics, 155 students; 5 schools, 245 scholars. Pop. 1,803. 28 218 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. It was early settled by Friends. The following history was writ- ten by Thomas Sharp, the first conveyancer and surveyor in Glou- cester CO. : — Let it be remembered. It having wrought upon ye minds of some Friends that dwelt in Ireland, but such as foriTicrly came thitlier from England ; and a pressure having laid upon them for some years which they could not gett from under the weight of untill they gave upp to leave their friends and relations there, together with a comfortable subsist- ence, to transport themselves and famclys into this wilderness part of America, and there- by expose themselves to difficulties, which, if they could have been easy where they were, in all probability might never have been met with ; and in order thereunto, sent from Dublin in Ireland, to one Thomas Lurtin, a friend in London, commander of a j)ink, who accordingly came, and made an agreement with him to transport them and their famclys into New Jersey, viz. : Mark Newby and famcly, Thomas Thackara and famcly, William Bate and faraely, George Goldsmith an old man, and Thomas Sharp a young man, but no famclys; and whilst the ship abode in Dublin harbor provideing for the voy- age, said Thomas Lurtin was taken so ill that he could not perform yc same, so that his mate, John Dagger, undertook it. And upon the liltli day of September, in the year of our Lord, ItJHl, vvc sett saile from the place aforesaid, and through the good providence of God towards us, we arrived at Elsinburg, in the county of Salem, upon the 19th day of November following, where we were well entertained at the houses of the Thomsons, who came from Ireland about four years before, who, by their industry, were arrived to a very good degree of living, and from thence we went to Salem, where were several houses yt were vacant of persons who had left the town to settle in ye country, which served to accommodate them for ye winter, and having thus settled down their famelys, and the winter proving moderate, we at Wickacoa, among us, purchased a boate of the Swansons, and so went to Burlington to the commissioners, of whom we obtained a warrant of yc surveyor-general, which then was Daniel Leeds ; and after some consid- erable search to and fro in that then was called the third or Irish tenth, we at last pitched upon the place now called Newton, wliich was before the settlement of Philadel- phia ; and then applied to s'd surveyor, who came and laid it out for us ; and the next spring, being the beginning of tiie year 16b2, we all removed from Salem together with Robert Zane, that had been settled there, who came along from Ireland with the Thom- sons before hinted, and having expectation of our coming only bought a lott in Salem town, upon the which he seated himself untill our coming, whose proprietary right and ours being of the same nature, could not then take it up in Fenwick's tenth, and so be- gan our settlement ; and although we were at times pretty hard bestead, having all our provisions as far as Salem to fetch by water, yett, through the mercy and kindness of God, we were preserved in health and from any extream difficulties. And immediately there was a meeting sett upp and ke])t at tiie house of Mark Newby, and, in a sliort time, it grew and increased, unto which SVilliam ("ooper and famely, that lived at the Poyntc resorted, and sometimes the meeting was kept at his house, who had been settled some time before. Zeall and fervency of spirit was what, in some degree, at that time aboimded among Friends, in commemoration of our prosperous success and eminent preservation, boath in our coming over the great deep, as allso that whereas we were but few at that time, and the Indians many, whereby itt jiutt a dread upon oiu- spirits, considering they were a salvage people ; but ye Lord, that hath the hearts of all in his hands, turned them so as to be serviceable to us, and very loving and kinde ; which cannot be otherwise ac- counted but to be the Lord's doings in our favor, which we had cause to praise his name for. And that the rising generation may consider that the settlement of this country was directed by an impulse upon the spiritts of God's people, not so much for their ease and tranquillity, but rather for the posterity yt should be after, and that the wilderness being planted with a good seed, might grow and increase to the satisfaction of the good husbandman. But instead thereof, if for wheat it should bring forth tares, the end of the good lui.ibandman will be frustrate, and they themselves will suffer loss. This narration I have thought good and requisite to leave behind, as having had knowledge of things from the beginning. Haddonfield is situated on the south side of Cooper's creek, 5 m. SE. of Camdon. The village is principally built on a single street, ornamented by shade-trees. It consists of about 150 dwellings, 4 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 219 houses for public worship, 1 for Friends, 1 Baptist, 1 Methodist, and 1 Episcopal, 5 mercantile stores, 2 grist-m., 2 tanneries, and a lar^^c Moollen factory. The annexed engraving represents the Friends meeting-house, situated in the central part of the village. The Baptist"church was erected in 1818, the Methodist in 1835; both Friends Meeting-house, Htiddonjield. these houses are substantial brick edifices. The Episcopal church now (1842) erecting, is of wood. The first house of worship erect- ed in this townsliip was for Friends. It was built about the year 1690, on what is now called the Collins road, about 2i miles 8W. of Iladdonfield. This house was removed about 30 years since, and tlie one near Camden line erected. The village of Iladdon- field derives its name from the family of .Tohn Haddon, who pur- chased about 400 acres of land at this place, about the year 1710. Having no sons, he sent his daughter Elizabetli, a young woman about 20 years of age, to make a settlement on the land, build a house, &-c., under an expectation that he would remove himself and family to the place after the settlement was made. She built a large brick house on the premises, in the year 1713, and the great road or king's high- way being laid out through the land from Burlington to Salem, on which a town began to be built. iSomc years afterwards, she married a distinguished Quaker preacher from Jonr) England, whose name was John Hadflon, whom she survived a number of years ; they C'e\f.^, mL had no children, and she returned to Kiighuid and adopted one of her sister's sons, named *"• ^ ^J Ebonczcr Hopkins, whom she brought over witli her, with an intention of making him her heir. He married in this country a woman named Sarah Lord, and had a number of children, and died a young man long before his aunt Estaugh, who left all the estate intended for iiim amongst his children. During the war of the revolution, Haddonfield had become a place of some note, and the inhabitants were mostly, if not altogether, sound whigs ; and being of the Quaker persuasion, they were not found fighting under the banners of carnal warfare. A guard- house was kept by the Americans, on the premises of Wm. Griscomb ; and the Hritish army marching through, set fire to the building, and destroyed the house of Mr. CJris- comb* and the adjoining one belonging to Thomas Redman, they being both Friends or • In front of Capt. James B. Cooper's dwelling is a button-wood tree, which was stand, ing at tlie time these buildings were destroyed. The body of it was burnt out, and a large cavity left, whieji was used after the war iiy children for a playhouse. The bark has now grown around it, and the tree is in a flourishing condition. Haddonfield was successively occupied by the American and British troops. Among 220 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. Quakers. A great deal of their furniture was destroyed, as well as their houses, but no lives lost. The British quartered their soldiers on the inhabitants of the village and vicinity for several days, and made great destruction of the fences for fuel, so that the inhabitants were truly eaten out of house and home. The congress sat for several weeks in Haddonficld, during the war, in the house built by Matthias Aspden, and boarded about among the inhabitants. The first Friends meeting-house was built about the year 1720, and the present meet- ing-house was built in the year 1760, on the same site. The house built by Elizabeth Haddon stood about a third of a mile from the centre of the village, back from^ the Camden road about 30 rods. It was built of brick and boards brought from Eng- land, and had upon it the date " 1713." It was accidentally de- stroyed by lire, April 19th, 1842. UNION. Union is about 6 miles long, and 2} broad ; bounded N. by New- ton, E. by Waterford, SE. by Gloucester, SW. by Deptford, and W. by the Delaware river. The surface is generally level, and the soil highly productive in corn, wheat, grass, and vegetables. There are 3 schools, 105 scholars. Pop. 1,074. There are two small villages in the township, viz. : Mount Ephraim, 5 miles SE. of Cam- den, and Gloucester Point, 3 miles below Camden, on the Dela- ware, where there is a ferry. The land (says Mulford, in his lecture) between Timber creek and the Kancocus was sold Sept. 10th, 1077, to John Kinsey and others, from London, by Katamus, Sekappio, and three other In- dian chiefs, for thirty guns, thirty axes, thirty small hoes, thirty awls, thirty jewsharps, a hundred fishhooks, seven anchors of brandy, &c. This purchase being made, a town was laid out, in 1G89, on a large scale, at Gloucester Point, called by the Indians Axwamus, A draft in the surveyor-general's office, at Burlington, represents this town as extending back to Newton creek, and nearly down to Timber creek. It was intended to have thirteen streets, and an area in the middle of the town. Three chains square was reserved for a market-place. High expectations were indulged as to the prospective importance of the place. These were not entirely realized, though it continued to be of some con- sequence, being the place where the public business for this part the former was a " bold dragoon," named Miles Sage, who had been sent on an errand out of the village just before the British entered. He executed his commission, and rode back, as he supposed, to his friends. He stopped at Col. Ellis's quarters, but finding it filled with British officers, remounted his horse and galloped on Iiis way. Tiie stars and stripes were still vi-aving from the flag-staff; and, on passing, he gave three cheers for " Washington and Independence." The British were formed in three ranks across tlie street, near the site of the upper tavern. He bravely charged through two ranks, but his horse fell at the third. The soldiers charged upon him with fury, and pierced him with nine or ten bayonet wounds, when a little Scotch officer came up and bade them desist. He asked him if he was alive ; and on receiving an affirmative answer, had him conveyed to a neighlwring dwelling and taken care of Sage survived to fight in many a battle, and to tell tiie talc of liis scars to his pratthng grandchildren. GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 221 of tho province was transacted. A courthouse, erected here, was standing within the memory of those now living. The lands in this vicinity were taken up at an early period, and upon the draught are represented the adjoining tracts, in their relative situation, with the dates and names of purchasers. The last tract represented adjoins Newton creek. But some of the very earliest purchases were made still higher up, at the site of the present city of Cam- den. It is stated, in Gordon's History of New Jersey, that immediately after the evacuation of Fort Mercer, in Nov. 1777, Cornwallis, with a force of about 5,000 men, collected large quantities of fresh pro- visions for the British army, and took post on Gloucester Point, which was entirely under cover of the guns of the ships. " Gen. Greene commanded an almost equal body of troops, in New Jer- sey, a part of which were militia ; and awaited the arrival of Glo- vers brigade from the north, in order to take oflensive measures against Cornwallis. But an attack upon the British, in their pres- ent advantageous position, would have been unwarrantable. Yet a small but brilliant aftair was performed, by a detachment of about 150 men, from Morgan's rifle-corps, under Lieut. Col. Butler, and a like number of militia, under the Marquis Lafayette, who served as a volunteer. They attacked a picket of the enemy, con- sisting of about 300 men, and drove them, M'ith the loss of 20 or 30 killed, and a great number wounded, quite into their camp ; retiring themselves without pursuit. ' I found the riflemen,' said Lafayette, in a letter to Washington, ' even above their reputation, and the militia above all expectation I could have formed of them.' Cornwallis soon after returned to Philadelphia, and Greene joined the main army, under the commander-in-chief." WATERFORD. Waterford is a long, narrow township, stretching along the whole length of the NE. boundary of the county, from the Dela- ware river to Atlantic co. It is '24 miles long, with an average width of about 4 miles. It is bounded NE. by Chester, Evesham, and Washington, (Burlington co.,) SE. by MuUica, (Atlantic co..) SW. by Camden, Union, Newton, and Gloucester, and NW. by the Delaware river. Pop. 3,407. The south part is covered with ])ines, and the north part is fertile, and productive in vegetables. Tiiere are in the township 10 stores, 2 glass-houses, 2 grist-m., 10 saw-m., 1 oil-m. ; cap. in manufac. 892,115; 8 schools, 425 schol- ars. Pop. 3,467. This township was settled about the year 1712, principally by Friends, who located themselves on large tracts of excellent soil, in the north part, in the vicinity of Colestown and Cooper's creek. The names of some of these early pioneers were Kay, Cole. Spicer, Ellis, Matlock, &c. Cooperstown, Waterlbrdville, and Eilisburg 222 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. are small settlements in the north part, containing respectively a few dwellings. In the south part, among the pines, are .Tackson's and Waterfbrd glass-works. The first has a glass-factory, and about 20 dwellings ; the latter, two extensive glass-factories, owned and conducted by Joseph Porter & Co., and also about GO dwellings. On Petty's island, in the Delaware, opposite this township, lies the wreck of the famous continental frigate Alliance. She was built at Salisbury, in Massachusetts ; and the alliance with France, in 1778, induced our government to give her that name. After the capture of the frigate Trumbull, in 1781, the Alliance and Deane frigates composed the whole force of that class of ships in the American navy. Her history furnishes many pleasing anecdotes, among which is the following. In an encounter with a British vessel, a shot entered the corner of the Alliance's counter, and made its way into a locker, where all the china belonging to the captain was kept. An African servant of Commodore Barry, a great favorite, ran up to the quarter-deck, and called out, " Massa, dat Ingresse man broke all de chana !" " You rascal," said the commodore, " why did you not stop the ball ?" " Sha, massa, cannon-ball must hab a room !" WASHINGTON. Washington was taken from Deptford, in 1880. It is about 16 miles long, 4 broad ; and is bounded NE. by Gloucester, SE. by Hamilton, (Atlantic co.,) SW. by Franklin and Greenwich, and NW. by Deptford. The soil is light, and the surface principally covered with pines. There are stores, 1 woollen fac, 1 glass- house, 1 grist-m., 8 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $104,250 ; 4 schools, 131 scholars. Pop. 1,545. Wiliiamstown, or S(}uankum, is in the central part of the town- ship, 11 miles SE. of Woodbury. In 1800, there were but four or five houses in the vicinity, within the sound of the conch-shelL One of these dwellings, then occupied by David Williams, is now standing in the village. Paul Sears's tavern was erected about this period, by William Williamson, and occupied as a private dwelling. Some years later the Methodist church was erected. The town slowly progressed, until within a few years, when glass- works were established ; since which it has rapidly improved. It now contains 2 taverns, 3 stores, a Methodist and a Presbyterian church, (lately erected.) glass-works, and about GO dwellings. There are a few farms in the vicinity. The soil is generally light, susceptible of improvement, and adapted to grain and grass. Cross Keys, 3 miles j\E. of Wiliiamstown, is a well-known tavern and post-oflice, among the pines, where six roads corner. A house of entertainment has been kept there for about GO years. Chest- nut Ridge and Union Cross Roads each contain one or more dwell- ings. The county poorhouse is in the AW. corner of the town- GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 223 ship, near Blackwoodtown. Attached is a farm of more than 200 acres — one of the best establishments of the kind in the state. In tiie south part are several small ponds, with saw-mills at their outlets. WOOLWICH. This township is about 14 miles long, and 6 broad: it is bounded NE. by Greenwich, SE. by Franklin, SW. by Pilesgrove and Upper Penn's Neck, Salem co., and NW. by Delaware river. The face of the township is generally level ; but on the NE. hilly, and the southeastern part covered with pines. The soil is varied, being in some parts sandy, others a rich loam, producing large quan- tities of early vegetables. There are 2 fulling-m., 2 woollen fac- tories, 5 grist-m., 4 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $25,500 ; 12 schools, 943 scholars. Pop. 3,676. The annexed is a view taken at the northern entrance of the vil- lage-street of Swedesboro. The village is situated at the head of sloop navigation on the south side of Raccoon creek, about 5 miles from its mouth. It contains 2 churches, 1 Episcopal, (seen on the right of the engraving,) 1 Methodist, 6 mercantile stores, an exten- sive woollen factory, an academy, and about 75 dwellings; 10 miles from Woodbury, and 18 from Camden. Battentown is a village of 20 or 30 dwellings, at the southern extremity of Swedcsboro, and is rather a continuation of that village. Harrisonville, formerly Colestown, situated 5 miles in a southerly direction from Swedcs- boro, on Old Man's creek, (the boundary line of Salem co.,) contains about 20 or 30 dwellings ; near it is a Methodist church. There are some excellent farms in the neighborhood. Bridgeport, formerly called Raccoon Lower Bridge, about a mile from the mouth of the creek, contains a Methodist church, and about 20 dwellings. The first settlements in this township were commenced by the Swedes at an early period, on Raccoon creek. In a map of Dela- ware river and the adjacent parts, published by Lindstrom soon after his visit to this country in 1042, a station or settlement is noted as being in existence on Raccoon creek. The ancient Swe- dish church at Raccoon, as Swedcsboro was formerly called, w^as constructed of cedar logs, and stood near the site of the present Episcopal church. This last structure was erected in 1784, at wiiich time the log church was taken down. At this period there were about a dozen dwellings built, mostly of logs ; the school- house, parsonage, and tavern being built of the same materials. The Indians, at this time, lived on the borders of Raccoon creek, and deer were quite plenty in this vicinity. The British visited this place during the revolution, burnt several houses, and among other things took the furniture and bedding of Col. Brown, and consumed them by a bonlirc in the street. 'Ihe churches at Raccoon and Penn's Neck appear to have been 224 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. somewhat connected with rej^ard to their pastors. Jonas Auren appears to have been the first pastor: he was appointed in 1G97, and died in 1713. He was succeeded by Abraham Lidenius in 1714, who remained till 1724, when he returned to Sweden. Petrus Tranberg and Andreas Windrufwa were sent over in 1726; they divided the churches between them, and so continued until 1728, ^"^ D Q D G if Swedesboro. when Windrufwa died. John Sandin, the next pastor, was ap- pointed in 1748, and died the same year. Erick Unander, his suc- cessor, was sent over the next year. He was succeeded by John Lidenius in 1756. John Wicksell, the next pastor, arrived in 1762, returned in 1774, and was succeeded by A'icholas Collin in 1778, a native of Upsal, in Sweden. Dr. Collin was the last of the Swedish ministers who officiated at Swedesboro. In July, 1786, he was rector of Wicaco, (in Phila- delphia,) and the churches in connection. He presided over these churches for a period of forty-five years, and died at Wicaco Oct. 7th, 1831, in the 87th year of his age. During the whole period of his ministry he was much respected by his congregations. He was a man of learning, particularly in languages. The only work which he left behind him is a manuscript translation of Acrelius' Histori/ of New Sweden, which he undertook in 1799, at the request of the Historical Society of New York, in whose possession it now remains. hi 176.5, the charter for the "Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church" was granted, George III. being king, and William Frank- lin governor of the colony of New Jersey, «fec. The following names appear in the ])etition for the charter, viz : Rev. John Wick- sell, Thomas Denny, John Denny, John Kambo, James Steelman, John Helm, Benj. Rambo, Jonas Keen, Erick Cox, Jacob Archer, Isaac Justison, Gilbert Rinelds, Gabriel Strang, William Homan, Peter Matson. Peter Keen, Andrew Jones, Hans Urien, John Holf- HUDSON COUNTY. 225 man. Lawrence Strani?, John Derickson, Charles Locke, Erick Rancls. Jacob Jones, William iNIatscn, James llalton, Andrew Lock, Moses llolfman, Chas. Fullor, and Andrew Vanneman, in behalf of themselves and others, inhabiting near Raccoon creek, in the county of Gloucester, &c. The following, respecting the customs, &c., of the early Swedish settlers, is from "Watson's Annals of Philadelphia:" To the church upon Tinicum Island all tlie Swedes, settled alon^ the Delaware, used to ^o in their canoes from lon stores, 5 grist-m.,3 saw-m., 1 oil-m. : cap. in manu- fac. 'S7,725; schools, 1(50 scholars. Pop. 2,370. Northern View of Bloomshiiry. Bloomsbury is a thriving village, in the delightful valley of the Musconetcong river, 18 miles from Flemington, 1(5 from Belvidere, 41) from Trenton, and 6 from Easton, Pa. There are here 2 stores, 1 tavern, several mechanic shops, an oil-m., weaving-shop, a large merchant-mill, a cotton factory, a Methodist church, and .35 dwell- ings. The annexed view, taken on the N. bank of the Musconet- cong, shows the principal part of the village, which lies on the Hunterdon side of the stream. The large building seen on the left, near the stone bridge, is the merchant-mill of Green and Rankles, and on the right the cotton factory belonging to that firm. I'he building with a cupola, in the background, is the IMethodist 244 HUNTERDON COUNTY. church ; and at the distance of a mile the Musconetcong moun- tains are seen, rising to the height of several hundred feet. From their summit a splendid view is had to the N., the eye stretching over a great extent of country, diversified with mountains, hills, and valleys ; and comprehending within its range several pic- turesque villages, and the borough of Easton, Pa. Bordering on this and Alexandria township, are the table-lands called " The Barrens," occupying an area of nearly 50 square miles. The soil is a mixture of clay, sand, and gravel, filled with smooth pebbles. This tract was formerly little cultivated ; but since lime was introduced as a manure, it has been ascertained that the soil may be made very productive, and suffers no more from drought than the alluvial bottoms. A considerable portion of it is covered exclusively with chestnut-trees, owned by the farmers on the lowlands, and kept by them as nurseries, from whence to obtain fencing-timber. When the chestnut is cut oti", a new growth immediately sprouts out around the stumps, and in 25 or 30 years is large enough to cut again. Tradition asserts that the In- dians used to burn over the barrens to supply themselves with game, immense numbers of which there sought a covert. CLINTON. Clinton was formed from Lebanon, in 184 L It is 8 miles long, 5 wide ; and is bounded N. by Lebanon, S. by Readington, E. by Tewksbury and Keadington, and W. by Bethlehem and Kingwood. The S. branch of Rariton river runs for several miles on the W. boundary, and crosses the NW. corner. Pop. 2,373. Lebanon is on the Easton and New Brunswick turnpike ; and contains a tavern, a store, several mechanic shops, a Reformed Dutch church, and about a dozen dwellings. The village of Clinton is in a delightful champaign valley, on the south branch of the Rariton, on the post-road i'rom New Bruns- wick, and 10 miles NE. of Flemington. It was formerly known as Hunt's mills ; so named from an early proprietor of its valuable water-power. Though the surrounding country was early settled, the village has grown to its present size since the establishment of a post-olHce in 1838. In 1820 there were but three houses in what is now the compact part of the village, viz : the yellow house near the mill, the dwelling owned by Henry N. Cline, Esq., a few rods NE., and a small one now down, which stood on the hill. Besides these there was a tannery in the vicinity, and several mills belong- ing to Mr. Hunt. It now contains 3 mercantile stores, 2 large merchant-mills, with one of which an oil-mill is connected ; 3 pub- lic houses, about 15 mechanic shops of various kinds, a brick-yard, a valuable limestone quarry, 3 churches, 62 dwellings, and 520 in- habitants. The Presbyterian church was erected in 1830 ; and in 1831 a re- HUNTERDON COUNTY. 245 ligions society was constituted. The first settled minister, the Rev. Alexander Macklin, entered upon the duties of his ollice in April, 1832, and continued until near the close ol" 1835. He was succeed- ed by the Rev. Arthur B. Bradl'ord, June, 1835, who remained until October, 1838. The present pastor, the Rev. Albert Williams, was View of Clinton from Quarry Hill. . called to the pastoral charge in December, 1838, The Episcopal church was built in 1838 : its first rector was the Rev. Wm. C. Crane, who was succeeded in 183!) by the present incumbent, the Rev. James Adams. The Methodist Episcopal church was built in 1810; and religious services have been regularly maintained by travelling preachers. Two schools have been established in the village : one is a grammar and classical school, founded and taught by the Rev. Albert Williams, and promises a rich advantage for the dissemina- tion of intelligence and literature to the adjacent community. The region contiguous to the village is very fertile. In the valley are immense beds of limestone, which for many years have proved a vakiable source of wealth to the proprietors, and a means of fertil- izing a wide district of the surrounding country. About 3 miles N. of th(! village, in the mountain range, which is a continuation of Schooley's mountain, is an iron mine, which, half a century since, yielded a vast amount of metal for the Union forge and furnace, at the base of theTnountain. The ore is still unexhausted ; the working of the mine having been discontinued only on account of tlie inconvenience of procuring fuel for the manufacturing estab- lishment. DELAWARE. This township was formed from the NW. part of Amwell, in ibout 7 miles long, 6 broad; and is bounded NW. by 183H. It is al 246 HUNTERDON COUNTY. Kingwood, SE. by Amwell, NE. by Raritan, and SW. by the Dela- ware river. There are in the township 7 stores, 6 grist-m., G saw- m., 1 oil-m. ; cap. in manufac. SI 2,360; 8 schools, 227 scholars. Pop. 2,305. It is watered by the Alexsockin, Wickhecheoke, and Laokatong creeks, wliich empty into the Delaware. Sergeants- ville, 6 miles SW. of Flemiiigton, contains a store, tavern, and a few mechanics ; a neat Methodist church, lately erected, of stone, and stuccoed ; and about a dozen dwellings. Head Quarters, 6 miles from Flemington, contains a store, 2 grist-mills, and 8 dwell- ings. Bool's Island, so named from an island in the Delaware, is at the head of the feeder of the Delaware and Raritan canal, and contains a store, tavern, and 12 or 15 dwellings. Prallsville, on the Delaware river, 4 miles above Lambertville, contains a store, tavern, a plaster, oil, grist, and saw mill, and a few dwellings. Half a mile below is the Centre Bridge, over the Delaware. The annexed account of the great freshet in the Delaware river, in Jan. 1841, is from the Hunterdon Gazette of that date : The heavy rain which fell last week, together with the melting of the large quantity of snow and ice upon the ground, caused the streams to swell to a height not known be- fore for many years. The ground, being covered with a crust of ice several inches in thickness, absorbed none of the water upon its surface ; and consequently the whole body was thrown together into the small streams, and thence conducted into the larger ones, causing them to rise to an unprecedented height, and destroy an immense amount of propert)', in the shape of bridges, buildings of various kinds, lumber, flour, grain, household furniture, &c., &c. More damage to bridges in this county, we believe, was done i)y the freshet of ]y39, in consequence of the greater quantity of ice upon the streams ; but the Delaware river never before made such havoc. We have heard that not a bridge is left standing between Easton and Trenton ; those at Reiglesville, Centre Bridge, New Hope, Taylorsville, and Yardleyville, having all yielded to the resistless power of tiie flood. The cost of each of the two latter was about $20,000 ; the New Hope )$69,()0U ; the Centre Bridge probably $30,000 or $40,000, and Reiglesville about $20,000. The guard-lock of the feeder, at Bool's ishmd, is torn away. Johnson's tav- ern, a short distance below, is entirely swept away, with the principal part of its con- tents. The following letter gives some account of the damage done at and near Lam- bertville : Lambertville, January 8, 1841, } (Friday Evening.) ^ Rapid Rise in the Delaware Rircr — Great Destruction of Property, cj-c. — This has been a day of general excitement throughout the village and neigliborhood, and doubtless will be long remembered. We have just returned from witnessing a scene that no pen can adequately describe. At an early hour this morning, we lieard the roaring of the waters, and iiastened to the scene of destruction. The river was then filled with floating masses of timber, &c., consisting principally of piles of lumber, logs, and frag- ments of buildings. The river was then rising at a rapid rate, and continued to rise un- til about three o'clock, when it appeared to be on a stand. It is now some five or six feet higher than it was ever known before, by the oldest inhabitants. The canal had rapidly filled, in consequence of the river breaking in above this place, and threatened destruction to that part of the town, and to the extensive mills, &c. on the Water-power. The citizens were preparing to leave their houses, when the large waste-weir, opposite Holcomb's basin, about half a mile above the village, by the force of water, gave way ; which seemed providential — else the consequence might have been serious indeed, if the canal had given way in the town. The lumber-yards, storehouses, mills, Sirfn/i.jj" extends into the town- ship. One would suppose from the name that this region was cov- ered with bogs and fens, but it is the dead level of the surface, which at certain seasons retains water, that has given rise to the name. In some places where the land is cleared, the eye may stretch for miles without resting on a solitary hillock. The soil is cold and clayey, and in many places stony; but when limed and well cultivated, yields heavy returns to the husbandman. The population is more dense here than in any other portion of the county of equal extent. LEBANON. Lebanon was incorporated in 1798, and reduced in 1841 by the two societies now lived in open dis.scnsion. In relation to this, both the Chronicon and Sangnicister, with a very serious air, tell the following anecdote : Joel, one of Bcissel's brethren, went to the meeting of tlic Conestogoc people, and solemnly stepped in among them ; and, addressing the leader of the congregation, said, " To tlicc, J. H., these words, through nie, from liic f-ord. Thus saith tlu- Lord, from this day forth, thou shall no longer go out to preach to others. And on this duy it shall appear whether ice or ijoit arc tiic congregation of the Lord. If God siiali this day do a miracle on my person ; if lierc in your presence, and before your eyes, I fall down, like a dead man ; and if, by your prayers, I be made to rise up again to life, — then (Jod hath not sent me to you, and 1J0U are God's people. But if / do not fall down like a dead man, but go, fresh and hearty, out of that door, then shall ye know that God hath indeed sent me, and that yc are not the pcoide of the Lord. A week ago I told you, in your meeting, that there was a wolf among you: here, (taking one by the arm,) here is the wolf!" IJ])on this, .loel, turning his hack upon Ihi-m, went out of the door, fresh and hcHrly. Our authors make no further ohsrTvation, taking it, probably, for granted that none was needed ; and that this might .stand for an indubitable proof that Joel was the man, and bis people the people. — Hazard's Reg. of i'env., vol. v., ]). 333. .•f2 250 HUNTERDON COUNTY. formation of Clinton from its southern portion. It is about 7 miles long, 5 broad, and is bounded NE. by Washington, Morris co.; SE. by Clinton and Tewksbury, SW. by Bethlehem, and NW. by Mans- field, Warren co. In 1840, previous to the formation of Clinton, its population was 3,848. Its surface is mountainous, the Musco- netcong mountains occupying a great portion of its territory. It is watered by the Musconetcong, South branch of Raritan, and Spruce run. New Hampton, one of the oldest villages in this sec- tion, is pleasantly situated on the south bank of the Musconetcong, at the base of the Musconetcong mountains, about 18 miles N. of Flemington, and contains 2 stores, 2 taverns, several mechanics, and about 18 dwellings. South Hampton, one quarter of a mile from the village, has a blacksmith and a wheelwright's shop. Near here, on the road to Asbury, is a large and neat Presbyterian church, built of stone, stuccoed and pencilled. Clarksville, on the road from New Hampton to Clinton, 5 miles from the latter, is in a romantic and picturesque dell among the mountains, and contains a store, tavern, a few mechanics' shops, a saw and grist mill, and several dwellings. RARITAN. This township was formed from Amwell in 1838. It is about 7 miles long, 5 wide, and is bounded NW. by Ringwood, SE. by Am- well, NE. by Readington, and SW. by Delaware. The N. portion is mountainous, the S. level, or undulating. The township contains 9 stores, 4 grist-m., 4 saw-m., 1 oil-m. ; cap. in manufac. $14,400 ; 15 schools, 351 scholars. Pop. 2,510. Greenville, on the SE. boundary of Raritan, on the road from Lambertville to Somerville, is a new and flourishing little village, containing a tavern, store, a few mechanics, about a. dozen dwell- ings, and a neat Presbyterian church, lately erected. Flemington, the seat of justice for Hunterdon county, is 23 miles N. of Trenton, 26 from New Brunswick, and 25 from Easton, Pa. It is pleasant- ly situated in the central part of the township, on an undulating plain, a mile S. of a high eminence, from which there is a fine pros- pect of the village and adjacent country. Flemington is principal- ly built on a single street, on which are many handsome dwellings, and the general appearance of the place is thriving and cheerful. There are here 2 newspaper printing-offices, several stores and mechanic shops, 4 hotels, the county buildings, 1 Methodist, 1 Bap- tist, 1 Presbyterian, and 1 Episcopal church, about 70 dwellings, and 600 inhabitants. The annexed is a view of the county buildings, centrally situated on the W. side of the main street. The courthouse is a large stone structure, rough cast, with Grecian front and Ionic columns. Its internal arrangements are convenient, and the court-room large. The basement is used for a prison, and the small brick structure on HUNTERDON COUNTY. 251 the ri^lit contains the county clerk's and surrogate's offices. In the court-room lianas the portrait of Thomas Potts Johnson, Esq. The following notice of this gentleman was written for this work by the Rev. Mr. Studdiford, of Lambertville. View of the County Buildings at Flemington. Thomas P. Johnson. — Among the distinguished men who have adorned the New Jer- sey bar within the last fifty j'ears, few in their day were held in higher repute for their eloquence and extensive legal knowledge, and especially for intellectual vigor and versa- tihty of taictit, than the individual whose name stands at the head of tills article. He was bom about the year 1761. His parents were Friends. His father, William Johnson, a native of Ireland, emigrated to this country about the middle of the last century. He married Ruth Potts, of Trenton, a sister of Stacy Potts, long known as a respectable citizen of that place. Thomas was their second child. When he was quite small, the family removed to Charleston, 8. C, where his father established a flourishing boarding- school, and gained much repute by his lectures on various branches of Natural Philoso- phy. His fondness for such studies seemed to have been inherited by the son, who, even in his later years, continued to turn his attention to tJiem. The father died at the south after a residence of some years. His mother, with five children, returned to her native state, and, with the aid of her brother, opened a store in Trenton. There Thomas was placed an aj)prentice to a carpenter* and joiner. After following this business some time, ho was comitcUed, by a rupture of a blood-vessel in the lungs, to abandon it. He then cngaiTcd in teaching youth, first in this county, afterwards in Bucks co., Pa., and then in Philadelphia. For this business, he had rare qualifications. Few men had such powers of communication : few could so simplify truth, and throw an interest around it to captivate the youthful mind. Of this, he gave a striking proof in his later years ; when he would anmse himself in instructing his grandchildren, creating a fondness for knowledge, and, with l)ai)py facility, developing their mental powers. While in Philadelphia, a mercantile house took him in partnership, and sent him to Richmond, Va., where the firm opened a large store. There he became well acquainted with the laic Chief-justice Marshall, and often had the privilege of listening to the first " The annexed anecdote was communicated to the compilers of this volume by a resi- dent of Trenton. At one of the neighboring courts a dispute arose between Johnson and his ojjponent, respecting a point of law, during which, the latter remarked in a taunting, derisive manner, "that he was not to Ik^ taught law by a carpriiler .'" " May it i)leasc your honors," replied Mr. J., " the gentleman has been pleased to allude to my having been a carpenter : true, I was a carpenter, — I am proud of it, — so was the reputed fa- thcr of our Ivord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; and I could yet, give me a block of wood, a mallet, and a chisel, heio out something that would very much resemble tliiit gentle- man's head ; true, I could not put in brains, but it would have more manuerg .'" 