ass Book i i .1 :ted id Drawing of Book-mark used by tin.- late Professor John Frits Frazer Three and one-sixtli times, linear measurement, the size of the engraving on the die. DEDICATED TO ALL DESCENDANTS OF THE SUBJECT OF THIS MEMOIR WHO HAVE EMULATED THE HIGH CONCEPTIONS OF DUTY AND CONDUCT ILLUSTRATED BY HIS LIFE Mary Worrau. Taylor Frazer 1). April S, 1745, d. Nov. 19, 1830. From ,i silhouette made when she was about seventy-five years of age. GENERAL PERSIFOR FRAZER \ A MEMOIR COMPILED PRINCIPALLY PROM HIS OWN PAPERS BY HIS GRKAT-GRANDSON PERSIFOR FRAZER Docleur es-Sciences Nalurelles (Univ. de France) Correspondent der k. k. grol. Reichsanstalt cu IFiVn. PHILADELPHIA 1907 G" A PREFACE An obstacle to preparing family memoirs with any completeness ari from tin- circumstance that they arc rarely attempted while the writer is young, because then he neither lias time for such work, nor realises its importance. Before he reaches the age when this service to his predecessors will present itself to him as a duty, his elder relatives, who link him to the lives he would portray, pass away one by one without arousing in him a suspicion of the danger of losing all con- temporary testimony. Finally, when he is ready, and looks over the held. doubts which might have been settled by these relatives arise on every hand. "If I had only known in time!" he vainly exclaims. Another misfortune results from the indifference of many of our sturdy early American settlers to preserving their correspondence, and a disincli- nation amounting to repugnance to having their pictures taken. There ex- ists, so far as 1 know, no portrait of the original Persifor of Glass- lough, Ireland, nor of his son John the original immigrant, nor of Gen eral Frazer. There would have been none of the latter's wife hut for the deft art of cutting out silhouettes, and for Mrs Mary Worrall Frazer's curiosity to see it done, when, an old lady of about seventy-five, she visited the Chinese Museum in Philadelphia. The head of this profile (see frontispiece) is not as satisfactory as a very ordinary portrait or crayon sketch would have been, hut 1 am thank- ful to have even this. The present collection of papers, relevant and irrelevant, makes no pre- tence to consideration as a biography. It was undertaken from a suise of duty to the subject, to preserve the records of the gradually disintegrating papers so that some one in the future, by their aid, might write a biography of General Frazer which would he worthy oi him. So far as I could, I have presented the papers without a touch of the editorial pen except in a few comments. Spelling and punc- tuation in these documents, whether by the editor's ancestors or by those who wrote to them, have been kept inviolate. This volume is the successor to "Persifor Frazer's Descendants I*' which treated principally of the original immigrant John Frazer, the father of the subject of .the present memoir. A summary or digest of the principal events in the life of General Frazer here follows. 1 735' 1 775 He was born August 9-10. 1735. In his 16th year (1751) he was probably acting as clerk in his Father's office. In his 29th year (1764) his Father died, July 5. In his 30th year he signed the non-importation resolutions of the mer- chants of Phila. (1765). In the same year his Mother died, Sept. 7. He was married to Mary Worrall Taylor in his 31st year, Oct. 2. 1766. He was chosen a member of the committee of Chester Co. to carry out the resolutions of Congress Dec. 20. 1774. In this year he was also elected a delegate to the Provincial Council better known as the Committee of Safety. He was appointed one of a committee of seven to draft a petition to the General Assembly for the manumission of slaves. — January 25, 1775. i77» He received from Congress his commission as Captain of Co. A 4th Pennsylvania Battalion, Jan. 5. 1776. After raising his company it rendezvoused at Chester in March. He left Camp with Dr Kennedy for Long Island, Thursday May 16; arrived in New York Saturday morning May 18; and crossed over to Long Island "3/4 mile distant from New York", Sunday morning May 19. From May 19 to June 29 he was serving in, or commanding detach- ments which scoured the island to arrest tories; and preparing for the expected attack by the British. With his command he started by boat for Albany Saturday June 29, and arrived there Tuesday July 2. He set out for Lake George Thursday July 4. and arrived on Sunday July 7, marching sixty of the seventy miles on foot. At first his command camped about 3 miles from Ticonderoga, but very shortly after removed to a point just under the walls of the fort. During his service at Ticon- deroga occurred the skirmish at Three Rivers, reconnoitring expeditions in August, during which Brig. Gen. Gordon was killed, and the repulse of a reconnoisance by the enemy in boats. Major Hausegger hav- ing been appointed Colonel of a German regiment, Capt. Frazer was appointed Major by Gen. Gates in Hausegger's place in September. The engagement at Crown Point took place Saturday Oct. 12. and on Sunday Oct. 13. the 6th Pa. Battalion left Crown Point and arrived at Ticonder- oga. Monday Oct. 28. fourteen flat boats of armed men of the enemy came in sight but soon retreated. The Americans retreated from Crown Point Saturday Nov. 2. Tuesday Dec. 4. Col. Frazer was sent by Gen. ii Wayne to Philadelphia with despatches for Congress, which he duly de- livered. *777 From his arrival in Philadelphia 111 the middle of December 177(1 till Tuesday \pril [5. 1777. and somewhat later, he was engaged in re- cruiting duty. May 6 he was in command at Chester, Pa. Saturday June 7. lie armed at Mount Pleasant (near Bound llrook N. J.). Monday June jj with Wayne's division oi 500 Riflemen the enemy was pursued from hill to hill and finally driven completely back near New Brunswick. Saturday July 5 lie was ai Morristown X. | ; Friday July [8, at the Cloves, < (range County X. V. : Tuesday July 29. at Howell's Ferry (now Stockton 3 miles from Lambertville ; then called Coryell's Ferry X. J.); Wednesday Aug. 13. at the i'r.»> roads Bucks Co. Penna. (now called 1 lartsville 1 ; Thursday and Friday Aug. _>i & 22 at Graeme Park, Horsham township. Montgomery county, Pa.;Thurs- day September 4. in camp near Wilmington, Del. Between this date and the next paper in his (now my) collection the battle of Brandywine had been fought (Thursday Sept. 11.) and lost. & Major Frazer had been captured (Tuesday Sept. (6. 1 by the British troops while on scouting duty in Aston township Chester (now Delaware) County Penna. Sunday Sept. 28. he signed his parole in Germantown. Tuesday Oct. 7. lie was closely confined in the State House. Thursday Oct. 9. he sent a letter by his wife to Washington which had an important consequence in causing the latter to re-open negotiations with Gen. Howe which ulti- mately were successful in renewing the cartel for the exchange of prison- ers, and in effecting the release of Gen. (.'has. Lee on whose account ex- changes had been abruptly stopped for nearly a year: 1. e. since Gen Howe, upon Lee's capture at Basking Ridge Dec. 13. 177''. had refused to exchange him on the ground that he was a deserter 1 sec page [68. 1 \t the end of December he was removed to the "New 1 ioal." 1 S.E. comer of 6th & Walnut Street Philadelphia). 2778. About Tuesday Jan. 20. 177S he was allowed to occupy lodgings in the city. Friday Feb. 28. he was sent with others to the Golden Swan inn which was guarded like a jail. Monday March 17. (St. Patrick's day) he escaped and made his way to the headquarters of Washington to whom he recounted the circumstances of his escape, and was im- mediately returned to duty as Lt. Col., frequently in command of the 5th Penna. Regt. owing to the numerous absences of Col Johnston from ill health. Sunday June 28. 1 77S ("a day ever to he reniem- ber'd by Americans") he did honorable service at the battle of Mon- mouth, commanding his regiment and, according to family tradition, dur- ing part of the action, the brigade. Tuesday June 30. with his command iii lie was at Englishtown Monmouth Co. X. J. ; Thursday July 23 at Green- wich Conn. On Sunday July 26. the army was encamped at White J 'lams and remained there until Monday October 2. 1778. the approxi- mate date of the presentation of his resignation from the army, which was accepted Friday Oct. <). by the Commander in Chief. i/79 Thursday |uly 15, Congress appointed him Cloathier General, which office he respectfully declined. August, September, and October, some historians of the Revolution have reported him with Sullivan's expedition. This will be discussed be- low. Friday October 15. 1770. General Joseph Reed President of the Su- preme Executive Council of the State tendered him the office of Adjutant General of Pennsylvania which he also declined. 1780 Monday April 1. 1780, he was appointed, by the Supreme Execu- tive Council of Pennsylvania, Commissioner of Purchases for Chester County, which office he held for a short time — (see address of letter. top of page 301 ) — but subsequently resigned. 1781 March 22. 1781, he was appointed Treasurer of Chester County. Oct. 15. 1 78 1, he was elected from Chester Co. to the General Assem- bly of Pennsylvania. 1782 Saturday May 25. 17S2, the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania appointed him a Brigadier General of the State of Pennsylvania. October 12. 1782, he was re-elected from Chester Co. to the General Assembly of Pennsylvania. 178.S Saturday April 25. 1785. He set out with Col John Bayard and ( ol. ( leorge Smith, by order of the Assembly, as one of a commission to investigate the dissensions in the Wyoming region caused by the conflict- ing claims of Connecticut and Pennsylvania to the territory. 1786 Wednesday March 1. 1786, David Rittenhouse, Treasurer of the State of Pennsylvania, appointed him an inspector of the paper then being manufactured for the Commonwealth's use by "Mr. Wilcocks." Friday June 16. 1786, the Supreme Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania appointed him one of the Justices of the County Court of Common Pleas u'ur seven years). Saturday April 8. 1786, he was appointed Register of Wills and Re- corder and held these offices till liis deatli un Tuesday April 24. 1792. The Sullivan Campaign. In the journal of the Military Expedition of General Sullivan against the Indians in the Wyoming valley in the summer of ijjy), published officially by Frederick Cook Secretary of State of New York, Auburn X. V. 1887, there is on page 315 a Roster of the ( >fficers of the expedi- tion, in which, immediately after the names of the Major General Com- manding, his Aides de Camp, and Col. Cornelius Sheriff, Deputy Quarter Master General, occurs the name of "Lt. Col. Persifor Frazer Deputy Commissary General." It is a coincidence that from June 8 to October 1770 there have been found no documents hearing Col. Frazer's signature, though he was ap- pointed by Congress "Cloathier General" July 15, ami Win. Henry writes him to come to breakfast in Philadelphia the day before. He may have been absent when these communications arrived; or may haw acknowledged and replied to the appointment much later, though the suggestion below is more likely. In Col Frazer's letter to his wife (Fredericksburg Oct. ->. 1778) he says "I cannot leave the army whilst there is a probability of Action — but I am of the opinion we shall have little or no fighting this Fall." This opinion was justified by events, and the campaign of [778 & 1779 in the north were little more than desultory skirmishes, with the excep- tion of the brilliant storming and capture of Stony Point by < ren Wayne July 16. 1779. Gen Sullivan had probably met Col Frazer during the Ticonderoga campaign, at Brandywine, Monmouth, in the marches and countermarches in Xew Jersey, and at White Plains. Col Frazer had left the army in the belief that there would be no more battles, but that the British would be gradually starved out of Manhattan Island & Rhode Island (the only two places they still retained ) ; and it is inherently prob- able that when he heard of the splendid achievement of his friend and commander he would offer his services to Gen Sullivan as the shortest road to active service, and that Gen. Sullivan would gladly offer him the post of Deputy Commissary General for the Wyoming Campaign. The fact that the command was cut off from all communication with its base from the time it entered the hostile zone of the Susquehanna valley until it emerged at Easton October 17, would account for the absence of any communication from Col Frazer. On the other hand I have been unable to find a tradition of any kind indicating Col. Frazer's participation in this expedition; or any souvenir, or note of his relating to it. The sketch of his memorial to Congress declining its appointment of "Cloathier General" is without date, but iii all probability was received by Congress within a week of his appoint- ment mi July 15, since James Wilkinson was appointed July 24. 1779. In [894 I wmte tn Mr Charles P. Greenough, who is an eminent authority on the Sullivan campaign, and received from that gen- tleman the following note in answer to one of mine inquiring the author- ity for the entry of Col Frazer's name in the above Roster. Charles P. Greenough 39 Court Street Counsellor at Law Rooms 22 and 23 Boston, January 31st 1894. "Dear Sir Your favor of Dec. 30, * * * reached me a day or two ago. 1 have been looking over the various documents from which I prepared the roster of Sullivan's Expedition & find in its earlier stages that the name of your ancestor was not mentioned, & I also find no memoranda showing why or when it was added to the list. My impression is that the Rev. Mr Craft the writer of the Waterloo memoir added a number of names to my list & that Lt Col. Frazer's name was one of them. 1 am sorry that I can not give von any information on the subject, but I think you had better write to Mr Craft whose address I do not know hut it can he ascertained at the Sec'y of State's office N. Y. or from the Waterloo Hist. Soc. at Waterloo N. Y. Very truly Charles P. Greenough" In answer to a letter written by me to the Rev. Mr. Craft I received the subjoined reply. Angelica, N. Y. December 17. 1906. "Dear Sir: — In the preparation of the book of the Sullivan Expedi- tion Hon. C. P. Greenough of Boston undertook to furnish the roster of officers connected with that Expedition and gives the name of Lt. Col. Persifor Frazier as Dep. com. General. — see page 315 The name of an officer of so much importance I have no doubt is cor- rectly given. I borrowed the printed copy of Gen. Sullivan's "Order Hook" where as I remember is a roster of the officers of his staff — these are frequently mentioned in Orders. As you are in Phila. you will probably find the book in the Penn/a Historical Society rooms, as well as the Sullivan Expedition in which are all the diaries extant of that Ex- pedition where are incidentally mentioned the names of many officers. I am very sincerely yours David Craft" The Historical Society of Pennsylvania does not possess Gen. Sulli- van's Order Book, nor is there any mention of Col Frazer's name in any vi papers of the Sullivan expedition in Col. Hubley's < >rderly book, nor in any other document which it possesses, nor in the Orderly Book by an other great-grand father of mine, Major John Eiollinshead, who served through the campaign in the 3d X. J. Regt. : though, n> be sure, he men- tions the General Officers, the Dep. Com. included, only by their titles. ( )n January _'_'. [907 I again wrote to VIr Greenough, informing him of the substance of the letter just quoted and repeating my request "t thirteen years ago for information. In a reply dated Boston Jan. 23. 1907 he regrets his inability to search for the data owing to his immediate departure for an absence of >ix weeks, but adds "1 can only snv now that I had the authority "I some- body who was presumed to know for putting lien. Frazer's name on the list".— Dr J. VV. Jordan the librarian of the Historical Society of Pennsyl- vania to whose kindness I owe many valuable notes, has examined the Orderly hook of the German Regiment while at Wyoming, and Tioga, the Society's Wayne MSS from May to Aug. [779 1 which would not be likely to contain any allusion to Sullivan's staff), and the Hand MS in which is a letter from R. L. 1 loopes introducing Alexander Steel "Issuing Commissary General." But this latter fad is not inconsistent with the appointment of a "Deputy Commissary General" late in July to accom- pany the expedition while the Commissary General remained at the base of supplies. In fact it is just the kind of office which would have been available for a General about to take field to offer a friend who sought active service. So that the uncertainty is not relieved. This then is the present very unsatisfactory state of the question as to Gen. Frazer's participation in the Sullivan expedition of the Summer and Fall of 1779. I am entirely unable with my present light to decide it. I cannot believe that such careful historians as Messrs Greenough, Craft and Cook could be led into the error of placing on the pages of a carefully prepared official memoir the name of an American Officer with his rank, titles, and unusual first name, correctly given, unless then- authority were indisputable. The fact that Col Frazer was then out of the army prevents the solution of the problem by recourse to the official army orders, though his services might have been accepted by Gen. Sullivan; and the news of the storming of Stony Point would have been most likely to stimulate him to volunteer, lie always speaks of Gen Sullivan in his letters with implied admiration and it is likely that the two men understood and respected each other. Again the absence of writings by Gen Frazer (but not to him) from July 1770 is extended over a longer time than at any other period of his history since 1765. It is true we have no account from his pen of the battle of Brandywine as we have of the battle of Monmouth, but that is certainly because he was in the neighbourhood of his own home during the battle and for the few days which clasped before he was captured. Neverthe vii less we have quite a number of letters preserved both from and especially to him at this time and subsequently including the entire period of his captivity. From June 8. 1779 there is not a line in my possession from Gen Frazer to which a date can be ascribed before Aug. II. 1780, al- though several undated and unsigned rough drafts of documents which I have printed must have been written in the Fall & Winter of 1779. This is to a certain degree confirmatory of his absence. The objection to accepting it as satisfactory proof is extremely strong though entirely negative. It is the absence of the faintest suggestion in any letter or conversation or tradition of the family that Gen. Frazer served in the Sullivan campaign against the Indians. In view of the fact that his wife and daughters and friends piously sought to preserve every detail of his life and deeds, and that no word of such an episode has come down, seems to me a very strong reason for not accepting it as a fact without further proof. It would be the grossest injustice to a record so honorable were his editor to permit anything to appear, about the accuracy of which there could exist the slightest doubt or suspicion. Consequently I have excluded the story from the memoir, but I have not felt justified in excluding it, with the above sufficient explanation, from the preface. Prejudice against New Englanders. In reading over the following pages while they were passing through the press I was much interested to note in parts of the correspondence during 1776 repeated allusions to the distrust of the New England people and troops on the part of the inhabitants of Chester County. A very slight search was needed to show that this feeling pervaded not only all Pennsylvania but the Southern Colonies as well. It is not unusual in large countries where the means of intercourse are restricted, to find sec- tional prejudices, but in this case the cause is clearly indicated in the correspondence just mentioned, and as I had not before seen so important a matter alluded to in the histories of the Colonies I submitted the facts to Professor J. B. McMaster whose note will be found below. As I interpret it, this unfortunate dislike and lack of confidence was largely due to the greater impatience of the New England people to throw off their allegiance to Great Britain, and the predominating in- fluence in Congress which enabled them to force the hand of their col- leagues before the latter were entirely ready to declare their independ- ence. Not that the other Colonists were less willing than their brethren of the North to assert their rights, and to pledge their lives their for- tunes and their sacred honor on the outcome, but the provocations with them had not been so acute, and time was needed to teach the people as viii Franklin put it, that if they did not hang together they would hang sep- arately. The impatience to declare and achieve independence led the New Englanders to override the other Colonies in Congress; this led t<> the suspicion that they were seeking the dictatorship of the new political union in case of the success of the American arms, a misapprehension which was heightened by the employment of New England troops to guard Congress during its deliberations.* The feeling of distrust ap- pears in several places in tin- correspondence. Captain Frazer on his arrival at Long Island in May 1 77<» first met the Xew England Troops, who did not reach the high standard he had ascribed to them in his imagination. This disappointment was deepened two months later when he met considerable numbers of them at Ticon- deroga. It is evident from his comments that he always kept in view the popu- lar anxiety lest they subjugate the other Colonies, for he says in a letter to his wife Aug. 6 1776 "you may inform all your acquaintance not to he afraid that they will ever conquer the other Provinces (which you know was much talked of)" * * * His wife writes to him at Ticonderoga from their home in Chester County Aug. 2J. 1776 * * * "the people seem middling well re- conciled to independency, hut very much fear the heavy taxes which are to come upon us, but above all they fear the New Englanders should the Americans gain the day" * * * His sister Anne writing to him at about the same time says * * * "I am sorry the Yankees merit no better character than you give them, and Mr Jones harbours no better opinion of them than von do. I would not for the world that it was known amongst our lories here. There would be no living among them" * * * 1 am indebted to Prof. John Bach McMaster for the following note "The sectional jealousy displayed in Congress and out is touched on in a general way by most historians of the Revolution, but no such specific statements as you cite are made by them. "Benjamin Harrison says the Yankees ruled as absolutely in Con- gress "as the Grand Turk in his Dominions (Oberholtzer. Robert Morris p. t,~). "The Force of their arms" says Rutledge, "I hold exceedingly cheap, but 1 confess 1 dread their overruling influence in Council. I dread their low cunning * * *". (Joy, cor- respondence & Public Papers Vol I, p 6" 1". (*Dr. J. \V. Jordan cites an original manuscript of John Etwein from the archives of the town of Bethlehem in which he says he has been informed that during one or ■more sessions of Congress at Philadelphia in 1775. ii was protected by a regiment of New England Troops.) ix It has been my aim to make the index as full as possible. An index is a necessity to any book of serious purpose to enable one to find what he wants with the least loss of time, but it is a more than ordinarily needed appendage to a book of the desultory character of this one; yet in my desire to place within easy reach whatever may be of interest to one who consults it I may have only slightly mitigated the difficulty of find- ing a fact by the very redundancy of the index; in which case I ask the pardon of the reader, acquittal of the suspicion of overestimating the value of the memoir, and plead good intention to extenuate the fault. Basing my plan for the index on the assumption that names of people, even without facts associated with them, are of prime importance in genealogical works, because the presence of a name, even in the vaguest connection in one memoir, may throw much light on a part of the history of the person for whom the name stands in some other; 1 have tried to note in the index by page-numbers every occurrence of every name in the body of the text with the exceptions of the subject of the memoir, his family, and the subjects of "remember me to," &c. when such persons have been elsewhere mentioned. A large number of the common nouns in the text are also indicated by page in the index when they have more than usual interest, and finally the subjects treated have been noted there so far as this was practicable. Altogether there are 3582 references for the |o6 pages, which makes an average of nearly nine per page. The \v< irk has been carried on in the midst of a press of professional work, and largely owing to this fact many of the shorter documents, and many notes explaining or amplifying the text, were made after it was in type, and therefore too late to add citation marks. Con- sequently it has been necessary to put these documents and notes into an appendix with the numbers of the pages on which these reference notes should have added. A good reader will always consult the table of errata and make the changes in the text in accordance with it before reading a book — ( provided it is his own ), but before attempting to read this book I request the reader to mark pages 14, 16, 17, 39, 41, 42, 45, 58, 64, 70, 148, 151, 152, 157, 162, 171, 175, 181, 182, 184. 185, 189, 191, 192, 193, 213, 238, 355, and 371, as having explanatory or supplementary notes in the Appendix. Explanation of Marks Used in the Text. As in Volume I, letters following an inclined line (/) in an abbreviated word were written above the line in the original. Small type (eight point) printed above the line indicates writing which in the original has been stricken out but remains legible. The same type on the line, is used for editorial comment to distinguish it from the text. Errata. I 'age 14. 8th line from the foot. For "Jannuary" read "January." ■e 18, 1st line. For "June 4. 1763" read "June 4. 1762." Page 33. 17th line. For "A< il'F.CKHEEK" read "AGUECHEEK." Page jo. paragraph 4. For "July 5, 1770" read "July 25. 1770." 2d line. For "Dan — " read "Dav/d." Page 63, 3d paragraph, 3d line. For "green" read "Green." Page 71. 3d and nth lines. For "Frances" read "Francis." Page 100, heading of letter to Morton. For "about July 25" read "July 31." The two lines should be transposed. Page 130, y\ line of letter of Nov. 16. For "Evenings" read "evening." Page [51, 1st line. For "Wednesday" read "Tuesday." Page 151, date of second letter. For "Thursday" read "Wednesday." Page [52, above date of Utter Aug. 21. For "Friday" read "Thursday." Page [52, above date of letter Aug 22. For "Saturday" read "Friday." Page 153. above date of letter Aug 29. Add the word "Friday." Page 153. above date of letter Sept. 4. For "Friday" read "Thursday." Page 154. above date of letter Sept. 5. For "Saturday" read "Friday." Page 171, 4th line. For "30th" read "3d." Page 172, 8th line from bottom. For "Md." read "Va." Page 188, strike out line above letter at foot of page. Page 206, 1st line. For "July 21. 1779" read "July 21. 1776." Page 207, 2d line. For "Intelligiable" read "Intelligable." Page 209, 6th line. For "hunble" read "humble." Page 224, 4th line from foot. For "Bonde" read "Boude." Page 334. 3d and 4th lines transposed. Page 342, 5th paragraph. For "July 28. 