252 HUNTERDON COUNTY. lawyers in the " Old Dominion." This, probably, led to his turnings his thoughts to the bar. After a few years, the loss of his store and goods by fire, caused him to return to the scenes of his youthful days. He took up his residence at Princeton, and there mar- ried a daughter of Itobert Stockton, Esq., and entered his name as a student of law in the office of the Hon. Richard Stockton. In due time he was admitted to the bar, and licensed first as an attorney, and then as a counsellor. Subsequently, he was raised to the rank of a Serjeant at law. His career at the bar was brilliant ; whether arguing points of law, or spreading a case before a jury, he was always heard with fixed atten- tion and lively interest. So lucid was he in arranging and expressing his thoughts ; he knew so well how to seize hold of strong points in a case, and when he pleased to touch the chords of feeling, that he seldom faih^d of producing an impression. He was no empty declaimer. His style of thought and expression was simple and natural. Not only at the bar, but in the social intercourse of lil'e, his language was remarkably chaste and ])ure. Rarely ever would be heard a word inisap|)lied or mispronounced. Persua- sion sat upon iiis lips. From impaired health, and especially the failure of his eyesight, his attention to proi'essional duties was much interrupted, and eventually he was com- pelled to relinquish practice. Mr. Johnson was no indifferent spectator to the great po litical questions, the contest of which have ever divided wise and good men of the na tion. With the majority of tlie New Jersey bar, he belonged to the Washingtonian school, and exerted all his energies in what be honestly conceived his country's true in- terests. For several years previous to his decease, he resided in the family of his son- in-law, Richard D. Corson, M. D., of New Hope, Bucks co.. Pa. I\Ir. Johnson j)osscsscd an enlarged acejuaintance v;ith the principal departments of literature and science ; but experimental philosophy and natural history had been his fa- vorite studies. He was a good anatomist and a superior chemist. He had a natural fondness for mechanical pursuits; and the productions of his skill would not have dis- graced the most experienced artists. While a youth, he made himself master of French, so as to read it with great fluency ; and in after years, his intimacy with several French gentlemen, who had settled in the vicinity of Princeton, enabled him so to j)erfect his prommciation, that it could not be distinguished from that of a well-educated French- man, even by natives of that country. The subject of this notice was distinguished for a high sense of moral principle, and great kindness of heart. For his brethren of the New Jersey bar, he cherished a worm attachment, and they were forward in evincing their high esteem of his worth. A few years before his death, a number of tiiem obtained the services of an artist, and had a I'ull-lengtii portrait of him taken, which is now placed over the judge's ciiair in the court- room at Flemington. Mr. Johnson entertained a profound regard for the Christian re- ligion. Fully convinced of its truth, he was not backward in expressing his sense of its importance. Seldom could the scofT of infidelity pass unrebuked in his presence. In his latter years, he greatly improved in biblical knowledge. He was much interested in the valuable works of L'Enfant and Heausobrc, on the New Testament. He was accus- tomed to have it often read to him by an estimable granddaughter, who died a week be- fore him, and whose death probably hastened his own dissolution, which took place March li2tli, 1838. There are near Flemington two valuable copper mines, the work- ing of which has been suspended on account of the pecuniary pressure of the times. This village derives its name from a Mr. Fleming, who settled here previous to the American revolution. In 17GG, a P)apti.st church was erected, and in 1791 the first court- house within the present limits of the county. Previously the courts were held at Trenton. This building, which was of stone, was destroyed by fire in February, 1828, and the present court- house built\at an expense of about $14,000. In 1793, the Presby- terian church, a neat, substantial stone structure, was erected, and the Rev. Thomas Grant was the first settled clergyman. His suc- cessors have befMt the llev. Mr. Field, Rev. John F. Clark, and the }lev. .Joseph M. Ohnsfcad, the present incumbent. The village at that time contained two churches, a store, and about a dozen dwell- HUNTERDON COUNTY. 253 inj^js. Ill is-i"j, tlic Methodist, and in 1811 the Episcopal church, was erected. Annexed is an historical sketch of the Baptist church at Flem- ington, furnished by its present pastor, the Rev. Charles Bartolette. The bcjTinning of any local interest of the Baptists in tliis place, as nearly as can now be ascertuiiicd, is us follows: — In the year 1765, Thomas liowry and James Eddy gave a piece of land, about half an acre, for a Baptist meelincr-house. Tliis lot lies on the northeast corner of the main street, and the New Brunswick and Soniervillc roads. The house was built in 17GG, under the direction of Thomas Lnwry, .Tames Eddy, Gershom Lee, .lonathan Hif^jrins, John Jewell, Es(i., and ethers. Tills was the first Bap- tist meetinij-house in Amwell township, whicli at UkU time, together with the adjoin. ing township of Kinjjfwood, was a part of Bethlciicni ; and latterly, Amwell being divi- ded, now makes the house stand in Raritan. There beinff no rctrularly constituted church, it was called the Baptist meeting of Am- well, and ciiieHy supplied with preaching by the neighboring ministers. David Sutton, pastor of Kingwfwd, supjjlied them some time during the revolutionary war, but he, though a vcr}' pious minister, was by Mr. Jewell siiut out of the house, because he was thoUi{iit to be too favorable to the British. About this time tbc American soldiers used the house as barracks and hospital, the marks of their firearms being visible on the floor not twi'iity years ago. After tiiis. Nicholas Cox, a minister of considerable talent, then at Kingwood, supplied a part of his time regularly, but in 17!I0, '91, declared himself a Universulist. Tliis gave a general shock to their interests for some time, and they had very little preaching for four years. Then Mr. J. Ewing, pastor of Hopewell, supplied them ten months. In 1795, G. A. Hunt, pastor of Kingwood, engaged vvath them for one third of his time. At this period the house was almost in ruins. Tlieir circumstances becoming more auspicious, the house was repaired, and in June, 179t<, there were fifteen jiersons constituted into a regular Baptist church, called the Baptist church of Amwell. They now elected their deacons, their clerk, and a board of trustees. In lt!U4, they called James McLaughlin as their minister, in conjunction with Kingwood. He left in 1809. In 1810, tliey called Dr. D. Sweeney, who only stayed six months. On the first of February, 1812, they called their present pastor, Charles Bartolette, and on the first of April ensuing, he brought his family from the county of Fhiladelpliia to Flemington. The house was again repaired and j)ainted. The number of communicants at this time, and for several years, was about 70 ; but after this they began to increase, and in 1817, built the meeting-house on Siindy Ridge, of stone, 30 feet by 40, two stories. In 1818, they set off 14 members, who were constituted into a regu- lar Baptist church. This was the second in Amwell. They have since set off several members, who now form the church at Weart's Corners, in Amwell. They have set otF and assisted in forming several otlier churches in the adjoining neighborhoods. A course of prosperity attending them for several years, and their house being often repaired, it was found too small, and unfit to enlarge. In 183G, the present handsome edifice was built. The number of communicants for several years past ranges at about 300. In the progress of the village, tliree persons have been hung for murder. The hr.st was in .July, 171)1. His name was James Va- nala, a white man, about 30 years of age. He lived in Alexan- dria, and having a dispute with a neighbor, with whom he had long been at enmity, shot and buried him in a forest. The next was Brom, a slave belonging to ]Mr. IMiilip Case, who in a quarrel with a fellow slave, killed him in his masters kitchen with a tram- mel. He was hung Nov. 11, 1803. Both of these executions took place in the upper part of Flemington, near the Redding mansion, 'i'he last execution was Nov. 28, 1828, in a field about 40 rods W. of the village, on the N. side of the road to Centre Bridge. It was that of James Bunn, a colored boy, aged about 14, who in Hope- well beat to death an old lady named Beaks, with an ox-yoke, be- cause she refused to lend him a gun. 254 HUNTERDON COUNTY. Sometime in the war of the revolution a detachment of the American army encamped on Gray's hill, near the village, and Washington had his head-quarters at the residence of a Col. Stew- art, then a commissary. At the close of the year 1778, when the British were in Trenton, a detachment of 500 troops were drawn off, to march up through llingoes to Flemington, for the purpose of plunder. They proceeded as far as Pennington, when, fearing dif- ficulty from some part of Washington's army, they halted, and sent forward as an advance-guard about 20 light-horsemen, under the command of cornet Geary, which proceeded to Flemington, where they destroyed a few firearms in a storehouse. This build- ing, now standing near the centre of the village, then belonged to Col. Thomas Lowry, but is now the property of Hugh Capner, Esq. Having placed upon it the king's seal, they returned the same day. This advance-guard had passed through Ringoes early in the morning. The few male inhabitants then at their homes, aroused by a militia captain named John Schenck, collected all the fire- arms they possessed, with the powder and ball, amounting only to a few rounds, and taking to the woods a little N. of the village, awaited the return of the enemy. As they w^ere coming back, no doubt with the intention of giving information to the army that the way was clear, the Americans poured in a fire upon them, each man taking to a tree, or running from tree to tree, and their cap- tain shouting at the top of his voice, as though at the head of a large army. The cornet, who, its said, was of a noble family in England — " a brave fellow," to use the expression of those engaged against him — formed his men in the road and returned the fire. But a few shots were exchanged, when he fell from his horse mor- tally wounded. His men, panic-stricken, abruptly wheeled and re- treated back towards Flemington, their cornet's horse keeping com- pany. On passing a man named Housel, they forced him to pilot them across the country to the road leading to New Brunswick, and made speed back to the lines, without (as they were very hun- gry) performing any other feat than robbing some children they met, on their road to school, of their dinner. The detachment of 500 awaiting their return at Pennington, soon hearing the report that the woods were full of rebels, hastened back to Trenton. Thus this well-timed ambuscade saved this part of the county from being overrun by the British troops. The cornet was buried in the edge of the woods near where he fell. The locality is marked only by a rougli unlettered stone at the head, and one at the foot of liis grave. The spot where this t)rave officer was shot, or in the language of many in the vicinity, " the place where the British reg'lar was killed," was long considered haunted ; there strange sights were seen, and dismal noises heard. About 30 years ago a gentleman re- siding about lialf a mile distant, one evening, sitting with his family, was alarmed at hearing hurried footsteps approaching, when suddenly a man burst into the house. The gentleman seeing he was much frightened, inquired — " Friend, wliat's the matter ?" " Oh !" replied the atlrightcd man, " I tried to go, but couldn't go. Oh I there's such a noise down yonder where the reg'lar was killed ; the ground shakes and trembles so I can't go." HUNTERDON COUNTY. 255 The gentleman, amused at his terror, agreed to accompany him to the place. As they approached the mystery was explained to him, by hearing a bull of his neighbor's mak- ing his usual low grum, hoo-woo.icoo ! .' " Hark !" exclaimed the affrighted man. " Tliat," replied his companion, " is Mr. Q.'s bull." " That's no bull 1" quickly rejoined the other in tones of terror. " Oh, yes it is," said the gentleman, " hsten again." By this time they reached the little bridge marking the spot, when the latter said, " Now, if any thing attacks you so you can't go, you must hallo ; and if any thing interrupts me so I can't go, I will hallo." " You must holler quick.'" exclaimed the other in a trembling voice, " for I shall go off veryfaxt." And away he ran at full speed. READINGTON. This township was incorporated in 1798. It is 10 miles long, 5 wide ; and is bounded N. by Tewksbury, E. by Bedminster and Bridofewater, Somerset co., S. by Raritan, and W. by Clinton and Tewksbury. The township contains 9 stores, 6 grist-m., 2 saw-m., and 1 oil-m. ; cap. in manufac. $2,825; 11 schools, 300 scholars. Pop. 2,.373. Whitehouse, 11 miles NE. of Flemington, on the Rockaway creek, and the Easton and New Brunswick turnpike, contains 2 taverns, 2 stores, a grist-m., &c. ; an academy, a Re- formed Dutch church, and 1 1 dwellings. Mechanicsville, 1 mile E. of the above, on the turnpike, has a tavern, a store, a number of mechanic shops, and 15 dwellings. Readington contains a tav- ern, store, mill, 8 dwellings, and a Reformed Dutch church. Cen- treville, 7 miles NE. of Flemington, on the old York road, has a store, tavern, and a few dwellings. TEWKSBURY. This township, incorporated in 1798, is about G miles long, 5 wide ; bounded N. by Washington, Morris co. ; E. by Bedminster, Somerset co. ; S. by Readington ; and W. by Clinton and Lebanon. The northern part is mountainous ; the southern fertile, and well cultivated. It is drained by Rockaway river and its tributaries, and Laniington river, which forms its eastern boundary. There are in the township 9 stores, 4 grist-m., 5 saw-m. ; cap. in manu- fac. §7,4.50 ; 8 schools, 274 scholars. Pop. 1,944. New Germantown is in the SE. part of the township, on the road from Somerville to Schooley's mountain, 14 miles NE. from Flemington, and 45 from Trenton. The village is on a slight ac- clivity descending to the N. It is built on several streets, at right- angles to each other. The surroiuiding country is hilly, and very productive of wheat and corn. iMuch lime is burnt and used in th(; vicinity ; and agriculture has, in consequence, much improved within the last 15 years. It contains 4 stores, a tannery, 1 wheelwright, 1 cabinet-maker, 2 blacksmiths, 2 saddlers, ti shoe- makers, 1 cooper, 2 tailors, an academy, a Methodist and a Luther- an church, and 55 dwellings. 256 MERCER COUNTY. The annexed view was taken from Ilyler's bill, a small eminence about ^ of a mile N. of the village. On the right is seen the acad- emy, the building with a spire. The large structure near the cen- North View of New Germantown. tre of the engraving is the Evangelical Lutheran church, which is built of stone, and plastered. It was first erected in 1 750, and re- built in 1830. The Methodist church, a neat edifice, situated in the central part of the village, was erected about 18 years since. Pot- tersville, on Lamington river, in this township, near the angle of Hunterdon, INIorris. and Somerset counties, contains a store, a foun- dry, a grist and fulling m., and 8 or 10 dwellings. There is an ex- tensive quarry of pudding-stone marble, near New Germantown, w^hich admits of a splendid polish ; but the proprietors, instead of using it to "grace the column or capital," burn it into lime, and thereby polish and enrich their fields. MERCER COUNTY. Mercer county was formed from Hunterdon, Burlington, and Middlesex counties, Feb. 1838, and named in honor of Gen. Mer- cer, who fell at the battle of Princeton. It is about 20 miles long with an average width of 12 miles, bounded NW. by Hunterdon CO., NE. by Somerset and IMiddlesex counties, SE. by Monmouth and Burlington counties, and SW. by Delaware river, dividing it from Pennsylvania. It is wat(>rcd by Stony Brook, a branch of the Rari- tan, the Assunpink creek, with its branches and other smaller streams em])tying into the Delaware. The country south of Tren- ton and Princeton is level, of an alluvial formation, soil light, but MERCER COUNTY. 257 productive. Above these places the surface is undulatinj^, more hillv as it api)roaches the north; mountainous on and near the northern line. This portion is composed of a variety of soil, well adapted to both winter and summer grains. Within the limits of this county are located the capital of the state and her most im- portant literary institutions. Here too were fought the battles of Trenton and Princeton, memorable for turning the tide of the American revolution. The county is divided into the 9 following townships, all of which, except Ewing, Hamilton, and Princeton, were incorporated in 1798. East Windsor, Hopewell, Lawrence Princeton, Trenton, Ewing, Hamilton, Nottingham, West Windsor. The population of the county in 1840, was 21,075. EAST WINDSOR. East Windsor has an average length of about 10, and width of 5 miles. It is bounded N W. by West Windsor ; NE. by South Bruns- wick and Monroe, jMiddlesex co. ; SSE. by Upper Freehold, Mon- mouth CO., and SW. by Hamilton. The surface is level and the soil light. The township contains 3 grist-m., 2 saw-m. ; cap. in manu- fac. 815,905 ; C schools, 1G7 scholars. Pop. 1,989. Central View in Hightstown. The village of Hightstown is 14 miles E. of Trenton, on the line of the Camden and Amboy railroad. The above view was taken in the principal street of the place. The public building on the right is the; Baptist church. Further down the street the rail- road crosses llocky Brook, in tressel work. Since the construction of this road, the village has more than doubled in population, and is now in a thriving condition. It contains (J stores, a grist and saw mill, a variety of mechanics, 1 Methodist, 1 Universalist, and 1 Bap- 33 258 MERCER COUNTY. tist church, an academy, from 80 to 100 dwellings, and a popula- tion of about 500. The Baptist church is the oldest in the village. It formerly be- longed to Cranbury, where it was constituted in 1745, with 17 members. In 1785 the society built a church in Hightstown. " The first pastor," says Benedict, in his history of the Baptists, " was James Car- man, who was remarkable for liviii;j; hy faith. He was born at Cape May in 1G77, was baptized at Staten Island, near New York, by Elias Keach, in the 15th year of liis age ; after this, went first among the Quakers, then with the New Light Presbyterians, whom he permitted to baptize one of his children. But in process of time he came back to his first principles, united with the church in Middletown, began to preach in the branch of it at Cranbury, and was ordained its pastor at the time it was constituted. Here he died at the age of 79. For many )'cars after his death tliis church had only occasional sup- plies, and had nearly become extinct when Mr. Peter Wilson came amongst ihem in 1782. In nine years from his settlement over 200 persons were added to the church by baptism ; upwards of 800 have been baptized by this successful pastor, during the whole of his ministry here. Tlie church is scattered over a wide extent of territory, and Mr. Wilson, in his more active days, not unfrequently rode 15, and sometimes 20 miles, and preached four times on a Lord's day. From this church originated the one at Trenton." The Rev. Mr. Mulford is its present pastor. EWING. Ewing was formed from Trenton in 1834, and comprehends about all of what then constituted that township, excepting the city. It was named in honor of Charles Ewing, LL. I)., chief-jus- tice of New Jersey, who died in 1832. It is about 5 miles long, with a width of from 2 to 4 miles. It is bounded N. by Hopewell, E. by Lawrence, S. by Trenton, and westerly by Delaware river. The surface is generally level or undulating, and the soil very fa- vorable for the production of oats. There are in the township 1 fulling-m., 1 woollen factory, 1 grist-m,, 2 saw-m. ; capital employed in manufac. $14,500 ; 3 schools, 77 scholars. Pop. 1,017. This township was settled about the year 1700, by emigrants from Long Island, from East Jersey, and elsewhere. The following is a list of part of the settlers : Daniel Howell, Charles Clark, Jacob Reeder, John Davis, Ebenezer Prout, Richard Scudder William Reed, Abiel Davis, Isaac Reeder, Robert Lanning, Simon Sacket, Jonathan Davis, John Burroughs, John Lanning, John Deane. HAMILTON. Hamilton was originally a part of Nottingham, but in 1842 the latter township was divided, and only the tract between Delaware river and the Delaware and Raritan canal retained the original name ; the remainder, being the greater part of its territory, was incorporated into a township by the name of Hamilton. Its ex- treme length is about 8, and its average width is about 5 miles ; MERCER COUNTY. 259 bounded NW. by Lawrence and Trenton, easterly by East and West Windsor, S. by Chesterfield, Burlington co., and westerly by Nottingham. The surface is level, and the soil, though light, can be made productive by the use of marl, which is found in abundance within its limits. The township is watered by streams which in their course through the light soil have worn deep gulleys. The popula- tion is estimated to be about 2,500. The A^ew Jersey railroad passes along near the western boundary of Hamilton, and the Camden and Amboy railroad passes the southern part. Tills township was originally settled by Friends. The house in which Mr. Benjamin Vanscoick now resides, about half a mile from the State's Prison, was built in 1708 by Isaac Watson, an emi- grant from Nottingham, England, from which the old township of Nottingham derived its name. HOPEWELL. What time this township received its name, is not precisely known. As early as 1699, the tract known as the township of Hopewell, was bounded by the Assunpink on the S., by the line of East and West Jersey on the E., and by its present boundary on the N. These limits have been greatly reduced. The township is now about 10 m. long, and 6 broad. It is bounded N. by Am well, Hun- terdon CO., 8. by Ewing and Lawrence, E. by Montgomery and Princeton, W. by the Delaware river. The surface of the northern part is hilly; the south, level and fertile. Pop. 3,213. It is be- lieved that most of the first settlers were English families, who removed from Long Island about the year 1700, or, perhaps, a few years previous. The first settlers were the Stouts,* Goldens, Hough- * The family of the Stouts are so remarkable for their number, orijgfin, and character, in both church and state, that their history deserves to be conspicuously recorded ; and no place can be so proper as tliat of Hopewell, where the bulk of the family resides. Wc have already seen that Jonathan Stout and family were the seed of the Hopewell chinxh, and the bejrinnin;T of Hopewell settlement; and that of the 15 which constituted the church, nine were Stouts. The church was constituted at the house of a Stout, and the meetings were held chiefly at the dwellinfrs of the Stouts for 41 years, viz. from the he- pinning of the settlement to the building of the meeting-house, before described. Mr. Hart was of opinion (in 1790) " tiiat from first to last, half the members have been and were of that name : for, in looking over tlic church book, (saith he,) I find that near 200 of the name have been added ; besides about as many more of the blood of the Stouts, who had lost the name by marriages. The present (1790) two deacons and four elders, are Stouts ; the late Zebulon and David Stout were two of its main pillars ; the last lived to 8cc his oft'spring multiplied into an 117 souls." The origin of this Baptist family is no less remarkable : for tliey all sprang from one woman, and she as good as dead ; her history is in the mouths of most of her ])ostcrity, and is told as follows : " She was born at Amsterdam, about the year 1G02; her father's name was Vanprineis ; she and her first husband, (whose name is not known,) sailed for New York, fthen New Amsterdam,) alKJUt the year Iti^O ; the vessel was stranded at Sandy Hook ; the crew got ashore, and marched towards the said New York ; but Penelope's (for that was her name) husband being hurt in the wreck, could not march with them ; therefore, be and the wife tarried in tin- woods ; they had not been long in the place, before the Indians killed Ihem both, (as they thought) and stripped them to the skin; however, Penelope came to, lhouj,'h hor 260 MERCER COUNTY. tons, and Merrils, in the northern part, and the Burroughs, Harts, Hunts, Mershons, Drakes, Baldwins, Tituses, Phillipses, Moores, Brooks, Smiths, Stephensons, Bakers, Temples, Bollens, Hoffs, Well- ings, and Cains, in the southern and middle parts of the township. Jonathan, the ancestor of the Stouts, came here from Middletown in this state, in the year 1706 ; his family was one of the first three which settled on the tract now called Hopewell. The place, then, was a wilderness, and full of Indians. Pennington Male Seminary. The village of Pennington is 8 m. N. of Trenton, on the great road to Flemington, and the NW. part of the state. The village contains 2 churches, 1 Methodist and 1 Presbyterian, 2 seminaries, 1 male and 1 female, and about GO dwellings. The Pennington male seminary, represented in the engraving, is built of brick, 88 feet long and 44 wide. It was erected by the stock subscriptions of persons principally residing in the village and its vicinity, at an expense of about 815,000, It was opened for the reception of stu- dents in 1840, and is under the patronage of the New Jersey an- nual conference of the M. E. church. It has a choice library, a skull was fractured, and her left shoulder so hacked, that she could never use that arm like the otlicr ; she was also cut across the abdomen, so that her bowels appeared ; these she kept in with her hand ; she continued in tliis situation for seven days, taking shelter in a hollow tree, and eating the excrescence of it ; the seventh day she saw a deer pass- ing by with arrows sticking in it, and soon after two Indians appeared, whom she was glad to sec, in hope they would put her out of her miscrjf ; accordingly, one made to- wards her to knock her on the head ; but tlie other, who was an elderly man, prevented him ; and, throwing his niatclicoat about her, carried her to his wigwam, and cured iier of her wounds and bruises; after that he took her to New York, and made a present of her to her countrymen, viz. an Indian present, expecting ten times the value in return. It was in New York, that one Richard Stout married her : he was a native of England, and of a good family ; she was now in her 22d year, and he in his 40th. She bore him seven sons and three daughters, viz : Jonathan, (founder of Hopewell,) John, Richard, James, Peter, David, Benjamin, Mary, Sarali, and Ahcc ; tlie daughters married into the families of the Bounds, Pikes, Throckmortons, and Skcltons, and so lost the name of Stout ; the sons married into the families of Bullen, Crawford, Ashton, Traux, &c., and had many children. The mother lived to the age of IIU, and saw her offspring multi- plied into 502, in about 88 years." — Benedict's Hist, Baptists. MERCER COUNTY. 261 cabinet of minerals, and philosophical and chemical apparatus. Tlie Penniufiton I'emale seminary is built of brick, 4 stories high, and has been established for several years. There is also an acad- emy for the accommodation of the children of the village, which has a fund of upwards of $4,()()(), under the direction of trustees, being the devise of Miss Abigail Moore, the interest of which is, by her will, directed to be appropriated to pay the bills of tuition of poor children who attend the academy. There are 5 post-offices in this town, one in each of the follow- ing places, viz : Pennington, Woodsville, Columbia, Bernardsville, and Titusville. Woodsville lies near the north line of the town, 13 m. N. of Trenton; contains a store, tavern, and about 8 or 10 dwellings, on a slope of rising ground from which there is a line prospect of the surrounding country. Columbia, 17 m. N. from Trenton, contains a Baptist church and about a dozen dwellings. The ground on which this church stands, was the donation of John Hart, Esq., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Bernardsville, formerly called 8 Mile Ferry, is situated on the Dela- ware ; has a tavern, store, and a canal basin, attached to the feed- er of the Delaware and Raritan canal. There is a lattice-bridge, opposite to this place, connecting it with Taylorsville. This is the spot at which Washington crossed the Delaware previous to his capture of the Hessians at Trenton. Titusville, 2 miles above Bernardsville, contains a Presbyterian church, 8 or 10 dwellings, and a number of mechanic shops. The Presbyterian church of Hopewell (now Pennington) was organized by tlie first settlers. The first authentic notice of its existence is found on the records of tlic Pres- bytery of Philadelphia, in 170!), witli which presbytery it was connected till 17.57, when it was transferred to that of New Urunswick. The first pastor was Rev. Robert Orr, who was installed in 1715 ; the second pastor, Rev. Joseph Morgan, who was originally from Great Britain, and settled about 1730; his successor was Rev. .lohn (iulld, froni Massachusetts, who took the pastoral charge in 17.38, and continued till his death in 1785, a period of 47 years. He was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Rue, from Freehold, Monmouth co., a pupil of Rev. Wm. Tennent ; he died in 1826, having been pastor 41 years. His successor, Rev. Benjamin Ogden, was installed in 182(), and continued pas- tor 12 years, when he removed to Michigan ; he was succeeded by Rev. George Hale, in Feb. 1842. The first house of worship, for this society, was a frame building; the sec- ond, now standing, is of brick ; it was erected in 1761). The first Baptist church of Hopewell, in Columbia village, was organized in 1715, nine years after Mr. Stout and his associates removed into Hopewell ; Mr. Stout's family furnishing 8 of the 15 members who constituted the church at that time. The first pastor settled over the church, was Rev. Isaac Eaton, who was ordained in Nov. 1748. Mr. Eaton died in 1772 ; i)revious to his ordination the church had no permanent min- ister. The present pastor is the Rev. John Hoggs, wiio has had charge of the congrega- tion 35 years. Harbourton, or the Second Baptist church in Hopewell, was constituted in I80;i ; the first pastor was Rev. James McLaughlin, the present is Rev. Christopher Suydam. Tlic first person of the Methodist denomination who preached in Hopewell, is supposed to iiavc been Capt. Webb, a British oHiccr from New York, who visited this place about the year 17G8. The first regular class was formed by Joseph Pilhnore, who was sent to this coimtry in nii!). This place was also visited by John King, Francis Asbury, (af- terwards Bishop,) William Waters of Virginia, Freeborn Garretson, and other devoted preachers, and the society rapidly increased in numbers. It eontiinied in eomiectiou with the Trenton eireuit till 18.'}:.', when they were made a separate charge, called "Penning- ton Station." The society now has two houses of worship, one in Pennington and 262 MERCER COUNTY. one 4 four miles distant, towards the Delaware, called the " River Church." About a mile from Pennington village, on the road leading to the Delaware, formerly stood what was usually called the " New Light Church,^' erected in 1741, by persons who seceded from the Presbyterian church, during the period of the great revival under the labors of the celebrated Whltefield, Tennents, and others. The last preacher of this church was Rev. James Davenport, a preacher of some celebrity on Long Island and in Connecti- cut, Mr. D. died in this place in 1757, aged 40 years ; after his death, the congregation generally formed a sort of union with the old church, and their house of worship finally fell into the hands of the Methodists. John Haiit, Esq., a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was a native of Hope- well ; he was a deputy from Hunterdon co., in the Provincial Congress of 177.5, and a member of the Committe of Safety, and in 177G, was a member of the Continental Con- gress. Soon after the Declaration of Independence, New Jersey became the theatre of war. The progress of the British troops was marked by rapine and wanton destruction of property. The children of Mr. Hart escaped from insult by retiring from the neigh- borhood of the troo[)S, leaving the farm and stock to be pillaged and destroyed by the Hessians. Mrs. Hart, at tliis time, was afflicted with a disorder which prevented her re- moval, and which terminated in her death. Mr. Hart was driven from the bedside of his dying partner, and hunted through the woods and among the hills. " While Washing- ton's army was dwindling down to a mere handful, this old man was carrying his gray hairs and infirmities about from cottage to cottage, and from cave to cave, while his farm was pillaged, his property plundered, his family afflicted and dispersed ; he was, through sorrow, humiliation, and suffering, wearing out his bodily strength, and hasten- ing the approach of decrepitude and death. Yet he never despaired, never repented the course he had taken." At one time being sorely pressed for a safe night's lodging, and being unknown, he was ol)liged to share the accommodations of a dog. Mr. Hart died in 1780, leaving a bright example of patriotism and devotion to his country. His residence was the one occupied now by William Phillips, Esq., near the village of Columbia. Col. JoAB HoiicnTo.v, an active partisan officer of the Revolution, was a native of this township; he lived in the NE. part, in the house now occupied by Mr. Wm. Suy- dain, and died in that occupied by Mr. Joseph Swain. While this part of New Jersey was overrun by the British and Hessians, there were but few hardy enough to oppose even the small marauding parties that were daily plundering for the British camp. Neai'ly the whole of the active population had left their homes, some with the army under Washington, and some to a place of safety. Pennington was occupied by the British troops, and the iidiabitants who remained, being aged, were peaceable, and lay at the mercy of these plunderers. Col. Houghton being at tliat time at home, word was brought to him by night, that the neighborhood of Moore's Mill had been visited by the enemy, and that they would probably be out the next day. Early next morning, Col. H. collected a few of his neigiibors, and placed himself on the point of a neighboring mountain which overlooked tiie surrounding country ; — presently he saw the party, who entered a house near by where Col. H. and his men were stationed, after stacking their guns on the out- side. The Colonel and his men now rushed from their hiding-place, seized first the arms and then their owners — a Hessian sergeant, and twelve men, whom they found re- galing themselv(;s in the cellar with Methcglin. Col. H. remained in the field during the war, after which he was a member of the Legislature from Hunterdon co. He was a member of the first Baptist church, and died at an advanced age about the year 1795. Wilson P. Hunt, Esq., the hero of Irving's Astoria, was born in this township. He was born in the house now standing on the property of Benjamin S. Hill, and served his time in the store of iiis uncle, Abraham Hunt of Trenton, His adventurous and enter- prising spirit brought him to the notice of John Jacob Astor of New York, who planned an enterprise across the Rocky mountams. The command of this expedition was in- trusted to Mr. Hunt, who with his party reached tiie Pacific after much toil, sufil-ring, and perseverance. This was the first commercial enterprise that ever reached the Pacific across tlie Rocky mountains. Mr. II. on his return, settled at St. Louis, and died in 1842. LAWRENCE. Lawrence was originally incorporated under the name of Maid- enhead, in 1798. Its extreme length is 9 miles; greatest width 5 MERCER COUNTY. 263 miles. It is bounded NW. by Hopewell, NE. by Princeton and West Windsor ; S. by Hamilton, and W. by Trenton and Ewing. The Delaware and Raritan canal passes through the southern })art of Lawrence. It has 3 grist-m. and 1 saw-m. ; cap. in manuiac. JSl-i,()00; 2 schools, 92 scholars. Pop. 1,55G. This township was settled probably not far from the year 1700. When the colonial assembly erected the county of Hunterdon, they enacted that the Court of Common Pleas and Quarter Ses- sions should alternately be held in Maidenhead and Hopewell, •'until a eourthouse and jail should be built;" and it so hai)pcned that the first courts of the county were held in Maidenhead, on the second Tuesday of June, 1714. The magistrates present were John 13anbridgr, Jacob Bellerjeau, Philip Phillips, William Green, John Holcomb, Samuel Green, and Samuel Fitch. The first-named gentleman was buried at Lamberton, in 1732, where his grave- stone now is. He was a prominent and useful public officer, and is supposed to have been the ancestor of the late gallant Commo- dore Bainbridge. Lawrenceville, anciently called Maidenhead, is 5^ miles NE. of Trenton, and about the same distance from Princeton, on a road connecting these two places. It is a small post- village, containing a few houses, and a Presbyterian church, built in 1762. There are also two literary institutions in excellent repute, and favorably located for health and study. The " Lawrenceville Classical and Commercial High School," under the charge of H. and S. M. Hamill, is designed for preparing young men for professional life. Among the pupils who here have^ been prepared for college, was the late Rev. James Brainard Taylor. The " Lawrenceville Female Seminary," under the direction of Miss Caroline S. Craig, is highly recommended by the faculty of Princeton College, as a place of education for young ladies. When the British had possession of Princeton and Trenton, this village was the com- mon thoroughfare between those places. On the morning of the battle of Princeton, the enemy passed through it. Previous to this action, the village and adjacent country were deserted by their inhabitants, most of the active men being with Washington in Pennsyl- vania. Among these, was Mr. Elias Phillips, who wishing to know the condition of his native village, returned with two companions to make it a nocturnal visit. Finding it desolate and plundered by the enemy of every thing that could be carried off, and know- ing of the constant passing of the IJritish between tlie places, they determined to make reprisals of the first party that should pass. For this purpose, they secreted themselves in a deserted shop. About break of day, as a baggage-wagon, guarded by three sol- diers, was passing, the little party rusiied out and n)ade tlicm prisoners. They were taken to the American camp. Washington accepted the prisoners, but the wagon, and stores therein, he directed Phillips to retain for his own benefit. Mr. Phillips was in the field (hiring the whole war. Afterward, he was elected high-sheriff of Hunterdon co., and died while holding that office, lamented by all who knew liirn. When the British troops were passing through Lawrenceville, after Washington's re- treat through the Jerseys, a party of Hessians entered the dwelling of Jacob Keen, who was a strong whig. His wife, a woman of great courage and resolution, had locked up her silver in a bureau. Upon their entering, she dispatched one of her children in search of an officer. She stood before her bureau, with the keys in her hand. They de- manded, in tli( ir own language, that she should open the drawers. She pretended not to un- derstand their object ; and they, much enraged, were in the act of brealiing the drawers 264 MERCER COUNTY. with the butts of their muskets, when an officer entered with the child, and the men re- treated. Tlic above anecdote is derived from a lady now living in Trenton, a daughter of Mrs. K., at that time a child G years of age ; and who, on this occasion, was secreted in an oven. NOTTINGHAM. Nottingham originally included Hamilton, from which it was separated in 1842. It is a narrow strip of land, about 6 miles long, between the Delaw^are and Raritan canal and the Delaware river. On the N. it is less than half a mile wide ; and in the lower part of it only a few rods. Its population is about 2,200. In 1842 its northern part, comprising the villages of Mill Hill, Bloomsbury, and Lamberton, were Ibrmed into a borough called " the borough of South Trenton," which is separated from the city of Trenton by the Assunpink creek, and is properly but a continuation of the city. Within the limits of the borough are 4 churches, the county offi- ces and courthouse, the state prison and arsenal ; and the bridge across the Delaware connects the borough with Morrisville, Pa. Lamberton, the southernmost village, contains about 70 dwell- ings. It took its name from Mr. Thomas Lambert, who settled there about the year 1679. Mill Hill contains about 80 dwellings ; and Bloomsbury 150. Both of these villages are separated from Trenton by the Assunpink. The first lies a short distance back from the Delaware ; the last upon it. As these different villages (or localities, rather) may be in a certain sense considered as a part of the city of Trenton, they will be described under that head. [See Trenton.] The towifship of Nottingham in 1840, contained 28 stores, 3 furnaces, 3 fulling-m., 3 woollen fac, 7 cotton fac. 6,500 spindles, 5 tanneries, 10 grist-m., 7 saw-m., 1 oil-m. ; cap. in manufac. 