1788" read "July 29. 1788." Page 345, ^\ line. For "Lws" read "Laws." Page 378, 2d line from bottom. For "W. II. Graham" read "H. H. Graham." xi CONTENTS Preface i Contents xii Chapter I (1736 to 1776) 3 Chapter II (The year 1776) 78 Chapter III (The year 1777) 137 Chapter IV (The year 1778) 175 Chapter V (Military papers and correspondence) 201 Chapter VI (1779 to 1792, inclusive) 291 Appendix (Supplementary documents and notes) 373 Genealogical tables 407 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 1 . Coat of Arms Fly leaf 2. Mrs. Mary Worrall Frazer Frontispiece 3. Commission as Captain 78 4. Two enlistment papers (privates) 80 5. Enlistment paper of George Warren 138 6. General Orders of General Schuyler 138 7. General view east from the Frazer house, Thornbury, ( 1893) . . 155 8. South angle of the Frazer house, Thornbury, ( 1893) 157 9. North angle with the site of the former garden, (1893) 158 10. East side of the Frazer house, Thornbury, ( 1893 ) J ^° 11. Kitchen of the Frazer house, Thornbury, ( 1893) 162 12. Washington's letter to Lt. Col. Frazer 172 13. Lord Stirling's pass to Mrs. Frazer 173 14. Commission as Lieutenant Colonel 174 xii 15- Note by W. H. Ferguson, Commissioner of prisoners 178 [6& 17. Lt. Col. Frazer's account of his escape from prison 180 18. Acceptance of liis resignation on the back of his commission as Lieutenant ( > >1< »nel 200 tg Map of Ticonderoga, possibly by Gen. Wayne 217 jo. Parole signed by Lieutenant Colonel Frazer 234 21. Part of a letter of Elias Boudinot to him 246 22. Orders signed b) Baron de Kalb 253 j$. Letter of General Anthony Wayne 263 24. Commission as Brigadier General of Militia jjj 25. Arms formerly belonging to General Frazer 283 26. Epaulette formerly belonging to General Frazer 286 2/ & 28. Military Chest of General Frazer 2^7 29. Appointment by David Rittenhouse 329 30. Commission as Justice of the 1 'eace 33 1 31. Snuff Box of Sally daughter of General frazer \o6 Xlll CHAPTER I The period from 1736 to 1776 Persifor Frazer was horn in the night between the <)th and ioth of August 1736 in the farm house in Newtown township Chester County Pennsylvania which his Father had acquired shortly after reaching Philadelphia from Ireland in the previous year on Sept. 28th. It is probable that his mother may not have been equal to the cares im- posed upon her in taking charge of a farm house in a new country at that period of her life; but whatever was the reason, her husband re- moved his residence permanently to Philadelphia shortly after the birth of his first child. 1 here are likely to be records in existence which will throw light on the early education of Persifor, but as yet none have been found among the lists of scholars at the schools of that time in Penn's city. There is apparently good reason to believe, however, from the char- acter of his various writings both as to matter, composition, and chi- rograph)', and from the testimony of those who knew him which has come down to us, that the boy was carefully taught and trained. .Among his other accomplishments, less common then than now, was an acquaintance with the French language: but whether this was acquired in his school days or later is conjectural. At the time of his military service when he was in middle life, he owned a small library of French books (1777). \t the close of his school years and probably early in his life he and his next younger brother Robert were associated with their Father in commerce with the West Indies, and with ports of the Southern American Colonies. In [763 the brigantine Ranger, bought in St Eustatius on a/c of the firm by Robert who went on her as mas- ter, sailed for Charleston, South Carolina, with a consignment of rum and salt, but was never again heard from. The correspondents of the Frazers in Charleston were Torrans, Rang and Co. ; and in the West Indies, Samuel Osborne of the Barba- does. The character of some of the transactions in this trade may be guessed from a short note addressed to "Mr Plumsted," endorsed on the back "For Benjamin Lightfoot Phila" which will be found further on. 3 Before beginning the actual history as shown by the existing family papers, the Editor permits himself a slight digression to record in their proper chronological sequence certain facts relating to two per- sons afterwards connected by marriage with General Frazer, the sub- ject of this volume. The Frazer and Taylor families became so closely associated through his marriage with Mary Worrall Taylor in 1766 that the fol- lowing minute of the Concord Meeting which relates to her uncle, and was adopted when her future husband was only seven years of age, may be pardoned, if only to partially fill a period of which no authentic in- formation is at hand concerning the iron master, soldier, and justice. Mary Worrall Taylor's Father was an iron master and land owner. His Father was Dr John Taylor a physician and surveyor (See the Harris Ancestry p. 40 by Jos. S. Harris). Her Mother's Mother was Sarah Goodwin, daughter of Thomas Goodwin, who emigrated from England in 1708. Sarah Goodwin Taylor like her Father was a Quaker preacher. She died in Cork while on a mission of mercy to a district of Ireland scourged by small pox, having taken the disease. The minute relates to her uncle, Isaac Taylor the son of John Tay- lor and Mary Worrilow (Baker); who married Helena Stephenson in 1743, and died (it is to be hoped not on account of the meeting's censure) in 1745. (From the original paper in possession of Dr. I. W. Riley) 5/thday of 7/ber 1743 At a monthly Meeting held at Concord Meeting house the 5/th day of 7/ber 1743— Whereas Isaac Taylor having been brought up amongst us the People called Quakers but for want of a due regard to the rules Established amongst us and was Married out of the way ap- proved and alowed of by ff/rds, and useing some words and Cus- toms that is Contrary to the rules Established among us as puting of his hat and bowing by way of Complyment and Saying you to a Sengle person and pleading for Such practices he being Several times friendly Treated with in order to bring him to Sence of his Error but Could not be proveld upon to make Sat- isfaction he not appearing at our Last Meeting but informed us by writing that he could not give us any other — Satisfaction that what was Contained in a paper formerly given which this meet- ing Cannot take for Satisfaction — Therefore this meeting thinks it necessary to Testifie against him and do declare the s/d Isaac Taylor to be no member (in unity) of our relegious Society untill he from a Sencc of His Error do make an Acknowledgment that shall be to the Satisfaion of this meeting which we desire he may — Signed in and on behalf of our Said Meeting by Assembly Jeremiah Starr 778 James Gibbons 769 Tho Chandler 760 Jos Harvey 736 Sam/1 Sevy 736 67 | Jos Pennock 571 Geo Ashbridge 505 Francis Yarnall 313 She Jno Owen 549 Nathan Wos 384 Cor Thos Morgan 469 Jno Hauly 294 Corny Jacob Havel 7 1 1 Ass. Thos Hughes 605 Joshua Pusey 362 Aubrey Roberts 364 Sam/1 Bunting 317 Jos Mendenhall 316 Thos Pennell 280 Endorsed A Testament ag/t one who shall Leave the Meeting. The following is the Will of Gen Frazer's mother-in-law, Sarah Wor- rell. (1750) In the name of God Amen. The Twenty Eaigt day of the ninth Month anno. Dom, one thousand seven hundred & fifty, I Sarah Worrall of Fdgemont Township in the County of Chester in the Province of Pennsylvania Being weak in Body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to almighty God and Calling to Remembrance the uncertain Estate of this transitory Life and that it is appointed to all Women once to Dye whenever it shall please God to call do make Constitute ordain and declare this my Last Will & Testament in manner and form following - — Revoking and disanulling by these Presents all and every Testament & Testaments Will and Wills — Heretofore by me made & declared either by Word — or Writing and this only to be taken for my last Will & Testament, & none other, and First I give & Commit my soul unto almighty God in whom 1 Trust & belcive assuredly to be Saved and to possess and Inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and I give my Body to the Ground to be buried in a decent manner & at such as it shall please my Executor hereafter named to appoint and now for the setling of my Temporal Estate (and) And such Goods Chattels and Debts wherewith it hath pleased al- mighty God to bless me & to bestow upon me I do order give and dispose of the same in manner and form following that is to say, Imprimis I will that all my just Debts and funeral Charges be well & truly Contented & Paid as soon as may be Within Convenient time after my Decease by my Executor hereafter Named. Item I give & bequeath to my Daughter Eliz/th Salkield the sum of five shillings Current money of Pennsylvania to be Paid by my Excd out of my P sonal Estate to be paid in one year after my Decease if Required. Item I give & devise to my well beloved Son John Worrall the sum of five shillings Current money of Pennsylvania to be paid by my Kxcd out of my P sonal Estate to. be Paid in one year after my Decease if Required. Item I give & devise to my well beloved Daughter Sarah Taylor the sum of nine Pounds p. ann to be Paid yearly by my Excd. and I do Lave her one Bed & Bedstead and arm Chare and three of the Silver Spuns two of the Ne7C> IVons and one o;dd that she i«sed and a Warm Pan and Part of my Waring apparell With my Linnen Cot What is hereafter menshona* and the Lede Bras milking Pan, and the Letle \\ T ach (and) And the Big Looking Glass and my Bridle and Saddle and half of my Cack Linnin. Item I give & bequeath to my Granddaughter Mary Taylor my ChestcroVos and my baby Spim, and my tea Spuns and Tea- table and all its furni/or Belonging to it and the Nagor fillis and Hwr Children after her mother Dease then all mz when first his son (Mrs Frazer's Father), and later Persifor Frazcr carried them on. In 1756 the Sarum works had three stacks and was in full blast. Almost from the time of the erection of the slitting mill the output was nails as well as nail rods, and an agent of the works visiting Eng- land at that time informed the Liverpool merchants that he could pur- chase nails at Taylor's mill more cheaply than from them. This was 11 one of the facts that led to the passage in 1750 of an Act of Parlia- ment forbidding the erection of such works in the American colonies. When Persifor Frazer left it for the army in Jan. 1776 his wife carried on the management in addition to that of the "plantation" on which they lived. (Iron in all Ages. Jas. M. Swank. Phila. 1884.) FRAGMENTS OF MEMORANDA AND ACCOUNTS. "Sir: I have sent you by Robt. moulder two Tuns of bar Iron, be pleased to shipp it for Boston, and let the return be made in oil. Loaf Sugar, and Rum, or Such other goods as you may think most suitable if those can't be had. in this you will extreamly oblige your Assured fr/d and very Hble Servt tb tb April 11. 1751 To Mr Plumsted number of Bars 162. The person to whom the letter is addressed is not mentioned in the above paper, but it is probable that Persifor (then in his fifteenth year) was employed in the shipping firm which carried on the trade, and the letter was either directed to him or given him to answer. Among his papers is a Deed of release of Jean Read to William Henry, from claims against the latter as the Father of her child, in consideration of the sum of Fifty Nine Pounds. Witnessed by Rob- ert and William Thompson May 13, 1755. (See Appendix I) Two of his commercial papers are printed below. The first is a bond, dated Oct. 4, 1760, between Jonathan Vaughan and Samuel Kennedy of Whitemarsh twp Chester Co. Province of Penna., and Dennis Whelen, indicating a partnership between them in which Den- nis Whelen probably supplied the capital, for the purchase and man- agement of Sarum Forge. The second is a contract dated Nov. 20. 1769 betweenjon/n Vaughan and George Pearce requiring the latter to cut upon his plantation in Thornbury Chester Co. Penna. Four hundred cords of good wood suitable for making charcoal @ 2/6 per cord. A note of Levi Trump of Phila. to Edw. Milner of Whitemarsh Chester Co. for £58 and dated March 13. 1761 is receipted for by Edw. Milner Oct. 3. 1761 by the payment of £59. to Persifor Frazer. There is also a promissory note of Bryan Connelly to Persifor Frazer dated Jan 15. 1762 for £37, 10 s. witnessed by David McMur- trie and Samuel Mills. In his 25th year therefore Persifor was a man of varied affairs. 12 Below will be found a letter to him from Samuel Osborne the firm's correspondent in the Barbadoes dated Jan 23. 1762 implies by its tone that he was the active member of the firm. It is confidential and intimate and contains interesting glimpses of the progress of the British arms in the Antilles during that year. Know all men by these presents that we Jonathan Vaughan of Uwchlan Township & Samuel Kennedy of Whiteland Township both of the County of Chester & Province of Pennsylvania are Held & firmly bound unto Dennis Whelen of the Township of Uwchlan aforesaid in the full & Just sum of One Thousand pounds Lawfull Money of this Province to be paid unto the Said Dennis Whelen or to his Certain Attorney Heirs Executors Adminis- trators or assigns for the which payment well & truly to be Made & Done we Do Hereby Jointly & Severally bind our Selves ( >ur & Every of our Heirs Executors & Administ/rs firmly by these presents Sealed with our Seals & Dated the Fourth Day of Octo- ber in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty The Condition of the above obligation is Such that if the above bounden Jonathan Vaughan & Samuel Kennedy their Heirs Ex- ecutors & Administ/rs & Every of them Shall & Do well & truly observe, perforin, fulfill, accomplish, pay. Do & keep all & Singu- lar the Covenants Clauses Conditions payments articles Restric- tions and agreements which on the part & behalf of the Said Jonathan Vaughan & Samuel Kennedy or Either of them their or Either of their Heirs Executors or Administrators are or ought to be observed, performed, fulfilled, accomplished, paid. Done or kept, Mentioned & Comprised in Certain articles of Partnership bearing Even Date with These presents & Made Between the Said Jonathan Vaughan Samuel Kennedy & Dennis Whelen then the above obligation to be Void & of None Effect or Else to Stand & Remain in full force & Virtue in Law Sealed & Delivered In the presence of us Rob/t Grace Henry Lewis Myrick Davies Endorsed Jon/a Vaughan Sam Kennedy Bond performance Jon /a Vaughan D /r Kennedy To Dennis Whelen ■3 Memorandom of Agreement made and concluded upon this Twentyth Day of Novem/r: Anno: Domini 1760 Between Jonathan Vaughan at Serum forge of the One Part and George Pearce of the Township of Thornbury and County of Chester of the Other part Witnesseth that the said George Pearce for and In consideration of the Covenants and agreements herein after mentioned Doth promise and Oblige him- self his Heirs or Administ/r: To Cut uppon his own plantation in Thornbury Four Hundred Cords of good marchantable wood suitable for Coaling; And to have the said quantity of Four Hundred Cords of wood Corded and Ready to be Delivered up to the said Jonathan Vaughan or any person appointed by him On the first Day of April Next Ensuing the date hereof and to alow free priveledge of Coaling and Carring Away the Coales of said wood In Consideration of the above Agreements the said Jonathan Vaughan Doth promise and Oblige himself his heirs or assigns to pay or Cause to be paid unto the said George Pearce or his order the sum of Two shill/s. : & six pence p Cord for Each merchantable Cord of wood as afforsaid abd that uppon the Delivery of the said quantity of wood It Is Likewise agreed that the said Jonathan Vaughan or some person Appointed by him shall Attend by said Pearce's Appointment Any Time On Or before the said first Day of April Next In Order to Re- ceive the said wood And for the True performance of all and singular the above Articles and agreements the said parties bind themselves Each To the Other In the sum of Fifty pounds Lawful money of Penn- sylvania In witness whare of they have enterchangably set their Hands & seals the day and year first above Written. Sealed & Delivered In presense of his James H Harris [Seal] mark- Endorsed George Pearce to Jonathan Vaughan for Cords of Wood D/r Peirce/ Barbados Januuary 23/d 1762 Your kind favour of y/e 30/th Novem/r is now before me ; your friendly services to my relations fill me with pleasure & Gratitude at the same time : am only sorry to think I shall not have it in my power to make you a proper recompence : in order that Doc/r Jackman would not be behind hand with you, I've given up of money in your hands belonging to Doc/r Parsons (who does not now intend for Philad/a) to him, as it is a dead time of y/e year and he had no 14 other convenient way of throwing Money into your hands at present — inclosed you have Doc r Parson's Letter being a Copy of one he has given to Doc/r Jackman ; he having made a mistake (he believes) in y/e other, by making y/e year 6l. instead of 62: my Ans/r I now will pay off by an Order, w/h my Mother has promised to give me on Cap/t Wilcocks, provided I can spare y e Time to pay her a Visit before this goes; but as I am employed in building a Still-house at present and y/e Crop nigh hand am fearfull I shall not be able to reach there be- fore Rooke sails, which is s/d to be early y/e Day after to morrow Doc/r Jackman has promised me to procure you as many Consign- ments from his friends as he can — my Endeavors shall not he want- ing — Cap/t Trump has entered into partnership with a Young Man, that served his time to Mr Eliott, y/e latter is gone down to Mar- tinique — as to what Mr. Owen (?) mentioned concerning y/e Houses belonging to my Mother 1 cannot say ought about it, as I've not yel mentioned it to her I congratulate you on your Brother's safe arrival, his loss is con- siderable; but a Sailor is never to be concerned or disheartened at Dame Fortune's sour looks, the Morrow may be fairer than y/e Day. T presume you'l expect something to be s/d concern/i y/e attempt now against Martinique, you must make y/e allowance in y/e first place that I live in y/e Country ; therefore out of y/e way of News and subject, if any, to have it twisted into many different forms &c by y/e Time it gets thus far from y/e Metropolis — but the following is from Cap/t Hening now on ye Expedition, dated y/e 12/th Inst. "I've "nothing to relate. The part of y/e Army I belong to has been hith- "erto inactive : but will not be so long forwe sail from hence to Morrow "to attempt our main Object. Most (?) (torn) of us have been em- ployed against y/e famous Pigeon Isl (torn) little way from hence "the success of which, we as yet don't know but it is esteemed very es- sential to y/e principal point now we have reports further that "on y/e 15th Inst, y/e Nottingha- — alied( ?) & about 4 more of y/e line "were ordered up to silence the Batteries on point Negroe they began "about 10 oClock and at 7 oClock in y/e Even/g they silenced y e last, "w/h was about one Mile in y/e Country — y/e ranger's were then "landed & about 10,000. Men. y/e former had not been on shore much "more than an hour, w/n they made a Circuit of about three Miles up "to y/e Enemies Entrenchments, within a Mile of Fort royal — of "which place it is s/d(?) there is some reason to think we are in pos- session of by this Time; how true all this is. is another part of speech " — not that I make y/e least doubt of its falling." Staves is here at £30 p M. I've no rum or would have shipt you some — M/r Hunts' paper will by y/e Time this reashes you be in y/e hands of y/e reve/d M/r Braithwaite & y e rev/d M/r Boucher y/e Money is made pay/1 to them — w/n they collect a sum, it shall be re- mitted, as soon as possible — Doc/r Scanlan has wrote word of his intending to move in y/e Country & has given six Months notice for y/e removal of y/e Boys ; I cannot certainly say whether there father intends continuing them in Philadelphia or not — if he does I believe that M/r Kenersly will be as proper a person as any — but of that you will be duly advised — pray remember me to all friends & when I have a better respite from my fatigue, which I natter myself will be after y/e ensuing Crops is finished : I'll make ample amends both to them and you — and with Sincerity D/r Peirce Your Arret : Friend & Obliged humb serv/t P. S. Sam/1 Osborne Please to send me two pounds of Garlick — July 17. 1762. A promissory note for £34 of John Johnson of Philadelphia to Persifor Frazer ditto dated July 17. 1762. witnessed by Thos. Dicas and John Weaver. Nov. 29. 1762. A promis. note for £94. 17. 4. of David M/c- Murtrie, Persifor Frazer, Jonathan Vaughan and John Chamberlain to Samuel Miles of Philadelphia Mercht dated Nov. 20. 1762. Witnessed by Caleb Foulke and John Wistar. A receipt for £^8(?). 5. 6. to Persifor Fraizer from John Vaughan. 1762 A statement "about the year 1762" unsigned (probably in the handwriting of Persifor Frazer) con- cerning the agreement of himself. Col. Asher Clayton, Capt. James Patterson, and David M/cMurtrie, to joint possession of certain lands on the Juniata: the loss of the articles of agreement and the conveyance of the title by a nephew of Col. Clayton and by Persifor Frazer to David M/cMurtrie the son. April 16. 1763 I promise to pay unto Thomas Wiggins or Order or to his Assigns the Sum of Six pounds Sixteen Shillings and Six pence Current Money of Pennsylvania on or Before y/e iS Day of 16 October Next Ensuing Being for Value Received to which pay- ment well and truely to be made I Do Bind my Self my heirs Ex- ecutors and administrators and Each of them in y/e penal Sum of 13 pounds 13 Shillings Like lawfull money aforesaid In Witness whereof I have heareunto Set my hand and Seal this 16 Day of apr/11 one Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Three. Witness present Samson Davis her Mary Jolly mark Richard Haslam Endorsed I Sine Over the Within Note to Persifor Frazer it being for Value Recv.d as witness my hand this 30 Day of Apr/11 1763. Tho/s Wiggins Entitled Thomas Wiggins x Samsom Davis Sampson Davis his Note sued to Nov/r 1764 The following letter illustrates the hazards of trade with the West Indies before the treaty of peace between France and England, signed at Paris in 1763, became operative there. In the first part of these memoirs (Persifor Frazer's Descendants I, pp. 52-)-) will be found the last letter of Robert Frazer to his family in Philadelphia, addressed to his brother Persifor and dated Jan. 5, 1763. He was lost with his vessel shortly afterwards, on a voyage to Charleston, S. C, but it could not have been on that commencing with his departure from St Eustatius Jan. 17. 1763 as testified to by Cor- nelius Lispier, John Harper & Matthias Lukens in the work cited above, because Wilcocks mentions in the following letter of June 4. 1764 that Robert Frazer sailed ten days before (i. e. May 25. 1763) from St. Christopher's and was captured and carried into St. Martin's (the islands of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico). St Eustatius or St Eustache is one of the Dutch West Indies 12 miles N. W. of St Christopher (or St Kitts). The capital is St Eustatius or Orange. 17 To Mr Persifor Fraizer. St. Christopher's. June 4. 1763 Sir: your Brother sailed from hence about 10 days past and was taken and carried into St. Martin's where He ransomed His Vessell and Cargo of £396. o o. The Charges on Bottomrying his Ves- sell Here would have been upwards of 20 c/t more So that we con- cluded to sell Her and Cargoe at St Eustatius if it was possible to get the liberty (From the Security at St Martins for Bringing Her to St Eustatius) some of my Friends and myself Wrote Very Strongly in His Favour and he is Now about 6 Days gone from hence I expect minutely to Hear from Him. With my complm/ts to your Father and Mother I am Sir Your rp/o. hum Serv/t M. Wilcocks Jun. Sir The occasion of my adding to what I Wrote you yesterday is to Ac- quaint you of my Having received a letter from your Brother desiring me to Forward a bill of Messrs Desmount to Halliday and Dunbar for £165 — which shall do this day. and he ordered me to credit Him for a bill He bot. of me the dra/t of Thos. Webb for £65 ster. which if He had given Himself time to recollect He would Have been con- vinced it could not be done, as He had endorsed 1. 3 and 4 payable to Halliday and Dunbar with a direction for me to Forward them by First opportunity and which I did the next day after He left this, By two letters of Marque Briggs Bound to Liverpool so that there is 3 Setts of exch/a now Forwarded For your Accts Amotg to £403. 7. 11. Inclosed is abstract of your Brothers acco/t Balance in my Fav/r Ex' For which Have drawn on you in Fav/r of Mr Luke Scanlan £ the remainder in Fav/r of Mr John Wilcocks and if your Brother thinks I am Intitled to any trifle on acco/t of some limes I had on Board as he ransomed, you'l please pay it to the latter Gentn. With complimt/s to your Brother who I expect will arrive with you as soon as This gets to Hand Ans Sir Your mo. Hum. Serv/t Jno Wilcocks junr N. B. the Bill is drawn in Favour of Miss Sarah Frank for £45., 17., 4 1/2. _ (Direction on the outside) To Mr Persifor Fraizer Mercht in Philadelphia 18 On the blank pages 2 and 19 inclusive of the almanac next to be transcribed, are desultory notes of probably two journeys by Persifor Frazer on horseback from Philadelphia which can be followed from "Buchanan's" (page 2) which is prob- ably Buchanan, Botetourt Co. Va. on the James River. Either the idea of entering notes of his itinerary in the little alma- nac did not occur to the traveler until he had completed the greater part of his journey to "Beezly" (Beasley's Hill N. C.(?)) or else the notes were made on some other paper and have been lost. It is not possible to locate precisely all the stopping places on his route, but the general line is very manifest, and was through Lancaster, Wrightsville ; York Pa; Frederick, Md; Harper's Ferry, Winchester, Middletown, Staunton, Buchanan, Peaks of Otter, Bedford City (Bed- ford Co), Joyceville (Mecklenburg Co): thence across the Roanoke River and the Va.-N. C. State line to various plantations unmarked on the present maps, to "Major Beezly" probably at or near Beasley's Hill Johnson Co. N. C. ; which appears to have been his destination. Bearing in mind that at the epoch of this journey the stops were made mainly at the plantations of private gentlemen, when not in towns, it is interesting to note how many of these land owners gave their names to settlements which in some cases afterwards grew to be towns of considerable importance. Thus Buchanan's is Buchanan, Major Beezly is Beasley's Hill ; Mabon's (Mebane), Stephenson's (Stephenson, Frederick Co. Va.), Thomas Joyce, (Joyceville) on the Mayho River (Mayo River Va.) The return journey was from Beezly's (Beaslev's Hill) (Johnston Co. N.C.) to Orange (Orange Co. N.C.). Halifax C.H. Halifax Co. Va. (The text would seem to indicate Halifax in N. C. because Houston and not Halifax is the County Seat and place of holding court of Hali- fax Co. Va. but on the other hand Halifax Va. is directly on the line between Orange and Bedford C. H. and Halifax C. H. N. C. is fifty miles or more to the Eastward). Next Bedford C. H. (Va), the Peaks of Otter, Luney's Ferry (?) James River, (probably Buchanan where a deflection must be made along the line of the Blue Ridge though it is not mentioned) Staunton, Stephenson, Va. The next recognizable entry is York Pa, whence another journey is followed to Beasley's N. C. and back again through York and the Chester to Philadelphia. The length of the journey was about 475 miles each way or 1900 miles for the entire distance ridden. 