8596,770 ; 1 academy, 36 students, 13 schools, 348 schol- ars. Pop. 5,109. PRINCETON. The township of Princeton was recently formed from the town- ships of Montgomery and West Windsor. The village of Princeton was incorporated as a borough in 1812, and was then situated partly in Somerset and partly in Middlesex cos. The township is about 5 miles long, and 3 broad ; bounded N. by Montgomery, Somerset CO. ; S. by West Windsor ; E. by Franklin, Somerset co., and South Brunswick, Middlesex co. ; and W. by Hopewell and Lawrence. Pop. 3,055. The village of Princeton is situated on an elevated ridge of land, which rises with a long and easy ascent, and com- mands, to the east, a prospect of great extent. Besides the collegi- ate buildings, there are in the village about 200 dwellings, 1 Pres- byterian and 1 Episcopal church, also one or two houses of wor- ship for colored persons, a bank, printing-olKce, &c. The population of the village is about 2,000. Distant 40 miles from Philadelphia, MERCER COUNTY. 265 50 from New York, 18 from 8om(M'ville, 25. from Freehold, 10 from New Brunswick, and 10 from Trenton. The Delaware and Rari- tan canal, and the railroad from New York to Philadelphia, pass about a mile SE. of the college buildings. The "College of New Jersey" was first incorporated in 1746; and has ever maintained its rank among the first literary institu- tions of this country. It owps its origin to a difference of religious views in the Presbyterian c lies, which took place at the period of Mr. Whitelield's labors m tliis country. In 1741 the Synod of Philadelphia, which represented the whole Presbyterian church, Mas divided into two bodies — the Synod of Philadelphia, and that of New York. The mass of the Synod of Philadelphia lay to the W., and that of the Synod of New York to the E. of the Delaware river. The clergy of the Synod of New York were, to a man, the warm friends and coadjutors of Mr. Whitefield ; but those of Phila- delphia were generally his decided opponents. The vSynod of New York reproached that of Philadelphia with introducing men to the gospel ministry without due regard to personal piety ; and that of Philadelphia recriminated, by charging that of New York with fa- voring enthusiasm, and with licensing men to preach the gospel without ade([uate literary attainments. This last charge was believed by many, at that time, to have its foundation in truth ; and they accordingly took measures to remove the evil. The Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, of Elizabethtown, a lead- ing member of the Synod of New York, " gave being and shape to the deliberations that resulted in the creation of the College of New Jersey." He had been for several years a very successful and popular teacher of young men ; and when the institution was re- solved upon, every eye turned to him as the best qualified to lay its foundations, and to superintend its concerns. A charter for the college was sought and granted by John Hamilton, who acted as governor, (being the oldest member of the council,) betw^een the death of Gov. Morris, in jNIay, 1746, and the induction of Gov. Belcher, in 1747. The college thus founded was commenced in Elizabethtown, and Mr. Dickinson chosen its first president. He, with an usher, were the only teachers. The number of students was about 20, who boarded with the president, and with other families in the town. An old academy, which stood where the lecture-room of the First Presbyterian church in that town now stands, and which was burnt in the revolutionary war, contained the first recitation-room of the first classes ever attached to the New Jersey college. President Dickinson died October 7th, 1747. The students were then removed to Newark, and placed under the care of Rev. Aaron Burr, who was elected to succeed him. In 1757, the institution, then numbering aI)out 70 scholars, was re- moved to I'rinceton, wh(;re the lirst college edifice was reared. The ])rrncipal edifice of the College of New Jersey is called Nassau Hall, and was erected in 1757. It is 176 feet long, 50 34 266 MERCER COUNTY. wide, and 4 stories high. Gov. Belcher was much interested in the college, and made a "generous donation of his library of books, with other valuable ornaments" to it. In consideration of this, the trustees voted him an address of thanks, with a request that they might be allowed to name the collegiate building then erect- ing. This honor his excellency declined ; and requested they would name it Nassau Hall, to "express the honor we retain," (says the governor,) "in this remote part of the globe, to the im- mortal memory of the glorious king William the Third; who was a branch of the illustrious house of Nassau ; and who, under God, was the great deliverer of the British nation from those two mon- strous furies. Popery and Slavery" &c. The trustees, after the re- ceipt of the governor's letter, resolved, "that in all time to come," it should be called by the name of Nassau Hall. At this early pe- riod, the discipline in the collegiate institutions of the country was materially dilJ'erent from that of the present day. Many customs, now considered absurd, were judged wholesome restraints, and as enforcing salutary habits of obedience on the part of the pupil to his superiors in rank. The annexed extract, from the Collegiate Code of Princeton College in 17G5, is an illustration in point: Every scholar shall keep his hat off about ten rods to the president, and about five to the tutors. Every scholar shall rise up and make his obeisance when the president goes in or out of the hall, or enters the pulpit on days of religious worship. When walking with a superior, they shall give him the highest place ; and when first coming into his company, they shall show their respects to him by pulling off their hats ; shall give place to him at any door or entrance, or meeting him going up and down stairs, shall stop, giv- ing him the banister side ; shall not enter into his room without knocking at tiie door, or in any way intrude themselves upon him ; and shall never be first or foremost in any un- dertaking in which a superior is engaging, or about to engage ; shall never use any inde- cent or rude behavior or action in a superior's j)resencc, such as making a noise, calling loud, or speaking at a distance, unless spoken to by him, if within hearing ; shall always give a direct pertinent answer, concluding with Sir ! Nassau Hall was occupied as barracks by the British troops pre- vious to the battle of Princeton. The basement story they used for stables. Gov. Belcher's library, which he gave to the college, consisted of 474 volumes. Many of these books were highly valu- able ; but such of them as remained after the purloining by the British and American armies, vA'hen they successively occupied the edifice, w^ere nearly all consumed by fire on the Gth of March, 1802, which left nothing but the stone walls of the edifice standing. On its being rebuilt, the walls, Avhich were not materially injured by the fire, remained as before, and the whole interior of the house, except the chapel, was converted into lodging-rooms — the library, refectory, and other public apartments being provided for in addi- tional buildings. At the time of the battle of Princeton, the room in Nassau Hall called the chapel, was adorned with a portrait of George II. ; the Americans, in dislodging the British troops from the building, fired a cannon-shot Avhich passed through the walls, and destroyed this picture. The frame, however, still remained sus- pended on the walls of the chapel, within which is now a portrait of Washington, painted by the elder Peale. It is stated that Wash- MERCER COUNTY. 267 ington, in order to make good to the college the damage sustained by the lire of liis troops, made the trustees a present of 50 guineas, which they expended in procuring the portrait of the general. Among other relics of antiquity belonging to the institution, there is in the Philosophic Hall the identical electrical machine used by Dr. Franklin, and the orrery constructed by Ixittenhouse. The whole course of instruction at the College of New Jersey requires ibur years, — namely, one year in each of the four classes into which the students are divided. The college year is divided into two terms or sessions. The annual commencement is on the last Wednesday of September ; and the winter session begins six weeks from that time, and closes on the first Thursday after the second Tuesday in April. The summer session begins five weeks after the close of the winter session, and ends on the last Wednes- day of September. The college library contains 8,000 volumes; in the libraries of the two literary societies connected with the col- lege are about 4,000 volumes, making 12,000 in all. The college possesses a valuable set of philosophical, astronomical, and chemical apparatus, a mineralogical cabinet, a museum of natural history, and a large collection of drawings for the illustration of lectures on architecture and astronomy. The Theological Seminary, in the village of Princeton, is a highly respectable institution. It was founded by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church of the United States, and is under its control and patronage. The plan of the institution was formed in 1811, and the edifice for the use of the seminary was commenced in 1813, and made habitable in 1817. It is of stone, 150 feet long, 50 wide, and four stories high. " This institution is conducted on very liberal principles ; for, although supported by the Presbyterian church, and primarily intended to promote the training of a pious and learned ministry for that church, students of all Christian de- nominations are admitted into a full participation of its benefits, on equal terms. It is wholly unconnected with the college, but enjoys by contract the free use of the college library," The course of study is extended through three years. There is but one vaca- tion in the year, which commences the third Thursday in May, and continues 14 weeks. The number of students in 1842 was 120. BATTLE OF PRINCETON. The situation of the American army after the action at Assun- pink or Trenton bridge, was extremely critical. If Washington maintained his position on the .south side of the Assunpink, it was cer- tain that he would be attacked by a superior force, with the proba- ble result of the destruction of his little army. Fires having been lighted, immediately after dark a council of war was convened. Washington, by the advice of Gen. St, Clair, Col. Reed, and others, "formed the bold and Judicious design of abandoning the Delaware and marching silently in the night, by a circuitous route, along the left flank of the British army, into their rear at Princeton, where he 270 MERCER COUNTY. knew they could not be very strong. After beating them there, he proposed to make a i-apid movement to Brunswick, where their baggage and principal magazines lay under a weak guard." Plan of the battle of Princeton, fought January 3(1, 1777. = 17^Be^. [ References. A., Brid^re on the old Trrnton road. B., Friends meeting-house. C, T. Clark's house, in which Cen. Mercer died. D., The place where Gen. Mercer was mortally wounded. E., Head of column when first seen by the British. F., Head of column after Mercer's engagement. 1, 2, The British 17th Reg. 3, 4, Mercer's detach- ment, commencing the action, i), ]0, Tho 17th Reg., formed to dislodge Moulder. 11, 12, The Pennsylvania militia under Washington. 13, Hitciicock'g regiment. 5, 6, Pur- suit of the Americans. 7, 8, Retreat of the British.] The more effectually to mask the movement, (says Gen. Wilkin- son, in his memoirs,) Washington ordered the guards to be doubled, a strong fatigue party to be set at work on an intrenchment across the road near the mill, within distinct hearing of the enemy, the baggage to be sent to Burlington, the troops to be silently filed off by detachments, and the neighboring fences to be used as fuel by the guards to keep up blazing fires until towards day, when they had orders to retire. The night, though cloudless, was dark, and, though calm, exceedingly cold, and the movement was so cautious- ly conducted as to elude the vigilance of the enemy. Taking the lower road by Sandtown, across the Quaker bridge, the Americans reached Stony creek, which having crossed, they came to a small MERCER COUNTY. 271 wood south of the Friends meeting-house, in the vicinity of Prince- ton, a little before sunrise. Here the main column wheeled to the right, and turning the SE. corner of the wood, marched directly for I'rinceton. den. Mercer, having under him captains Stone, Fleming, Neal, and others, with about 8.i0 men, was detached to take possession of the bridge on the old Trenton road, for the double purpose of intercepting fugitives from Princeton, and to cover the rear of the army against Lord Conwallis from Trenton. The morning was bright, serene, and extremely cold, with a hoar frost, which bespangled every object. A brigade of the enemy under Lieut. Col. Mawhood, consisting of the 17th, 40th, and 55th regiments, with three troops of dragoons, had quartered in Prince- ton the preceding night. The 17th regiment, on their march to join Lord Cornwallis at Trenton, had passed the bridge over Stony creek before they discovered the Americans. CoL Mawhood imme- diately repassed the bridge, when he first discovered Gen. Mercer's detachment marching up the creek at a distance of about 500 yards from the bridge. IJoth parties then endeavored to get possession of the high ground on their right. The Americans reached the house and orchard of William Clark, but perceiving the British line advancing on the opposite side of the height, and a worm fence between them, they pushed through the orchard, and anticipated the enem}' by about 40 paces. The first fire was delivered by Gen. Mercer, which the enemy returned with a volley, and instantly charged. The Americans being armed only with rifles, were forced, after the third fire, to abandon the fence, and fled in disorder. On hearing the firing. Gen. Washington directed the Pennsyl- vania militia to support Gen. Mercer, and in person led them on with two pieces of artillery, under Capt. Wm. Moulder, who form- ed in battery on the right of Thomas Clark's house. The enemy had pursued the d(>tachment of Gen. Mercer as far as the brow of the declivity, when they discovered for the first time the American army. They thereupon halted, and brought up their artillery. En- couraged by the irresolution of the militia, they attempted to carry Capt. Moulder's battery ; but being galled by his grape-shot, and perceiving Hitchcock's and another continental regiment advancing from the rear of the American column, they, after a few long shot with the militia, retreated over the fields up the north side of Stony brook. This action, from the first discharge of firearms to the n;- treat of the enemy, did not last more than fifteen or twenty min- utes. They left their artillery on the ground, which the Ameri- cans, for want of horses, could not carry off. The 55th and 40th regiments of the enemy made some show of resistance at the deep ravine, a short distance south of the village of Princeton, and at the college, into which they preci])italed themselves on the approach of the Americans. It was, however, soon abandoned, and many of them made i)ri,soners. In this engagement upwards of 100 of the enemy were killed, among whom was Capt. Leslie, whose loss they much regretted, and nearly 300 taken prisoners. The numerical 272 MERCER COUNTY. loss of the Americans was inconsiderable, not exceeding thirtj% fourteen only being buried in the field ; but it was of great mag- nitude in worth and talents — Colonels Ilaslet and Potter, Major Morris, Captains vShippen, Fleming, and Neal were officers of much promise. In the death of Gen. Mercer, the Americans lost a chief who, for talents, education, integrity, and patriotism, was qualified to fill the highest trusts of the country. " The manner in which he was wounded," says Gen. Wilkinson, ''is an evidence of the excess to which the common soldiery are liable, in the heat of action, par- ticularly when irritated by the loss of favorite officers. Being ob- structed, when advancing, by a post and rail fence, in front of the orchard, it may be presumed the general dismounted voluntarily; for he w^as on foot when the troops gave way. In exerting himself to rally them, he was thrown into the rear ; and, perceiving he could not escape, he turned about, somewhere near William Clark's barn, and surrendered, but was instantly knocked down, and bay- oneted thirteen times; when, feigning to be dead, one of his mur- derers exclaimed, ^D n him ! he is dead — let us leave hi?n.' Af- ter the retreat of the enemy, he was conveyed to the house of Thomas Clark, to whom he gave this account, and languished till the 12th, when he expired." The following, relative to the conflict at Princeton, was derived from persons living in Princeton ; one of whom was an eye-witness of some of the scenes described. Mr. Joseph Clark states that Gen. Mercer was knocked down about 50 yards from his barn ; and after the battle was assisted, by his two aids, into the house of Thomas Clark — a new house, then just erected, whicli is still stand- ing, now owned and occupied by Mr. John Clark, about one and a quarter miles from the college, and about one fourth of a mile from the house of Mr. Thomas Clark, The late Miss Sarah Clark, of the Society of Friends, with a colored woman for an assistant, took care of Gen. Mercer, while he lived ; and after his death his body was taken to Philadelphia, where, after laying in state, it was interred with military honors. The killed were buried about 200 yards north of Mr. Joseph Clark's barn, in a kind of drift-way. Their bodies, frozen stiff, with their clothing mostly stripped off by the American soldiers, were piled into a wagon, and thus carried to the grave. The British being routed, the greater part retreated back to Princeton, about a mile and a quarter distant, where they had, for some weeks previously, occupied the college, and the large brick Presbyterian church, as barracks. Washington pushed on to Princeton, placed a few cannon a short distance from those build- ings, and commenced firing upon them. The first ball is said to have entered the prayer-hall, a room used as a chapel in the col- lege, and to have passed through the head of the portrait of George II., suspended on the wall. After a few discharges, Capt. James Moore, of the militia, a daring officer, (late of Princeton,) aided by MERCER COUNTY. 273 a few mon, burst open a door of the buildinp:, fin^l demanded their surrender; which they instantly coni])li(Ml with. In the building were a number of invalid soldiers ; but Washington, having no time to spare, left those unable to travel, on their parole of honor, and hurried off with the rest toward Brunswick. On reaching Kingston, about three miles distant, a consultation of general offi- cers was hastily held on horseback; when a wish was generally expressed, to move on to New Brunswick, fall on the British troops, and secure the large supplies there laid up for their winter's consumption. But the American troops had, besides the action in the morning, been lighting at Trenton the day previous, antl marching all night over rough and frozen roads : not half of them had been able to obtain breakiast or dinner ; many were destitute of either shoes or stockings, and the whole were worn down with fatigue. Under these circumstances, Washington was reluctantly compelled to tile otT to the left, towards Rocky Hill. By going down the val- ley of the Millstone, he would avoid the British army under Corn- wallis, then in hot pursuit, from Trenton. Although the prize at Brunswick was rich and tempting, yet the danger of being held at bay there till the overwhelming force of Cornwallis, rapidly ap- proaching in his rear, should overtake his worn-out troops, pre- vented him from making the attempt. Cornwallis arrived at Kings- ton shortly after the Americans had left ; but, supposing they were still on the road to Brunswick, he pushed on through Kingston, and over Little Rocky Hill, on the main road to Brunswick, which, from rocks and frozen ground, was almost impassable. Here his baggage- wagons broke down ; but, such was his anxiety to reach Brunswick, he pressed on, leaving them in charge of a guard of 200 or 300 men, to bring them on the next morning. A small compa- ny of 15 or 20 militia, from the neighborhood, having learned the situation of this baggage, soon after dark assembled and arranged themselves among the trees, in a semicircular form, around where the soldiers lay guarding their wagons. On a concerted signal, they set up a tremendous shout, and commenced tiring. The Brit- ish were taken completely by surprise ; and having found, by ex- perience of the last ten days, that when they supposed their ene- mies were the farthest off, they were the nearest at hand, and their fears magnifying the number of their assailants, they hastily drove off what few wagons were in a travelling condition, and left the rest a prize to the militia-men, who took them the next morning to the American camp. Here they were opened, and found to con- tain what proved the most acceptable of all articles to the Ameri- can troops — namely, woollen clothing. About the close of the action at Princeton, Washington detached a small party to destroy the bridge over Stony Brook, at Worth's mills, on the road from l'rinc(^ton to Trenton. This party had scarcely half completed their work, before the British troops from Trenton made their appearance on the hill a short distance west of the dwelling of Mr. Worth, and commenced firing upon them. 35 274 MERCER COUNTY. The Americans, however, pushed on their work with renewed vigor, until the cannon-balls began to strike around them, — by which time they had thrown off the loose planks into the stream, — and then hastily retreated. The baggage and artillery of the Brit- ish troops were detained at the bridge nearly an hour before it could be made passable. The troops, however, were ordered to dash through the stream, (then swollen and filled with running ice, and about breast high,) and press forward as rapidly as possible to- ward New Brunswick. The officer who commanded the detach- ment ordered to destroy the bridge, is said to have been Major (af- terwards Col.) John Kelly, of Pennsylvania, who died about the year 1835. After the British appeared in sight, it was necessary that some part of the bridge should be cut away, — which was an extremely hazardous service under the fire of the enemy. Maj. Kelly, disdaining to order another to do what some might say he would not do himself, bravely took the axe and commenced cutting off the logs on which the planks of the bridge were laid. Several balls struck into the last log he was chopping, and on which he stood, when it broke down sooner than he expected, and he fell with it into the swollen stream. His men, not believing it possible for him to escape, immediately fled. Maj. Kelly, by great exertion, got out of the water and followed alter them ; but being unarmed and encumbered with frozen clothing, he was taken prisoner by a British soldier. On the near approach of the British troops to Princeton, their advance division was suddenly brought to a stand by the discharge of a large 32-pounder. This piece, now in the central part of the college grounds, formerly belonged to the British ; which Washing- ton was unable to take with him when he left Princeton, on ac- count of its carriage being broken. It was left on a temporary breastwork, in the vicinity of the present residence of Dr. iSamuel Miller, near the west end of the town ; and was loaded by two or three persons, and pointed toward the British army. As their ad- vance guard were coming up the rising ground, within 300 or 400 yards, it was discharged, which brought them instantly to a halt. The enemy, supposing that Washington had determined to make a stand under the cover of the town, sent out their reconnoitering parties of horsemen, and in the mean time cautiously approached the breastwork with their main body, determined to carry it by storm. By these movements, they were delayed nearly an hour : and when arrived at the breastwork and the town, were astonished to find them destitute of defenders. The following, relative to the battle of Princeton and death of Gen. Mercer, is from "The Custis' Recollections of the Life and Character of AVashington :" It was immediately after the sliarp conflict at the fence, — between the advance guard of the American army, led by CJen. Mercer, and the British 17th regiment, — and the retreat of the Americans through the orchards to MERCER COUxXTY. 075 Clark's house and barn, that Gen. Mercer, whilo oxcrtinf^ himself to rally his broken troops, was broujTht to the ground by the blow of a inusket. He was on foot at this time, — tiio gray horse he rode at the beginning of the action having been disabled by a ball in the fore leg. The JJritish soldiers were not at lirst aware of the general's rank. So soon as they discovered he was a general oflicer, they shouted they had got the rebel general, and cried, " Call for quarters, you d — d rehel P^ Mercer, to the most undaunted cour- age, united a quick and ardent temperament ; he replied with indignation to his enemies, while their bayonets were at his bosom, that he deserved not the name of rebel ; and, determining to die as he had lived, a true and hon- ored soldier of liberty, lunged with his sword at the nearest man. They then bayoneted him, and left him for dead. Upon the retreat of the enemy, the wounded general was conveyed to Clark's house, immediately adjoining the field of battle. The information that the commander-in-chief first received of the fall of his old companion in arms of the war of 1755, and beloved officer, was that he expired under his numerous wounds ; and it was not until the American army was in full march for Morristown, that the chief was undeceived, and learned, to his great gratification, that Mercer, though fearfully wounded, was yet alive. Upon the first halt at Somerset Court House, Washington dispatched the late Maj, George Lewis, (his nephew, and captain of the Horse Guard,) with a flag and a letter to Lord Cornwallis, requesting that every possible attention might be shown to the wounded general, and permission for young Lewis to remain with him, to minister to his wants. To both the requests his lordship yielded a willing assent, and ordered his staff surgeon to attend upon Gen, Mercer, Upon an examination of his wounds, the British sur- geon observed, that although they were many and severe, he was disposed to believe they would not prove dangerous, Mercer, bred to the profession of an army-surgeon in Europe, said to young Lewis, " Raise my right arm, George, and this gentleman will then discover the smallest of my wounds, but which will prove the most fatal. Yes, sir, that is a fellow that will soon do my business." He languished until the 12th, and expired in the arms of Lewis, admired and lamented by the whole army. During the period that he languished on the couch of suffering, he exonerated his ene- mies from the foul accusation which they not only bore in 1777, but for half a century since, — viz,, of their having bayoneted a general officer after he had surrendered his sword and become a prisoner of war, — declar- ing he only relinquished his sword when his arm had become powerless to wield it. He paid the homage of his whole heart to the person and charac- ter of the commander-in-chief, rejoiced with true soldierly pride in the tri- umphs of Trenton and Princeton, (in both of which he had borne a con- spicuous part.) and otTered up his fervent prayers for the final success of the cause of American Independence. We shall give a single anecdote of the subject of the foregoing memoir, to show the pure and high-mindeil principles that actuated the patriots and soldiers of the days of our country's first trial : Virginia at first organized two regiments for the common cause. When it was determined to raise a third, there were numerous applications for commissions; and these being mostly from men of fortune and family in- terest, there was scarcely an application for a rank less than a field-ofi^icer. During the sitting of the House of Burgesses upon the important motion, a 276 MERCER COUNTY. plain but soldierly-looking individual handed up to the speaker's chair a scrap of paper, on which was written, " Hugh Mercer will serve his adoptpd country, and the cause of liberty, in any rank or station to which he may be appointed." This from a veteran soldier, bred in European camps — the associate of Washington in the war of 1755, and known to stand high in his confidence and esteem — was all-sufficient for a body of patriots and statesmen such as composed the Virginia House of Burgesses in the revo- lution. The appointment of Mercer to the command of the 3d Virginia regiment, was carried instanter. The battle of Princeton, for the time it lasted, and the numbers engaged, was the most fatal to our officers of any action during the whole of our rev- olutionary war — the Americans losing one general, two colonels, one major, and three captains killed — while the martial prowess of our enemy shone not with more brilliant lustre, in anyone of their combats during their long career of arms, than did the courage and discipline of the 17th British regi- ment, on the 3d of January, 1777. Indeed, Washington himself, during the height of the conflict, pointed out this gallant corps to his officers, ex- claiming, " See how those noble fellows fight ! Ah ! gentlemen, when shall we be able to keep an army long enough together, to display a discipline equal to our enemies !" The regular troops that constituted the grand army at the close of the campaign of '76, were the fragments of many regiments, worn down by constant and toilsome marches and sufferings of every sort, in the depth of winter. The fine regiment of Smallwood, composed of the flower of the Maryland youth, and which, the June preceding, marched into Philadel- phia 1,100 strong, was, on the 3d of January, reduced to scarcely 60 men, and commanded by a captain. In fact, the bulk of what was then called the grand army, consisted of the Pennsylvania militia and volunteers, citi- zen soldiers who had left their comfortable homes at the call of their coun- try, and were enduring the rigors of a winter's campaign. On the morn- ing of the battle of Princeton, they had been eighteen hours under arms, and harassed by a long night's march. Was it, then, to be wondered at, that they should have given way before the veteran bayonets of their fresh and well-appointed foe ! The heroic devotion of Washington was not wanting in the exigencies of this memorable day. He was aware his hour was come to redeem the pledge he had laid on the altar of his country, when first he took up arms in her cause — to win her liberties or perish in the attempt. Defeat at Prince- ton would have amounted to the annihilation of America's last hope : for, independent of the enemy's force in front, Cornwallis, with 8,000 strong, was already panting close on the rear. It was, indeed, the very crisis of the struggle. In the hurried and imposing events of little more than one short week, liberty endured her greatest agony. What, then, is due to the fame and memories of that sacred band, who, with the master of liberty at their head, breasted the storm at this fearful crisis of their country's destiny ? The heroic devotion of Washington on the field of Princeton, is matter of history. We have often enjoyed a toucliing reminiscence of that ever- memorable event, from the late Col. Fitzgerald, who was an aid to the chief, and who never related the story of his general's danger, and almost miraculous i)rescrvation, without adding to his tale the homage of a tear. The aid-de-camp had been ordered to bring up the troops from the rear of MERCER COUNTY. 277 the column, when the band under Gen. Mercer became engaged. Upon re- turning to the spot where he had left tlie commander-iii-cliief, he was no lontTer there, and, upon looking around, tlie aid discovered liim endeavoring to rally the line which had been thrown into disorder by a rapid onset of the foe. Washington, after several nieirectual efforts to restore the fortunes of the fio-ht, is seen to rein up his horse, with his head to the enemy, and in that position to remain immovable. It was a hist appeal to his soldiers, and seemed to say. Will you give up your general to tiie foo ? Such an appeal was not made in vain. The discomfited Americans rally on the instant and form into line. The enemy iialt, and dress their line ; the American chief is between the adverse posts, as though he had been placed there a target for both. The arms of both lines are levelled. Can escape from death be possible ? Fitzgerald, horror-struck at the death of his beloved commander, dropped the reins upon his liorse's neck, and drew his hat over his face, that he might not see him die. A roar of musketry succeeds, and then a shout. It was the shout of victory. The aid-de-camp ventures to raise his eyes : oh ! glorious sight, the enemy are broken and flying ; while, dimly amid the glimpses of the smoke, is seen the chief, " alive, unharmed, and without a wound," waving his hat, and cheering his comrades to the pursuit. Col. Fitzgerald, celebrated as one of the finest horsemen in the American army, now dashed his rowels in his charger's flank, and heedless of the dead and dying in his way, flew to the side of his chief, exclaiming, " Thank God ! your excellency is safe ;" while the favorite aid, a gallant and warm- hearted son of Erin, a man of thews and sinews, and " albeit unused to the melting mood," gave loose to his feelings and wept like a child for joy. Washington, ever calm amid scenes of the greatest excitement, affection- ately grasped the hand of his aid and friend, and then ordered — " Away, my dear colonel, and bring up the troops : the day is our own !" Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born at tfie ancient family seat of his forefathers, near Princeton, Oct. 1, A. D. 1730. He gradu- ated at Princeton College in 1748, and devoting himself to the study of law, soon rose to eminence. Being possessed of a competent fortune, he visited Great Britain, where he was received with much attention ; and while there, rendered valuable services to the College of New Jersey. On the opening of the Revolution, he adopted with ardor his country's cause, and rendered her important services in various stations. On the 30th of November, 177G, he was, together with his i'riond and compatriot, Mr. Covenhovcn, (at whose house he was temporarily staying) captured by a Jiarty of refugee royalists ; dragged from his bed by night; plundered of his property; carried to New York; thrown into the common jail, and treated with such barbarity, as to lay the foundationof the disease which terminated in his death, February ^«tii, 17»1. Mr. Stockton's fortune, which had been ample, was greatly diminished, both by the depreciation of the continental curren- cy, and the ravages of the British troops. His complicated afflictions hastened his death, which took place at his scat, near Princeton. His remains were carried to the Collcgc- liall, where a funeral discourse was delivered by the Rev. Dr. S. .S. Smith. They were afterwards interred with those of his ancestors, in the Friends burial-ground, near Prince- ton. " He was an accomphshed scholar and statesman, a persuasive speaker, and an exemplary Christian." William Bai.niiiuoge, a Commodore in the American navy, was born in this town, May 7th, 17 74. His father, a resiicctablc physician in Princeton, removed to New York whdc lie was yet a child, and he was left under the care of liis grandfather, John Taylor, Esq., of Monmouth co., wlicrc he received his education. He entered the .sea- service as an apprentice, on board of a merchant vessel, from l'hila(l(l|)hia. At the age of eighteen, while mate of the ship Hope, on her way to Holland, the crew, taking ad- vantage of a violent gale of wind, rose against the officers, seized the captain, and had nearly succeeded in throwing him overboard. Young Bainhridge, hearing the alarm, ran on deck with an old pistol, without a lock, and being assisted by an apprentice-boy and 278 MERCER COUNTY. an Irish sailor, rescued the captain, seized the ringleaders, and quelled the mutiny. In July, 1798, he unexpectedly received the command of the United States schooner Retali- ation, 14 guns, to act against P'rance. In 1800, he received a captain's commission, and was appointed to the command of the frigate George Washington, in which he was sent to Algiers, with presents which the United States had agreed to make tliat state. While at Algiers, he was compelled hy the Dey to carry his ambassador and retinue with pres- ents, to the Grand Seignior, at Constantinople. The (icorge Washington arrived at this place on the 12th of November, and when the Turkish officers were informed it was a United States ship, they replied they knew not of such a nation. Captain Bainbridge, by exi)laining that America was the New World, was enabled to give them some idea of this country. In 1803, he was appointed to the connnand of the frigate Philadelphia, which proceeded to the Mediterranean, and joined the American scjuadron under Com- modore Preble. While cruising before the harbor of Tripoli, the Philadelphia grounded, and her crew were obliged to surrender themselves prisoners. After a confinement of nineteen months. Colonel Lear having negotiated a peace with Tripoli, they were released. Soon after the declaration of war with Great Britain, in 1812, Commodore Bainbridge took the command of the Constitution, on the 29th of December; while running down the coast of Brazil, he fell in with the British frigate Java ; after an action of two hours, the Java's fire was completely silenced, and her colors being down, Bainbridge supposed that she had struck ; he therefore shot ahead to repair his rigging, but while hove-to for that purpo.sc, discovered that her colors were still flying, although her mainmast had gone by the board. He, therefore, bore down again upon her, and having come close athwart her bows, was on the point of raking her with a broadside, when she hauled down her colors, being completely an unmanageable wreck, entirely dismasted, without a spar of any sort standing. On boarding her, it was found that Captain Lambert, her commander, was mortally wounded, and the Java so much injured, that it would be im- possible to bring her to the United States ; and after the prisoners and baggage were re- moved, she was blown uj). The Java carried 49 guns and upwards of 40U men, and had, in addition to her own crew, upwards of 100 supernumerary officers and seamen, for dif- ferent ships on the East India station — among whom was a master and commander in the navy, and also Lieut. Gen. Hislop, and his two aids, of the British army. The Java had GO killed and upwards of 100 wounded. The Constitution had 9 killed and 25 wounded. Aft(!r peace was declared, he superintended the building of the Independence, a ship of 74 guns, and had the honor of waving his flag on board of the first line-of- battle-ship belonging to the United States that ever floated. He died in Philadelphia a few years since. The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the Princeton graveyard : M. S. reverendi admodum viri, Aaronis Burr, A. M. Collegii Neo-Ctesariensis praesi- dis. Natus apud Fairfield, Connecticutensium, 4 Januarii, A. D. 1716. S. V. Honesta in eadem colonia familia oriundus, coUegio Yalensi innutritus, Novarcte sacris initiatus, 1738. Annos circiter viginti pastorali munere fidelitei functus. Collegii N. C. prajsidium, 1748, accej)it, in Nassovia; aulam, sub finem 17.