19 THE UNIVERSAL AMERICAN ALMANAC, Or. YEARLY Astronomical, Historical, and Geographical MAGAZINE. Fitted to the Latitude of 40 Degrees and a Meridian of near five Hours West from LONDON ; but may, without sensible Error, serve ALL THE NORTHERN PROVINCES. For the Year of our Lord 1763 ; And from the Creation according to prophane History, 5712 But by the Eastern and Greek Christians, 7 2 7 l By the Jews, the Hebrews, and the Rabbics, 55 2 3 And by the Account of HOLY SCRIPTURE, 5772 Being the 3/d after Bissextile, or Leap Year. CONTAINING (More in Quantity, and Greater Variety, than any Almanac of the Kind and Price, ever published heretofore.) The Motions of the Sun and Moon ; the true Places and Aspects of the Planets; the Rising and Setting of the Sun; and the Rising, Setting, and Southing of the Moon. CONTAINING ALSO, The Lunations, Conjunctions, Eclipses, Judgment of the Weather, Rising and Setting of the Planets, Length of Days, Fairs, Courts, Roads, Tables of Coin, Interests, Expences, Chronology, Distance of Places, etc, etc. Together with History, Poetry, useful Observations, solid Maxims, sound Instructions, entertaining Remarks, etc. AND, A Table for Buying and Selling of Goods, — Table of Interest suited to the Jersies, — Names of Postmasters, — Rates for Postage of Letters in America, establish 'd by Queen ANNE, and continued to and in the present Reign of His Majesty GEORGE III. By Andrczv Aguecheek, Philom. PHILADELPHIA: Printed by and for Andrew Steuart, at the Bible-in-Heart, in Second-Street, near Black-Horse Alley. Blank page 2. (written in ink and pencil) Rec/d from Jn/o Moore. £ 7 . . 8 . Feb/y. 16/th 1763 20 IO . 2 . . 2 5.2 9 . 7 . . 6 9.7.6 Buchanans (Buchanan Botetourt Co. Va.,) 14 . . 8 Mount Bird 10 Miles From Jo/s Nealys to Ja/s Nealys 15 to Riston's (?) 30miies(?) to Smith River 27 to Harbours 24 to Joyces (Joyceville Mecklenburg Co. Va.(?) j to Peter King 25 to the Store 7 to Mendenhals 15 to Milligans 11 161 Major Beezly 7. I. Beezly 3. Cap/t Magees 15. to grave's 15. to Orange 25 Blank page 3. From Winchester to Funks 20 miles from thence to Millers 30 miles. from thence to Buchanans 30. from there to John Steensons 25. from thence to Stanton (Staunton. Va.) 20. at W/m Crows. Major Bezely lives at the other Side of the Pole Cat beyond the Hawfields Cross T enquire for him at Cap/t Thos, Laws. Luneys ferry on James River. Stanton is in Augusta County, enquire for Jn/o Nealy at M/r Crows in Stanton. Blank page 6, written in ink and pencil) W/m Lewis £ 15. . 11 . . — Sam/1 Cowey 5. . 16. . — 40 Pistols 54 . . . . — 2 Moy dores 4.. 7.. — 2 Guineas 3.. 7.. 6 1 1 Carolines 19 . . 10 . . 81 . . 4 . . 6 21 From Beezeley's to M/cGees i5miie B (v to Mabons (Mebanesville, Alamance Co. N. C.) 3° to Orange 10 to Squire Lees 30 to Col Terry's 20 to Halifax C House (Halifax Co. Va., perhaps Houston) 24 to Clements 30 to Bedford C House 18 to the Peaks of Otter 20 to Rich/d Reads near the Gap 19 to M/r Nealeys 9 to Luneys Ferry James River 15 to Paxtons in y/e forks to Bowyers (torn) Stanton (torn) Blank page 7, written in pencil and ink.) John Reed and Comp/y D/r To Cash w/th M/cMurtrie To Cash my dividen to pay Thomas 14 . To Cash at Surveyors Office for searches and drafts To ditto for a Copy of Surveys To ditto searches To ditto for draft of surveys To ditto p/d M/r Brogden To ditto for Examples (?) To Expences to Cush (?) 3 . To Cash to M/r Boy 1 . (torn) (for Virginia) 16 . (torn) for Horse 27 . (torn) Blank page 10 (written in ink and pencil) at Halls Middletown Hayes halfway house Ferriage Brand/w Modderrells Crawfords at M/r Gillespies 1 . 5 5 6 4 2 10 2 13 12 4 6 6 9 12(1 4 • 9 . 6 . 8 2 . . 6 3 • . 10 . 8 13 • , 10 7 • 18 . . 10 . 6 22 Mr. Reeds Horse 27 Ferriage Susquahanna Stephensons Finleys 1 1 1 Stephensons Archers 9 2 7 8 9 10 13 12 13 14 York York 2 for Saddle Bags. M/c Callisters . . York 5 • • 7 1 . . 1 1 15 • • . 10 . Swartz's Little Pipe Creek (Md.) Monocasin Ferriage Frederick Town . 9 . . 2 . • 75 9 • . 12 . . 7 . . 1 . . 9 9 929 79 1 — 1 . . 10 . . 1 Virginia Potomack Ferry M/r Masseys . . (pencil) Blank page II. Purcells Shanadore (Shenandoah) (ink) M/cCulloughs To a Clerk for drawing the Writings 1 To Beezeley 3 pistoles 3 12 3 4 3 3 6 3 3 6 Winchester (3 Guineas) 3 Taylor (i| pis/s) Washing (pencil) Strasburg Bowmans Funks Millers Towns Mount Birds Buchanans 18 . 5 • 3 • 1 . 3 • 9 • ■ 9 . ioi 6 3 6 23 Daniel Smith (ink) Cooks Creek Aliens Crows (in Stanton) at Steels Bowyers Paxtons Blank page 14, in ink) Pokes Luneys Ferry Stone House . , James Nealey's Jos. Ranfrovvs , (in pencil) Jones a Smith Jeremiah (Dutch man) on Smith River. Thomas Harbows on Carolina Line Thomas Joyce on Mayho River (Mayo). (in pencil) Peter King on haw River (in ink) £2 Blank page 15, in pencil and ink) Carolina Peter King haw River Store New garden Rich/d Mendenhall Mordecai Mendenhal (in ink) Isaac Beezley Haines To Major Beezly and Isaac Beezly 12 Pistoles Cap/t John Magee 1 . — • • 4 11.. — 12 . 12 3 7 1 1 2 12 4 1 2 5 7 2 6 4 4 3 6 3 4 6 3 3 6 1 6 24 Acknowledgement u ( iru\ es's I Ferry on Haw River Col: Maybens (Mebane) i . . 2 Childsburg for Certificates 1 Pistole 4 8 for Medicines and Expences 3 . . id . . 6 Jacksons (in pencil) 16.. — "Squire Lees on (pencil) Hico (ink) River (pencil). . . 6 . . 6. The Road to Dan (in ink) £10 Blank page 18 (pencil and ink) Virginia (in pencil) Col. Terry's on Dan River at Halifax Court House at Clements's and on the Road (in ink). . . at Clarks on Otter River Bedford C/t House for Gloves and mending our Cloaths at Rich/d Reeds t h e Peaks of Otter at Rich/d Reeds (in ink) For Horse Hire for m/r Reed 3 • • 7 • 6 14 . 8 ■ ■ 7 ■ — • • 5 ■ — ■ . 15 ■ — . . i<; . — . . 13 . 3 . . 10 . — ■ • 5 ■ 3 at M/r Nealy s 1 Luney s Ferry col: Buchanans. . . . adley Pauls Paxtons Jn/o Bowyers Steels Longs Mill shanadore (Shenandoah). M/r M/c Clanaghans . . I . 9 . . I . 6 2 — ■ • 5 • — '2 — . . I . 10 . '. 8 .' 7i 10 -5 7 6 Stanton (Staunton) 12 for a Hank and Physick 12 Barber 1 £12 . . 6 Blank page 19 (in ink and pencil.) Shanklands 2 Smiths I Buchanans 7 For shoeing the Horses etc 6 at Woodstock 5 at Funks 9 at Mill Stephensburg 4 Winchester for Certificates 10 for Medicines 4 • • 6 Expences 2.. 7 . . 6 5 . . 2 . . 6 on the road to Harpers Ferry 1 Old Halls 3 Ferry and on the Road 9 Frederick Town 1 . . 4 (in pencil) Pipe Creek 6 . . 4 Swartz's 1 . . 9 M/c Callisters 9 Wilsons 2 York 8 . . 2 (in ink) wrights Ferry (Wrightsville) 6 . . 6 Lancaster 14 Lemens 7 6 . . 1 . . 6 The Waggon S . . 6 Ship 9 . . 9 white Horse and Unicorn 7 Holtons and at the Ferry 7 26 Blank page 22. (in ink) 1763 May 23 Rec/d from M/r Jno. Lees Three Pounds and 4/d in full June 4/th Rec/d from Sam/1 Young £21 . . — June 6/th Rec/d from Sam/1 Finley on acc/t £13 Receiv/d from Myrick Davis in part of his Bond £25 May 1 8/th 1763 Paid M/r Hunt on Acc/t of M/r S : Osbornes order May 26/th £10 Rice from M/r Bartho/w Credit my 622 . . 69 Acc/t for the Am/t 571 69 1 193 138 138 in 9 . . 1 . @ 1055- 1008 • 19 14/ £6 . . 11 . . 10 "@ 14/ 47 June 9 Paid M/r Hunt, fifteen Pounds. Paid M/r Hunt in the whole £60 . Blank page 23. (in ink) June 3/d Paid at Jenkins in Co.w/th M/c murtrie, and Lewis Walker £ . . 4 for Paid » Lewis Walker for a three Gallons Rum, and Cag £ . . 17 . . 6 10 paid for Seeds to Dubre £ . . 9 . . 10 . 15 John Hook in Second Street near Ant. Morris's 1/2 Gro: Table Spoons £ 1 . . 1 . . — 18 Ja/s Wagstaffe 6 gro : Table Spoons £12 . . 18 . . — Paid Jn/o Jerman on account of Vaughan and Chamberlain last Winter £ 2 . . 18 . . — John Lees to Sundries £ i . . 6 . . 8 Blank page 26 (in ink and pencil) (in ink) Thomas Slos's Bond for £51 . . 16 . . Interest on ditto 5 years 17 . . 17 . . 4 1/2 and 9 M/o £69 . . 13: 4 1/2 Philip Baltzar Cresman 1759 (in pencil) Octo 12/th 1 doz: mens wors/d Hose 66/. 1 doz Snuff Boxes 9/. 1 doz Penknives 6/6. 1 packet pins 5/6 Aug/ 17/th (in ink) p/d M/r Hunt £ 3 . . — Thomas Curtis or W/m Morrison Sep/r 1761 £21 . . 14 . . 11 Jan/y 29/th 1762 1762 27 . . 7 . . 2 (in pencil) M/r Samuel Osborne D/r to Cash advanced at (in ink) Sundrie Times to M/r Isaac Hunt am/tg in the whole to £ 60 . . — . . — Blank page 27. (in ink) Sept/r i/st Paid my Ouoto of M/r Galloways Fee £ 5 . . 6 . . 8 p/d for writing Deeds . . 8 . . 2 p/d May iS/th my Ball/ce for sundrie Expences £ 10 . . 2 . . 2 Sep/r 6 Paid my Ouoto of a purchase of Reeds Part of land and other acc/ts to this Day £ 7 . . 5 . . 2I Blank page 30. (in ink) Sep/r 26/th this Day Drew an order on Samuel West, for £13. 14.7. payable i/st Dec/r next in favour of Thomas Browning, which is to be charg/d to Iron Works 28 Enquire of M/r Kinsey about a Judg/t Bond left in his Hands, by W/m Douglas ag/t Edward Wilson, whether he has got the .Money or not M/r Hall has Credit w/th M/r Harvey Lottery Money *59 • ■ 5 • • — (in pencil) Co/1 Clayton desires me to inform Cap/t Hambright that he Expects his Dirk Blank page 31. (in ink) Sep/r 8/th paid on Acc/t of Land in C/o with Asher Clayton £11 . . — . . — Jackmans Account in my Old long Ledger in Full M/r Harris has been advised to try Cold Water to be pourd on him In this manner Viz/t. s — P r He is to be strip'd and a person to pour Cold Water out of some Vessell Gently upon him. (Variation in the handwriting of this note from the preceding and following) Blank page 34, (in ink) Aug/t 10/th Iron Works D/r to my Expences and M/r M/c murtries to the Works, and mine to Baltimore £ 3 . . 19 . . 10 David M/c murtrie D to Cash lent him to go to Pokomoke £ 1 . . 2 . . 6 W/m Douglas D/r to Cash p/d by Expences going after his Lad £ . . 17 . . 8 Paid Samuel Miles the am/t of his Bond w/th Interest for Iron Works £98 . . 6 . . 2 September 5/th paid Isaac Jones on acc/t Iron Works £ 50 Sep/r 18/th paid M/r Vaughan on acc/t of Iron Works £11 . . 5 . . — on acc/t of Sam/1 Tribbetts 13 . . 14 . . 7 £24 . . 19 . . 7 Octo io/th i . . 1 6 To Expences with Flanagans down to the works a £ To Cash paid Flanagan his wages £ 3 . . 3 . . 4 Blank page 35, (in ink) Nov/r 1 1 To Cash paid Thomas Carpenter for 1 years rent of Store £ 18 . . — . . — Decem/r i/st To Leather, Butter and Cheese from M/r Harris £ 7 . . 6.. — Earthen Ware 4 . . 1 1 . . 6 Ballance of Mackrell 12 . . 1 doz Stockings 4. . — . . — 1 Cag Butt/r 19 lb a 12/d. Cag 2/6 2 . . 1 1 . . 6 paid porterage . . 2 . . 9 Cash to Hinds 1 . . — . . — ditto to George y/e Wheelwright . . 7 . . 6 £ 21 . . 19 . . 6 Paid W/m Carson in full for Britches £ 7 . • 4 • . — the above Charg/d to y/e Furnace John M. Callay D/r to Store for 25 3/4 y/ds Broad Cloath a 17/ £ Blank page 42, (in pencil and ink) John Smith who lives at M/r Ridgely's Works ab/t 10 miles from Baltimore. Daniel M/c Daniel w/th one Harding living on Hyea pass'd two Counterfeit Bills with Thomas Harbour one 20/. and the other 15/ — W/m Wilcox formerly a founder at Horvers Works enquir'd for by W/m Brooks here (in ink) Protest enter'd 14/th 1762. Schoon/r To buy some Geneva for M/r Elligood — 30 Blank page 43, (in ink and pencil) Lives this Side the Blue Ridge between Winchester and Patowmack, near one David Potts, who can inform — Enquire for the Widow of one Pitts, formerly a Silversmith her name Mary and now lives in York. Enquire for Armstrong and Crawford (in pencil) W/m Beasly. had a Brother nam/d George and another calld Major Beasly, living at Huwarry Creek ab/t 10 Miles beyond Pole Cat Horse Pasture 12 Miles from Smiths River from Thomas to Cramps on May 20 End of notes in almanac. Jan. 16. 1764. A promissory note of John Bugurt to John Chamberlain and Com at Sarum Forge for £28. . 3, , 6. payable on demand Witnesses Jas. Johnson, Daniel Young his mark | — | — |. Dec. 18. 1764. A promissory note dated Dec. 18, 1764 as follows I promise to pay to Persifor Frazer or to his order Ninety Pounds Eighteen Shillings, Currency of Penn- sylvania being for my Part of the Brig/t Ranger ami her Cargoe due to the Estate of Robert Frazer. Witness my hand this 18/th day of Decem/r 1764. Benj/n Davis Mch. 20. 1765. Received of Mr Persifor Frazer a Bill of Ex- change drawn by Trucof Duryee for £ 232 on Abra- ham Schemt (?) Esq dated 20/th March 1765 as wit- ness my hand Aug/t 1765, in New York. James Emott. Not. Pub. 31 Apl. 20. 1765. Excch/a for £400 Pensylven/a money Charleston S. Carolina 6th April 1765. Forty days after sight of this our first Exchange Pay Mr Persifor Frazer or Order Four Hundred Pound Pensylvenis money Value received and place the same to account as advised by Torrans Young ( ?) and Co. To Mr Thomas Wallace Account 20 Apr. 1765. Merch/t In Thos Wallace Philadelphia Aug. 27. 1765. from Persifor Frazer Forty Pounds, being part of Insurance Money recov'd in Carolina £40-0-0- Benj/n Davis Almanac of 1765 with Memoranda of Gen. Persifor Frazer (Written in ink, inside first cover) Chest p/r David Phillips Waggon in Uwchland to pay 2/. 84 . . 19 . . 5 (written in pencil) Rob/t Thomas Henry Vanderslice (Written in ink) Samuel Hall ob/t £22 . . 17 . . — at the Forge d - and expect to be paid by Jacob Thomas of Newtown he is remov'd p The Universal American ALMANACK, or yearly MAGAZINE. Fitted to the Latitude of 40 Degrees, and a Meridian of near five Hours West from LONDON; but may, without sensible Error, serve All the NORTHERN PROVINCES. For the Year of our Lord 1765 ; And from the Creation, according to Prophane History, 57 x 4 But by the Eastern and Greek Christians 7 2 7Z By the Jews, the Hebrews and the Rabbies 55 2 5 And by the Account of HOLY SCRIPTURE, 5773 Being the 1st after Bissextile, or Leap-Year. 32 CONTAINING (More in Quantity, and greater I 'ariety, than any ALMANACK of the Kind and Price, ever published heretofore.) The Motions of the Sun and Moon; true Places and Aspects of the Planets; the Rising and Setting of the Sun; and the Rising, Setting and Southing of the Moon; Lunations, Conjunctions, Eclipses, Judg- ment of the Weather, Rising and Setting of the Planets, Expences, Chronology, Rates of Stages, with many other useful Lists and Tables, not in any other American Almanack. Together with a very great Variety of Entertaining Pieces, amongst which are, Extracts from a new Work, entitled The Rule of Life. — A Jewish Tradi • tion concerning Moses. — The History of Santon Barsisa. — A Dialogue between an old drolling Gentleman with a Carbuncle Nose, and his merry Tallow fae'd Lady, two excellent Letters from Cicero to his Son Marcus. — A Cure for the Bite of a Viper. — For the Ague; etc. — With many other wise Sayings, witty Turns, sound Maxims, Etc. By ANDREW AGUECKHEEK, Philom. PHILADELPHIA: Printed by Andrew Steuart, at the Biblc-in-Heart, in Second-Street. ist page A cure for the bite of Vipers which recommends the gall bladder and fat of the same species rubbed on the bite, (perhaps a precursor of the scrum treat- ments of to day.) Blank page 2 Deep Creek Furnace D/r May 6/th 1765 paid W/m Jenkins on account of John Thomson £ 3 6 paid Cap/t Allen on account of the Schooner for Wages £24 paid for Clearing etc 4 p/d Jn/oFrazer for Goods for the Cap/t and Men 18 pair Shoes for Free paid for Bread 3 paid for 3 p/r Shoes @ 9/ for 3 Men 1 1 Tierce Rice 5 . . 3 . . 24 @ 13/ 3 paid porterage Mellas/s paid M /r M /cMurtrie on Ace /t of Molasses paid Wharfage 1 2 Days 1 paid for Candles 33 10 . !9 17 9 10 7 17 4 4 1 3 9 9 o 7 6 o 4 Blank page 3 May 14/th 1765 Furnace Acc/t D/r £ Paid to M r Vaughan at the Furnace in Cash paid at Turners £ 84 . . 19 June i 9t a p 1 Leather Breeches to D Lewis a Workman • 5 Sold June I5 «> July 4 6 Aug 1 15 Dec r 6 paid pilotage of Schooner - paid porterage Goods from C and N - paid White and Caldwell for 2 R" paper p d weig 20 Tons pigs ... p d Cap 1 Aliens wife - p d for a Hatt for M r Turpin paid Intrest due on Bond given to Daniel Clark and not before Charged paid for a Goose Can - . . 6 . . a hair sieve - - - . . 2 . . 1 Cask Butter 88 lb @ 8 d 2 . . 18 . . Cask . . 1 . . Blank page 12. Serim Forge D r May I st 1765 Paid Alex r Bensted for 1 hhd of Rum bo 1 by Mr. McMurtrie £ Expences to Forge and horse Hire June 4 paid White and Caldwell for a forge Hamer Aug' 6 26 27 p d for 12 lb Nails p d porterage of goods p d Expences to forge and horse hire Paid M r McMurtrie being money he rec d for me from M r Barr of Lancaster My Expences to Forge 13/. p d for Weighing Iron @ twice 3/8 p d Jn°. Morton for 36 Bush 9 of Indian Corn @ 3/3 £ p d M r Dickinson his fee 4 dollars and my Expences to Chester and back 8/3 £ 5 2 J 5 10 10 . . — 3 2 10 . 2 8. . 8 II . . 16. . — • 7 • • 9 6. . 1 . ■ 9 • . 1 . . 14. . 8 146 . . 13 5- • 17 1 . . 18 34 Blank page 13 Philad a i9 tb Octo r 1765 Forge Acc t8 Paid George Jenkins for a Flaxseed Cask had last Fall (Pencil) Sundrys p r Bill of Goods of my Fathers Estate For Essington's Freedoms 2^y d8 Cloath 26/ p d Corry for Breeches 35/ 10"' Jan y 1766 My Expences to Forge 6 papers Inkpowder paid Billy Massey Jn° Thomson a Jackett March 1 My Expences to Forge etc. (Blank page 16, written in ink) Samuel Hall D r to Forge 1764 Feb y 9 th To 1 Ton Iron Aug. 1 By Cash £ 4 . . 27 By ditto 4 . . 70 2 I £ *5 6 6 5 6 18 1 5 • • " 12 . . — 4 . .— 15 • • — 15 • • — 2 . . — 8 . . 1 . £ 16 . . 19. .— Serim Forge Mar. 10 th To p° W m Thomas his ace 1 at Forge £ D r 6. 10 . ._ April 30. Jn° Frazer 1 Cask Rice @ 14/. £ 5- 4. . • 3 • 1 . . 8 .y/2 1 Cask sold by my father to Latham (3) 14/. £ 5- • 3 • • 2 . IS . • 14 • 9 35 (Blank page 20, written in ink) May 3 d paid VV m Jenkins for a Hatt paid John Musser in full for my part of Beer and proceeds of his £ 2 . . 10 . . o 72 Aug. 17 Rece d from Barbram and Sennox in full of a Bill drawn on them 21 . . 16. • 4 paid W m Turner in full for 1 p s Damask bo 1 for Jn° Cuthbert 4 • . 10 . . paid M r McMurtrie for my part of Scales and Weights etc. £ 14. paid for a Man to carry Horses to Lewis Town . • 1 5 • . John Holloway D r to Cash to his apprentice from Lewis Town £ . 2 . . 6 Rec a from W Gibbons on ace' of Sam Hamptons Ace' 1 . . 2 . . 10 Rec d from M r Caldwell for Ace 1 of John Henderson £ 10 . . 6. • 5 Rec" from Rich" Tea in full £ 1 5- • . — Blank page 21 Aug/t 15/th My Expences to NYork £ 5 P/d W/m Jenkins on Acc/t John Reed p his order £ 2 5 • Sep/r i/st paid John Reed Blank page 24 June 20/th this day paid James Eddy in full of my part of of Beezely/s Thomas's and Reynolds Land £17 NB there is 7/9 and M/r M/cMurtries Expences and mine up to Abington not yet Creditted to my Acc/t it is about 25/, Octo 18/th Settled the above and paid My part due for Expenc's and Lawyers fees at this Court £ 8 12 36 Blank page 25 Received June 18/th 1765 from Persifor Frazer Thirty Seven Pounds ten Shillings on Account. £37- 10 John Frazer David M/cMurtrie Blank page Dr -7 Sep/r 14/th 19 25 28 Octo. 21 30 Cash lent to pay Cap/t Child £ 6 d/o a Guinea to pay Morgan Busteed. . 1 To Cash at Littles d/o at Jenkins d/o aty/r own House d/o ball/ce paying Eddy 6 d/o 4 10 y/d Callimanco 1 4 1/4 y/d Cloath 5 a parcell Bottles and Corks 1 14 2 1 7 13 10 5 26 . . 16 Cash rec/d from Tho/s Lawrence Vondacononcy. Blank page 30 (written in pencil.) M/r M/cMurtrie Nov/r 20 10 y/ds Callimanco 4 1/4 y/d Cloath 26/. a parcell Bottles Blank Page 31 An Approved Remedy for a Sprain Blank page 54 Received July i/st 1765 of Persifor Frazer Thirty Seven Pounds ten Shillings in part. John frazer 6 4 6 6 Blank p. 55 (written in pencil) M/r Emmett Notary Public at the Corner of the Fly Markett next the Dock 37 Joseph Kings Speech verbatim Viz : My Wife told me that she milk'd a Cow for Peter Elliot in Nottingham whose titts drag'd upon the Ground and that she gave Three Gallons of Milk in the Morning and three in the Evening Inside of back cover, (written in pencil) Ja/s Wagstaffe June 1 8 1763 6 Gro Table Spoons @ 43/ £12. . 18 . . — Sam Smith Sam Morris Jacob Winey Arch/d M/cCall W/m Vanderspiegle 38 The parents of Persifor Frazer died ; his mother July 5. 17(14, rind his Father Sept. 7. 1765. Mch. 19. 1766 Philadelphia 19 March 1766 Mr Frazor Mr Harris come to town that Day you Left it your Sisters are Both well his Brother in Law was in town Last week they were all well it is very Cold weather heare Pray Come home as Sune as you Can your are wanted heare have not as yet heard on word from ether the furnes or forg I was last week at the forge they are Doung verry well will want Pigs in a few Days Iron the old Price the King's Spcch is Come over in Packet I Belive the Samp ack will he Rejected January 28 is the Day apointed in Parliment for that mater we are all well is all from Your asured frend Lotrie tickets Davd M/c murtere Sold for 28 Pounds Stirl. 17 Desemhr oures in Whell (wheel ') Annagola. May the 19th 1766 D/r S.r T now some time ago was feauoured. with the sight of your Letter which you wrote to me Martha Willson home ( sic ) is Sister to your Deceased mother On which I have now taken this Opportunity. by hir Aduise to inform you of hir wellfear. and also, to inform you. that I am married to your mother, youngest Sister, named Salley, this 14 years past and has now Six Children, your An.te Mrs Willson is now coming to Liue with me, I am to inform you that I haue been well acquainted with your father the Last time he was in Ireland, and Since that time I haue wrote many Letters to him, and 1 haue also R e c,e,d a good many Letters from him, more — believe than euer he wrote to any one friend in. that time in this Kingdom and I must confess that I cannot auoide being much Concerned, to hear of the Death of so Kind a friend and Relation and I hop in God you will Endeavour to bear your many troubles and Defecklites, and with peasions, and Submite, your Self and all your arrears, to the Will, and the good pleasure of the Almighty God that Knows what are best for us, Now as this is my first Letter to you I shall only give you an Account of some of the names of your friends, in this part tho, you no Dout have hard of them by your Parents. You have one Sister of your Fathers Liveing within half a mile of 39 me, She was marred to your Mothers Ounkel But he is Deade She has tow Sons and one Daughter Liueing with hir there is one Sister of your Mothers now Liueing in Duhlin married to one Allen Cook there is three Sisters of your Mothers Liueing within half a mile of me one of them called Betty is marred to John Greason, and one of them called Nealey is marred to John Armstrong, your Aunt Mrs Willson is now in Dublin, But will soon be with me in my house, She Beags you may write to me and Let hir Know how you and your tow weare Leaft in Sirkamstances, and how arrears are going with you, I am at preasent in heast for fear of missing this opportunity But shall hear- after miss no Opportunity to inform you of your Relations in Ireland the Bearer of this Letter is one Edward hughes if he is a Very honest' young Boy, if you Sec him if you can be of any Use to him I hop you will. I hop I haue no occasion to Request you to write to me as Soon as you haue an Opportunity, and let me Know how you and your Sisters are, and some of the arrears of your Contrey, for as I often had the pleasuer of writing to your father I intend the same with you tho indeed for tow years Before your fathers Death I Reec.d no Letter from him, tho, I wrote to him But neuer hard of his Reeciuing them, which ofTen Surprized me, I hauve Six Children as I tould you Before, But only one Son, I hue near Middleton in the County of Monnaghan, Mrs Martha Willson me and my wife, all Joyns in our Sincear Respects to you and your Sisters, I am Dr, Sir your Sincear and affectioned friend — William Crookshanks. P.S. When you write to me Direact to William Crookshanks at Mid- dletown near Tynan in the county of Armagh Ireland. Mr Persifor frazer = to be Left at the London = Cofifee House in Philadelphia. Philada. 6/th July 1766. On a final settlement made this day between the Executors of Thomas Bartholomew deceas'd and Persifor Frazer relating to money recover'd by said Frazer in Carolina on a policy of Insurance there made by the said Bartholomew for himself and others there appears due to Persifor Frazer the sum of Two Pounds, nineteen shillings and eleven pence, and as will appear by Account render'd the sum of Ten Pounds nineteen shillings and eleven pence is charg'd to said Bartholomew's Estate for a Ballance due to said Frazer on a Quantity of Beer ship'd in Corny, w/th said Bartholomew to Carolina, but as there is an objection to the said Sum of £10, , 19, ,11. It is 40 agreed by both parties to defer the adjusting of that matter unto some future Time. Witness our Hands. Persifor Frazer (Signed) Catharine (?) Bartholomew- David Kinsey Memorandum of what Expences when We went up to survie the Lands in Bedford County the who] amount was £80 o o July your part is ten Pounds 1766 October 2. 1766. Persifor Frazer married Mary daughter of John and Sarah (Worrall) Taylor, Oct. 2. 1766. Shortly after his marriage he took up his permanent residence as a farmer inThornbury township. then Chester now Delaware County, and near the Sarum Iron Forge, in which his wife had a part interest, and he assumed the management. (Jan. 26. 1767) The following was addressed "Forge notes" etc. Mr W/m Massey these Mr Massey W/m Starr was with me and told me to send you word that he had got another mill Rite as he could not wait aney longer for you and thought proper to send you word that it mite not disapoint you as you rote to him about Bilding a Forge in Mereland your father left 2 letters with me sum time ago but I could not geet a oportunity to send them before as you Rote to me to send down x x x Account of the Forge and a Philadelphia x x x Frazer sayes that the Ac/t in tours is x x x down to the fumes your Accon/t heare is x x x and my Account is £5, , 5, , o d. if you see cause to x x x Count with them as I sepose that money x x x will be scearce there and may sute you as well as a — x x x pay me and if agreed I shall Charge you x x x Dr to me when you come up the the Books x x x this is all at present but Sir yourHumbel serv x x x Seram Forge Augt. 14/th 1766 Jno. Thorn — x x Mr Fraizer £32,, 14,, n 5> » 5> > 37, , 19.- 11 Sir The above acco/t 37 . . 19 . . 1 1 . is settled and charged to Mr Massey Here Deep Creek Furnace 26 Jan/y 1767 p. Jon/a Vaughan 4' Sept. 17. 1766 to A/c David Mc Murtrie and Co. with P. F. Feb. 13 1768 Sep. 3. 1767 A large single sheet entitled Cash Account of David McMurtrie containing Items from Dec. 19, 1764 to Sep. 3. 1767. Sept. 29. 1767 Philad/a 29/th Sep/r 1767 My D/r Polly I got to Town the Evening I left you but was much tired, I am now thank God in a pritty good way. tho' I have had a small spell of the Fever since I was in Town, owing' chiefly to my close at- tention to the Business we have been at as I have not been any where but at M/r Henry/s since I have been in Town, but constantly over the Books. We shall get clear of our bad bargain w/th M/r Vaughan as we are now settling the acc/ts and think shall do better in regard to our Furnace Acc/ts than I could expect. I have had a good deal of wrangling before We could bring things to bear and expect some more , but you need not fear as I am determin'd not to give way to any injustice. I have some hopes of Selling my part of the Works below which I shall do if I can to advantage I am much oblig'd to my D/r Polly for her care of me but would request you may not be uneasy As I hope I shall now recover fast. I shall see you please God on Sat- urday and not before I believe. I would desire you may endeavor to reconcile Uncle Worrall and his Wife but by no means let him come to any Unreasonable acknowledgements I am Sorry for him with all my heart. I know of nothing more that I have to mention but that I am my Dear Love y/r most Affectionate Husband Pers/r Frazer Addressed To M/rs Mary Frazer (Oct. 2. 1767) Large double sheet ledger account entitled "Coppy acct. rendered to .Messrs Vaughan and Company of Deep Creek Furnace Octo. 2/d 1767. to be Settled to the first Aug. last". It contains items of Debit and Credit from April 2. 