^(), translatus. De- functus in hoc vico, 24 Septembris, A. D. 1757, S. N. mtat. 42. Ehcu, quam brevis ! Huic marmori subjicitur, quod mori potuit, cpiod immortale vendicarunt cadi. Qnajris, viator, qualis quantusque fuit ? perpuucis accipe. Vir corj)ore parvo ac tenui, studiis, vigiliis, assiduisque laboribus, macro. Sagacitate, perspicacite, agilitate, ac sol- ertia, si fas dicere, plusquam humana, penc angelica. Anima ferme totus. Omnigena literatura instructus, theologia pra?stantior ; concionator volubihs, suavis, et suadus ; orator facundus. Moribus facilis, candidus, et jucundus, vita egrcgie liberais ac bene- ficus ; supra vero omnia emicuerunt pietas ac benevolentia. Sed ah ! quanta et quota ingenii, industrial prudentiic, patientiK, ca>terarumque omnium virtutum c.xemplaria, marmoris sepulchralis angustiareticebit. Multum dcsideratus, multum dilcctus, humani generis deliciiE. O ! infandum sui desiderium, gemit ecclesia, plorat academia ; at caelum plaudit, dum ille ingreditur in gaudium Domini dulce loquentis, euge bone etfide- lis serve. Abi, viator, tuam rcspice finem. M. S. reverendi admodum viri, Jo.nathan Edwards, A. M. Collegii Novffi-CffisareJB prsDsidis. Natus apud Windsor, Connecticutensium, 5 Octobris, A. D. 1703. S. V. MERCER COUNTY, 279 Patro revprcndo Timotheo Edwards oricndus, collcgio Yalensi educatns, apud Northamp- ton sacria initiatus, 15 Februarii, 1726-7. lllinc dimissus, 22 Jiiiiii, n.'jO, ct inunus barbaros instituendi accopit. Prtcscs auliB Nassovicaj crcatus, 16 Februarii, 1758. De- functus in hoc vico, 22 Martii scqucntis, S. N. tetatis 55, heu nimis brevis ! Hie jacet mortalis par.s. QuaUs persona quteris viator ? Vir corporc procero, sed gracili, studiia intcntissimis, abstinentia, ct scdulitate, attcnuato. Ingenii acumine, judicio acri, et prudentia, socun- dus neniini mortalium. Artiurn liberalium ct scientiurum peritia insignis, criticorum sacrorum optinius, thcologus cxiniiu.s. Ut vix alter ajqualis, disputator Candidas ; fidei Christiana; propugnator validus ct invictus ; concionator gravis, scrius, discritninans ; et, Deo favcnte, succcssu frolicissimus. Pictatc pricclarus, moribus suis scvcrus, ast aliis »Rquus ct bcnignus, visit dilcctus, vcncratus — scd all ! lugcndus moricbatur. Quantos gcmitus disccdens cicbat I Heu sapicntia taiita ! Heu doctrina ct religio ! Ainissuni plorat collegium, plorat ct ecclesia ; at, co reccpto, gaudet caelum. Viator, et pia scquere vestigia. Sub hoc marmorc scpulchrali mortales exuvitc revercndi pcrquam viri Samuf.i.is Da- viE.s A. M. collegii Nov-Cffisaricnsis pransidis, futurum Domini advcntuin prcestolantur. Nc te, viator, ut pauca de tanto tamquc dilccto viro resciscas, paulisper morari pigcat. Natus est in comitatu de Newcastle, juxta Delaware, .3 Novembris, anno salutis r(])a- ratoe, 1724. S. V. Sacris ibidem initiatus, 19 Februarii, 1747, tutclam pastoralem ecclesioB in comitatu de Hanover, Virginiensium suscepit. Ibi per 11 plus minus annos, ministri evangclici laboribus indefessc et, faventc numine, auspicato perfunctus. Ad munus priEsidialc collegii Nov-C£Bsariensis gerendum vocatus est, ct inauguratus, 26 Julii, 1759, S. N. Scd, proh rerum inane ! intra biennium febrc correptus candidam animam coeIo reddidit, 4 Februarii, 1761. Heu quam exiguum vita; curriculum ! Corporc fuit cximio ; gcstu libcrali, ])lacido, augusto. Ingenii nitore, nioruni intcgritate, munificentia, facili- tate, inter paucos illustris. Rei litcraria; peritus ; tlieologus promptus perspicax ; in ros- tris, per eloqtiium blandum, mcllituni, vehcmcns simul et pcrstringens, nulli secundus. Scriptor ornatus, sublimis, discrtus. Prasscrtim vcro pictatc, ardente in Dcum zclo et religione spectandus. In tanti viri, majora mcriti, mcmoriam dinturnam amici hoc qualecunque monumentum, honoris ergo et gratitudhiis, posucre. Abi, viator, ei remulare. Memorias sacrum reverendi Samuelis Finley, S. T. D. collegii Neo-CiEsaricnsis prresi- dis. Armachae in Hibernia natus, A. D. 1715. In Americam migravit, anno 17.34. Sacris ordinibus initiatus est, anno 1743, apud Novum Brunsvicum Neo-Ca!saricnsium. Ecclesife Nottinghami Pcnnsylvaniensium, nmnus pastorale suscepit, 14 kal. Jul. 1744; ibiquc, academiED celcberrima3 diu pra;fuit. Designatus prasscs collegii Neo-Caesaricnsis officium inivit id. Jul. 1761. Tandem dilcctus, vcncratus, omnibus flendus, morti aocu- buit Philadelphia;, 15 kal. Sextilis, A. D. 1766. Artibus literisquc excultus pra; cmtcris prfficipue innituit rerum divinarum scientia. Studio divina; gloriffi flagrans, summisopi- bus ad veram religionem promovcndam, et in concionibus, ct in sermone familiari operam semper navabat. Patientia, modestia, mansuctudo miranda aninio moribusqnc criitue- runt. Oh charitatem, obscrvantiam, vigilantiam, ergajuvenos fidei sua; mandates fuit in- signissimus; moribus ingenius, pietatc sincera, vixit omnibus dilcctus, morions triumphavit. Rcliquitc mortales Joaxnis Witiif.rspoox, D. D. LL. D. collegii Nco-CfEsariensis pro;- sidis, plurimiim vcnerandi, sub hoc marmore inhumantur. Natus parochio Yestrcnsi, Scotorum, nonis Februarii, 1722, V. S. litcris himianioribus in univcrsitatc Edinburgensi imbutus ; sacris ordinibus initiatus, anno 1743, muncre pastorali per viginti quinquc an- nos fidelitcr functus est, primo apud Bcith, deinde apud Paisly. Pracses designatus aula; Nassovica;, anno 1767. In American! migravit, anno 1768, idibusque Sextilis, maxima expectationc omnium, munus prtpsidialc suscepit. Vir eximia pietatc, ac vir- tutc ; omnibus dotibus animi prnjccUcns; doctrina atque optimarum artium studiis, pcn- itus cruditus. Concionator gravis, solemnis, orationcs ejus sacra; pra;ccptis, et institutis villi- prn'slantissimis, nee non cxpositionibus sacrosancta; scripturae dilucidis, sunt re- plctii'. In scrmonc familiari comis, Icpidu.s, l)Iandus, rerum ecclesia; forensium pcritissi- mus ; sunnga prudentia et in regeiida, et instituenda juventute, praeditus. Existimationcm collegii apud pcregrinos auxit ; bonastjue litcras in co multum provexit. Inter luinina clarissima, ct doctrincB, ct ecclesia;, diu vixit. Tandem vcncratus, dilcctus, lugcndus omnibus animam efflavit, 17 kal. Dec. anno salutis mundi 1794, tetatis sum 73. Hoc tumulo conditur Quod mortalc fuit viri admodum reverendi Samuelib Sta-miods 280 MERCER COUNTY. Smith, S. T. D., LL. D. Nuper Collegii Neo-Cspsariensis Praesidls. Et ejusdera sac- rosanctaB Theologiffi et Philosophiaj moralis Professoris. Natus Pequeae Pennsylvanien- sium, A. D. MDCCL. Evangelii niinistri insignis, filius ipse insignior ; Literis hunian- ioribus in Aula Nassovica imbutus : In eadem Tutor tres annos ; ordinibus sacris initi- atus A. D. MDCCLXXIV. AcademijE Hampden S3'dniensis apud Virginienscs, P'un- dator, et primus Rector Inde revocatus ejus Alma Matre, ad munus Professoris A. D. MDCCLXXIX ; vice Prases creatus A. D. MDCCLXXXVI ; Denique Prajsidis digni- late exomatus A. D. MDCCXCV ; Quibus muniis omnibus prEDclaris et gravissimis sat- isfecit, quanta ipsius laude, quantoque bono publico, alumni permulti studiosi et sibi de- vinetissimi ubique testantor. Sed cheu I aliis inserviendo ipse consumitor. Laboris fractus assiduis morbisque crebcrrimis. Sceptrum Academicum alteri dcdit A. D. MDCCCXII, ^itatis sua; LXIX. Theologia Philosophia omnique doctrina excultus ; In docendo peritus, in scribendo ornatus. In concionando perpolitis, gravis et valde diser- tus ; Beneficentia, hospitalitate, urbanitatc, venustate priPtans. Ecclesite, Patriir, Lit- crarum, Collegii Decus. Hocce marmor. In mcmoriam opcrarum ejus, dotumque ex- imiarum. Et revcrcntiEB suk, Curatores Collegii Neo-Ciesariensis Ponendum atque inscribendum curaverunt. Walter Minto, LL. D., Professor of Mathematics and Philosophy in the College of New Jersey, was born in the county of Meroe, in Scotland, Dec. 5tli, 1753 ; and died in this town Oct. 21st, 179G. LaUS DEO OPTIMO MAXIMO. Intra hoc sepulchrum, depositse sunt spe resurrectionis beatae ReliquiEB Mortales JoHANNis Maclean, M. D. Viri admodum venerandi ; omnibus dotibus animi prse- cellentis. Qui GlascuiB Scotorum natus, Kal. Martii A. D. MDCCLXXI. In Ameri- cani migravit Anno MDCCXCV. Physica3 Naturalis Scientia penitus instructus et Arte Chemica prajcipufe florens. Earum Artium in Acadeinia Nassovica Professor designatus est. Prid. Kal. Oct. ejusdcm anni Professoribus ac Juventuti in Collegio Mire dilectus, atque observatus. Evita eheu ! decessit omnibus plorandus Idibus J'ebruarii, MDCCCXIV. In memory of Guv Chew, a Mohawk Indian, who departed this life April 19th, 1826, aged 21 years 8 months. This youth continued in Pagan darkness until his 18th year, when, under the patronage of the U. F. M. Society, he was sent to the mission school at Cornwall, Conn. Here he remained three years, experienced the renewing grace of God, and became eminent for his benevolence, piety, and desire to proclaim the gospel to his countrymen. While preparing for this blessed work, he was by a mysterious Provi- dence called away in the morning of his days. Reader, pray for the Indians. The celebrated Col. Aaron Burr was buried in the Princeton graveyard near his father, President Burr. He was interred with the honors of war; the professors and students of the college, and some of the clergy and citi- zens, united with the relatives and friends of the deceased in the proces- sion. Col. Burr was born at Newark, Feb. 6th, 1756. Both his parents died before he reached the third year of his age, and left him in the po.sses- sion of a handsome estate. While under the care of Dr. Shippen of Phila- delphia, when but about four years old, having some difficulty with his pre- ceptor, he ran away, and was not found until the third or fourth day after- ward : thus indicating, at this early age, a fearlessness of mind, and reli- ance on himself, which characterized the subsequent acts of his life. At the age of ten he ran away from his uncle, Timotliy Edwards, for the pur- pose of going to sea. He entered Princeton College, and graduated at the age of sixteen years, receiving the highest academic honors of the institu- tion, though his moral character at this period could not be considered of the highest order. On the breaking out of the revolution, Col. Burr, im- pelled by military honor, joined the American army, and was a volunteer in Arnold's celebrated expedition through the wilderness to Quebec. He was afterward for a short period in the family of Washington, but becom- ;-;;i; Mil , Ji!iiiiii|,ii ; :; ii ;xhiiiii,iiiii]iHn||i|j|ji|ij|j|p^i|, |jm| |i "2 ^ 3 ^- H SO o 37 MERCER COUNTY. 291 new course of action after his release. He is withdrawn from the contamination of guilty associations, and can hardly fail to deplore the errors by which he has been re- duced to so pitiable a condition. Both as a means of punishment and of reformation to criminals, the committee believe that the present system is admirably adapted to ful- fil the wishes of its friends and advocates There is now attached to the prison a library of near 300 volumes, for the use of the convicts. The books are well selected, and tlie prisoners avail themselves of the privilege of reading them, with great alacrity. Their minds are thus engaged and e.xercised, and they are prevented from fallinir into that besotted and stupid condition, sometimes the result of solitary confinement.' " Tho foregoing view is from a drawing taken near the Presbyte- rian church, looking westward. The first l)iiilding on the riglit is the Presbyterian chiu'ch. an eh^gant brick edifice. The next build- ing beyond is the city-hall, on the corner of Second and Greene sts. A few rods south from this place is the bridge over the Assunpink creek, at a locality of historic interest. The Trenton market is seen in the distance, standing in the middle of the street, and be- yond is the cupola of the statehouse. The Cottages. Near the railroad depot, in the environs of Trenton, is the neat and beautiful row of private dwellings designated as ''the cottages." They were built a few years since, under the superintendence of Messrs. Hotchkiss & Thompson : and, while they reflect credit up- on the skill of the architects, form a pleasing exhibition of an im- proved taste in the construction of private residences. BATTLE OF TRENTOX. The battle of Trenton, the turning point in the American revo- lution, will ever render Trenton memorable in the annals of Ameri- can history. To present all ihe facts which may be deem(nl of in- terest respecting this important event, several accounts of the same transactions will be given. The introductory " notices of IVenton as It was at the time of the capture ol'the Hessians," is from one of a series ot articles respecting the history of Trenton recently pub- 292 MERCER COUNTY. lished in the State Gazette, evidently drawn up with much care and accuracy. Queen (now Greene) street commenced at the north end of the town, and ran due south to tlie bridire over the Assunpiiik, at Trent's Mills. Front-st. commenced in Queen, a few rods north of the Assunpink bridge, and ex- tended west to the Masonic Lodge. Here the River road commenced, and ran up Willow-st. to Potts's tanyard ; thence W. through Quarry-st., by Rutherford's and Col. Dickinson's places, in a NW. course, through Birmingham to the Bear Tavern. Second. St. commenced at Chambers' corner, at Willow-st., and ran east through Mar- ket-st, to the old Iron Works, now Park Place, crossing King and Queen streets. King (now Warren) street commenced at the north point of Queen, and ran in a southwesterly direction, by the old courthouse and jail, (now the Trenton Bank,) to Front-st 1776. ^J^^^r^^^'^n^'-^^e^r, [RErKRENrEs.— A. PenniiiEton Road. R. Hessian Picket. C. Ilaml's Rifle Corps. D. Battery opened bf Waslnngtoii on Kiiifr-Kt. E. Ht-tsians, wlio were obliged to surrnuler at this spot. F. Virginia truups. G. King-st. H. Geo. Dickinson's house. I. VVater-st. J. Ferry. K. Bloomsbury. L. Morrisville.] From the north end of King and Queen streets, the course of the road to the village of Maidenhead (() miles distant) is NE. ; and from tiie above point, the general course of the road to Pennington is about N. One mile from Trenton, on the Pennington road, the Scotch road branches oft' to the left, and for about two and a quarter miles its course is NW., after which it bends to the NE. for a little distance, and thence its course is a little west of north. The road which leads from MeKonkey's ferry runs east of north; and one and a quarter miles from the river it crosses the River road, at the Bear Tavern, 8 miles from Trenton ; two miles further it crosses the Scotch road. 7 m. from Trenton ; and one and a quarter m. still further, it meets the Pennington road, about 7 m. from Trenton. From the Bear Tavern, on the River road, to Birmingham, is three and a half miles, and from Birmingham to Trenton four and a half m. Prom Birmingham across to the Scotch road, where it bonds to the east, (as mentioned above,) is about a mile ; from this point to its junction with the Pennington road, is two and a quarter m. ; and from thence to Trenton, one m. Gen. Washington, with the division under Gen. Greene, came this route from Bir- mingheun to Trenton. Part of the division went down King-st., the remainder down MERCER COUNTY. 093 Quron-st., oxtcnding^ Into the field to the left, toward tlie Assunpink creek, — the course of which is Iroin the northeast for a mile or two, until it passes the Iron Works, after wiiieii it bends to the west, and runs by Trent's mills, in Queen-st., to the Delaware. The division under Gen. Sullivan, on the River road, entered the town by Col. Dickln- son's and Rutherford's, through Second and P'ront streets. So the enemy were hemmed in by the Assunpink on the south and east, and by tlie American army on the west and north. The lullowing^ is Wasliington'.s account of the battle of Trenton, as communicated by him to congress in a letter dated Head-quar- ters, Newtown, 27th Dec. 177G : I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the .success of an enter- prise which I had formed against a detachment of the enemy lying in Tren- ton, and which was executed yesterday morning. The evening of the 25tli, I ordered the troops intended for this service to parade back of McKonkey's Ferry, [now Taylorsville] that they might be- gin to pass as soon as it grew dark, — imagining that we should he able to throw them all over, with the necessary artillery, by 12 o'clock, and that we might easily arrive at Trenton by 5 in the morning, the distance being about 9 miles. But the quantity of ice made that night impeded the pas- sage of the boats so much, that it was 3 o'clock before the artillery could all be got over, and near 4 before the troops took up their line of march. I formed my detachment into two divisions, — one to march up the lower or River road, the other by the upper or Pennington road. As the divisions had nearly the same distance to march, I ordered each of them, immediately upon forcing the out-guards, to push directly into the town, that they might charge the enemy before they had time to form. The upper division ar- rived at the enemy's advanced post exactly at 8 o'clock ; and in 3 minutes after, 1 found, from the fire on the lower road, that that division had also got up. The out-guards made but a small opposition ; though, for their num- bers, they behaved very well, — keeping up a constant retreating fire from behind houses. We presently saw their main body formed ; but, from their motions, they seemed undetermined how to act. Being hard pressed by our troops, who had already got possession of part of their artillery, they attempted to file off by a road on their right, leading to Princeton ; but, perceiving their in- tention, I threw a body of troops in their way, which immediately checked them. Finding, from our disposition, that they were surrounded, and they must inevitably be cut to pieces if they made any further resistance, they agreed to lay down their arms. The number that submitted in this man- ner, was 23 officers and 88fi men. Col. Rohl, the commanding officer, and 7 others, were found wounded in the town. I do not know e.xactly how many they had killed ; but I fancy, not above twenty or thirty, — as they never made any regular stand. Our loss is very trifling indeed, — only two olhcers and one or two privates wounded. I find that the detachment of the enemy consisted of the 3 Hessian regi- ments of Landspatch, Kniphausen, and Rohl, amounting to about 1,500 men, and a troop of British light-horse ; but immediately upon the begin- ning of the attack, all those who were not killed or taken pushed directly down the road toward Bordenlown. These likewise would have fallen into our hands could my plan completely have been carried into execution. Gen. Euing was to have crossed before day, at Trenton ferry, and taken posses- sion of the bridge leading to the town ; but the quantity of ice was so great, 294 MERCER COUNTY that though he did every thing in his power to effect it, he could not cross. This difficulty also hindered Gen. Cadwallader from crossing with the Penn- sylvania militia from Bristol. He got part of his foot over, but, finding it impossible to embark his artillery, he was obliged to desist. I am fully confident that, could the troops under Generals Ewing and Cadwallader have passed the river, I should have been enabled, with their assistance, to have driven the enemy from all their posts below Trenton ; but the num- bers I had with me being inferior to theirs below, and a strong battalion of light-infantry being at Princeton, above me, I thought it most prudent to return the same evening, with the prisoners and the artillery we had taken. We found no stores of any consequence in the town. In justice to the officers and men, I must add, that their behavior upon this occasion reflects the highest honor upon them. The difficulty of pass- ing the river in a very severe night, and their march through a violent storm of hail and snow, did not in the least abate their ardor, — but, when they came to the charge, each seemed to vie with the other in pressing for- ward ; and were I to give a preference to any particular corps, I should do injustice to the other. Col. Baylor, my first aid-de-camp, will have the honor of delivering this to you ; and from him you may be made acquainted with many other par- ticulars. His spirited behavior upon every occasion, requires me to recom- mend him to your particular notice. The annexed account of the battle of Trenton was published by order of congress, who received it from the council of safety, as coming from " an officer of distinction in the army." It is here ex- tracted from the "Connecticut Journal," of Jan. 22, 1777. Head-quarters, Newtown, Bucks co., Dec. 27. It was dctcrinliicd, some days ago, that our army should pass over to Jersey, at tlircc different places, and attack the enemy. Accordingly, about 2,500 men, and 20 brass field-pieces, with his excellency Gen. Washington at their head, and Maj. Gen. Sullivan and Gen. Greene in command of two divisions, passed over, on the night of Christmas, and about three o'clock, A. M., were on their march, by two routes, towards Trenton. The night was sleety and cold, and the roads so slippery that it was daybreak when we were two miles from Trenton. But happily the enemy were not apprized of our design, and our advanced parties were on their guard, at half a mile from the town, where Gen. Sullivan's and (ien. Greene's divisions came into tlie same road. Their guard gave our advanced parties several smart fires, as we drove them ; but we soon got two field- pieces at play, and several others in a short time ; and one of our columns pushing down on the right, while the other advanced on the left into town. The enemy, consisting of about 1,500 Hessians, under Col. Rohl, formed, and made some smart fires from their musketry and six field-pieces ; but our people j)ressed from every quarter, and drove them from their eamion. They retired towards a field, behind a piece of woods, up the creek from Trenton, and formed in two bodies, which I expecteii would have brought on a smart action from the trooj)s, who had formed very near them ; but at that instant, as I came in full view of them, from the back of the wood, with his excellency Gen. Wash- ington, an otficer informed him that one party had grounded their arms, and surrendered prisoners. The others soon followed their example, except a part which had got off, in the hazy weather, towards Princeton. A party of their lighthorse made off, on our first appear- ance. Too much praise cannot be givMi to our olfieers and men, of every regiment, who seemed to vie with each other ; and, by their active and spirited behavior, they soon put an honorable issue to tliis glorious day. I was inunediutely sent otl', with the prisoners, to McConkey's ferry, and have got about 750 safe in town, and a few miles from here, on this side of the ferry, viz : One lieutenant-colonel, two majors, four captains, seven lieutenants, and eight ensigns. We left Col. Kohl, the commaudaiit, wounded, on his parole, and several other otficcrs, and MERCER COUNTY. 2»5 woundpfl men, at Trenton. We lost but two of our men, tliat I can hear of — a few wounded; and one brave officer, Capt. Washington, who assisted in securing their ar- tillery, wounded in both hands. The annexed account of the battle of Trenton is from the " Penn- sylvania Journal," of 1781 : About eight o'clock in the morning, an attack was made on the piquet-guard of the enemy. It was commanded by a youth of cigiitcen, who fell in his retreat to the main body. At half-past eight the town was nearly surrounded, and all the avenues to it were seized, except the one left for Gen. Ewing to occupy. An accident here liked to have deprived the American army of the object of their enterprise. The commanding officer of one of the divisions sent word to Gen. Washington, just before they reached the town, that his amniimition had been wet by a shower of rain that had I'allen that morning, and desired to know what he must do. Wasliington sent liim word to ^'ad- vance with fixed hai/oiicts.-' This laconic answer inspired the division with the firmness and courage of their leader. The whole body now moved onward, in sight of the ene- my. An awful silence reigned through every platoon. Each soldier stei)j)cd as if he carried the liberty of his country upon his single musket. The moment was a critical one. The attack was begun with artillery, under command of Col. (afterward Gen.) Knox. The infantry supported the artillery with firmness. The enemy were tiirowii into confusion, in every quarter. One regiment attempted to form, in an orchard, but were soon forced to fall back u])on their main body. A company of them entered ;i stone house, which they defended with a field-pieec, judiciously posted in the entry. Capt (afterward Col.) Washington advanced to dislodge them, with a field-piece; but, finding his men exposed to a close and steady fire, he suddenly leaped from them, rushed into the house, seized the officer who had command of the gun, and claimed him pris- oner. His men followed him, and the whole company were made prisoners. The cap- tain received a ball in his hand, in entering the house. In tlie mean wliile, victory de- clared itself everywhere in favor of the American arms. The Philadelphia lighthorse distinguished themselves upon this occasion by their bravery. They were the more admired for their conduct, as it was the first time they had ever been in action. An anecdote is mentioned of Capt. Samuel Morris, of this corps, which, though it discovers his inexperience of war, did honor to his humanity. In advancing toward the town, he came up to the lieutenant, who had commanded the piquet-guard. He lay mortally wounded, and weltering in his blood, in the great road. The captain was touched with the sight, and call(;d to Gen. Greene to know if any thing could be done for him. The general bade him push on, and not notice him. The captain was as much agitated with the order as he was affected with the scene before him ; and it was not until after the fortunate events of the morning were over, that he was convinced that his sympathy for a bleeding enemy was ill-timed. After having refreshed themselves, and rested a few Iiours in Trenton, the American army returned, with their prisoners and other trophies of victory, to the Pennsylvania side of the river, by the same way they came, with the loss only of three men, who per- ished by cold in recrossing the river — an event not to be wondered at, when we con- sider that many of them were half naked, and most of them barefooted. The following intere.stins: account of the battle of Trenton is be- lieved to be the most particular and authentic yet i::iven to the world. It is from No. 13 of the series of historical articles publish- ed in the State Gazette at Trenton, March 17, 1843. On Wednesday, the 25th of December, 1776, General Washing- ton, with his army, was on the west bank of the Delaware, en- campfd near Taylorsville, then McKonkey's ferry, 8 miles above 'J'rfnton. The troops under General Dickin.son were at Yardley- viiJe ; and detachments were encamped still further up the river. The boats on the river had all been secured when Gen. Washington had cross(Hl with his army on the first of this month. The Penn- sylvania troops were in two bodies : one at Bristol under General 296 MERCER COUNTY. Cadwallader, and the other at Morrisville, opposite Trenton, under General Evving.* At this time the British under General Howe were stationed in detachments at Mount Holly, Black Horse, Burlington, and Borden- town ; and at Trenton there were three regiments of Hessians, amounting to about 1,500 men, and a troop of British lighthorse. Divisions of the British army were also at Princeton and New Brunswick. One part of the plan of Washington was to recross the Dela- ware with his army at McKonkey's ferry, in the night of the 25th of December, and for Gen. Ewing, with the part of the army under his command, to cross at or below Trenton — thus both might fall upon the enemy at the same time ; Ewing at the south, and General Washington at the north end of the town. At dusk the continental troops, commanded by General Wash- ington in person, amounting to 2,400 men, with 20 pieces of artil- lery, began to cross at McKonkey's ferry. The troops at Yard- ley ville and the stations above, had that day assembled at this ferry. Among the prominent and active men who were employed in ferry- ing over the troops, were Uriah Slack, William Green, and David Laning. It was between 3 and 4 o'clock in the morning before all the artillery and troops were over and ready to march. Many of the men were very destitute as regarded clothing. The present Mr. George Muirheid, of Hopewell, informed the M^riter that he noticed one man, whose pantaloons were ragged, and who had on neither stockings nor shoes. The ground was covered with sleet and snow, which was falling ; although before that day there was no snow, or only a little sprinkling on the ground. Gen. Washing- ton, (who had sat in silence on a beehive, wrapt in his cloak, while his troops were crossing,) as they were about to march, enjoined upon all profound silence during their march to Trenton, and said to them, " / Jiope that you will all fight like men." General Washington wished to get twelve men who should be mounted on horseback, without arms or uniform, in plain farmers' habit, to ride before the army, to reconnoitre and get what infor- mation they could, with respect to the British army, their out- guards, &c. There were but three who would volunteer for this service ; these were David Laning, of Trenton, and John Muirheid . and John Guild, of Hopewell. The following persons were also guides and marched with the army, viz : Col. Joseph Phillips, Capt. Philip Phillips, and Adjt. Elias Phillips, of Maidenhead ; Joseph Inslce, YAon Burroughs, Stephen Burroughs. Ephraim Woolsey, and Henry Simmonds, of Hopewell ; and Capt. John Mott, Amos Scud- der, and William Green, of Trenton. The army marched with a quick step in a body from the river up the cross-road to the Bear Tavern, about a mile from the river. * In Sparks's Life of Washington this officer is called Ewing ; in Marshall, Irvine ; and in Wilkinson, Irwing. MERCER COUNTY. 297 The whole army marched down this road to the village of Bir- minjj:ham, distant about 3^ miles. There they halted, examined their priming, and found it all wet.. Capt. Mott, who had taken the })recaution to wrap his handkerchief around the lock of his gun, found, notwithstanding, the priming was wet. " Well," says Gene- ral Sullivan, "we must then fiszht them with the bayonet." From Birmingham to Trenton, the distance by the River road and the Scotch road is nearly equal, being about 4} miles. The troops were formed in two divisions. One of them, com- manded by General Sullivan, marched down the River road. The other, commanded by General Washington, accompanied by Gene- rals Lord Stirling, Greene, Mercer, and Stevens, (with David Lan- ing and others for their guides,) filed olf to the left, crossed over to the Scotch road, and went down this road till it enters the Penning- ton road, about a mile above Trenton. Scarceh' a word was spoken from the time the troops left the ferry (except what passed between the ollicers and the guides) till they reached Trenton ; and with such stillness did the army move, that they were not discovered un- til they came upon the out-guard of the enemy, which was posted in the outskirt of the town, at or near the house of the Rev. Mr. Frazer,* when one of the sentries called to Laning,f who was a little in advance of the troops, and asked. Who is there ? Laning replied, A friend. " A friend to whom?" " A friend to Gen. Washing- ton." At this the guard fired and retreated.J The American troops immediately returned their fire, and rushed upon them, and drove them into town. At the head of King-street, Captain T. Forrest opened a six-gun battery, under the immediate orders of General Washington, which commanded the street. Captain William Wash- ington, and Lieut. James Monroe, (afterward President of the Uni- ted States,) perceiving that the enemy were endeavoring to form a battery in King-street, near where the feeder crosses the street, rushed forward with the advance guard, drove the artillerists from their guns, and took from them two pieces, which they were in the act of firing. These officers were both wounded in this successful enterprise. A part of this division marched down Queen-street, and extended to the left so as to cut off the retreat of the enemy to- ward Princeton. * This was just after daybreak, accordinfj to the testimony of several persons who lived in the town, or in the neighboriiood, at the time. t This Laning had, a few daj's before, been taken prisoner in the Scudder neigjhborhood, near the Delaware river, by a scouting party, and carried to Trenton, and confined in the house on Tucker's corner. Watching his opportunity, when there was a little commo- tion among the guard, be slipped out of the back door, sprang over a high board fence, and escaped to llie liousc of J-'tacy Potts, who look him in and concealed him that night. The next morning Laning, dressed in an old ragged coat, and flapped hat, put an axe under his arm, and went with his head down, limping along, and so passed in safety the enemy's sentries in the character of a wood-chop])er ; but when he got where the Pen- nington and Scotcli roads meet, looking in every direction, and seeing no person, he threw down his axe, and took to Dickinson's swamp, and so escaped from the enemy. {It is said that at the comnicnccnient of the engagement, when Washington, with his Hword rai.sed, was giving hisordirs, a musket-bal! passed between his fingers, slight- ly grazing them. lie only said, " That has passed by." 38 298 MERCER COUNTY. The division of the army which came down the River road under Gen. Sullivan, fell upon the advanced guard of the British at Ruth- erford's place, adjoining Col. Dickinson's, near the southwest part of the town, about the same time that Washington entered it at the north. Both divisions pushed forward, keeping up a running fire with light-arms,* meeting with but little opposition until the enemy were driven eastward in 8econd-st., near the Presbyterian church, where there was some fighting, the enemy having made a momentary stand ; but finding themselves hemmed in and overpowered, they laid down their arms on the field, between the Presbyterian church and Park-place, then called the old Iron Works. Gen. Rahl, who commanded the Hessians, and had his head- quarters at the house of Stacy Potts, opposite Perry-st., on the west side of Warren, (occupied for many years as a tavern,) was mor- tally wounded early in the engagement, being shot from his horse while exerting himself to form his dismayed and disordered troops, but where or by whom is not at present known by the writer. He has heard several statements on these subjects, but no two of them agree. When, supported by a file of sergeants, he presented his sword to Gen. Washington, (whose countenance beamed with com- placency at the success of the day,) he was pale, bleeding, and covered with blood ; and, in broken accents, he seemed to implore those attentions which the victor was well-disposed to bestow upon him. He was taken to his head-quarters, (Stacy Potts',) where he died of his wounds. '•The number of prisoners was 23 officers and 886 privates; 4 stand of colors, 12 drums, brass field-pieces, and 1,000 stand of arms and accoutrements, were the trophies of victory. The Brit- ish lighthorse, and 400 or 500 Hessians, escaped at the beginning of the battle, over the bridge across the Assunpink, at Trent's Mills, and fled to Bordentown. If Gen. Ewing, whose division of the army was opposite Trenton, had been able to cross the Delaware as contemplated, and take possession of the bridge on the Assun- pink, all the enemy that were in Trenton would have been cap- tured ; but there was so much ice on the shores of the river, that it was impossible to get the artillery over." The Hessians lost 7 ofiicers, and 20 or 30 men killed ; 24 of these were buried in one pit, in the Presbyterian burying-ground, by the American troops.f Immediately after the victory, which greatly revived the droop- ing spirits of the army, Gen. Washington commenced marching * A daughter of Mr. Stacy Potts was this mominfr at Miss Coxe's, opposite the Epis- copal churcli, when the firing connncnccd ; and as slie was running to her father's house a inusket-ball struck her comb from her head, and sliglitly injured her head. t Some years after this hallle, several skeletons and coffins were discovered, where the waters of the river washed tiie bank, at the southwest part of the town ; and many per- sons supposed that the Hessians killed in this engagement were buried there. But it is ascertained that the ])lacc mentioned was the ground where the soldiers and others, who died in the barracks and hospital at Whitehall, were buried. MERCER COUNTY. 399 his prisoners up to the eight-mile (or McKonkey's) ferry ; and be- fore night, all were safely landed on the western shore of the Dela- ware. }5ut jMr. Muirheid (mentioned above) said that Gen. W. would not sutler a man to cross, more than was necessary, until all the prisoners were over. The Americans lost 2 privates killed, and •2 were frozen to death. The late Mr. Ivichard Scudder informed the writer, that the night after the taking of the Hessians, sev- eral of the American soldiers, worn down and poorly clad, and having suffered much from the cold, stayed at his father's house, Avhich is about 2 miles below the ferry; that several of them were very sick in the night, and that two or three died. Might not these have been the persons referred to in history as having frozen to death ? The next day, the British that were at Princeton marched on to Trenton in pursuit of the American army, and went up the Scotch road as far as Mr. Benjamin Clark's, now Edward S. Mcllvain's, Esq., and inquired which route Gen. Washington had taken ; and being informed that he had gone with his prisoners up the River road, the}' compelled their son, John Clark, a lad of 12 years, to guide them across to Birmingham : (some of the American soldiers were at this time in Clark's house.) His mother, with true Spartan courage, unwilling to trust her son with the enemy, pursued the British and got him released. Soon after, the British, finding Wash- ington had crossed the Delaware, returned to Princeton. BATTLE OF ASSUNPINK. It has been a matter of surprise to many, that the Battle of As- SHtipink, or Trenton bridge, should be passed over so lightly by most historians of the revolution. On the result of this action, appa- rently, in a great degree, was suspended the fate of American in- dependence. It is probable that more than twice the number of British troops were killed, than either at the battles of Trenton or Princeton. The first account of the action, here given, is from an officer present in the engagement. It was published in the " Con- necticut Journal," Jan. 22d, 1777. Immediately after the taking of the Hessians at Trenton, on the 26th ult., our army retreated over the Delaware, and remained there for several days, and then returned and took possession of Trenton, where they romahied quiet until Thursday, the 2d inst. ; at which time, tiie enemv havinfj col- lected a large force at Princeton, marched down in a body of 4,000 or 5,000, to attack our people at Trenton. Through Trenton there runs a small riv- er, over which there is a small bridge. Gen. Washington, aware of the enemy's approach, drew his army (about equal to the enemy) over that bridge, in order to have the advantage of the said river, and of the higher ground on the farther side. Not long before sunset, the enemy marched into Trenton ; and after reconnoitcring our situation, drew up in solid column in order to force the aforesaid bridge, which they attempted to do with great vigor at three several times, and were as often broken by our artillery and obliged to retreat and give over the attempt, after suffering great loss, sup- 300 MERCER COUNTY. posed at least one hundred and fifty killed. By this time, night came on, and Gen. Washington ordered fires to be kindled and everything disposed of for the night. But after all was quiet he ordered a silent retreat, drew off his army to the right, marched all night in a round-about road, and next morning ar- rived with his army at Princeton. All this was done without any know- ledge of the enemy, who, in the morning, were in the utmost confusion, not knowing wliich way our army had gone until the firing at Princeton gave them information. The following account of the battle of Assunpink is given as re- lated by an eye-witness, and published in the Princeton Whig, Nov. 4th, 1842. When the army under Washington, in the year '76, retreated over the Delaware, I was with them. At that time there remained in Jersey only a small company of riflemen, hiding themselves between New Brunswick and Princeton. Doubtless, when Washington reached the Pennsylvania side of the river, he expected to be so reinforced as to enable him effectually to pre- vent the British from reaching Pliiladelphia. But in this he was disappoint- ed. Finding that he must achieve victory with what men he had, and so restore confidence to his countrymen, it was then that the daring plan was laid to recross the river, break the enemy's line of communication, threaten their depot at New Brunswick, and tlius prevent their advancing to Phila- delphia ; which was only delayed until the river should be bridged by the ice. But Washington anticipated them. I was not with the troops who crossed to the capture of the Hessians. It was in the midst of a December storm, that I helped to re-establish the troops and prisoners on the Pennsyl- vania shore. The weather cleared cold, and in a few days we crossed on the ice to Trenton. Shortly afterward a thaw commenced which rendered the river impassable, and consequently the situation of the army extremely critical. In the morning of the day on which the battle of the Assunpink was fought, I, with several others, was detaciied under the command of Capt. Longstreet, with orders to collect as many men as we could in the country between Princeton, Cranbury, and Rhode Hall, and then unite ourselves with the company of riflemen who had remained in that neighborhood. We left Trenton by the nearest road to Princeton, and advanced nearly to the Shabbacoiik, (a small brook near Trenton,) when we were met by a little negro on horseback, galloping down the hill, who called to us that the British army was before us. One of our party ran a little way up the hill, and jumped upon the fence, from whence he beheld the British army, within less tiian half a mile of us. And now commenced a race for Trenton. We fortunately escaped capture ; yet the enemy were so near, that before we crossed the bridge over the Assunpink, some of our troops on the Trenton side of the creek, with a field-piece, motioned to us to get out of the street while they fired at the British at the upper end of it. Not being on duty, we had nothing to do but clioose our position and view the battle. Washington's army was drawn up on the east side of the Assunpink, with its left on the Delaware river, and its right extending a considerable way up the mill-pond, along the face of the hill where the factories now stand. The troops were placed one above the other, so that they appeared to cover the whole slope from bottom to top, which brought a great many muskets within shot of the bridge. Within 70 or 80 yards of the bridge, and directly in MERCER COUNTY. 301 front of, and in the road, as many pieces of artillery as could be managed were stationed. We took our station on the hi^h ground behind the right, where we had a fair view of our line, as far as the curve of the hill would permit, the bridge and street beyond being in full view. The British did not delay the attack. They were formed in two columns, the one marching down Green-street to carry the bridge, and the other down Main-street to ford the creek, near where the lower bridge now stands. From the nature of the ground, and being on tlie left, this attack (simultaneous with the one on the bridge) I was not able to see. It was repelled ; and eye-witnesses say that the creek was nearly filled with their dead. The other column moved slowly down the street, with their choicest troops in front. When within about 60 yards of the bridge they raised a shout, and rushed to the cliarge. It was then that our men poured upon them from musketry and artillery a shower of bullets, under which however they continued to ad- vance, though their speed was diminished ; and as the column reached the bridge, it moved slower and slower until the head of it was gradually pressed nearly over, when our fire became so destructive that they broke their ranks and fled. It was then that our army raised a shout, and such a shout I have never since heard ; by what signal or word of command, I know not. The line was more than a mile in length, and from the nature of the ground the extremes were not in sight of each other, yet they shouted as one man. The British column halted instantly ; the officers restored the ranks, and again they rushed to the bridge ; and again was the shower of bullets poured upon them with redoubled fury. This time the column broke before it reached the centre of the bridge, and their retreat was again followed by the same hearty shout from our line. They returned the third time to the charge, but it was in vain. We shouted after them again, but they had enough of it. It is strange that no account of the loss of the English was ever pub- lished ; but from what I saw, it must have been great. "The readers of ^Marshall's Life of Washington will remember the peculiar and cordial welcome of the Father of his country at Tren- ton, 12 years after his memorable achievements there, while on his way from Mt. Vernon to the inauguration in New York. In addi- tion to the usual martial display, the ladies of the place erected a rich rural arch over the Assunpink, with appropriate devices, and bearing this inscription : The Defender op the Mothers WILL be the Protector of the Daughters. "The General was met here by a company of matrons leading their daughters dressed in white, with baskets of flowers, and sing- ing these lines, written for the occasion by Gov. Howell : Welcome, mighty Chief, once more, Welcome to this grateful shore; Now no mercenary foe Aims again the fatal hlow. Aims at thee the fatal blow. Virgins fair and matrons grave, Those thy conquering arms did save, Huild for thcc triumplial bowers : Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers, Strew your Hero's way with flowi^rs ; and at the last line the flowers were strewed before him. On pass- ing the arch, as the choir began the song, the general turned his horse's head toward them, took oil" his hat, and listened, it is said, 302 MERCER COUNTY. with the deepest emotion. After receiving the salutations of the citizens, he handed the Ibllowing note to the Rev. J. F. Armstrong ; for the publication of which we are indebted to the Trenton State Gazette. General Washington cannot leave tliis place without expressing his acknowledg. ment to the matrons and young ladies wlio received him in so novel and grateful a man- ncr at the triumphal arch in Trenton, and for the exquisite sensation he experienced in that aftecting moment. The astonishing contrast between his former and actual situation at the same spot, the elegant taste with which it was adorned for the present occasion, and the innocent appearance of the white-robed choir who met him with the gratulatory song, have made such impressions upon his remembrance as, he assures them, will never be effaced. Trenton, April 2lst, 1789. "This note, brief and graceful, depicting most vividly the whole scene and its impressions, was read to the ladies of Trenton, called together for the purpose, at the house of Judge Smith. It was then deposited in the hands of Mrs. Smith. At the death of the Judge it passed into the hands of his adopted daughter. Miss Lydia Imlay, who preserved it with the care due to its origin and associations, until shortly before her death, when she gave it, as a valued lega- cy, to the late Chief-justice Ewing. By his care it was placed in a handsome frame, and it is now preserved by his family as a most precious relic. " The arch was preserved on the premises of the Misses Barnes, in Warren-st., near tlie Episcopal church, until 1824, when it was placed in front of the state-house to grace the reception of Gen. Lafayette, on his w^ay to the assembly-room, where he was ad- dressed by the mayor, Robert McNeely, Esq., and exchanged con- gratulations with the citizens. The remains of the arch are now in the possession of Dr. Francis A. Ewing, of this city. Mr. Ben- jamin A. ] )isbrow has made several elegant boxes and other small articles, which are inlaid from a part of the wood of the arch." The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the Presbyterian and Episcopal graveyards : — In memory of tlic Rev. David Cowell, bom in Dorchester, (Massachusetts,) 1704; graduated in Harvard College, Cambridge, N. E., 17.32; ordained at Trenton, 1736; died the 1st December, a;tatis 56, 1760. A man of penetrating wit, solid judgment, Strong memory, yet of great modesty, piety, and benevolence. Beneath this stone lies the body of the Rev. Eliiiu Spencer, D. D., pastor of the Presbyterian church in Trenton, and one of the trustees of the College of New Jersey, who departed this life on the 27th of Dec, 1784, in the 64th year of his age. Possessed of fine genius, of great vivacity, and of eminent and active piety, his merits as a minis- ter, and as a man, stand above the reach of flattery. Having long edified the church by his talents and example, and finished his course with joy, he fell asleep full of faith, and waiting for the hope of all saints. Sacred to the memory of the Rev. James Francis Armstrong, 30 )'ears pastor of the church at Trenton, in union with the clnirch at Maidenhead. Born in Maryland, of pious parents, he received the elements of his classical education under the Rev. John Blair, finished his collegiate studies in the College of New Jersey, under the Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, and was licensed to preach the gospel in the year 1777. An ardent patnot, he served through the War of Independence as chaplain. In 1790, he was chosen a trustee of the College of New Jersey. A warm and constant friend, a devout Christian, MERCER COUNTY. 303 a tender husband and parent, steady in his attendance on the judicatories of the church. Tliroughout life, he was distinguished as a fervent and afTcetionatc minister of the gos. pel, and resigned his soul to his Creator and Redeemer, on the 19th of January, 1816. " Blessed arc the dead who die in the Lord." Amen I even so conic, Lord Jesus. Sacred to the memory of Gen. John Beatty, bom Dec. 10th, 1749, died May 30th, 18*26. Educated as a physician, he early became distinguished for benevolence, assi- duity, and skill. In the War of Independence, in important military stations, he faith- fully served his country. By the public voice, he was called to the discharge of eminent civil offices. In the state and national legislature repeatedly a representative, and al- ways active and influential. For many years, a ruling elder of this church. In every walk of life, amiable, honorable, and useful. He crowned the virtues of the man, the patriotism of the soldier, and the sagacity of the statesman, by the pure piety and sin- cere religion of the devout and humble Christian. Under this marble rest the mortal remains of Charles Ewing, LL. D., Chief-justice of the state of New Jersey. In intellect, vigorous and discriminating ; in industry, as- siduous and persevering ; in integrity, pure and incorruptible ; in manners, affable, dig- nified, and polished ; in morals, spotless. A profound jurist and upright magistrate ; an accomplished scholar and patron of literature and science ; the advocate and supporter of benevolent institutions, he won, in an eminent degree, the respect, love, and confidence of his fellow-citizens. Happy in his domestic relations, home was the theatre of his most endearing virtues, and the sphere in which he loved to move. lie reverenced the doctrines, and practised the precepts of the Christian religion. In the vigor of his men- tal and bodily powers, surrounded by blessings, cheered by the approbation of his fellow- men, with an extended prospect of service and usefulness before him, he was attacked with a violent disease, which suddenly terminated his life on the 5th day of August, A. D. 1832, in the 53d year of his age. This stone covers the remains of Dr. NicHor.AS Belleville, bom and educated in France. For 50 years, an inhabitant of this city. A patriot, warmly attached to the principles of liberty ; a physician, eminently learned and successful ; a man of scrupu- lous and unblemished integrity. On the 17th day of Dec, 1831, at the age of 79 years, he closed a life of honor and usefulness, by all respected, esteemed, and lamented. Sacred to the memory of the Hon. David Brearly, Lieutenant-colonel in the army of the United States, a member of the state and federal conventions, nine years Chief-jus- tice of New Jersey. As a soldier, he was cool, determined, and brave ; as a judge, in- telligent and upright ; as a citizen, an early, decided, and faithful patriot ; in private and social life, irreproachable. He died much regretted ICth Aug., 1790, in the 45th year of his age. In memory of the Rev. William Frazer, of St. Michael's church, Trenton, and St. Andrew's, Amwell, who departed this life the 6th day of July, 1795, aged 52 years. If gentle and inofTensive manners, benevolence, and meekness, can secure the good-will of man, as certainly as sincere piety will recommend to the favor of CJod, then has Frazer joined the inhabitants of lieaven, and not left an enemy on earth. In memory of Henry Waddell, D. D., rector of St. Michael's church, Trenton, who departed this life 20th Jan., 1811, in the 66th year of his age. A faithful and affection, ate pastor, a sincere and zealous Christian, an amiable and honest man : his body is bu- ried in peace, but his soul shall live for evermore. Sacred to the memory of Gen. Jonathan Rhea, who died Feb. 3d, 1815, aged 56 years, 10 mo., 22 days. Early distinguished as a firm defender of his country, in our lornier eventful contest with Great Britain, Gen. Rhea at an early age embarked in the military service of the United States, and served with zeal and fidelity during the whole revolu- tionary war, as an officer in the New Jersey line of the continental army. At the return of peace, he practised many years at the bar of this state, where his integrity and .sound judgment were highly esteemed and respected. To those who had the hap|)iness of be- ing connected with him, by the tender ties of domestic life, he was endeared by a most exemplary prrformance in the inte^^sting scenes portrayed in the character of father, hus- band, master, and friend. We have hope to believe that, from the toilsome vicisbitudea 304 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. of this life, he has winged his flight to enjoy, in the mansions of eternal rest, the rewards prepared for the righteous. lie loved his friends with such a warmth of heart, So dear of interest, so devoid of art, Such generous freedom, such unshaken zeal, No words can speak it, oui our tongues can tell. Sacred to the memory of Gen. Zachariah Rossf.ll, who was bom in Mount Holly, Nov. 14th, A. D. 1788, and died in the city of Trenton, July 21st, 1842. Early distin- guished by virtuous patriotism, he entered the American army at the commencement of the war with Great Britain, 1812. Having served his country gallantly and faithfully, he retired to private life when peace was declared. He was soon after elected to the of- fice of clerk of the supreme court of New Jersey, the duties of which he discharged with singular fidelity till his death. The steadfast friend to the unfortunate, the benevolent and enterprising citizen, the affectionate husband and fond parent, none have lived more respected, or died more lamented. " So teach U6 to number our days that we may ap- ply our hearts to wisdom." WEST WINDSOR. West Windsor is 9 m. long, with an average breadth of 5 m. ; bounded NW. by Princeton, NE. by South Brunswick, Middlesex CO., SE. by East Windsor, and W. by Hamilton and Lawrence. The railroad from Jersey City to Camden, and the Delaware and Raritan canal, pass through the northern part of the township. Its surface is generally level, soil well cultivated, and produces abun- dantly grain and grass. It has 2 grist-m., 1 saw-m. ; cap. in manu- fac. $6,620 ; 3 schools, 87 scholars. Pop. 1,536. Edinburg, Williamsburg, Clarks Store, and Dutch Neck, are localities in the township ; at the latter is a Presbyterian church. MIDDLESEX COUNTY. Middlesex county was first formed in 1682, since which its boun- daries have undergone considerable alteration. It is about 24 miles long, 12 broad, and is bounded N. by Essex co. ; E. by Staten Isl- and sound and Raritan bay ; SE. by Monmouth co. ; SW. by Mercer co., and W. by Somerset co. It is watered by Raritan river and its tributaries. The surface is level, and the soil varies from light sand to heavy clay, and in many places is susceptible of the highest cultivation. Lime has been advantageously used as a ma- nure within the last five years. Large quantities of pine and oak wood have been cut and transported to the New York market from the SE. part of t he county. The railroad from Jersey City to Bor- dentown, and the Camden and Amboj' railroad, pass through the county ; the Delaware and Raritan canal commences in the coun MIDDLESEX COUNTY. }05 ty, and leaves it on the western boundary. It is divided into seven townslii])s, viz : I'crth Amboy, North Brunswick, Monroe, Woodbridge, South Amboy, South Brunswick. Piscataway. The popuhition in 1840, was 21,894. PERTH AMBOY. Perth Amboy township and city is situated at the head of Raritan bay, at the confluence of Raritan river and Staten Island sound. The township comprises 2,577 acres of land. Population 1,303. The city was incorporated under the proprietary and royal govern- ments ; its present charter, embracing the provisions of the prior ones, was granted in 1784. View of Perth Amhoy from Slatcn Island. The above is an eastern view of Perth Amboy City, as seen from Staten Island. The Presbyterian church and the Academy appear on the left, and the Baptist church on the right of the engraving. The Episcopal church, a brick structure, is beautifully situated on tiie bank rising from the bay, in the southern part of the place: the Methodist church is in tlie northern part. There are in the place II rnah^ academy, in high repute; a large lock-factory, a stone ware pottery, and a lire-brick manufactory; the Lehigh Coal company have an extensive depot for coal. Tlic city or village consists of about 140 dwellings, situated 14 miles from Sandy Hook, 25 from jXf'w York, 10 from New Brunswick, and 3G from Trenton. The port or harbor is considered one of the best on the continent, and is easily approached from the sea. Perth Amboy City is a port of entry, and its collrction distrir-t comprehends af] that part of East New Jersey south of Elizabethtown, excepting the district of Little 39 306 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. Egg Harbor : New Brunswick and Middletown Point are ports of delivery only. The favorable site of Perth Amboy for a town was early noticed by the agents of the East Jersey proprietors. The proprietors state in their published account, that it is their intention, " if the Lord permit, with all convenient speed to erect and build one principal town, which, by reason of situation, must in all probability be the most considerable for merchandise, trade, and fishing in those parts. It is designed to be placed on a neck or point of rich land called Amho Point, lying on Raritan river, and pointing to Sandy Hook bay, and near adjacent to the place where ships in that great har- bor commonly ride at anchor." They follow up their description with their proposals for building the town, commencing with an as- sertion that "Ambo Point is a sweet, wholesome and delightful place.'' " The selection of the site for a town was probably the work of Gov. Carteret. The spot was reserved by him for the proprietors on granting the lands to the Woodbridge as- sociates in 16G9, in lieu of the seventh part of each tract, which according to the con- cession was to be allotted to them This point, when first men- tioned in the East Jersey records, bears the name of Ompoirc, probably a generic aj)pel. lation ; and we are warranted in believing Ambo, by which it was designated at the time of settlement, to be a corruption of the first. It was the intention of the proprietors to have called their town Perth, in compliment to the Earl of Perth, one of their asso. ciates, and it was so called for some time, but from speaking of the location, and using the Indian word Ambo, (gradually corrupted to Amboy,) instead of the English one, Point, ' Perth Amboy' became at last the name of the place." " The Point at this period must have been truly beautiful. The grass is represented as growing luxuriantly, the forest trees as distributed in groups, diversifying the land scape with light and shade, and all nature wearing the fresh aspect of a new creation. William Pcnn, on taking a view of the land, ' said he had never seen such before in his life.' In the proprietors' proposals for building the town, tiiey state their intention, by God's assistance, to erect each a house upon the Point, which they promised should ' stand in an orderly manner, according to the best and most convenient model.' Sam- uel Groome, one of the proprietaries and surveyor-general, made an examination of the harbor, and sounded the channel all the way to Sandy Hook, finding ' in no j)lace,' he says in his report, 'less than three fathom at high water, in ordinary tides four or five or six fathom, except in one place.' He laid out the contemplated city into one hundred and fifty lots, sent liome a draught of it, and indulged in many pleasing anticipations of the growth and prosperity of the place, which he did not live to reahze, as he died in 1683, leaving on the stocks unfinished the first vessel of any size built in East Jersey. In a letter of Groome's, dated August, 1683, we arc told that three of the proprietors' houses were completed, and others ready to go up ; they were ' ten feet betwixt joint and joint,' having a double chimney made of slicks and clay. He complains that ' workmen are scarce, and many of them are base.' Tiie proprietors gave particular direction that the houses should not be ' crowded upon one another,' which is supposed to be the reason why we find them so scattered at the present day." The growth of Amboy, although perhaps not rapid, was very considerable under the fostering care of the proprietors. They di- rected the deputy-governor to reside in the place, establish courts, &c. in 1084, making it the seat of government. On the 2d of Jan. 1683, they say, in their instructions to Lawrie, " It is not to be for- gotten that, as soon as can be, weekly markets and fairs at fit sea- sons be appointed at Perth-town ;" and accordingly, at the first session of the assembly at Amboy, in 1686, Wednesday in each week was made the market-day, and two fairs annually were appointed to be held. Notwithstanding the efforts of the proprietors to pre- MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 3O7 vent it, New York, by her superior location, was enabled to over- shadow her sister, "New Perth," in commercial importance. Being the seat of government, however, some considerable foreign com- merce continued to be carried on till the revolution. The change of the proprietary to the royal government of the province, appears to have had but little effect upon Amboy. It continued to send two members to the general assembly, in addi- tion to those from the county, as it had done under the proprietors, and shared with Burlington the meetings of the assembly and the presence of the chief officers. Each governor, on his arrival, would march in procession to the courthouse, and, in the presence of the assembled people, proclaim his commission from the sovereign of Ene:land, receive the congratulations of the authorities, &c. The first city charter was obtained in August, 1718, during the administration of Gov. Robert Hunter, — William Eier being ap- pointed Mayor, and Jas. Alexander, (the father of Lord Stirling, an officer in the revolution,) Recorder, until an election should be held. Previous to that time no local government, save the "Courts of Common Right," as they were called, seems to have existed. The Church of England was the first established here. The proprietors, by a reso- lution passed 21st Feb. 1693, ordered one of tlicir houses, built in 1G85, (one stone of wliii'h, Iieuring the date, is inserted in the rear wall of the present St. Peter's church,) together with the lot on which it stood, a short distance south of the entrance to the property of Andrew Bell, Esq., to be fjlven for the use of a church, — the first minister of which was the Rev. Edward Perthuck, sent over to the province at that time by the Bishop of London, at the solicitation of the proprietors. How long Mr. Pcrthuck re- mained here is not known. After his retirement, the congregation was visited from time to time by difierent missionaries ; and among them, Humphries (in his Hist. Acct. of the " Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts") mentions the Ilev. Mr. Brook. This energetic clergyman was stationed at Elizabethtown, but extended his labors over a section of country more than .'30 miles in extent, — j)reaching at Eliza- bethtown, Rahway, Amboy, Cheesccpiakes, Piscataway, Rocky Hill, and expounding and catechising 14 times a month besides. His labors were highly beneficial, but, it is supposed, occasioned his death in the midst of his arduous duties. He received from the society X'()0 ])er annum. The Rev. Mr. Haliiday was established here from 1711 to 1719, when again mis- sionaries officiated until 1723, during which year the Rev. Wm. Skinner became the rec- tor of the churcli, and so continued until his death in 1758. It was not until after Mr. Skinner's arrival that the present church edifice was fully completed in its original form and size. The collection of materials had commenced as early as 1705 ; and in 1718, the congregation received a charter from the king, by his representative, Gov. Hunter. Although during the revolution the church was turned into a stable, and the premises desecrated in every possible way, by the British troops, yet the records were saved. The burial-place now attached to the Presb)i;erian church, was set apart originally as a public ground forever ; and the first inti- mation of a Presbyterian congregation is in a petition to the proprie- tors from sundry individuals, in. luly, 1731, stating that their })arents, wives, or children, had been buried in the ground mentioned, and praying that it might be transferred to them to erect a meeting- house thereon. Permission having been obtained, it is supposed a house of worship was erected soon after, — which was standing just previous to the revolution, in a very dilapidated state. We have not been able to ascertain who were the first settled ministei-s. 308 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. The Courthouse Market, the present Sunday-school of St. Peter's church, (formerly the office of the secretary of the province,) the barracks, and many private houses, are still abiding witnesses of royal authority and munificence. The barracks were built in 1758 and '59, and were first occupied, it is thought, by the troops return- ing from the siege of Havana, in 1761. A regiment of British troops were generally stationed here. Perth Amboy was the resi- dence of Gov. Franklin, who was made prisoner by the " Rebels," so called, and sent to Connecticut for safe-keeping. William Dun- lap, Esq., a painter and author of some celebrity, was a native of this place. The following graphic description relative to " olden times," is taken from his own memoirs in his " History of the Arts of Design :" I was born in the city of Perth Amboy and province of New Jersey. My father, Samuel Dmilap, was a native of the north of Ireland, and son of a merchant of Lon- donderry. In early youtii he was devoted to the army, and bore the colors of the 47th regiment, " Wolfe's own," on tlie plains of Abraham. lie was borne wounded from the field on which his conunander triumplied and died. After tlie French war, Samuel Dun- lap, then a lieutenant in the 47th reijimcnt, and stationed at Perth Amboy, married Mar- garet Sargent, of that place, and retired from the profession of a soldier, to the quiet of a country town and country store. The 19th of Feb., 176(), is registered as the date of my birtli, and being an only child, the anniversary of the important day was duly cele- brated by my indulgent parents. Education I liad none, according to the usual accepta- tion of the word, owing to circumstances to be mentioned ; and much of wliat is to the child most essential education, was essentially bad. Holding negroes in slavery was, in those days, the common practice, and the voices of those who protested against the evil were not heard. Every house in my native place where any servants were to be seen, swarmed with black slaves — every house save one, hereafter to be mentioned. My father's kitchen had several families of them, of all ages, and all born in the family of my mother except one, who was called a new negro, and had his face tattooed — his lan- guage was scarcely intelligible, though he had been long in the country, and was an old man. These blacks indulged me of course, and I sought the kitchen as the place where I found playmates, (being an only child,) and the place where I found amusement suit- ed to, and forming my taste, in the mirth and games of tlie negroes, and the variety of visitors of the black race who frequented the place. This maybe considered as my first school. Such is the school of many a one even now, in those states where the evil of slavery continues. The infant is taught to tyrannize — the boy is taught to despise la- bor — the mind of the child is contaminated by hearing and seeing that which, perhaps, is not understood at the time, but remains with the memory. This medley of kitchen associates was increased during a part of the war of our revolution by soldiers, who found their mess-fare improved by visiting the negroes, and by servants of ofiicers bil- leted on the house. ^ iK ^ tH; ^ ^ . ^ ^ # # Perth Amboy being now in the possession of the British, my father returned with his family to his house, and I saw in my native town, particularly after the aft'airs of Prince- ton and Trenton, all the varieties and abominations of a crowded camp and garrison. An army who had so recently passed in triumph from the sea to the banks of the Dela- ware, and chosen their winter-quarters at their pleasure, were now driven in, and crowd- ed upon a point of land wasiied by the Atlantic, and defended by the guns of the ships which had borne them to the shore as the chastisers of rebellion. I have elsewhere compared the scenes I now witnessed, to the dramatic scenes of WaUenstcin's Lager. Here were centred, in addition to those cantoned at the place, all those drawn in from the Delaware, Princeton and Brunswick ; and the flower and pick of the army, English, Scotch, and German, who had at this time been brought in fpom Rhode Island. Here was to be seen a party of the 42d Highlanders, in national costume, and there a regiment of Hessians, their dress and arms a perfect contrast to the first. The slaves of Anspach and Waldeck were there— the first sombre as night, the second gaudy as noon. Here dashed by a party of the 17th dragoons, and there scamp- ered a party of Yagers. Tlie trim, neat, and graceful English grenadier, the careless MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 309 and Kalf-savage Highlander, with his flowing robes and naked knees, and tlic immovably stitf German, could hardly be taken for parts of one army. Here miglit be seen soldiers drivinji in cattle, and others jruarding wagons loaded with household furniture, instead of the hay and oats they had been sent for. The landintj of the grenadiers and light-infantry from the ships which transported the troops from Rhode Island ; their proud march into the hostile neigiiborhood, to gather the produce of the farmer for the garrison ; the sound of the musketry, wliicli soon rolled i)ack upon us ; the return of the disabled veterans who could retrace their steps ; and the heavy march of the discomfited troops, with their wagons of groaning wounded, in the evening, are all impressed on my mind as pictures of the evils and the soul-stirring scenes of war. These lessons, and others more disgusting — the flogging of English licroes, and thump- ing and caning of German ; the brutal licentiousness, which even my tender years could not avoid seeing in all around, and the increased disorders among my father's negroes, from mingling with the servants of officers, — were my sources of instruction in the win- ter of 1776-7. The following inscriptions are from monuments in the graveyard of St. Peter's church : — Sub spe beatae resurrectionis hie rcponitur quod in THOMA GORDON mortale reper- tum est qui familia prisca dc Pitlurgi in Scotia ortus prosapia si fas esset potuit gloriari tamen illi non defuit quo jure gloriaretur nam a secretis hujus provincial reipublicBB emolumentum ex animo rcspiciens senatui quoad potuit optime consuluit bonis gratus necessariis charus numinis eterni verus cultor vixit volens et decessit lubens 28 avo Die Aprilis Anno Domini 1722 do aetatis vero 70 in memoriani cujus uxor moerens quae hie etiam condi expetit hoc qualecunqnc poni curavlt vixit dum voluit dum fata volebant sic nee vita gravis mors ncc acerba fuit. In memory of the Rev. Robert McKean, M. A., practitioner in physic, &c., and mis- sionary from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, to the city of Perth Amboy, who was born July 1.3th, 1732, N. S., and died October 17th, 17G7. An unshaken friend, an agreeable companion, a rational divine, a skilful physician, and, in every relation of life, a truly benevolent and honest man. Fraternal love hath erected this monument. SOUTH AMBOY. South Amboy is about 10 miles long, 6 wide ; and is bounded N. by Raritan river, NE. by Raritan bay, SE. by Freehold and Mid- dletown, (Monmouth county,) SW. by Monroe, and W. by North Brunswick. Its surface is level, soil sandy, and a portion of the face of the country covered with pine and oak timber. The chief source of wealth to the township has been its Avood, There are in the township 1 pottery, 1 paper-factory, 1 grist-m., 1 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $24,100; 6 schools, 198 scholars. Pop. 1,825. The village of South Amboy, on a safe and deep harbor on Rar- itan bay, at the mouth of Raritan river, 12 miles below New Brunswick, contains an academy, and about 2.'5 dwellings. Tl]e Camden and Amboy railroad terminates at this place. Stone-ware is extensively made, near the village, from clay of a superior qual- ity, found in the vicinity. Old liridge, on th(^ South river, a branch of the Raritan, and on the line of the Camden and Amboy railroad, 7 miles SW. of South Amboy, contains about 35 dwellings. Large quantities of pine and oak wood are sent to New York from here. At tiie head of Cheesequake creek is Jacksonville, where there is a Baptist and a Methodist church, and about 15 dwellings. 310 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. NORTH BRUNSWICK. North Brunswick is about 8 miles long, 7 broad ; bounded N. by Raritan river, (separating it from Piscataway,) E. by South Amboy, S. by South Brunswick and Monroe, and W. by Franklin, (Somer- set CO.) The township contains 79 stores, 1 flouring-m., 2 grist-m., 1 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $103,600; 18 schools, 686 scholars. Pop. 5,860. Washington is a village, 4 miles SE. of New Brunswick, at the confluence of the South river with the Raritan. It contains about 50 dwellings, and in summer steamers ply between there and New York, with the produce of the country. New Brunswick, city, and capital of Middlesex co., is situated on the western bank of the Raritan, about 14 miles from its mouth, at Amboy, 29 miles SW. from New York, and 26 NE. from Trenton. The city was incorporated in 1784, and lies partly in North Bruns- wick, and partly in Franklin, (Somerset co. ;) Albany-st. forming the dividing line. The streets immediately on the river are narrow, and the ground low ; but on leaving it the ground rises rapidly. In the upper part of the city they are wide, and there are many fine buildings. The city contains a courthouse, jail, and 8 churches, viz. 1 Dutch Reformed, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Episcopal, 1 Baptist, 1 Methodist, 1 Protestant Methodist, 1 colored Methodist, and 1 Cath- olic ; 2 female seminaries, ] bank , 120 stores, 800 dwellings, and 8,693 inhabitants. The Delaware and Raritan canal, commences here, extending 42 miles, to Bordentown ; is 75 feet wide, and 7 feet deep, admitting the passage of sloops of from 75 to 150 tons burden. The Delaware and Raritan Co. was incorporated in 1830, and completed their canal, with a feeder along the Delaware, 23 miles long, at an expense of about $2,500,000. There are two bridges over the Raritan, at New Brunswick — one a toll-bridge, now dilapidated, and not used, about 1,000 feet long, which was built by a company, in 1811, at an expense of $86,687; the other the railroad bridge, over which the New Jersey railroad passes through the city, forming a part of the chain of railroads from New York to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington. The annexed is an engraving of Rutgers' college, at New Bruns- wick. It is constructed of dark-red freestone, and was completed in 1811. It stands on a commanding eminence, on a site presented to the college by the lion. .Tames Parker, of Amboy. This institu- tion was chartered by George III., in 1770, and was named Queen's College, in honor of his consort ; but, for want of necessary funds, did not go into operation until 1781. It began and continued un- der the instruction of tutors, and degrees were conferred by the board of trustees, until 1786, when the Rev. J. R. Hardenbergh was elected the lirst president. Dr. Hardenbergh died in 1790, and in 1795 the college exercises were discontinued. The institu- tion remained in this state until 1809, when a professor of mathe- matics and a teacher of moral philosophy were appointed, and its MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 311 exercises resumed. In 1810 a union was formed between the trus- tees and the <;onoral synod of the Reformed Dutch church, and Dr. J. 11, Livin;2:ston, professor in the Theological Seminary, was ap- pointed president of the college, and Dr. J. Condict vice-president. Rutgers^ College, New Brunswick. The institution, however, languished ; and in 1816 its regular in- structions were again suspended. During this and the former sus- pension, the grammar-school still continued in successful operation, under the supervision of the college trustees. In 1825, the college-edifice was purchased by the general synod, and, at the request of the trustees, the legislature of the state changed the name from Queen's to Rutgers' college, in honor of Col. Ilenry Rutgers, one of its distinguished benefactors. The in- stitution was now revived under the patronage of the synod, and so united to their theological seminary that the professors of the latter were also professors of the former. The Rev. Philip Mille- doler, D. D., was at this time appointed president. In 1840 Dr. Milledoler resigned the office of president, and was succeeded in the office, the same year, by Abraham B. Hasbrouck, LL. D. At the close (says Gordon's Gazetteer) of the 17th century, the place where the city now stands was covered with woods, and called, after the name of its proprietor, " P/'?