1762 to July 18 1767. The last item "By amt of Credit to Compy w/th Interest £1758, , 10, , 11 1/4" 42 (Oct. 2. I767) Memorandum of agreemant made this second day of October 1767. Between us the subscribers Relative to a settlement and Bonds passed of this Date concerning the partnership of Serem Forge is such that upon the full close of the Books if any Error shoud Transpire in any of the accompts for which the said Bonds are given either pro or con that such accompts is to be regulated and Interest paid or De- ducted as the Justice of the case shall require In witness whereof we have hereunto sett our hands and seals the Day and year above written Signed Sealed and Delivered W/m Douglass in presence of us Jon/a Vaughan William Wishart Persifor Frazer Edward Bayliff (Oct 2.) I P. F. of the Township of Ashtown County of Chester, ( 1767. ) and Prov. of Pa. am firmly bound unto David M/cMurtrie of Bond the City of Phila in the sum of £372 current Money of Penna. Condition £186, , 7, , 4. Witness Win Wishart and Edw Baylifte. Oct. 2. 1767 (Oct. 19) ( 1767. Bond Christ. Marshall and Druggist W/m Wishert, and Je- mima Edwards of Phila. are bound to P. F. late of said City Merchant but now of Ashton twp Chest Co. for £500, Oct. 19. 1767. for his sixth part of the Deep Creek Furnace and Nanticoke Forge, on the waters of Deep Creek Nanti- coke river Worcester Co. Prov. of Md. iron ores, Messuages, negroes, etc, P. F. is released from partnership debts con- tracted with D. M/cMurtrie and W/m Douglass. Condi- tion that if the said Marshall Wishert and Edwards save P. F. and heirs from any debt claims the money obligation be- comes void. (Oct. 31. 1767.) Bond of Performance John Thomson of Concord twp Chester Pa. is bound tojon/a Vaughan, W/m Douglass, of Worces- ter Co. Md, and to D M/cMurtrie of Phila and P. F. of Ashtown Chester Co. Pa. for £500 to save them harmless against all suits etc from Dennis Whelen and Sam/1 Kennedy, and himself on the one part and Jonathan Vaughan and Sam/1 Calvert of the other part in respect to "Serem Forge Mills House etc. The money obligation to be void if he keeps his contract. 43 (Nov. 5. 1767) Conditions. The highest bidder to be the buyer Vendue. Any person buying to the value of 10 s. to pay ready money " above 10 s. to have six months credit with sufficient security if required, and persons pur- chasing and refusing to comply with the condition above to be deprived of the Credit aforesaid Persifor Frazer for self and Company. Bidders P. F., Isaac Taylor, David Brinton, W/m Douglass, D/d Lewis, Jno Hill, Thos Cheyney, Jos Hemphill, Thos. Hickman, Rebeca Green, Jno Douglass, Edw Grissell, Jon/a Vaughan, Geo. Mire, Phillip Mendenhall, Jos. Baker, Thos. Taylor, Jno. Esington, Christian Newfoe, Leve Masery, Thos. Marshall, Jane Mendenhall, Caleb Peirce, Jno. Hall, Jno Briggs, Nemiah Baker, Denis M'Coy, Jacob Rich- ards, Jno Thompson, Robert. Mendenhall, Benj Hamp- ton, Jos. Jones, Rich. Strode, Jacob Albert, Jac. Albright, Fred. Taylor, Nath/n Edwards, Jno Holston, Jacob Poke, Jacob Popp, Moses Nathan, Josua Bean, Jacob Yarnall. Single sheet "A List of land purchased for Deep Creek Furnace and Nanticoke Forge". Purchased from Elijah Tindal, John Spicer, John Tindal, Wm. Conway, Thos. Stoss, Daniel Kelly, Sam/1 Pettyjohn, Joseph Boyce, Thos. Willin, George Kelly, John Grant, Samue! Owens, John Spicer, John Elzey, W/m Swain, Levin Conway, James Doddrill, Jno Richards, Jno Tindall, Jno Spicer, Levy West, Charles Bannister, Jno. Mitchell, W/m Porter, Wolman Donevan, Richd Crockitt, Jno Lord, Danl. Wales and Isaac Ingram, Jno Fourier, Richd. Lowe. Situated Worcester, Dorset, and Sussex Survey, Maryland (Feb. 11. 1768 Memorandum of agreement. Joshua Bean of Whit- land twp Chester Co., gives to P. F. of Thornbury twp.Ches/t Co. Pa. house and farm of 48 acres and 130 perches in E. Whiteland twp. for £239. to be paid on May 1. next ensuing. Witness Joshua Bean Caleb Parry Michael Peter Persifor Frazer (Feb. 13. 1768.) Prom, not of Joshua Bean to P. F. for £165 for 46 days. Wit. Caleb Parry and Michael Peter 44 (March 14. 1768. Prom. Note of Joe Albright to P. F. & Co. of Sarum Forge for £8, 13, 2 for 27 days. (May 21. 1768). New York 2 i/st May 1768 Sir I hope you will Excuse my Bouldness in writ- ing to you, but I Could not till how to get any ac- count of My sister unless you can give mee Sum ac- count of hir, which I hop you will Be So good as to answer as Soon as this Somes to your hand, D/r Par- sefor it Gives Me the gratest Concern to think of father and mother and being dead — D/r Sir I Cum to New York Last July to Setle Sum business for my Cap/t — D/r Sir I should be very much oblidgedTo you to Let me know as Soon as this to your hand and Let hur no that I am in Good health — Sir if you answer my Letter derect yours to Mr James Jerocuo hotel in french Church Street New York- Sir I Remaine yours Sincerely Parsifor Carr Sergeant Addressed in the 48/th Reg/t 2.16 To M/r Parsifor Frazer in Middel town Ship Chester County Pennsylvania (Jan. 23/d 1769) Percifor Frazier These are to forwarn, forbid, and Strictly Charge thee not to keep harbour or Entertain my Wife in, or about thy House as thee to y/e Con- trayry Shall Answer for so Doing another day i/mo 23/d 1769 Jn/o Peirce Endorsed For Percifor Frazier April 17. 1769 Fi Fa writ by Sheriff for £17, , 11,, 1. owed to Wm Halliday and Thos Dunbar for the charges awarded them in a suit before the Supreme Court of Penna. Signed \V/m Allen Chief TusticeProvince of Penna. Allowed by Thos. Willing Edw/d Shippen Jr prot. 45 (June 2. 1769) Deep Creek Furnace 2/d June, 1769 D/r Sir I received yours of the 25/th of April which is the only one has come to hand since last fall although I understand you have fre- quently wrote I have wrote twice or thrice w/h supose you have not rec/d Particularly for the amo/t of Isaac Calvarts acco/t w/h I Had some hopes of recovering of Him here but he is now left these parts I do asure you it is the greatest Concern to me that our affairs re- main unsettled but has been absolutely Out of my power to Attend as yet I procured as much Time during M. Pennel's stay down here a few weeks ago as to go up to Lancaster on some particular Business at the request of my Mother-in-law and fully I intended on my return to have had the pleasure of seeing you but as Mr Pennell Could not be prevailed upon to stay above 8 or 9 days and the old gentlewoman coming down with me was pressing to Take the nearest way under those circumstances hope you will excuse my not calling at that time as I was no nearer your house than Christiana Bridg as to the negros shall be glad of your advice what you think is Best to be done Re- specting them I shall be glad to do anything you Judg most proper I Have lately understood where Chamberlain lives and will be enabled to a make a Title to Hannums as soon as ever our Blast is out hope to accomplish That and proceed Imediately to you In order to Com- plete a settlem/t of our affairs untill then I Canot with any degree of Safety to the Business here leave home there was a deed Drawn by Mr Graham in order for Chamberlin to sign w/h Deed I think Mr Graham has pray by some opertunity endeaver to convey it to me Mr Pennell I expect will shortly be down at some time pray enquire of Mr Graham whether any Judgment yet stands against him in the office that may effect his conveyance. John Thomson Informs me he has Discharged Willcoxes Bond. I gave him orders to pay Into your hands w/h I hope he has done Before now if not please to call upon him for it we are all well Our kindest compliments to Mrs Frazer and Remain D/r Sir your assured Friend and Hum. Serv. Jon/a Vaughan. June 2, 1769. Receipt by Hugh Matthews for a bond of P. F., W/m Wishart, and Jemima Edwards for £170 dated Oct. 22. 1767 payable to Frazer Oct. 22. following. June 29. 1769. Memorandum of agreement between P. F. Thorn- bury twp. chest Co. Pa. of one part and Thomas Green twp and Co. ditto House Carpenter of other part to 46 construct frame Barn 45' x 20' before the 10/th of July and to build the dwelling house P.F. is to build after harvest 21' x 28'. (Minute specifications follow). The sum of £18 is to be paid for carpenter work with deduc- tion if changes should make work less and additional charge if they should be increased. Barbados Nov. 14. 1769 Mr Persifor Frazer Dear Sir I wrote you in June last a few lines acquainting that y e 13. ult/o I had received of Doc/r Jackman a sum here which would ballance your acco/t with him — since yours of ye 3/d July is now to hand — now my friend Mr Edward Ireland (who married with you a Daughter of M/r Cheeseman ye shoemaker in Second Street — comes over but makes but a short stay — please to draw out my acco. with you and Dr Jackman's (I cannot get any of yours from him) and let everything be put right — he will pay you the Ball/ce etc — Doc/r Jack- man paid one of Cottringer's bills off — here — since w/h he has drawn for another of a prior Date — but that ye Doc/r refuses to pay — he writes ye Right (?) proceeds from his Clerk or should you fall in Debt — he will receive it — Doc/r Jackman ought to allow you Int till May for all ye Sums were absolutely in advance as I will allow to it — pray do not fail having everything ended as it may not be in my power to meet sone with another favourable opportunity as this of Mr Ire- land — am proud to hear of your Mariage but you do not say if it is to y e Quondam Lady, that your Father disaproved off — nor how you met these great losses — Your Brother's fate I had heard but nothing of your Father and Mother — have you not a Sister ? Would send you a Keg of Sperrit — but our Roads are now impassable — but the next Spring will make it up — my best Wishes attend you and yours to whom I beg a cordial Remembrance — D/r Peirce Your affec. friend Sam/1 Osborne Addressed To Mr Percifor Frazer to be left with W/m Wishart Merchant p Favour of Mr Ireland Philadelphia 47 1769 Persifor Frazer to Jn/o Peirce D/r £ To pasturing all his Cattle and Horses the Summer the place was first divided f 6,, , To Dammage his keeping my Wife from taking care of her business for 20, , , about 2 Months To a Good Cheese a Quantity of Tea Sugar Bread and other things which was £ i, ,10, took to his house To Silk Gound and a Warming pan £ 5, ,10, To Cash his Wife had to pay for Dying s/d Silk gound , ,15, July 1768 to Dec. 9. 1769., from the same to the same, additional items. Muslin and Bobbin for Mary Myers 5 s; Sugar 7 s 6 d; 1 day's reaping of my Lad 2 s 6 d; to his wife being sick and lying in at my house attendance of midwife etc 9 weeks and three days £15.; 1 qut Rum 9 d ; This was nearly offset by credits of cheese Rye, corn, Hay, 'Raizins', dryed apples, meal and beeves. It shows the extent of barter and the scarcity of money in a newly settled land. Account of Expenses dividing the Land 1769. To Caleb Peirce 2 days run of Land £ 2 chain Carriers 2 days each — , , 14, , — Expenses of the first Gentn chose to Divide To Cash paid to Mr Galloway a fee for advice 1, , — , , — To ditto on bringing the action on partition 2, , 2, , — To Cash paid for copy of return and Survey — , , 2, , 6 To expenses to Phil/a to Mr Galloway for Declaration — , , 15, ,10 To expenses of jury 6 days at our House on Division To expenses of ditto at the Ship 6, , 8, , 6 To ditto at the Squ(ar)e 3, , 2, , 6 To Jno Morton Esq/r Acct. To a chain carrier 2 days — , , 7, , — To Expenses going to Caleb James — , , 7, , 6 48 March 7. Mortgage of farm at Thornbury by P.F. to John Han- 1770 num of Concord for £150. to be paid March 6. 1 771 . Sealed and delivered in presence of Jno Frederick and Edw. Bettle. Recorded before H.H.Grahem Justice for Chester County March 7. 1770. Recorded in Office for recording Deeds June 7. 1770. March 21 Memorandum of agreement between David Calvert of 1770 the one part and Jas. Thompson and P. F. of the other part. Calvert rents two thirds of a tract of land together with a saw mill, grist mill, Iron forge, and other messuages and buildings devised to said Calvert by Elizabeth, widow of Dr Jno Taylor. Thompson and Taylor agree to keep said Mill in repair and to pay the sum of £23, , 6, , 8 on the 1st of May of each year Witnesses Jas Thomson Will/m Armstrong Isaac Taylor Persifor Frazer A duplicate agreement signed Dan/1 Calvert Same witnesses as the preceding. July 5. 1770. Two supplements as definitions of agreement be- tween Dan — Calvert on the one part and Jas Thomp- son — P.F. on the other whereby the Mill, Dam Race etc shall be put into repair by Calvert and the time necessary to do this shall be deducted from the rent. Signed by the parties respectively and witnessed in each case by Jno Atkin. Aug. 10. 1770 Sir I am importuned by Mr Wilson about the settle- ment of his account, he wants to know how we settled it, as he thinks we committed an error. If the Papers are not destroyed, on which we have' made a Sketch of that account, please to bring them with you, when you come to town. I reiterate my thanks to you and Mrs Frazer for the Civilities rec/d : at your house; please to assure her of my Esteem. I am with great regard Sir Your most humble Servant Jno De Mauregnault 49 May 16. 