^'-more\v Swamp." The first inhabitant, of whom any account is preserved, was one Daniel Cooper, who resided where the post-road crossed the river, and kept the ferry, which afterward, in 1713, when the county line wa-s drawn, was called Inian's Ferry. This ferry was granted by the proprietors, 2d Nov. 1697, for the lives of Inian and wife, and the survivor, at a rent of five shillings sterling per annum. One of the first houses is said to be still standing, at the foot of Town- lane ; and some other buildings, erected at an early period, may be distinguished by their anti(|ur structure, in Burnet and Albany sts. The first inhabitants, of European origin, were from Long Island. About 1730, several Dutch families emigrated from Alba- ny, bringing with them their building materials, in imitation of their ancestors, who imported their bricks, tiles, &lc., from Holland. 812 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. Some of them built their houses upon the present post-road, which thence acquired the name of Albany-st. ; though originally it was called French-st., in honor of Philip French, Esq., who held a large tract of land on the north side of it. About this time the name of New Brunswick was given to the place, which had, hitherto, been distinguished as " The River." Kalm, the Swedish traveller, who visited this country about a hundred years since, has left us in his Travels some interesting facts relating to New Brunswick. He says — This morning [October 29, 1748] we proceeded on our journey [from Princeton.] The country was pretty well peopled : however, there were great woods in many places ; they all consisted of deciduous trees, and I did not perceive a single tree of the fir kind until I came to New Brunswick. The ground was level, and did not seem to be everywhere of the richest kind. la some places it had hillocks, losing themselves almost impercep- tibly in the plains, which were commonly crossed by a rivulet. Almost near every farm- house were great orchards. The houses were commonly built of timber, and at some distance, by themselves, stood the ovens for baking, consisting commonly of clay. On a hill, covered with trees, and called Rockhill, I saw several pieces of stone or rock, so big that they would have required three men to roll them down. But, besides these, there were few great stones in the country ; for most of those which we saw, could easily be lifted up by a single man. About noon, we arrived at New Brunswick, a pretty little town, in the province of New Jersey, in a valley on the west side of the river Raritan ; on account of its low situation it cannot be seen (coming from Pennsylvania) before you get to the top of the hill, which is quite close up to it. The town extends north and south along the river. The German inhabitants have two churches, one of stone and the other of wood. The English church is of the latter kind ; but the Presbyterians were building one of stone. The town-house, likewise, makes a pretty good appearance. Some of the other houses are built of bricks, but most of them are either made wholly of wood, or of bricks and wood ; the wooden houses arc not made of strong timber, but merely of boards or planks, which arc within joined by laths. Such houses as consist of both wood and bricks, have only the wall toward the street of bricks, all the other sides being merely of planks. This pecu- liar kind of ostentation would easily lead a traveller, who passes through the town in haste, to believe that most of the houses are built of bricks. The houses were covered with shingles ; before each door there was an elevation, to which you ascend by some steps from the street ; it resembled a small balcony, and had some benches on both sides, on which the people sat in the evening, in order to enjoy the fresh air, and to have the pleasure of viewing those who passed by. The town has only one street lengthwise, and at its northern extremity there is a street across ; both of these are of a considerable length One of the streets is almost entirely inhabited by Dutchmen, who came hither from Albany, and for that reason they call it Albany-street. These Dutch people only keep com- pany among themselves, and seldom or never go amongst the other inhabitants, living as it were separate from them. . . . The greater part of its [New Brunswick's] trade is to New York, which is about 40 English miles distant ; to that place they send corn, flour in great quantities, bread, several other necessaries, a great quantity of linseed, boards, timber, wooden vessels, and all sorts of carpenter's work. Several small yachts are every day going backward and forward between these two towns. The inhabitants likewise get a considerable profit from the travellers who every hour pass through on the high road. The following historical items are from a map of New Bruns- wick, published in 1829, by Messrs. Marcellus, Terhune, and Letson. Reformed Dutch Church. — The present building is the third which this denomination have occupied in this city- The first was erected previous to the year 1717 ; how long before, is not known. It stood on the corner of Schureman and Burnet streets, and at that date was called " the church of the River and Lawrence Brook," and numbered 78 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 31 3 members. In 1720, the Rev. Theodonis Jacobus Frelinghuyscn, from the classia of Amstordum, Holland, became its pastor. He was succeeded about the )-car 1750 by the Rev. Johannes Lcydt, durinij whose ministry the second church was built, on the site of the present one. Mr. Lcydt died in 1783, and was followed as pastor by Dr. Ilarden- burjjh in 17b6, who also died ui that otfice in 1790, and was succeeded in office by Dr. Ira Condict. Dr. Condict died in 1811, and in 1812 the present church was erected. Since that time it has been successively under the care of Rev. J. Schureman, 1813; Rev. J. Fonda, 1814; Dr. Ludlow, 1818; Rev. J. Ferris, l82l ; Rev. J. B. Harbenburgh, 1825. In 1828, a brick stuccoed steeple was placed on the house. Prpshijterian Church. — This conjjregation occupy their second house of worship. The first was built either before or during the ministry of the liev. Gilbert Tennerit, who became their pastor in 1726, and continued until 1740. The church stood in Rurnct- strcet, below Lyell's brook, and its site is at present used as a place of interment. Mr. Tenncnt was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas Arthur, and by the Rev. Israel Rccd, who became their minister sometime previous to the year 1759. Among the rest of the wan- ton depredations committed by the British soldiers, in the winter of 177G and 1777, was the destruction of this church; and it was not until after the war, in 1784, that the present edifice was erected. In 178G, the Rev. Walter Monteith became a colleague with Mr. Reed, and in 1797 Dr. Joseph Clark was installed their pastor, who died in the year 1813. To him succeeded the Rev. Levcrctt I. F. Huntington, in 1815 ; who also died in this office in 1820. In 1821, the Rev. Samuel B. How was installed, who resigned in 1823, and was succeeded in 1825 by the Rev. Joseph H. Jones. Episcopal Church. — Christ-church was erected in 1743. The congregation for many years were supj)lied with missionaries by tiie society in England, for " Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts." The Rev. Mr. Wood became their first minister in 1747, and was in 1754 succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Seabury, who afterward became the first bishop of the United States. He was followed by the Rev. I\Ir. McKean, in 1757 ; the Rev. Leonard Cutting, in 1764, and the late Dr. Abraham Beach, in 1767. In 1773 the steeple was built, which was afterward burned to the stone basement in 1802, and rebuilt the same year. Dr. Beach resigned his rectorship in 1784, and was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Rowland the same year; the Rev. Mr. Ogilvic. in 1787 ; the Rev. Mr. Van Dyke, in 1791; the Rev. Dr. Hobart, (afterward Bishop of New York,) in 1799; the Rev. Mr. Colton, in 1800, and Dr. Jolm Crocs, (Bishop of New Jersey,) in 1801. Baptist Church. — This church was erected in 1810. Its first pastor was the Rev. James .McLaughlin, who was succeeded by tlie Rev. Jolm Johnson, in 1818. The Rev. G. S. Webbs was installed in 1821. Methodist Episcopal Church. — The Methodist Episcopal church was built in 1811, and continued under the ministration of circuit preachers until 1819, since which time it has been successively under the pastoral care of the Rev. James Smith, Rev. Daniel Moore, Rev. Charles Pitman, Rev. Joseph Rushing, Rev. Samuel Doughty, Rev. Isaac Winner, Rev. George C. Cookman, and Rev. Pharaoh Ogden. On the 19th of June, 1835, their church, whicii was constructed of brick, was blown down by a tornado : a new one, built of wood, has since been erected. A Protestant Methodist, a Catholic, and an African church, have been erected within a few years. The Hon. James Schureman was a prominent man in this vicinity in the war of the revolution. In the early part of the war he grad- uated at Queen's college. On a certain occasion the militia were called out to go again.st the enemy. Their captain made a speech, urging them to volunteer ; but not one complied. Schureman, then in the ranks, stepped out, and after volunteering himself, addressed them so eloquently that a company was immediately formed, which went to Long Island, and was engaged in the battle there. In the course of the war Schureman and George Thomson were taken prisoners by a party of British horse, at what is now Bergen's mills, on Lawrence brook, 3 miles south of New Bruns- wick. They were confined a short time in the guard-house in this city, which stood near the Nelson mansion, where they were sup- plied with Ibod by Mrs. Xiin Dc.'uscn. From thence they were car- 40 314 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. ried to New York, and imprisoned in the sugar-house. Philip Kis- sack, a tory, pitying their suffering condition, furnished them with money, with which they purchased food, and kept themselves from starving. They bribed the guard to give them the privilege of the yard ; and one night, having supplied them with liquor in which there was a quantity of laudanum, they dug through the wall and escaped to the upper part of the city, near where the old prison stood. There they got on board a small fishing-boat, and with a single oar paddled across the Hudson to Powles Hook, and from thence proceeded to Morristown, where they joined the American army. Schureman, in 1789, was elected a member of congress, in which station he served four years ; then he was appointed to the United States senate, and still later became mayor of New Bruns- wick. William Paterson, governor of New Jersey, one of the most tal- ented men whose names appear in the annals of the state, was a resident of New Brunswick. " He graduated at Princeton, in 17G3. He was a member of the convention which framed the Constitu- tion of the United States. He was a senator from New Jersey in the first congress. He was governor of New Jersey in 1790. He was afterward a judge of the United States supreme court. He died in 180G." When the British had possession of New Brunswick, the head- quarters of their commander. General Howe, was at the mansion in Bernard-st., now the residence of Abraham S. Nelson, Esq. Among the officers quartered upon the inhabitants was a sergeant named M'Nally, who resided with Mrs. William Van Deusen, the mother of Staats Van Deusen, Esq. This officer having used abusive language towards this lady, she made complaint to the general, who immediately sent for M'Nally, sternly reprimanded him, and threatened, if he heard of any more like conduct from him, he should be sent home in irons. The enemy frequently sent out foraging parties into the country, between whom and the inhabitants there was much skirmishing. For the defence of the place they erected three forts, simply em- bankments of sand. Two of them were on the hill in rear of Rutgers' college, the remains of one of which are still to be seen. The third was on the land of Wm. Van Deusen, Esq., just south of New-street. The following is the British account of the evacuation of New Brunswick by their troops, in June, 1777, with the events of a few days previous, as given in an extract from a letter by Sir William Howe to Lord George Germain, which was published in the Lon- don Gazette. Having established a corps sufficient for the defence of Amboy, the army assembled at Brunswick on the I'Jlh of June. The enemy's principal force being encamped on the MIDDLESEX COUxNTY. 315 mountain above Qiiibbletown, with a corps of 2,000 men at Princeton, it was thought ad- visable to make a movement in two cohiinns from Brunswick on tlie 14tii, in the morn- inij, leaviniT Hricradier-general Matthew, with 2,000 men, to guard that post. The first division, under the command of Lord Cornwalhs, advanced to Hillsborough, and the second to Middlebush, under the command of Lieutenant-general De Hcister, witli the view of drawing on an action if the enemy should remove from the mountain towards the Delaware ; but on finding their intention to keep a position which it would not have been j)rudent to attack, I determined without loss of time to pursue the principal objects of the campaign by withdrawing the army from Jersey ; and in conseciuenco of this de- termination returned to the camp at Brunswick on the I9th, and marched from thence to Amboy on the 22d, intending to cross to Staten Island, from whence the embarkation was to take place. Upon quitting the camp at Brunswick, tlie enemy brought a few troojjs forward with two or three pieces of cannon, which they fired at the utmost range without the least ex- ecution or any return from us. They also pushed some battalions into the woods to harass the rear, where Lord Cornwallis commanded, who soon dispersed them with the loss of only two men killed and thirteen wounded : the enemy having nine killed and about thirty wounded. The necessary preparations being finished for crossing the troops to Staten Island, intel- ligence was received that the enemy had moved down from the mountain and taken post at yuibbletown, intending, as it was given out, to attack the rear of the army removing from Amboy; that two corps had also advanced to their left, — one of 3,000 men and 8 pieces of cannon, under the connnand of Lord Stirling, Generals Maxwell and Conway, the last said to be a captain in the French service ; — the other corps consisted of about 700 men, with only one piece of cannon. In this situation of the enemy, it was judged advisable to make a movement that might lead on to an attack, which was done the 2t)tli, in the morning, in two columns ; the right, under the command of Lord Cornwallis and Major-general Grant, Brigadiers Matthew and Leslie, and Col. Donop, took the route by VVoodbridge, towards Scotch Plains. The left column, where I was with Major-general Sterne, Vaughan, and Grey, and Brigadiers Cleveland and Agnew, marched by Mctuchin meeting-house to join the rear of the right column, in the road from thence to Scotch Plains, intending to have ta- ken separate routes, about two miles after the junction, in order to have attacked the enemy's left flank at Quibbletown. Foin battalions were detached in the morning, with six pieces of cannon, to take post at Bonhamtown. The right column having fallen in with the aforementioned corps of 700 men soon af- ter passing Woodbridge, gave the alarm, by the firing that ensued, to their main army at Quibbletown, which retired to the mountain with tlie utmost precipitation. The small corps was closely pushed by the light troops, and with difficulty got oft' their piece of cannon. Lord Cornwallis, soon after he was upon the road leading to Scotch Plains from Me- tuchin meeting-house, came up with the corps commanded by Lord Stirling, whom he found advantageously posted in a country covered with wood, and his artillery well dis- posed. The king's troops, vying with each other upon this occasion, pressed forward to such close action, that the enemy, though inclined to resist, could not long maintain their ground against so great impetuosity, but were dispersed on all sides, leaving 3 pieces of brass ordnance, 3 captains and 60 men killed, and upwards of 200 officers and men wounded and taken. His lordship had 5 men killed and 30 wounded. Capt. Finch, of the light company of the guards, was the ordy officer who suffered, and to my great concern, the wound proving mortal, he died the 29th of June, at Amboy. The troops engaged in this action were the 1st light-infantry, 1st British grenadiers, 1st, 2d, and 3d Hessian grenadiers, 1st battalion of guards, Hessian chasseurs, and the Queen's rangers. I take the liberty of particularizing these corps, as Lord Cornwallis, in his report to me, so highly extols their merit and ardor upon this attack. One piece of cannon was taken by the guards, the other two by Col. Mingerode's battalion of Hes- sian grenadiers. The cnenjy was pursued as far as Westfield with little effect, the day proving so in- tensely hot that the soldiers could with difficulty contiime their march thither ; in the mean time it gave opportunity for those Hying to escape by skulking in the thick woods, until night favored their retreat to the mountain. The army lay that night at Westfield, returned the next day to Rahway, and the day following to Amboy. On the 30tli, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, the troops began to cross over to Staten Island ; and the rear-guard, under the command of Lord Corn- wallis, passed at 2 in the afternoon, witliout the least appearance of an enemy. 316 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. The embarkation of the troops is proceeding^ with the utmost dispatch, and I shall have the honor of sending^ your lordship further information as soon as the troops are landed at the place of their destination. Capt. Adam Hyler and Capt. Marriner, the enterprising whale- boat privateers of New Brunswick, cruised between Egg Harbor and Staten Island, and annoyed the enemy so much that an armed force was sent to destroy their boats. They, however, built new ones, took several ships, and continued to levy their contributions on the New York fishermen, on the fishing banks. Marriner lived several years after the war, at Harlem, and is remembered as a facetious old gentleman. Hyler died at New Brunswick, in 1782. He was the most successful of the two. The following extracts, giving some of his adventures, evince boldness seldom equalled : Oct. 7, 1781. On Friday last, Capt. Adam Hyler, from New Brunswick, with one gun- boat and two whale-boats, within a quarter of a mile of the guard-ship at Sandy Hook, attacked five vessels, and after a smart conflict of fifteen minutes carried them. Two of them were armed ; one mounting four six-pounders, and one six swivels and one three- pounder. The hands made their escape, with their long-boats, and took refuge in a small fort, in which were mounted twelve swivcl-guns, from which they kept up a con- stant firing ; notwithstanding which he boarded tliem all, without the loss of a man. On board of one of them was 250 bushels of wheat, and a quantity of cheese, belonging to Capt. Lippencot, bound to New York. He took from them 5U bushels of wheat, a quantity of cheese, several swivels, a number of fusees, one cask of powder, and some dry-goods ; and stripped them of their sails and rigging — not being able to bring the vessels into port, in consequence of a contrary wind and tide. After whicli, he set all on fire, save one, on board of which was a woman and foxu* small children, which pre- vented her from sharing a similar fate. Oct. 15, 1781. On the 1.3th inst., Capt. Adam Hyler, of this place, with one gun-boat and two whale-boats, boarded one sloop and two schooners, which all the hands except two had previously left, and which lay under cover of the lighthouse-fort, at Sandy Hook, and brought them oft"; but tiie sloop being such a dull sailer, and being much an- noyed from a galley lying near Staten Island, she was set on fire, about three miles from the fort. One of the schooners running aground, by accident, was stri[)ped and left ; the other, a remarkably fine, fast-sailing, Virginia-built pilot-boat, mounted with one four- poundcr, was brought, with two prisoners, to this place. Extract of a Letter from New Jersey, June 19, 1782. — The exertions of the cele- brated water-partisan, Capt. Hyler, have been a considerable annoyance to the wood- shallops, trading-vessels, and plundering parties of the enemy, about Sandy Hook, Long Island, and Staten Island, for several months past. You have heard that his attempt to take an eighteen-gun cutter was crowned with success. It was indeed a bold and hazardous attempt, considering how well provided she was against being boarded. He was, however, compelled to blow her up, after securing his prisoners, and a few articles on board. His surprising a captain of the guard, at the lighthouse, with all his men, a short time ago, was also a handsome affliir, and gained him much credit. He has none but picked and tried men : the person who discovers the least symptom of fear or diffi- dence, be he who he will, is immediately turned on shore, and never suffered to enter again. In the next place, they are taught to be particularly exi)ert at the oar, and to row with such silence and dexterity as not to be heard at the smallest distance, even though tiiree or four boats be together, and go at the rate of twelve miles an hour. Their captures are chiefly made by surprise, or stratagem ; and most of the crews that have liitiierto been taken, by these boats, declare they never knew any thing of an enemy being at hand till they saw the pistol or cutlass at their throats. There was a droll instance of this, some weeks ago, as one of the prisoners, a shrewd, sensible fellow, and late captain of one of the captured vessels, relates it liimself. " I was on deck," said he, " with three or four men, in a very pleasant evening, with our sentinel fixed. Our vessel was at anchor, near Sandy Hook, and the Lion man-of-war MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 317 about one quarter of a mile distant. It was calm and clear, and wc were all admirinjr tlie beautiful and splendid appearance of the full moon, which was then three or four hours above the horizon. While we were thus attentively contcnii)lating the serene lu- minary, wc suddenly heard several pistols discharged into the cabin ; and turning around perceived, at our elbows, a number of armed people, fallen as it were from the clouds, who ordered us to 'surrender in a moment, or we were dead men!' U])on this we were turned into the hold, and the hatches barred over us. The firing, however, had alarmed the man-of-war, who hailed us, and desired to know what was the matter. As we were not in a situation to answer, at least so far as to be heard, Capt. Hyler was kind enough to do it for us ; telling them, through the speaking-trumpet, that ' all was well 1' After which, unfortunately for us, they made no further inquiry." After the notorious refugee, Lippcncot, had barbarously murdered Capt. Iluddy, at .Sandy Hook, Washington was very anxious to have the murderer secured. He had been demanded from the British general, and his surrender refused. Capt. Hyler was determined to take Lippencot. On inquiry, he found that he resided in a well-known liouse in Broad-st., New York. Dressed and equipped like a man-of-war press-gang, he left the Kills, with one boat, after dark, and arrived at Whitehall about nine o'clock. Here he left his boat in charge of three men, and then passed to the residence of Lippen- cot, where he inquired for him, and found he was absent, and gone to a cock-pit. Thus failing in his object, he returned to iiis boat, with his press-gang, and left White- hall ; but finding a sloop, lying at anchor, off the battery, from the West Indies, and laden with rum, he took her, cut her cable, set her sails, and with a northeast wind sailed to Elizabethtown Point ; and before daylight had landed from her and secured 40 hogs- heads of rum. He then burned the sloop, to prevent her recapture. The following account of the mine near New Brunswick is from Morse's Gazetteer: About the years 1748, 1749, 1750, several lumps of virgin copper, from 5 to 30 pounds weight, (in the whole upwards of 200 pounds,) were ploughed up, in a field belonging to Philip French, Esq., within a quarter of a mile of the town. This induced Mr. Elias Boudinot to take a lease of the land, of Mr. French, for 99 years, with a view to search for copper-ore. A company was formed, and about the year 1751 a sliaft was com- menced, in the low ground, 300 yards from the river. The spot selected had been marked by a neighbor, who, passing it in the dark, had observed a flame rising from the ground, nearly as large as the body of a man. At about 15 feet, the miners struck a vein of blue stone, about two feet thick, between loose walls of red sandstone, covered with a sheet of pure copper, somewhat thicker than gold-leaf. The stone was filled with grains of virgin copper, much like copper-filings ; and occasionally lumps of virgin cop- per, of from 5 to 30 pounds, were found in it. The vein was followed about 30 feet, when the accumulation of water exceeded the means of the company to remove it. A stamping-mill was erected, where, by reducing the ore to powder, and washing it, many tons of pure copper were obtained, and exported to England. Sheets of copper, of the thickness of two pennies, and three feet square, have been taken from between the rocks, within four feet of the surface, in several parts of the hill. At about 50 or 60 feet deep, a body of fine solid ore was struck, in the same vein, but between rocks of white flinty spar, which was soon worked out. The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the graveyard of the Dutch Reformed church : Here lies the body of J. H. Hardenbergh, D. D., late pastor of this church, who de- parted this life the 30th day of October, 1790, aged 52 years, — months, and — days. He was a zealous preacher of the gospel, and his life and conversation afibrded, from his ear- liest days, to all who knew him, a bright example of real piety. He was a steady patriot, and in his public arul private conduct he manifested himself to be the enemy of tyranny and oppression, the lover of freedom, and the friend of his country. He has gone to his Lord and Redeemer, in whose atonement he confidently trusted. He is gone to receive the fruits of his faithful labors, and the reward of a well-spent life. Reader, while you lament the loss to society and his friends, go walk in his virtuous footsteps ; and when you have finished the work assigned you, you shall rest with him in eternal peace. This monument is erected to the memory of Dinah Hardenbergh, relict of the Rev. 318 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. J. H. Hardcnberorli, D. D., S. T. P. Of high attainments here in grace, now resting In glory — died the 2t!th day of March, 1807, aged 81 years. Tell liow she climb'd the everlasting hills, Surveying all the realms above ; Borne on a strong-wing'd faith, and on The fiery wheels of an immortal love. Beneath this stone are deposited the remains of the Rev. John Schureman, D. D., professor of pastoral theology, ecclesiastical history, and church government, in the the- ological seminary of the Reformed Dutch church, at New Brunswick ; who, while en- gaged in a course of active and highly useful labors, enjoying the confidence of the churches, and the affections of his brethren, departed this life. May 15th, 1818, in the 40th year of his age. nDnnS Dn)i n^r The Reverend Mr. Ellas Van Bunschoten was born Oct. 26th, 1738, graduated A. B. 17G8, licensed to preach 1773, and settled in the ministry first at Shagticoke, afterward at Minisink. He died Jan. lOth, 1815. Established in the truth, and ardent in its de- fence, from his youth to his old age he persevered in a good profession of faith, and in a holy and exemplary life. In the ministry of the gospel he was faithful, and diligently employed his talents in tlic service of his divine Redeemer. His zeal to promote the in- terests of tiie church of Clirist prompted him to make a very liberal donation to the support of indigent students, and the benefit of the theological college at New Bruns- wick. To perpetuate the memory of this venerable and charitable man, and to express their gratitude, the Right Revd. Gcnl. Svnod of the Reformed Dutch church have erect- ed, at the public expense, this monument. '"Ek iovXc ayaOe Kai Trcjt.t Sacred to the memory of the Rev. John H. Livingston, D. D., S. T. P. Born at Poughkeepsie, state of New York, May 3Uth, 1746; educated for the ministry at the University of Utrecht, in Holland ; called to the pastoral office of the Reformed Dutch church, in New York, 1770 ; appointed by the general synod of the Reformed Dutch church in America their professor in didactic and polemic theology, in 1781, and elected to the presidency of Queen's college. New Jersey, in 1810. There, in performance of the duties of his ofliee, and blessed in the enjoyment of mental energy, high reputation, and distinguished usefulness, he suddenly but sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, Jan. 2()th, 1825, in the 79th year of his age, the 55th of his ministry, and the 41st of his profes- sional labors. In him, with dignified appearance, extensive erudition, almost unrivalled talents, as a sacred orator and professor, were blended manners polished, candid, and attractive, all ennobled by that entire devotion to hiiJ Saviour which became such a servant to yield to such a Master. In token of their gratitude for his services and veneration for his memory, the general synod have ordered this monumental stone to be erected. To the memory of the Rev. John De Witt, D. D., professor of sacred literature and biblical criticism, in the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Dutch church, and of logic and belles-lettres in Rutgers' college, who, after discharging the duties of a Chris- tian pastor, with much zeal and success, during several years at Albany, entered, Sept. 1823, upon his professional labors, wiiich he executed with distinguished ability, and died October 11th, A. D. 1831, aged 41 years and 10 months. This monument is designed to express their high regard for the deceased. Ah ! nimium citus excessit I To the memory of the Rev. Selah S. Woodhull, D. D., professor of ecclesiastical his- tory, church government and pastoral theology, in the Theological Seminary of tiie Re- formed Dutch churcli, and of metaphysics and philosophy of the liuman mind, in Rutgers' College. Eor 1!) years, he was the acceptable pastor of the Reformed Dutch clnirch in Brooklyn. November 14lh, 1825, he entered upon his professional labors, and died the following February, on the 27th day of the month, in tiie 40th year of his age— respected for his learning, piety, industry, and zeal. His sudden removal from these important sta- tions is deeply lamented.— [Erected by the general Synod.] * The memory of the just is blessed. t Well done I good and faithful servant. MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 31§ The following inscriptions are from the Episcopal graveyard : Brigadier Anthony Walton White, who departed this life on the 10th of February, 1803, in the 53d year of his age, rests beneath this monumental stone. lie was an aiiectionate husband, a tender parent, a sincere and generous friend, a zealous and inflexible patriot, and a faithful, active, and gallant officer, in the army of the United Stales dur- ing the revolutionary war. In memory of Edward Carroll, M. D., who departed this life 1840, M. 73. Formerly of the island of Jamaica, but for many years a highly respected inhabitant of this town. He was a physician, alike eminent for the Christian graces and virtues that adorned his life, and for the medical skill and science that ranked him high in his profession. The loveliness and purity of his character secured to hira the esteem of all, and the friend- ship of many. " Rich in love And sweet humanity, he was himself, To the degree that he desired, beloved." SOUTH BRUNSWICK. South Brunswick is about 8 miles long, 7 broad, and is bounded NE. by North Brunswick ; SE. by Monroe ; SW. by East and West Windsor, Mercer co. ; and NW. by Franklin, Somerset co. The township contains 8 stores, 4 grist-m., 5 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. S30,S50 ; 12 schools, 3G0 scholars. Pop. 2,797. In the N. part are some noted sandhills, covering a space of several miles. The vil- lage of Kingston is near the NE. corner of the township, at the inter- section of the Delaware and Raritan canal with the New York and Philadelphia turnpike, and on the line of Somerset co., 3 miles NE. of Princeton. It contains 2 taverns, 4 stores, a grist and saw mill, an academy, a Presbyterian church, and about 35 dwellings. Be- fore the construction of railroads in the state, this was the great thoroughfare between New York and the South. It is stated by Gordon, that forty-nine stages, loaded with about 400 passengers, have halted here at the same time, in front of Withington's inn. Directly opposite this inn stood, in olden times, Vantilburgh's tav- ern, long known as the favorite stopping-place of Washington, and the governors of New Jersey, in passing from the eastern towns to the state capital. It was at this village that Washington, with the American troops, eluded the British, on the day of the battle of Princeton, by filing oft' to the left at the church, down the narrow road leading to Rocky-hill, while the enemy in pursuit, supposing he had gone to New Brunswick to destroy their winter stores, kept on the main road. Cross-roads contains 2 taverns, 2 stores, and about 15 dwellings. Plainsborough has a store, tavern, a grist-m., and a few dwellings. Cranberry is partly in Monroe township. The village is princi- pally built on a single street, and contains 2 Presbyterian churches, 2 academies, 73 dwellings, and about (!00 inhabitants. The annexed is a view of the First Presbyterian church and academy, at the southern termination of the village. There is also a neat Presby- terian church and an academy at the other end of the town. For- merly a Presbyterian church stood in the graveyard, but it was 320 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. taken down many years since. A Baptist church, in olden times, stood in the village. The society now worship at Hightstown. Cranberry is one of the oldest places in this part of the state. It was settled about the year 1G97, by Josiah Prickett, butcher, of View of the Prcshylerian Church and Academy, Cranberry. Buflington. The following year he sold out to John Harrison of Flushing, Long Island. About 50 years since there were only 15 houses here, eight on the south and seven on the north side of Cran- berry brook. Just previous to the battle of Monmouth, the Ameri- can army passed through this place. It was in the vicinity of Cranberry that David Brainerd, the pious and devoted missionary, labored for a while among the Indi- ans. Mr. Brainerd at first preached to the Indians in the woods, between Stockbridge and Albany, but without much apparent suc- cess. He then turned his attention to the Indians at the forks of the Delaware, and at Crossweeksung and Cranberry, where his la- bors were attended with remarkable success. " His life and diary among the Indians," says an eminent English divine, " exhibits a perfect pattern of the qualities which should distinguish the in- structor of rude and barbarous tribes ; the most invincible patience and self-denial, the profoundest humility, exquisite prudence, inde- fatigable industry, and such a devotcdncss to God. or rather such an absorption of the whole soul in zeal for the divine glory and salvation of men, as is scarcely paralleled since the age of the apostles." The following extracts from Brainerd's journal will show the effects which followed his preaching. (Aug. 8th, 1744.) In tlie afternoon I preached to the Indians ; their number was now about sixty-five persons, men, women, and children. I discoursed from Luke xiv. 16 — 23, and was favored with iinrommon freedom. There was much concern among them while 1 was discoursinfj publicly ; but afterward, when I spoke to one and another more particularly, whom I perceived under concern, the power of God seemed to descend upon the assembly "like a rushing mighty wind," and with an astonishing energy bore down all before it. I stood amazed at the influence that seized the audience almost universally, and could compare it to nothing more aptly than a mighty torrent, tliat bears down and sweeps be- fore it whatever is in its way. Almost all persons, of all ages, were bowed downed together, MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 321 and scarce one was able to witlistand the shock of the surprisinnf operation. Old men and women, who had been drunken wretches for many years, and some little children, not more than six or seven years of age, appeared in distress for their souls, as well as persons of middle age. And it was apparent these ehihlren were not merely friglitened with seeing the general concern, but were made sensible of their danger, the badness of their hearts, and their misery without Christ. The most stubborn hearts were now obliged to bow. A principal man among the Indians, who before thought his state good, because he knew more than the generality of the Indians, and who with great confidence the day before told me " he had been a Christian more than ten years," was now brouo-ht under solemn concern for his soul, and wept bitterly. Another man, considerable in years, who had been a murderer, a poioioaw, and a notorious drunkard, was likewise brought now to cry for mercy with many tears, and to complain nmch that he could be no more concerned when he saw his danger so great. There were almost universally praying and crying for mercy in every part of the liouse, and many out of doors, and numbers could neither go nor stand ; their concern was so great, each for himself, that none seemed to take any notice of those about them, but each prayed for themselves ; and were, to their own apprehension, as much retired as if every one had been by himself in a desert, or, rather, they thought nothing about airy but themselves, and so were every one praying apart, although all together. It seemed to me there was an exact fulfilment of that prophecy, Zech. xii. 10, 12, for there was now " A great mourning, like the mourning of Hadadrinnnon ;" — and each seemed to " mourn apart." Methought this had a near resemblance to the day of God's power, mentioned Josh. x. 14, for I must say, I never saw any day like it in all re- spects ; it was a day wherein the Lord did much destroy the lungdom of darkness among this people. This concern was most rational and just : those who had been awakened any con- siderable time, complained especially of the badness of their hearts ; those newly awakened, of the badness of their lines and actions ; and all were afraid of the anger of God ; and of everlasting misery as the desert of their sins. Some of the white people, who came out of curiosity to " hear what this babbler would say" to the poor ignorant Indians, were much awakened, and appeared to be wounded with a view of their perish- ing state. Those who had lately obtained relief, were filled with comfort ; they appeared calm, and rejoiced in Christ Jesus ; and some of them took their distressed friends by the hand, telling tliem of the goodness of Christ, and the comfort that is to be enjoyed in him, and invited them to come and give up their hearts to him. And I could observe some of them, in the most unatfccted manner, lifting up their eyes to heaven, as if crying for mercy, while they saw the distress of the poor souls around them. Aug. 9th. In the afternoon I discoursed to them jjublicly. There were now present about seventy persons. I opened and applied the parable of the sower, and was enabled to discourse with much plainness. There were many tears among them while I was dis- coursing, but no considerable cry : yet some were much affected with a few words spoken from Matt. xi. 29, witii which I concluded. But while I was discoursing near night to two or three of the awakened persons, a divine influence seemed to attend what was spoken, which caused the persons to cry out in anguish of soul, although I spoke not a word of terror : but, on the contrary, set before them the fulness of Christ's merits, and his willingness to save all that came to him. The cry of these was heard by others, who, though scattered before, immediately gathered round. I then proceeded in the same strain of gospel invitation, till they were all melted into tears and cries, except two or three ; and seemed in the greatest distress to find and secure an interest in the great Redeemer. Some who had but little more than a ruffle made in their passions the day before, seemed now to be deeply affected, and the concern in general appeared near as prevalent as the day before. There was indeed a very great mourning among them, and yet every one seemed to mourn apart. For so great was their concern, that almost every one was praying and crying for himself, as if none had been near. Guttummankalummeh guttummaukalummeh, i. c. " Have mercy upon me, have mercy upon nie 1" was the common cry. It was very affecting to see the poor Indians, who the other day were yelling in their idolatrous feasts, now crying to God with such importuiiity, for aa interest in his dear Son I 41 322 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. MONROE. Monroe was formed from South Amboy in 1838. It is about 8 miles long, wide, and is bounded NE. by South Amboy ; SE, by Freehold, Monmouth eo. ; SW. by East Windsor, Mercer co., and NW. by North and South Brunswick. The surface is generally level, soil sandy, and in some parts covered with pine and oak. The Camden and Amboy railroad passes through the township. There are 8 stores, 1 paper factory, 4 grist-m., 18 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $109,900 ; 1 academy, 8 schools, 285 scholars. Pop. 2,453. Spotswood, on the line of the railroad, 10 miles from South Am- boy, is supposed to have received its name from John Johnson, of Spotswood in Scotland, who early settled in the vicinity. There are in the village 3 stores, a grist and a saw mill, 2 churches, and 52 dwellings. The Episcopal church has long been established. The Reformed Dutch church was organized August 5th, 1821, and the Rev. John M'Clure, its lirst clergyman, was settled in the fall of 1822 ; left in the autumn of 1824. Rev. Henry L. Rice was settled September 24, 1825 ; left September 10th, 1834. Rev. John C. Van Liew was his successor, and left in January, 1842, when he was succeeded by its present pastor, the Rev. William R. S. Betts. Snuif and cigars are extensively manufactured in this village. William Lyon, a continental soldier, died in this township in 184L He served through- out the war of the revolution, and was in most of the actions in which the Jersey troops were engaged. About the time of the battle of Trenton, as he was marching with his feet bare and bloody, over the frozen ground, he took from a clothes-line, near a dwelling, a pair of stockings. The lady of the house came out to reproach him for the act. He answered her by simply pointing to his lacerated feet. Further argument was unneces- sary. She went back in tears. Washington saw him, and tapping him on the shoulder, said, " My brave boy, you deserve a better fate." " Ah !" replied the heroic soldier, " there is no danger of my feet freezing as long as the blood runs." PISCATAWAY. This township was incorporated in 1798. It is about 8 miles long, 6 broad, bounded N. by Westfield, Essex co. ; E. by Wood- bridge ; S. by Raritan river, and westerly by Franklin, Bridgewater, , and Warren, Somerset co. The township is supposed to have de- I rived its name from Piscatoqua, in Maine, a place from which some ' of the first settlers emigrated to this place, which at the first was called New Piscataqna. A ridge of high land runs quite across it east and west, dividing it into nearly equal parts, from which the land .slopes in a gentle declivity north and south. The soil is most- ly red shale, which in some sections is covered with loam and i gravel. The land is fertile, and agriculture is in a high state of progressive improvement. Pop. 2,828. There are in the township 7 stores, 5 grist-m., 3 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $30,850 ; 8 schools, 222 scholars. New Market, (formerly Quibbletowm,) a village of some 15 or 20 houses, is the post-town, Brooklin, Samptown, New Durham, , MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 323 Piscataway town, and Raritan Landing, are small villaj^es in the township. Piscataway town, containing about a dozen dwellings and a church, and situated 3 miles E. from New Brunswick and 1 from Karitan river, was an old Indian village, and was the seat of justice for the counties of Middlesex and Somerset as early as 1683, at which period the courts were held sometimes at this place and sometimes at Woodbridge. Raritan Landing is situated 2 miles above New Brunswick, and contains 25 or 30 dwellings, and seve- ral stores. There is a bridge across the Raritan at this place. The earliest authentic history of this township is gathered from the public records, which state " that the large tract on the east side of Raritan river, which comprises the towns of Piscataway, Eliza- beth, &c., was purchased from the Indians in 1663. The purcha- sers were John Bailey, Daniel Denton, Luke Watson, and others, who obtained a patent in 1664 from Gov. Nichols, who acted under the Duke of York." The names of the first settlers on record are, the Gillmans in 1663; the Blackshaws, Drakes, Hands, and Hen- dricks, in 1677 ; the Dotys and Wolfs in 1678 ; the Smalleys, Hulls, and Trotters, in 1679; the Hansworths, Martins, and Higgins, in 1680; the Dunhams, Laflowers, and Fitz Randolphs, in 1681; the Suttons, Brindleys, Bounds, and Fords, in 1682; the Davises and Slaughters, in 1683; the Pregmores, in 1684; the Grubs and Adamses, in 1685 ; the Chandlers and Smiths in 1687 ; the Mortons, Molesons, and McDaniels, in 1689. It is supposed that most of these persons were Baptists. The tradition is, however, that there were but six professed Baptists, viz: Hugh Dunn, who was an exhorter, John Drake, afterward their pastor, Nicholas Bonham, John Smal- ley, Edmond Dunham, afterward minister of the Seventli-day Baptists, and John Fitz Randolph. The above persons were consti- tuted a Baptist church in the spring of 1689, by the assistance of Rev. Thomas Killingsworth, who was then pastor of Middletown and Cohansey churches. The first preachers in Piscataway were three lay brethren, of the Baptist persuasion, viz : Hugh Dunn, Jolin Drake, and Edmond Dunham, who with three others were consti- tuted a Baptist church as mentioned above, being one of the oldest Baj)tist clmrches in the stale. .John Drake was ordained pastor of this church, and so remained till his death in 17.'J9, when he was succeeded by Rev. Benjamin Slelle, a native of JMew York, and of French extraction; lie died in 17.'j9, and was succeeded by his son. Rev. Isaac Stelle. Mr. Stelle continued pastor till his death in 1781, and was succeeded by Rev. Rcune Runyan in 170.3, who continued pastor till his death in IHll. Rev. James McLaughlin became the next pastor of this church in lbl2, and continued such till 1817. In the fall of 1818, Rev. Daniel Dodge was called to the pastorship, and continued till 1832, and in 1833 was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Daniel D. Lewis. The Seventh-day Ba|)tist church was formed by 17 persons who seceded from the Piscataway church in 1707, and signed a special covenant, and became a distinct so ciety. Rev. Edmond Dunham was their first pastor; his son, Rev. .Jonathan Dunham, was his successor; Rev. Nathan Rogers was their next minister. This church, the only one of its denomination in the state for 30 years, is now respectable in numbers and wealth. Its present pastor is Rev. Walter B. Gillette ; a branch from it formed another church in the neighboring village of Plainfield in 1838. The Baptist church at Scotch Plains was formed of members of the Piscataway church in 1747, from which the Second Baptist churrh in Piseatawaj', known as the Saiiiptown church, was formed in 1792. Their first pastor was Rev. Jacob Fitz Randolph, who was succeeded by Rev 324 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. Lebbcus Lathrop. Mr. Lathrop was succeeded by their present minister, Rev. E. M. Barker. There is an Episcopal church in the township, which was cstabHshed at a very early period. Their society is at present rather small and feeble, but through the liber- ality of an individual they have a neat and commodious house of worship. There is a small settlement of persons of the Dutch Reformed persuasion along the Raritan river, north of Raritan Landing, but they have as yet no church in the township. Nine tenths of the population are Baptists in sentiment. WOODBRIDGE. The extreme length of this township, E. and W., is about 10 miles ; breadth, N. and S., 9 miles. It is bounded N. by Rahway and We-stfield, Essex co. ; E. by Staten Island sound ; 8E. by Perth Amboy ; S. by Raritan river, and W. by Pisoataway. The surface is level, and the soil fertile, and very productive in grass. The New Jersey railroad passes through the NW. portion of the town- ship. There are in the township 1 cotton-m., 1 academy, 43 students, 16 schools, 491 scholars. Pop. 4,821. View in Woodbridge. INIatouchin, Uniontown, and Bonhamtown, the two first of which are on the line of the railroad, contain respectively a few dwell- ings. At Matouchin there is a Presbyterian church. The large and flourishing village of Rahway is on the N. boundary, partly in Essex county. Woodbridge was first settled by emigrants from England, who came over with Gov. Carteret in 1()G5. It occupied for many years a prominent place among the early settlements in East Jersey. " In 1GU8, the lands were portioned out to the differ- ent associates, and on June 1st., 1G69, a charter was granted them which created a township, to consist of not less than sixty families, out of the tract, which was said to be six miles square." The annexed is a view in the village of Woodbridge, which is 9 miles NE. of New Brunswick. On the left is seen the academy ; on the right the Presbyterian church, and in the distance Trinity church. There are also in the village, a Methodi-st church, 2 tav- erns, 4 stores, a grist and a saw m., an extensive pottery, and 50 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 325 dwellings. The Presbyterian society was organized in 1707, and three churches have stood on the site of the present one. The Episcopal church has been organized more than a century, and the Methodist church within a few years. In the American revolution the Rev. Dr. Azel Hoe, pastor of the I'resbyterian church, was taken prisoner by the British in the night from the dwelling now occupied as the parsonage, and carried to iStaten Island. The annexed extracts from ancient newspapers relate to events which occurred in this vicinity in the war of the revolution : Extract of a letter from an officer at Catnp, dated Bonhamtown, April 15, 1777. — A detachment under the command of Capt. Alexander Paterson, of the Pennsylvania 12th regiment, commanded by Col. Cook, attacked the piquet guard of llie enemy at two o'clock this morninfr, about 400 yards from Bonhamtown, and after a sliort but obstinate engagement, the whole of the guard, 25 in number, were either killed or taken prisoners. Lieut. Frazier, of the 71st regiment, was killed on the .spot. The enemy, though advan- tageously posted, did not attempt to support their guard, but retired with precipitation to their works. Our officers and soldiers behaved with the greatest coolness and courage on this occasion. Their conduct would do honor to the best-disciplined troops. We had Lieutenants M'Alharton and Reily, of Col. Cook's regiment, wounded, but not mor- tally. Extract from a letter dated Matouchin, April 22,1777. — The night before last a party of 16 men of Col. Cook's regiment, under the command of Lieut. M'Cabe, attacked a piquet guard at Bonhamtown, drove it in, killed one man, and wounded two, who were left on the field. The enemy were soon reinforced ; but our party kept up their fire, maintained their grourul until daybreak, and then made a regular retreat. Last night another party, under the command of Lieut. Lodge, attacked the same piquet ; but the sentries being doubled, Lieut. M'Cabe was obliged to reinforce, which we soon accom- plished, and then we drove them, — with some small loss, it is thought, on their side. Our party sustained no damage, and, with only 32 men, we kept their troops in Bonham- town under arms all night. Post, near Bonhamtown, May 11, 1777. — I have the pleasure to inform you that yes- terday part of Gen. Stevens' division attacked the Royal Highlanders and six companies of light-infantry. It was a bold enterprise, — they being posted within two miles of Bonhamtown, and about the same distance from Brunswick. The action continued about an hour and a half. The continental troops behaved well, drove in the piquets at Bonhamtown, attacked and drove the Highlanders out of a wood they had taken pos- session of, near to Piscataqua town. The enemy were reinforced, but were again com- pelled to give way. They were reinforced a second time, when, upon due consideration of our situation with rospect to the enemy's different posts, (of Brunswick, Raritan Land- ing, and Bonhamtown,) it was judged advisable to retire. The retreat was made in ex- cellent order, and our loss is inconsiderable. I congratulate you on this advantage ob- tained over the enemy's best troops. The Highlanders, obstinately brave, were too proud to surrender, — which cost many of them dear. April 16th, 1777. — From New .lersoy we learn, that on or about the 20th ult. a young woman, passing an evacuated house; in Woodbridge, saw, througli the window, a drunk- en Hessian soldier, who had straggled from his party. There being no men within less than a mile of town, she went home, dressed in man's apparel, and, armed with an old firelock, returned to the house, entered it, and took the Hessian prisoner, — whom she soon stripped of his arms, and was leading him off, when she fell in with the patrole guard of a New Jersey regiment, stationed near Woodbridge, to wliom she delivered her prisoner. June 20, 1782. — William Clarke, the noted horse-thief, is no more. He was shot, somewhere in the vicinity of Woodbridge, on one of his customary excursions. Tliis man was an early refugee from Jersey, and has taken off, since the fall of 1776, upwards of one hundred valuable horses, from Monmouth, and other counties in the neighborhood of the enemy, — for which he found a ready sale in New York, and on Long Lsland. He had eluded the strictest vigilance of our guards and scouts for upwards of 5 years, although it is pretty c( rtain tliat he has passed at least half that time within our lines. He was destroyed at last by a stratagem, said to be as follows : A letter was conveyed 326 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. to him, as if from one of his confidents and accomplices in Sussex, signifying that if he came over at the time therein specified, he would tind two excellent horses tied in a cer- tain field, which might be conveyed to Staten Island with very little trouble or risk. He accordingly came, and was instantly shot down by the persons who lay in wait for him. Trenton, June 7, 1780. — Thursday evening last a party of about 30 refugees, from New York, landed at Stony Point, on Raritun river, and from thence went to Wood- bridge, where they made Justice Freeman, Mr. Edgar, and six other white persons, and two negroes, prisoners, whom they carried off to New York. Zebulon Montgomery Pike was born at Lamberton, Mercer co., Jan. 5th, 1779. His parents were natives of Woodbridgc, where their son spent his youth. His father was an officer in the army of the United States, and Zebulon, having received a common school education, entered as a cadet into a company under his father's command, in which he served on the western frontiers. He afterward received a lieutenant's com- mission. In 180.5, he was employed with a party of 20 men to explore the Mississippi to its source, while Capts. Lewis and Clarke were sent on a similar expedition up the Missouri. Within two months after his return, he was selected by Gen. Wilkinson for a second perilous journey of hardsliip and exposure, in exploring the interior of the then called country of Louisiana. After leaving the Osage village. Pike and his men were overtaken by winter, unprovided with any clothing suitable for the season. Their horses died, and for weeks they were obliged to explore their way through the wilderness, car- rying packs of 60 or 70 pounds weight, besides their arms, exposed to the severity of cold, relying solely on the chase for subsistence, and often for two or three days without food. In tiie course of the expedition, the party visited Santa Fe, and on July 1st, 1807, arrived at Natchitoches. On his return, he received the thanks of the government, and was appointed caj)tain, shortly after, a major, and, in 1810, a colonel of infantry. Dur- ing the intervals of his military duties, he prepared for the press a narrative of his two expeditions, which was published in 1810. In the beginning of 1813, Col. Pike was appointed a brigadier-general. On the 25th of April, at the head of 1,500 choice troops, he sailed from Sackett's Harbor on an ex- pedition against York, the capital of Upper Canada. On the 27th, the whole force land- ed near York, and were led on by Gen. Pike in person against the British works. They advanced through the woods, and after carrying one battery by assault in the most gal- lant manner, moved on in columns towards the main work. I'hc fire of the enemy was soon silenced by the fire of the American artillery, and a flag of surrender was expected, when a tremendous explosion suddenly took place from the British magazine, which had been previously prepared for this purpose. An immense quantity of large stones were thrown with terrible force in every direction, one of which struck Gen. Pike on the breast, and inflicted a mortal wound. The troops, recovering from their confusion, were instantly formed again ; and as a body of them passed by their wounded general, he said — " Push on, brave fellows, and avenge your general." While the surgeons were car- rying him out of the field, a tumultuous huzza was heard ; Pike turned his head, with an anxious look of inquiry : he was told by a sergeant, " The British union-jack is com- ing down, general — the stars are going up I" He heaved a heavy sigh, and smiled. He was then carried on board the commodore's ship, where he lingered for a few hours. Just before he breathed his last, the British standard was brought to him ; he made a sign to have it placed under his head, and expired without a groan. The following inscriptions are from monuments in the graveyard in tlie village of Woodbridge : — In memory of Dr. Moses BLOOiMFiELD, 40 years a physician and surgeon, in this town, senior physician and surgeon in the hospital of the United States, representative in the provincial congress and general assembly, an upright magistrate, elder of the Presbyte- rian church, iStc. Born 4th Dec, 1729, died 14th Aug., 1791, in his 63d year. Tim. i. 12, — I know in whom I have believed. Here is interred the precious remains of Mrs. Rutu Pierson, wife of the Rev. Mr. John Pierson, and daughter of the Rev. Timothy Woodbridge, of Hartford, in New Eng- land, who fell asleep in Jesus, 7th of January, 1732, oetatis 38. Reposed to rest, in this cold bed do lie Remains of meekness, prudence, piety ; MONMOUTH COUNTY. 327 Best of Christians, parents, wives, and friends, Grim death to this darit house remorseless sends ; Once dear to all, still dear to Christ, who'll make Tills dust revive, and in his likeness wake. MONMOUTH COUNTY. Monmouth co. was first established in 1G75, but its boundaries were definitely settled in 1709-10 and 1713-14. Its extreme length is 65, and extreme breadth 32 m. ; it is bounded N. by Raritan bay, E. by the Atlantic ocean, SW. by Burlington co., and NVV. by JMid- dlesex and Mercer cos. The soil is generally light, and the middle and southern part mostly covered with pines. The surface is level, excepting in the township of Middletown. Agriculture is the chief business of the upper part of the county, and there are there many farms under the highest state of cultivation. Marl abounds in this region, and land, once comparatively valueless, has been rendered very productive by this manure. Peat, mixed with a small portion of lime, is growing into use in the Avestern part of the county for fertilizing the land, and this material, fortunately, is in most cases found where most required, viz., without the limits of the marl formation. In the central and southern portions of the county, there are a few settlements and furnaces scattered among the pines. Along the sea-coast are several flourishing villages, from which large quantities of wood and charcoal are exported. From these places sail many coasting vessels, manned by skilful seamen, unsurpassed by any in the Union. This county was originally set- tled by Dutch, Scotch, and some New England emigrants, who removed here about the year 1G64. Twenty years later, it was the most wealthy county in the province, and paid the greatest amount of taxes. In the war of the revolution it suffered severely. Its easy access from New York, and the safe anchorage for vessels within Sandy Hook, rendered it a favorite resort of the royalists for forage and plunder. Some of its inhabitants were awed into submission to the crown, and took up arms against their former neighbors, between whom occurred many sanguinary conflicts. Within its borders occurred one of the severest battles of the war. Monmouth co. is divided into 7 townships, viz : — Dover, Howell, Shrewsbury, Upper Freehold. Freehold, Middletown, Stafl^brd, The population in 1810, was 22,150; in 1820, 25,038; in 1830, 29,233 ; in 1840, 32,873. DOVER. This township was first formed from Shrewsbury, in 1707, and incorporated by the state legislature in 1798. It is about 20 m. 328 MONMOUTH COUNTY. long, 16 wide, and is bounded N. by Freehold; Upper Freehold, and Howell, E. by the Atlantic ocean, S. by Stailord, and W. by Nor- thampton and Hanover, Burlington co. There are in the township 20 stores, 2 lurnaces, 2 forges, 4 grist-m., 6 saw-m. ; cap. in manu- fac. $1,900 ; 10 schools, 824 scholars. Pop. 2,731. Along the seashore is a strip of fertile land ; the remaining por- tion of the township is covered with pine, oak, maple, and cedar. Outside of Barnegat bay, parallel with the coast, Island and Squan beach stretch along for about 20 miles. The thriving village of Toms River is on both banks of the river of the same name, which is crossed by a handsome wooden bridge. It is 25 miles S. of Freehold, and contains about 70 dwellings, 5 mercantile stores, and a Methodist church. The chief business is the exportation of cord-wood and timber, in which many coasting vessels are engaged. Cedar Creek or Williamsburg, 7 miles S. of Toms River, contains about 25 dwellings. Goodluck is a small set- tlement about half a mile 8W. of the latter. Forked River, 2 miles below Goodluck, has about 20 dwellings, a grist-mill, 2 stores, and several mechanic shops. Considerable wood and charcoal are ex- ported from here. At the Phoenix and Manchester furnaces, in the N. part of the township, large quantities of iron have been manu- factured. A railroad has lately been constructed from the latter place, 9 miles in length, to Toms River. Dover and Farrago fur- naces are in the central part. There are saw-mills scattered on the various streams by which the township is abundantly watered, at which are annually prepared immense quantities of lumber for market. In the American revolution, a rude fort or blockhouse was erect- ed a short distance N. of the bridge, at the village of Toms River, on a hill about a hundred yards E. of the road to Freehold, on land now belonging to the heirs of Elijah Robins, deceased. In the lat- ter part of the war this blockhouse was attacked by a superior force of the enemy. Its commander, Capt. Huddy, most gallantly defended it until his ammunition was expended, and no alternative but surrender left. After the little brave garrison was in their power, it is said they deliberately murdered live men asking for quarters. From thence Capt. Huddy, Justice Randolph, and the remaining prisoners, were taken to New York, when, suffering the various progressions of barbarity inflicted upon those destined to a violent or lingering death, those two gentlemen, with a Mr. Flem- ing, were put into the hold of a vessel. Capt. Huddy was ironed hand and foot, and shortlj' after barbarously hanged on the shore at the Highlands of Navisink. Annexed is the British account of this expedition, taken from Rivington's Royal Gazette : The authentic account of the expedition against the rebel post on Toms river, New Jersey, under the Honorable Board of Associated Loyalists : On Wednesday the 2()th inst., [March, 1782,] Lieut. Blanchard, of the armed whale- boats, and about eighty men belonging to tiieni, with Capt. Tliomas and Lieut. Roberts, both of the late Bucks county volunteers, and between thirty and forty other refugee loyahsts, the whole under the command of Lieut. Blanchard, proceeded to Sandy Hook, MONMOUTH COUNTY. 329 under convoy of Capt. Stewart Ross, in the armed brig Arrogant, where they were de- tallied by uiilavorable winds until the 23d. About 12 o'clock on that night, the party landed near the moutli of Toms river, and marched to the blockliouse at the town of Dover, [now Toms River,] and reached it just at daylight. On their way they were challenged and tired upon, and when they came to the works they found the rebels, con- sisting of twcnty-tive or twenty-six twelve months men and militia, apprized of their com- ing, and prepared for defence. The post into which they had thrown themselves was about six or seven feet high, made with large logs with loop-holes between, and a number of brass swivels on the top, which was entirely open, nor was there any way of entering but by climbing over. They had, besides swivels, muskets with bayonets, and long pikes for their defence. Lieut. Blanchard sununoned them to surrender, which they not only refused, but bid the party defiance : on which he immediately ordered the place to be stormed, which was accord- ingly done, and though defended with obstinacy, was soon carried. The rebels had nine men killed in the assault, and twelve made prisoners, two of whom are wounded. The rest made their escape in the confusion. Among the killed was a major of the mili- tia, two captains, and one lieutenant. The captain of the twelve months men stationed there, is amongst the prisoners, who are all brought safe to town. On our side, two were killed — Lieut. Ircdel, of the armed boatmen, and Lieut. Inslee, of the loyalists, both very brave officers, who distinguished themselves on the attack, and whose loss is much lamented. Lieut. Roberts and five others are wounded, but it is thouglit none of them are in a dangerous way. The Town, as it is called, consisting of about a dozen houses, in which none but a piratical set of banditti resided, together with a grist and saw-mill, were with the block- house burned to the ground, and an iron cannon spiked and thrown into the river. A fine large barge, (called Hyler's barge,) and another boat in which the rebels used to make their excursions on the coast, were brought off. Some other attempts were intend- ed to have been made, but the appearance of bad weather, and the situation of the wounded, being without either surgeon or medicines, induced the party to return to New York, where they arrived on the twenty-fifth. FREEHOLD. This township was incorporated in 1 798. Its extreme length is 23, breadth 10 miles. It is bounded NW. by South Amboy and Mon- roe, Middlesex co. ; E. by Middletown, Shrewsbury, and Howell ; S. by Dover, and W. by Upper Freehold. Its surface is level or un- dulating ; soil, sand, loam, and clay. The southern part is covered with pines, the northern and middle fertile, abounding in fine farms, fertilized by marl of an excellent quality. There are in the town- ship \'2 stores, 11 grist-m., 11 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $21,105; 17 schools, 037 scholars. Pop. 0,303. Freehold, the seat of justice for Monmouth county, is on a plain in the eastern part of the township, slightly elevated above the sur- rounding country, and distant from Trenton 30 miles. The village is handsomely built, containing many large dwellings with spacious grounds, exhibiting evidence of wealth and refinement. It has 4 hotels, mercantile stores, the county buildings, an academy, 2 newspaper printing-offices, about 4.50 inhabitants, and 5 churches, viz : 1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist, 1 Reformed Dutch, 1 Presbyterian, and 1 Baptist. Of these the Episcopal is the most ancient. It was standing in the revolution, and used for barraci: S J 2 \ / I' 3 ♦* *:4 \ ',' lyrooJ^" M 1 \_ •. B- 22 ^ "^ . '^■■i./iT?/' "20% A J9 lffi±. ^•.MeetitinJIouse \ t J 1 mile MONMOUTH COUNTY. 339 pass the same ravine which Gen. Lcc had not brrn able to defend. At a moderate dis- tance tlicy hrtlted, still preserving their front. Wasliington pur.sued tiiein in good order, and directed two brigades to advance on each of their flanks. This last attack resulted like the preceding, but night came on, and interrupted the victory. ('liiitou availed himself of the darkness, not choosing to wait for the hazards of the morrow ; he hastened liis march toward the road for Aiiibov, leaving tiie Americans masters of the battlc-tield, covered witii wounded and dead. Tlic Germans were so ex- hausted by fatigue and the heat, that many were found dead who had received no wound. Col. Monekton was slain. It was said that, at the last, Sir Henry Clinton left, on the field, a sack, containing a letter to Gen. Washington, reconmiending the wounded to his humanity. The number of English killed in tliis combat was as great as 3Ul) ; and this loss was the more important, because Clinton had commenced his attack with veteran grenadiers and liglit-iufantry. Yet the objects aimed at by Washington were still unac- complished; his victory still uncertain. He wished to prevent Clinton from j)assinn- be- yond Monmouth and re-embarking, but his intentions were frustrated, and althouo-h he had gained the victory, he could not reap from it any advantage. On the other hand, Clinton, although vanquished and flying, had secured all he had promised to himself. A\'ashington had accomplished all that his valor and skill could effect, but the fate of the day was compromised before he reached the field of battle. There was great complaint against Gen. Lee ; he was even accused of having bargained with the English while he was their prisoner; his conduct was examined by a court-martial, whose decision, being confirmed by an act of congress, obliged him to leave the service. The following incidents relating to the battle, were mainly de- rived from conversation with the venerable Dr. Samuel Forman, now residing near Freehold, who was on the battle-field the day- after the action. Ilis father, Mr. David Forman, and Mr. Peter Wikoti', acted as guides to Washington, and testified to his extra- ordinary coolness and presence of mind amid the exciting scenes of the engagement. We have also drawn a map from personal observation, giving the roads and other localities as at the pres- ent day, together with the most important positions of the two ar- mies as fixed by tradition. The action commenced in the morning after breakfast, in the vicinity of Briar Hill, (A. see map,) distant a half or three quarters of a mile beyond the courthouse. From thence the Americans under Lee slowly retreated before the enemy about three miles, until they came in the vicinity of the parsonage, (P.) where a final stand v.-as made, and the principal action fought. Here Washing- ton met Lee in the field immediately north of this dwelling, and riding up to him, with astonishment asked, "What is the meaning of this ?" * Lee being somewhat confused, and not distinctly under- standing the question, replied, "Sir! sir!" Washington the second time said, " What is all that confusion for, and retreat ?"t Lee re- * This conversation has been variously stated in different accounts, and W^cems's Life of Washington im[)utes grossly insulting language to Lee. That given above is from the testimony of Capt Mercer and others, taken from the printed proceedings of the General ('ourt Martial, on the trial of Lee. t Lieut. Col. Brookes, in his testimony at the trial, says, " On Washington's coming up to Lee, he said, " What is the meaning of all this ?" Lee answered, the contradictory intelligence, and his orders not being obeyed, was the reason of liis finding them in that situation. His Excellency, showing considerable warmth, said he was sorry Gen. Lee undertook the command, unless he meant to fight the enemy, (or words to that effect.) Gen. Lee observed that it was his private opinion it was not for the interests of America or the army, (I cannot say which,) to have a general action, but notwitlistanding was 340 MONMOUTH COUNTY. plied, "He saw no confusion but what arose from his orders not be- ing properly obeyed." Washington mentioned that "he had cer- tain information that it was but a strong covering party of the ene- my." Lee answered, " It might be so, but they were rather stronger PLAN OF THE BATTLE OF MONMOUTH, Fought Sunday, June 28, 1778. REFERENCES. S. Road to Shrewsbury. M. do. " Middletown. A. Briar Hill. C Road to Allentown. E. Washington's main body. H. Comb's Hill, W. Advanced corps of Americans under Wayne. P. Parsonage. G. Fence. F. British main army. I. Encampment of do. on the night after the action. L. Forest now standing. than he was, and that he did not think it proper to risk so much," or words to that effect. Washington said, " You should not have undertaken it," and then passed by him. Shortly after, Washington again met him, and asked " if he would take command there ; if not, he (Washington) would ; if Gen. Lee would take command there, he would return to the main army and arrange it." Lee re- plied, that "his Excellency had before given him the command there." Washington told him he expected he would take proper measures for checking the enemy there. Lee replied that his or- ders should be obeyed, and that he would not be the first to leave the field ; and Wasliington th(>n rode to the main army Immediately after this, Col. llamihon, in great heat, rode up to Lee, and said, " I will stay here with you, my dear general, and die with you ; let us all die here rather than retreat." willing to obey his orders at all times ; but in the situation he had been in, he thought it by no means warrantable to bring on an action, or words to that cftect. MONMOUTH COUNTY. 34 1 When the action had become general, the British army occupied the eminence east of the brook, somewhere in the vicinity of F., then covered by an apple orchard. The main body of Washington's army were stationed at E. E,. on land considerably lower than the enemy. An advanced corps of the Americans under Wayne was on high ground, nearly as much elevated as that of the British at W., close by a barn (now down) about twelve rods back of the parson- age, while a park of artillery were on Comb's Hill, (11.) a height commanding that occupied by the enemy. The British grenadiers several times crossed the fence, (G.) and advanced toward the barn, but were as often driven back by the lire of the troops stationed there, and the artillery from Comb's Hill. At length Col. Monckton, their leader, made to them a spirit- ed address, w4iich was distinctly heard by the Americans at the barn and parsonage, distant only twenty or thirty rods. They then advanced in beautiful order, as though on parade. Such was the regularity of their march, that it is said a cannon ball from Comb's Hill disarmed a whole platoon. As they approached within a few rods of the barn, Wayne ordered his men to pick out the officers ; thfey thereupon poured in a terrible fire, when almost every Brit- ish officer fell, among whom was their leader, the gallant Col. Monckton. The spot near where he was killed is marked to the present day by an oak stump in the ploughed field about eight rods NE. of the parsonage. A desperate hand to hand struggle then occurred for the possession of his body, in which the Americans finally succeeded, and the grenadiers were driven back, and did not, it is believed, again advance beyond the fence. At night the ene- my encamped for a few hours behind the woods L. L., in the vicin- ity of 1., and after the moon had set, secretly retreated towards the highlands of Navisink. During the action, Morgan lay with his corps at Richmond's (now Shumar's) mills, three miles south of the courthouse, w^here he had for guides Col. Joseph Haight, Tunis and Samuel Forman. For some unknown reason he did not partici- pate in the events of the day. He was waiting for orders in an agony of indecision, walking to and fro for hours within sound of the conflict, uncertain what course to pursue. Had he received directions to attack the enemy in rear with his fresh troops, when exhausted by fatigue and heat, their whole army might have been taken. Comparatively few of the Americans were killed on the west side of the brook ; those in the vicinity of the barn suffered severe- ly. The most desperate part of the conflict was in the vicinity of where Monckton fell. There the British grenadiers lay in heaps like sheaves on a harvest-field. Our informant states that they dragged the corpses by the heels to shallow pits dug for the pur- pose, and slightly covered them with earth ; he saw thirteen buried in one hole. For many years after, their graves were indicated by the luxuriance of the vegetation. Among the enemy's dead was a sergeant of grenadiers, designated as the " high sergeant." He was 342 MONMOUTH COUNTY. the tallest man in the British army, measuring seven feet and four inches in heij^ht. The day was unusually hot even for the season, and both armies suffered severely ; the British more than the Americans, because in their Avoollen uniforms, and burdened with their knapsacks and accoutrements, while the latter were divested of their packs and superfluous clothing. The tongues of great numbers were so swollen as to render them incapable of speaking. JMany of both armies perished solely from heat, and after the battle were seen dead upon the field without mark or wound, under trees and beside the rivulet, where they had crawled for shade and water. The countenances of the dead became so blackened as to render it im- possible to recognize individuals. Several houses in Freehold were filled with the wounded of the enemy, left on their retreat in the care of their surgeons and nurses. Every room in the courthouse was filled. They lay on the floor, on straw, and the supplications of the wounded and the moans of the dying presented a scene of wo. As fiist as the}- died, their corpses were promiscuously thrown into a pit on the site of the present residence of Dr. Throckmorton, and slightly covered ^vith earth. The story of a woman who rendered essential service to the Americans in the battle is founded on fact. She was a female of masculine mould, and dressed in a mongrel suit, with the petticoats of her own sex and an artillery-man's coat, cocked hat and feath- ers. The anecdote usually related is as follows. Before the armies engaged in general action, two of the advanced batteries com- menced a severe fire against each other. As the heat was exces- sive, Molly, who was the wife of a cannonier, constantly ran to bring her husband water from a neighboring spring. While pass- ing to his post she saw him fall, and on hastening to his assist- ance, found him dead. At the same moment she heard an officer order the cannon to be removed from its place, complaining he could not fill his post with as brave a man as had been killed. " No," said the intrepid Molly, fixing her eyes upon the oflicer, " the cannon shall not be removed for the M^ant of some one to serve it ; since my brave husband is no more, I will use my utmost exertions to avenge his death." The activity and courage with which she performed the ofiice of cannonier, during the action, attracted the attention of all who witnessed it, and finally of Washington himself, who afterward gave her the rank of lieutenant, and granted her half-pay during lilc. She wore an epaulette, and was called ever after Captain Molly. Among the American wounded was Lieut. Tallman. lie was shot through the throat, and crawled behind the barn to die. Two soldiers came to his relief; he told them to let him alone, as he had but a few minutes to live. They lifted him from the ground, and were retreating with him across the orchard in the rear of the par- sonage, when a musUet-ball passing through the hat of one of them, he hastily abandoned his charge, and ran away. The other sup- MONMOUTH COUNTY. 343 ported him to the dwellinj^ of a Mr. Cook, in the vicinity ; where also was carried another wounded oliicer, Capt. Nealey. They were both confined a long time, and received the kindest treatment from the family. Between the latter officer and a daughter of Mr. Cook, who had assiduously attended upon him, arose a romantic attachment, finally resulting in marriage. Capt. Cook, of the Vir- ginia corps, was shot through the lungs. He was ordered by his surgeon not to speak. An officer came into the room, and on his not answering a question, went out and reported him dead. Upon this intelligence, Washington ordered a coffin to be placed under his window. This officer recovered, lived several years after, and was a frequent visitor at the residence of a gentleman now living near Freehold. Among the officers of artillery was Col. David Ray, of whom we introduce the following amusing anecdote. In the morning, Ray, somewhat in advance of a militia regiment, observed a Brit- ish dragoon leave his ranks and come toward him. As he ap- proached, Ray perceived he was mounted on an elegant horse, and as his own was an indifferent steed, he determined to possess him- self of it. When within 50 or 60 yards, Ray, who was an excel- lent shot, felt perfectly sure of the horse, and deliberately drawing a pistol, coolly aimed and fired at the rider, but without effect. He fired the other pistol, and that too missed. The trooper was now within a few yards, dashing toward him at a furious speed, his eyes flashing vengeance, and sword uplifted for the fatal blow. There was no time for further ceremony. The colonel a})ruptly wheeled, put spurs to his horse, and galloped to a barn, the dra- goon after him. Around the barn, and through one door and out at the other, went both pursuer and pursued. Ray galloped for safety to the regiment, passed in front, the trooper still at his heels. More than 100 muskets were discharged at him, but he escaped unharmed, galloped back to his regiment, and was seen to take his place in line. The colonel, in giving this incident to our informant, laughed heartily, declaring he " never saw such a daring fellow." The following anecdote, extracted from a French work, reflects credit upon the humanity and forbearance of the British command- er. A general officer of the American army advanced with a score of men under the English batteries to reconnoitre their po- sition. His aid-de-camp, struck by a ball, fell at his side. The officers and orderly dragoons fled precipitately. The general, though under the fire of the cannon, approached the wounded man to set; if he had any signs of life remaining, or whether any aid could be afforded him. Finding the wound had been mortal, he turned away his head with emotion, and slowly rejoined the group who had got out of the reach of the pieces. General Clin- ton knew that the Marquis de Lafayette generally rode a white horse ; it was upon a white horse the officer who retired so slowly was mounted ; Clinton desired the gunners not to fire. This noble forbearance probably saved M. de Lafayette's life, for he it was. 344 MONMOUTH COUNTY. The annexed account of the depredations of the British army, when in this county, was communicated to the Jersey Gazette, a short time after the battle of Monmouth. It is supposed to have been written by Col. Thomas Henderson, an intelligent and active friend of the American cause. His dwelling was among those burnt. He was a member of congress after the adoption of the constitution, and vice-president of the council of ]\ew Jersey at the time of Shay's insurrection, and was acting governor when Gov. Howell was absent in Pennsylvania with some Jersey troops. I have been waiting from the time the enemy passed through this country till the present, in expectation some of your correspondents would, througli the channel of your paper, have given to the public an account of their conduct to the inhabitants ; but not having seen any as yet, and as it has been such as every honest person ought to despise, I take this opportunity of giving a short sketch of it, wliich, if you think will be any satisfaction to your readers, you may insert in your paper. The devastation they have made in some parts of Freehold exceeds, perhaps, any they have made for the distance in their route through tliis state ; having, in the neighborhood above the courthouse, burnt and destroyed eight dwelling-houses, all on farms adjoining each other, besides barns and outhouses. The first they burnt was my own, then Ben- jamin Covenhoven's, George Walker's, Hannah Solomon's, Benjamin Van Clcave's, Da- vid Covenhoven's, and Garrit Vandcrveer's ; John Benham's house and bam they wan- tonly tore and broke down so as to render them useless. It may not be improper to ob- serve that the two first houses mentioned burnt, adjoined the farm, and were in full view of the place where Gen. Clinton was quartered. In the neighborhood below the court- house, they burnt the houses of Matthias Lane, Cornelius Covenhoven, John Antonidas, and one Emmons ; these were burnt the morning before their defeat. Some have the effrontery to say, that the British officers by no means countenance or allow of burning. Did not the wanton burning of Charleston and Kingston, in Esopus, besides many other instances, sufficiently evince to the contrary, I think their conduct in Freehold may. The officers have been seen to exult at the sight of the flames, and heard to declare they could never conquer America until they burnt every rebel's house, and murdered man, woman, and child. Besides, this consideration has great weight with me towards con- finning the above, that, after their defeat, through a retreat of 25 miles, in which they passed the houses of a number well-affected to their country, they never attempted to destroy one. Thus much for their burning. To enter into a minute detail of the many insults and abuses those inhabitants met with that remained in their houses, would take up too much room in your paper; I shall, therefore, content myself with giving you an account of Gen. Clinton's conduct to one of ray neighbors, a woman of 70 years of age, and unblemished reputation, with whom he made his quarters. After he had been for some time in her house, and taking notice that most of the goods were removed, he observed that she need not have sent off" her effects for safety, that he would have secured her, and asked if the goods could not be brought back again. The old lady objected, but upon the repeated assurance of Gen. Clinton, in person, that they should be secured for her, she consented, and sent a person he had ordered, along with a wagon, to show where they were secreted. When the goods were brought to the door, which was in the latter part of the day, the old lady* applied to Gen. Clinton in person for permission to have them brought in and taken care of, but he refused, and ordered a guard set over the goods. The morning following, the old lady finding most of her goods plundered and stolen, applied again to him for leave to take care of the remainder. He then allowed her to take care of some trifling articles, which were all she saved, not having (when I saw her, and had the above information from her) a change of dress for herself, or husband, or scarcely for any of her fannly. With regard to personal treatment, she was turned out of her bedroom and obliged to lie with her wenches, either on the floor, without bed or bedding, in an entry exposed to the pass- ing or repassing of all, &,c., or sit in a chair in a milk-room, too bad for any of the offi- cers to lie in, else it is probable she would have been deprived of that also. If the first oflScers of the British army are so divested of honor and humanity, what may we not expect from the soldiery ? * This lady was Mrs. William Conover. She resided two miles west of the court- house, on the Burlington road. — Compilers Hist. Coll. N. J. MONMOUTH COUNTY. 345 The annexed incident, which occurred in Freehold, in the war of the revolution, evinces an act of bravery in a mere youth, that renders it worthy of record. On a fine morning in May, 1780, as the family of Mr. David Forman, sherilf of the county, were at breakfast, a soldier almost out of breath suddenly burst into the room, and stated, that as he and another soldier wcce conducting to the courthouse two men, taken up on suspicion at Colt's Neck, they had knocked down his comrade, seized his musket, and escaped. The sherilf, on hearing this relation, immediately mounted his horse, and galloped to the Courthouse to alarm the guard. His son Tunis, a lad of about 17, and small of his age, seized a musket, loaded only with small shot to kill blackbirds in the corn-fields, and putting on a cartridge-box, dispatched his brother Samuel* upstairs for the bayonet, and then, without waiting lor it, hurried oft" alone in the pursuit. After running in a westerly direction about a mile, he discovered the men sitting on a fence, who, on perceiving him, ran into a swamp. As the morning was warm, he hastily pulled oft" his coat and shoes, and dashed in after them, keeping close upon them for over a mile, when they got out of the swamp, and each climbed into separate trees. As he came up, they discharged at him the musket taken from the guard. The ball \\'histled over his head. He felt for his bayonet, and, at that moment, perceived that, in his haste, it was left behind. He then pointed his gun at the man with the musket, but deemed it imprudent to fire, reflecting, even if he killed him, his comrade could easily master such a stripling as him- self He compelled the man to throw down the musket, by threat- ening him with death if he did not instantly comply. Then, loading the prize from his cartridge-box, he forced his prisoners down from the trees, and, armed with his two loaded muskets, he drove them toward the courthouse, careful, however, to keep them far apart, to prevent conversation. Passing by a spring, they requested per- mission to drink. " No !'' replied the intrepid boy, understanding their design. " You can do as well without it as myself ; you shall have some by and by." Soon after, his father, at the head of a party of soldiers in the pursuit, galloped past in the road within a short distance. Tunis hallooed, but the clattering of their horses' hoofs drowned his voice. At length he reached the village, and lodged his prisoners in the county prison. It was subsequently discovered that these men, whose names were .lohn and Robert Smith, were brothers, from near Philadelphia, that they had robbed and murdered a Mr. Boyd, a collector of taxes in Chester co., and, when taken, were on their M^ay to join the British. As they had been apprehended on suspicion merely of * Now Dr. Samuel Forman of Freehold, from whose lips the compilers had the nar- ration. 44 346 MONMOUTH COUNTY. being refugees, no definite charge could then be brought against them. A few dajs after, Sheriff Forman saw an advertisement in a Pennsylvania paper, describing them, with the facts above- mentioned, and a reward of $20,000 {continental money) ofiered for their apprehension. He, accompanied by his son, took them on there, where they v^^ere tried and executed. On entering Phila- delphia, young Tunis Avas carried through the streets in triumph upon the shoulders of the military. In the latter part of the war, this young man became very active, and was the peculiar favorite of Gen. David Forman. He died within the last ten years. Ancient Church near Englishtown. Gen. David Forman, above alluded to, was born near English- town, in this township. In the war, he was the most influential man in the county, commanded the Jersey troops at the battle of Germantown, and was high in the confidence of Washington. Afterward he was judge of the County Court, and a member of the Council of the State. His person was commanding, his address gentlemanly. Possessed of great fearlessness and energy, his name struck terror to the wood-robbers and tories, toward whom he exercised a vindictiveness, that only the severity of the times could justify. Wo to the guilty culprits who fell in his power ; without waiting for superfluous ceremony, the gallows was generally their fate. His complexion was dark and swarthy, and such was the terror he inspired among them, that he acquired the name of Black David, and sometimes Devil David, in contradistinction to David Forman the sherifl". Were it not for his exertions, the county would have suffered far more from its intestine enemies. He died about thirty years since. Near the batlle-field of Monmouth stands the first Presbyterian church of Freehold, erected in 1752. It is of wood, shingled, and painted white. It stands partially enveloped in a grove of forest trees, is surrounded by an old graveyard, and has an ancient and venerable appearance. It is on the site of a former one, and public MONMOUTH COUNTY. 847 worship has been held on this venerated place for about two cen- turies. On this spot, within the walls of the church, Whitefield, David Brainard, and the two Tennents, have labored and prayed. At the time of the battle, a person, while sitting on a grave-stone in the yard, was mortally wounded by a cannon-ball. He was carried into ihe church, and there died. His blood stained the floor, and remains plainly visible to the present day, a melancholy memento, in this house of God, of those dark and troublesome times. Col. Monckton, of the British grenadiers, killed at Monmouth, lies buried within six feet of the west end of the church. He was a gallant ollicer, and of splendid personal appearance. No monu- ment is there, but his name, rudely cut on the building, marks the spot. The Rev. William Tennent, remarkable for his piety, and devo- tedness to the Christian cause, was, for a long period, the pastor of this church. He came from Ireland in 1718 with his father, the Rev. William Tennent, and was educated under his tuition, at the Log College on the banks of the Neshaminey. Being of a serious turn, he resolved to devote himself to the gospel ministry, and com- menced the study of divinity under the direction of his brother, the Rev. Gilbert Tennent, pastor of the church at New Brunswick. While there, he was thrown into a remarkable trance, and remained apparently dead for a number of days. The following account is from a Lii'e of Mr. Tennent, ascribed to Elias Boudinot, LL.D., and first published in the Evangelical Intelligencer, a work printed in Philadelphia:* After a regular course of study in theologry, Mr. Tennent was preparing for his exami- nation by the Presbytery as a candidate for the jjosj)el ministry. His intense application aflectcd his health, and brought on a pain in his breast and a slight hectic. He soon be- came emaciated, and at length was like a living skeleton. His life was now threatened. He was attended by a phj-sician, a young man who was attached to him by the strictest and warmest friendship. He grew worse and worse, till little iiope of Jiis life was left. In this situation his spirits failed him, and he began to entertain doubts of his final hap- piness. He was conversing one morning with liis brother, in Latin, on the state of his soul, when he fainted and died away. After the usual time, he was laid out on a board, according to the common practice of the country, and the neighborhood were invited to attend his funeral on the next day. In the evening, his physician and friend returned from a ride in the country, and was aftticted beyond measure at the news of liis death. He could not be persuaded that it was certain ; and, on being told that one of the per- sons who had assisted in laying out the body thought he had observed a little tremor of the flesh under the arm, althougb the body was cold and stifF, he endeavored to ascertain the fact. He first put his own hand into warm water, tf) make it as sensible as possible, and then felt under the arm, and at the heart, and atlirnieJ that he felt an unusual Warmth, tiiough no one else could. He had the body restored to a warm bed, and in- sisted that the people who had been invited to tlie funeral should be requested not to at- tend. To this the brother objected, as absurd, — the eyes being sunk, the lips discolored, and the whole body cold and stiff. However, the doctor finally prevailed, and all j)n)ba. ble means were used to discover .symptoms of returning life ; but the third day arrived, and no hopes were entertained of success but by the doctor, who never left him night nor ' * The evidence establishing the truth of this trance, is undoubted. Another letter was written by the Rev. Mr. Woodhull (the successor of the Rev. Wm. Tennent) to Mr. Boudinot, in wbieh he gives the account of the trance, as related to him by Mr. Tennent himself. This letter, which we have seen, is now in the possession of Professor Dod, of Princeton. — Compilers His. Coll. of N. J. 348 MONMOUTH COUNTY. day. The people were again invited, and assembled to attend the funeral. The doctor still objected, and at last confined his request for delay to one hour, then to half an hour, and finally to a quarter of an hour. He had discovered that the tongue was much swol- len, and threatened to crack : he was endeavoring to soften it by some emollient oint- ment put upon it with a feather, when the brother came in, about the expiration of the last period, and, mistaking what the doctor was doing for an attempt to feed him, mani- fested some resentment, and in a spirited tone said, " It is shameful to be feeding a life- less corpse," — and insisted, with earnestness, that the funeral should immediately pro- ceed. At this critical and important moment, the body, to the great alarm and astonish- ment of all present, opened its eyes, gave a dreadful groan, and sank again into apparent death. This put an end to all thoughts of burying him, and every effort was again cm- ployed in hopes of bringing about a speedy resuscitation. In about an hour the eyea again opened, a heavy groan proceeded from the body, and again all appearance of ani. mation vanislied. In another hour, life seemed to return with more power, and a com- plete revival took place, to the great joy of the family and friends, and to the no small astonishment and conviction of very many who had been ridiculing the idea of restoring to life a dead body. Mr. Tennent continued in so weak and low a state for six weeks, that great doubts were entertained of his final recovery. However, after that period he recovered much faster ; but it was about 12 months before he was completely restored. Alter he was able to walk the room, and to take notice of what passed around him, on a Sunday af- ternoon, his sister, who had stayed from church to attend him, was reading in the Bible, when he took notice of it, and asked her what siie had in her hand. She answered that she was reading the Bible. He replied, " What is the Bible ? I know not what you mean." This affected the sister so much, that she burst into tears, and informed him that he was once well acquainted with it. On her reporting this to the brother when he returned, Mr. Tennent was found, upon examination, to be totally ignorant of every transaction of his life previous to his sickness. He could not read a single word, neither did he seem to have an idea of what it meant. As soon as he became capable of atten- tion, he was taught to read and write, as children are usually taught, and afterward be- gan to learn the Latin language under the tuition of his brother. One day as he was re- citing a lesson in (yornelius Nepos, he suddenly started, clapped his hand to his head, as if something had hurt him, and made a pause. His brother asking him what was the matter, he said that he felt a sudden shock in his head, and it now seemed to him as if he had read that book before. By degrees his recollection was restored, and he could speak the Latin as fluently as before his sickness. His memory so completely revived, that he gained a perfect knowledge of the past transactions of his life, as if no difficulty had previously occurred. This event, at the time, made a considerable noise, and af- forded not onl)' matter of serious contcmi)lation to the devout Christian, especiallj' when connected with what follows in this narration, but furnished a subject of deep investiga- tion and learned inquiry to the real philosopher and curious anatomist. The writer of these memoirs was greatly interested by these uncommon events, and, on a favorable occasion, earnestly pressed Mr. Tennent for a minute account of what his views and apprehensions were while he lay in this extraordinary state of suspended ani- mation. He discovered great reluctance to enter into any explanation of his perceptions and feelings at this time ; but being importunately urged to do it, he at length consented, and proceeded with a solemnity not to be described : "While I was conversing with my brother," said he, "on the state of my soul, and the fears I had entertained for my future wellare, I found myself, in an instant, in another state of existence, under the direction of a superior Being, who ordered me to follow him. I was accordingly wafted along, I know not how, till I beheld at a distance an ineffable glory, the impression of which on my mind it is impossible to eonnnunicate to mortal man. I immediately reflected on my happy change, and thought — Well, blessed be God ! I am safe at last, notwithstanding all my fears. I saw an innumerable host of happy beings, surrounding the inexpressible glory, in acts of adoration and joyous worship ; but I did not see any bodily sliape or representation in the glorious appearance. I heard things unutterable. I heard their songs and hallclujalis, of thanksgiving and praise, with un- speakable rapture. I felt joy unutterable and full of glory. I then applied to my con- ductor, and requested leave to join the ha])))y throng, — on which he tapped me on the shoulder, and said, ' You must return to the earth.' This seemed like a sword through my heart In an instant I recollect to have seen my brother standing before me dis- puting with the doctor. The 3 days during which I had appeared lifeless, seemed to me not more than 10 or 20 minutes. The idea of returning to this world of sorrow and MONMOUTH COUNTY. 349 trouble gave mc such a shock, that I fainted repeatedly." He added, " Such was tlic effect upon my mind of what I had seen and heard, that, if it be possible for a human being to live entirely above the world and the things of it, for some time afterward I was that person. The ravishing sounds of the songs and hallelujahs that I heard, and the very words that were uttered, were not out of my ears, when awake, for at least 3 years. All the kingdoms of the earth were in my sight as nothing and vanity ; and so great were my ideas of heavenly glory, that nothing which did not in some measure relate to it could command my serious attention." It is not surprising that, after so affecting an account, strong solicitude should have been felt for further information as to the words, or at least the subjects of praise and adoration, which Mr. Tennent had heard. But when he was requested to communicate these, he gave a decided negative, adding, " You will know them, with many other par- ticulars, hereafter ; as you will find the whole among my papers," — (alluding to his in- tention of leaving the writer hereof his executor,) — which precluded any further solici- tation."* The writer of the Life of Mr. Tennent, having requested of the Rev. Dr. William M. Tennent a written account of an anecdote relative to his uncle which he had once heard him repeat verbally, received in reply the following letter : Ahinglon, Jan. 11, 1806. Sir — The anecdote of my venerable relative, the Rev. Wm. Tennent, of Freehold, which you wished me to send you, is as follows : During the great revival of religion which took place under the ministry of Mr. White, field, and others distinguished for their piety and zeal at that period, Mr. Tennent was laboriously active, and nmch engaged to help forward the work, — in the performance of which he met with strong and powerful temptations. The following is related as re- ceived, in substance, from his own lips, and may be considered as extraordinary and sin- gularly striking : On the evening preceding public worship, which was to be attended the next day, he selected a subject lor the discourse which was to be delivered, and made some progress in his preparations. In the morning he resumed the same subject, with an intention to extend his thoughts further on it, but was presently assaulted with a temptation that the ■ Bible, which he then held in hand, was not of Divine authority, but the invention of man. He instantly endeavored to repel the temptation by prayer, but his endeavors proved un- availing. The temptation continued, and fastened upon him with greater strength, as the time advanced for pubhc service. lie lost all the thoughts which he had on his sub- ject the preceding evening. He tried other subjects, but could get nothing for the peo- ple. The whole book of God, under that distressing state of mind, was a sealed book to him ; and, to add to his affliction, he was, to use his own words, "shut up in prayer." A cloud, dark as that of Egypt, oppressed his mind. Thus agonized in spirit, he proceeded to tlie church, where he found a large congrega- tion assembled, and waiting to hear the word ; and then it was, he observed, that he was more deeply distressed than ever, and especially for the dishonor which he feared would fall upon religion, through him, that day. He resolved, however, to attempt the service. He introduced it by singing a psalm, during which time his agitations were increased in the highest degree. When the moment for prayer commenced, he arose, as one in the most perilous and painful situation, and, with arms extended to heaven, began with this outcry, " Lord, have mercy upon me I" Upon the utterance of this petition, he was heard : the thick cloud instantly broke away, and an unspeakably joyful light shone in upon his soul, so that his spirit seemed to be caught up to the heavens, and he felt as though he saw God, as Moses did on the Mount, face to face, and was carried forth to him, with an enlargement greater than he had ever before experienced, and on every page of the scriptures saw his divinity inscribed in brightest colors. The result was a deep * It was so ordered, in the course of divine Providence, that the writer was sorely dis- appointed in his expectation of obtaining the papers here alluded to. Such, however, was the will of Heaven I Mr. Tcnnent's death hapjjcncd during the revolutionary war, when the enemy separated the writer from him, so as to render it impracticable to attend liim on a dying bed ; and before it was possible to get to his house, alter his death, (the writer being with the American army at Valley Forge,) his son came from Charleston and took his mother, and his father's j)apers and property, and returned to Carolina. About ijO miles from Charleston, the son was suddenly taken sick, and died among en- tire strangers ; and never since, though the writer was left executor to the son, could any trace of the father's papers be discovered by him. 350 MONMOUTH COUNTY. solemnity on the face of the whole congregation ; and the house, at the end of the prayer, was a Bochim. He gave thcin the subject of his evening meditations, whicli was brought to his full remembrance, with an overflowing abundance of ether weighty and solemn matter. The Lord blessed the discourse, so that it proved the happy means of the conversion of about 30 persons. This day he spoke of, ever afterward, as his har- vest-day. William M. Tennent. Mr. Tennent was buried under the centre aisle of the church represented in the engraving. On a tablet beside the pulpit is the following inscription to his memory : Sacred to the memory of the Rev. WiUiam Tennent, pastor of the first Presbyterian church in Freehold, who departed this life the 8th of March, 1777, aged 71 years and 9 months. He was pastor of said church 43 years and 6 months, faithful and beloved. Sacred to the memory of the Rev. John Woodhull, D. D., who died Nov. 22d, 1894, aged 80 years. An able, faithful, and beloved minister of Jesus Christ. He preached tlie gospel 56 years. He was settled first in Leacock in Pennsylvania, and in 1779 re- moved to this congregation, which he served as pastor, with great diligence and success, for 45 years. Eminent as an instructor of youth, zealous for the glory of God, fervent and active in the discharge of all public and private duties, the labors of a long life have ended in a large reward. Englishtown lies near the line of Middlesex co., 5 miles NE. of Freehold. It is a village of nearly the same size, containing about 40 dwellings and a Methodist church. HOWELL. Howell was taken from Shrewsbury in 1801. It is about 14 miles long, 1 1 wide, and is bounded N. by Shrewsbury, E. by the Atlantic Ocean, S. by Dover, and W. by Freehold. The western portion is fertile, the central partially covered with pines, and abounding in marl of an excellent quality : on the seashore are some fine farms. The surface is generally level, excepting in the N. part, where there is a range of highlands called the Hommony Hills. The township contains 16 stores, 10 grist-m., 8 saw-m., 4 furnaces; cap. in manufac. $4,000; 15 schools, 475 scholars, pop. 4,099. Blue Balls is a thickly settled neighborhood in the NW. part of the township, 3 miles S. of Freehold, where there are about 25 dwellings, a Methodist and a Presbyterian church. Upper Squan- kum, near the Hommony Hills, contains a Methodist, church and about 15 dwellings. Lower Squankum in the S. part is a settle- ment about the same size as the above. Squan, a village on the seashore, contains 2 stores, a neat church, and about 30 dwellings. Several coasters sail irom here with wood and charcoal. This vicinity is much visited in the summer months for sea-bathing, and there are several boarding-houses for the accommodation of visitors. At the Howell Furnace, near the central part of the township, where iron has been extensively manufactured, there are about 50 dwellings, principally occupied by the workmen, and an Episcopal church. Burrsville, on the vS. boundary, has 20 or 30 dwellings. New Bargain is a small settlement near Lower Squankum. MONMOUTH COUNTY. 351 The following account of an incursion of the British into this township in the American revolution, is contained in a published letter, dated Kildare, Monmouth co., April 9, 1778. " About 135 of the enemy landed on Sunday last about 10 o'clock on the south side of Squan inlet, burnt all the salt-works, broke tlie kettles, &,c., stripped the beds, &,c., of some people there, who I fear wished to serve them ; then crossed tlie river, and burnt all except Dirrick Longstreets : after this mischief they embarked. The next day they landed at Shark river, and set fire to two salt-works, when they observed fifteen horse- men heave in sight, which occasioned them to retreat with great precipitation : indeed, tliey jumped in their flat-bottomed boats with such precipitation they sunk two of them." THE PINE ROBBERS. Superadded to the other horrors of the revolutionary war in this region, the pines were infested with numerous robbers, who had caves burrowed in the sides of sand-hills, near the margin of swamps in the most secluded situations, which were covered with brush so as to be undiscernible. At dead of night these miscre- ants would sally forth from their dens to plunder, burn, and murder. The inhabitants, in constant terror, were obliged for safety to carry their muskets with them into the fields, and even to the house of worship. At length so numerous and audacious had they become, that the state government offered large rewards for their destruc- tion, and they were hunted and shot like wild beasts, until the close of the war, when they were almost entirely extirpated. Among the most notorious of these villains were Fenton, Fagan, Burke, alias Emmons, Williams, De Bow, and West. Fenton was originally a blacksmith, and learned his trade at Freehold. On one occasion he robbed a tailor's shop in that township. Word was sent him that if he did not restore the clothing within a week, he should be hunted and shot. Intimidated by the threat, he returned the property, accompanied by the following fiendish note — I have returned your d d rags. In a short time I am coming to burn your bams and houses, and roast you all like a pack of kittens. In August, 1770, this villain at the head of his gang attacked at midnight the dwelling of Mr. Thomas Farr, in the vicinity of Im- laystown. The family, consisting of Mr. Farr and wife, both aged persons, and their daughter, barricaded the door with logs of wood. The assailants first attempted to beat in the door with rails, but being unsuccessful, fired through a volley of balls, one of which broke the leg of Mr. Farr ; then forcing an entrance at the back door, they murdered his wife, and dispatched him as he lay helpless on the floor. His daughter though badly wounded escaped, and the gang, fearing she Avould alarm the neighborhood, precipitately fled without waiting to plunder. After perpetrating many enormities, Fenton was shot about two miles below the Blue Balls in this township, under the following circumstances. Fenton and Burke beat and robbed a young man named Van Mater of his meal as he was going to mill. lie escaped, and conveyed the information to Lee's Legion, then at the court- 352 MONMOUTH COUNTY. house. A party started off in a wagon in pursuit, consisting of the sergeant, Van Mater, and two soldiers. The soldiers lay on the bottom of the wagon, concealed under the straw, while the sergeant, disguised as a countryman, sat with Van Mater on the seat. To increase the deception, two or three empty barrels were put in the wagon. On passing a low groggery in the pines, Fenton came out with pistol in hand, and comimanded them to stop. Addressing Van Mater, he said : — " You d d rascal ! I gave you such a whipping I thought you would not dare show your head ;" then changing the subject, inquired, " Where are you going ?" " To the salt-works," was the reply. " Have you any brandy /" rejoined the robber. " Yes ! will you have some ?" A bottle was given him ; he put his foot on the hub of the wagon, and was in the act of drinking, when the sergeant touched the foot of one of the soldiers, who arose and shot him through the head. His brains were scattered over the side of the wagon. Burke, then in the woods, hearing the report, and supposing it a signal from his companion, discharged his rifle in answer. The party went in pursuit, but he escaped. Carelessly throwing the body into the wagon, they drove back furiously to the courthouse, where, on their arrival, they jerked out the corpse by the heels as though it had been that of some wild animal, with the ferocious exclama- tion, " Here is a cordial for your tories and wood-robbers /" Jonathan West, another of this lawless crew, in an affray with some of the inhabitants, was wounded and taken prisoner to the courthouse. His arm being horribly mangled was amputated. He soon after escaped to the pines, and became more desperate than before. He used the stump of his arm to hold his gun. Some time later he was again pursued, and on refusing to surrender was shot. Fagan, also a monster in wickedness, was killed in Shrewsbury by a party of militia under Major Benjamin Dennis. The account here given of the circumstances leading to his death is from Mrs. Amelia Coryel, a daughter of Mr. Dennis, now living (January, 1843) at Philadelphia, and who, as will be seen in the narration, narrowly escaped death from the ruffians. On one Monday in the autumn of 1778, Fagan, Burke, and Smith came to the dwelling of Major Dennis, on the south side of Manas- quan river, four miles below what is now the Howell Mills, to rob it of some plunder captured from a British vessel. Fagan had formerly been a near neighbor. Smith, an honest citizen, who had joined the other two, the most notorious robbers of their time, for the purpose of betraying them, prevailed upon them to remain in their lurking-place while he entered the house to ascertrun if the way was clear. On entering he apprized Mrs, Dennis of her dan- ger. Her daughter Amelia, (now Mrs. Coryel,) a girl of fourteen, hid a pocket-book containing 880 in a bedtick, and with her little brother hastily retreated to a swamp near. She had scarcely left, MONMOUTH COUNTY. 353 when they entered, searched the house and the bed, but without success. After threatening jNIrs. Dennis, and ascertaining she was unwil- ling to give inlbrmation where the treasure was concealed, one of them proposed murdering her. " No /" replied his comrade, " let the (I d rebel b h live /" The counsel of the first prevailed. They took her to a young cedar-tree, and suspended her to it by the neck with a bedcord. In her struggles she got free and escaped.* Amelia, observing them from her hiding-place, just then descried .lohn Holmes approaching in her lather's wagon over a rise of ground two hundred yards distant, and ran toward him. The robbers fired at her ; the ball whistled over her head, and buried itself in an oak. Holmes abandoned the wagon and escaped to the woods. They then plundered the wagon and went off. The next day, Maj. Dennis removed his family to Shrewsbury, under the protection of the guard. Smith stole from his compan- ions, and informed Dennis they were coming the next evening to more thoroughly search his dwelling, and proposed that he and his comrades should be waylaid at a place agreed upon. On Wednes- day evening the major, with a party of militia, lay in ambush at the appointed spot. After a while. Smith drove by in a wagon in- tended ibr the plunder, and Fagan and Burke came behind on foot. At a given signal from Smith, which was something said to the horses, the militia fired and the robbers disappeared. On Saturday, some hunters, in a groggery, made a bet that Fagan was killed. Search was made, and his body found and buried. On Sunday, the event becoming known, the people assembled, disinterred the re- mains, and after heaping indignities upon it, enveloped it in a tarred cloth and suspended it in chains, witli iron bands around it, from a large chestnut-tree about a mile from the courthouse, on the road to Colt's neck. There hung the corpse in mid-air, rocked to and fro by the winds, a horrible warning to his comrades, and a terror to travellers, until the birds of prey picked the flesh from its bones and the skeleton fell piecemeal to the ground. Tradition affirms that the skull was afterward placed against the tree, with a pipe in its mouth, in derision. MIDDLETOWN. This township was incorporated in 1798. Its greatest length is 1.5 m., breadth 10 m. It is bounded N. by Uaritan and Sandy Hook bays, E. by the Atlantic ocean and Shrewsbury, S. by Shrewsbury, * This lady on another occasion came near being killed by a party of Hessians, who ( iitcred her dwelling, and, after rudely accosting her, knocked her down with their mus- kets, and left her for dead. In the July succeeding the death of Fa