1770. To all to whom these Presents shall come Jonathan Vaughan of Worcester County in the Province of Maryland Iron Master William Douglass of Dorset County in the same province Iron Master Persevor Frazor of Thornbury Township Chester County of the province of Pennsylvania Farmer and David M/c- Murtrie of the City of Philadelphia in the province of Pennsylvania Merchant send Greeting Whereas the said Parties have had several Dealings between them relating to a certain Forge called Sarem Forge situate in the County of Chester in the province of Pennsylvania and are Owners of said Forge for adjusting, settling and balancing of all Ac- counts whatsoever now depending and being between them the said parties jointly or any two of them and all Differences and Agreements Promises Payments Debts Monies Matters or Things relating thereunto the said Parties have referred the same and by these presents do refer the same to the award and De- termination of Charles Thompson Samuel Caldwell and Samuel Eldridge or any of them indifferently named and chosen by and between them the said Jona- than Vaughan William Douglass Persifer Frazer and David M/cMurtrie to hear judgment and determine of and concerning all or any doubt Questions or Differ- ences which have arisen as may arise touching the same and to adjust settle and balance all the Accounts aforesaid. And the said Jonathan Vaughan William Douglass and Persifer Frazer and David M/cMurtrie each for himself and for his own Executors and admin- istrators and his own Acts and not the one for the other nor for the Act or Acts of the others doth cove- nant promise and agree to with the other or others of them his and their Executors and Administrators by these Presents as fol- lowed! that is to say, that each of them the said Parties their respective Executors or Admin- istrators shall and will be concluded by perform and fulfil the award Judgments and Determination which they the said Arbitrators or any two of them shall make and declare in writing under their Hands and Seals in and concerning the Premises so that award of the arbitrators or any two of them be made under their Hands and Seals and ready to be delivered to the said Parties on or before the sexth Day of September next SO And it is also agreed by and between the said Parties to these Presents that their Submission to the said Award so to be made as aforesaid shall be made a Rule of Court f his Majesty's Court of Common Pleas of the County of Philadelphia in the Province of Pennsylvania. And that the Books and Accounts of respective Parties shall be ready to be delivered and delivered to the said Arbitrators on or before the fif- teenth Day of August next And lastly for the true per- formance of the several and respective Covenants and Agreements hereinbefore contained on the part of each of them the said Jonathan Vaj.ighan William Douglass Persifer Frazer and David M/cMurtrie to be kept and performed in manner as aforesaid They the said Jonathan Vaughan William Douglass Persifer Frazer and David M/cMurtrie do hereby bind them- selves unto each other and to the respective Executors and Administrators and Assignes of each other in the penal Sum of Two hundred thousand pounds lawful Money of Pennsylvania firmly by these presents In witness whereof the said parties of these presents have hereunto set their Hands and Seals the sixteenth Day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and seventy (Signed) Sealed and delivered David M/cMurtrie SS in the Presence of Jon/a Vaughan SS Persifer Frazer SS The words "and that the W/m Douglass SS Books and Accounts of the respective parties shall be ready to be delivered and delivered to the said Arbitrators on or before the fifteenth day of August next" being first interlined Andrew Allen A true Copy from the original W/m Allen agreement filed in the Court of Common pleas Philadelphia County for J. B. Smith P/y George Ward J. B. Smith Pro/y Endorsed David M/cMurtrie and Charles M/cMurtrie Ex/rs of D. M — P Peesifer Frazer Esqr to June 1788 5i August 2j Mess/rs Cha/s Thompson and Samuel Caldwell 1 770 Gent/n The reason of my troubling you at this Time is not to perplex or make matters more intricate but barely to re- late some things that have Occur'd to me Since I Saw you, and repeat others that I think very material in the affair now under your Consideration and I flatter myself the Manner and method of this will be Excus'd, Should the matter be conformable to Truth and reason: more espe- cially when it is considered, that after all I shall not be on an equal footing with my adversary, who has heretofore and no doubt will hereafter Use all imaginable methods to make Matters on my side appear in the most unfavourable light. As I am convinc'd from a long acquaintance with him, that he will not stick out to assert any thing, and make Use of very Ungenerous Methods to attain his ends, I wou'd request Gentlemen that you would not take any other matter into consideration than what has been offer'd when We were all present, without giving me an oppor- tunity of a hearing. I lay under a peculiar disadvantage in attending the settlement at a distance from where the Business was transacted; tho' I never Once objected to a Settlement in Phil/a, yet he has almost tired Us all out waiting upon him there, having been four times in Phil/a Since February last for that purpose, and at one Time waited Two Weeks. He has made a great Noise where it could do Us any injury, about M/r Vaughans intention and mine, of cheat- ing him, and refusing to come to a settlement, I defy him to charge me with once evading a settlement, but on the contrary have done every thing in my power at all times to forward one, particularly in the year 1767. as he had been in advance for Vaughan and Douglas I persuaded them into a partial settlement on purpose to make him easy and gave him a Bond at that Time for a sum of Money on purpose to induce the others not to refuse, when at the same time I did not Charge my wages and many other Credits I had to bring to my Acc/t and only took each of Us a bare Mamorandum — to make it appear the settle- ment was not final. Yet after all We have Cheated him ; but he has done all in his power to make it appear and fail'd in every instance, the only objections that now ap- pears to be to my Acc/t are only Two, first the Charge if Six Pounds as Expences in philad/a. for 6 weeks, and the other my Charge of One Hundred pounds, p. annum 52 wages as Manager, As to the Charge of Six pounds it may be found on enquiry that it is not the whole of the Ex- pense I was at, , having paid M/rs Jenkins alone upwards of Nine pounds at that Time, beside what I paid at other places, and I think it very unreasonable that I should pay the whole out of my own pocket attending the Companys business as Manager, the Forge being the most proper place on every acc/t for that purpose ; I think it very Ex- traordinary that M/r M/cMurtrie should object ag/t the Charge when such heavy Charges appear in his own acc/t but is agreeable to his Usual Modesty, I think it will be found on Examing that he has Creditted his acc/t w/th Expences at sundry times upwards of £50, without makg Us sensible what, which I do insist upon to be unjust ; as the greatest part of the Expences Accru'd on Journey's to the Forge and other parts of the Country, entirely throught motives of Pleasure or Curiosity, he is also Credited w/th £20 p. Ann. for 2 years for his trouble, which was intended to be full satisfaction for his trouble in and out of Philad/a. As to my wages as Manager I think I have already said enough to satisfie you respecting it, but least any doubt should remain, would beg of you to recollect, that from the third of Septe/r 'till the third of Novem/r 1766, I Charge the Company nothing, tho' in strict Justice I had as great a right to Charge them at the rate of £40 Annum as any Creditt in my acc/t. then from the third of Novem/r 'till the 5/th of Novem/r 1767 is One Year when the Vendue was Made ; at that time I had the whole of the affairs in the Country to settle and the Books to bring Up; it may appear a trifling matter to some, but any Person not interested as I was would not have taken the trouble for 2 Months Wages, so that I think without havg. and regard to the three Months which I have not Charg'd, and a great deal of trouble yet re- maining, the Charge I make is not an Unreasonable One. The Expences of Carrying on the Business before I went to the Forge will appear to be double of what it was after, in Thomsons time he was allowed £60. Forty pounds allow'd me p. agreem/t W. M/cMurtrie had £20. (besides £50 and upw/ds of Expences for 2 years) there was still a Housekeepers Wages @ 12 or 15 £ p. annum with her Dyet etc which will am/t to nigh £200 annum ; the whole of which I transacted and I think much better for £100 p. ann. w/ch Sum was positively agreed upon, tho' Douglas and M/cMurtrie think proper to deny it. yet M/r Vaughan 53 affirming the agreement and equally interested I think ought to have more weight than twenty Negatives. But my not suffering myself to be impos'd upon in respect to the Negroes, has brought down honest David's wrath more particularly upon me, and has been the Occasion of all the trouble in the settling our Accounts. And as that seems the matter of most consequence in our dispute, I intereat you would recollect the Conduct of each relating thereto ; and whether it does not appear I was willing at the time of the Division to avoid entering into any dispute; I propos'd to take the Negroes, provided they were assur'd to me ; surely I had a right to that ? yet this was refus'd ; I further propos'd the Comp/y to Creditt my Acc/t £100 for the Negroes in dispute; was this unreasonable? yet this was likewise refused to be Comply'd with. I likewise propos'd that the whole of the Negroes should be either divided again or otherwise put up to Public Sale imediately ; this also with every other proposal was refus'd and by whom? by no other person than M/r M/cMurtrie. I then told the Company and have told them ever since that I look'd upon myself equally Interested in the whole, in consequence of which M/cMurtrie went Home and M/r Vaughan and Douglas promis'd should M/cMurtrie still stand out, that they would bring the Negroes to any place agreed on and have the whole Expos'd to Public Sale. Now Gentlemen there is not a thing asserted by me but what I either have proven or can prove should you require it : And if my prop- erty and the Use of it, is to be determin'd by the Sov- ereign Will of Dav/d M/c Murtrie you are to judge. I should be glad to know what disadvantagees wou'd have attended the proposals made by me and agreed to by all but M/cMurtrie would the signing the Bills of Sale made any of the Negroes more slaves than they were before? Was it not absolutely necessary the property should be convey'd? Would we not have been all on footing by a public Sale of them ? could any disadvantage have ac- cru'd to me more than another by such steps? Is it not very Unreasonable for any one of the Comp/y to throw a Loss on the other even was it ever so much in his power? Was it honest in that one to take no Meas- ures to satisfie me, but on the contrary to try all in his power from that Time to this to sett theNegroe free, which I can prove by many Evidences and at the same time ex- pect the whole Burthen should fall on me, Except the very generous offer of Ten Pounds he would allow me as his part, 54 which he mention'd before you. I would seriously ask what Can the Compy. lose by a public Sale of them at this Time, Is there any way more effectual to put Us all on a footing? Is it reasonable we should any of Us have the advantage of the other? I do utterly deny that ever I consented to any Division from the first Day to this, the agreement being Violated by M/cMurtrie alone, and under these circum- stances I do hold an indisputable right to a fourth part of every Negro, which it is out of his power to hinder me of; as to the wages — xxx — I had not equal Service (?) that the Credit for those w/ch I had should am/t to as much as the others; but think that the young Negroes in my pos- session will make up a good deal of the Loss as they are increas'd much in Value, the net wages I contend we have an equal right to. I would fondly hope you would Gen- tlemen Excuse the length and Expression of this, as it really proceeds from a consciousness of having acted honestly in my transactions with them, and also from the Unreason- ableness of McMurtrie Expectations as also the pains he has taken to blacken my character at all times when an op- portunity offer'd, but I can truly say I never sought any advantage, and as he has never had any concern of Con- sequence with any One but with whom he has not differ'd and taken advantages of those that were in his power. It gives me some kind of Satisfaction that Our affairs are nigh a crisis, and that it has hitherto been out of his power to effect all his designs. I am with great Esteem Gentlemen Your Most Hble Serv/t Persifor Frazer Aug/t 27. 1770 We the Subscribers two of the arbitrators indifferently chosen by and between Jonathan Vaughan, David McMutrie Persifor Frazer and William Douglass late Copartners in Sarum forge to arbitrate and settle the accounts and matters in variance between them relating to the said Copartnership having examined the several accounts and charges of each of the Parties and heard and duly weighed the several allegations proofs and objections of each and every of the Partners, Do award as follows that the Negroes named Jack and Dick are the prop- erty of David McMurtrie and that the negroes named Caesar Charles and Lyhara are the property of Jonathan Vaughan and belong to his Estate that the Negroes named Rachel with her Child and Sam are the property Persifor Frazier and that the Negroes named Joe and Harry are the property of William Douglass, Secondly that the fourth of the negroe named Jack alias Isaac is the property of David McMurtrie, 55 that one fourth part of the said Jack al/s Isaac is the property of or belongs to the Estate of Jonathan Vaughan that one fourth part of the said Jack al/s Isaac is the property of Persifor Frazier, and one fourth part of said Jack al/s Isaac is the property of William Douglass. Next we award that the sum of twelve hundred and forty nine pounds and four pence halfpenny lawful money of Pennsylvania is owing a id due to David McMurtrie from the Estate of Jonathan Vaughan deceased which sum we award and order to be paid to the said David McMur- trie with lawful Interest from the eighth day of May last past that the sum of one hundred and thirty seven pounds, eleven shillings and eight pence lawful money of Pennsylvania is owing and due to said David McMurtrie from Persifer Frazer which sum we award and order said Persifer to pay unto the said David with Lawful Interest from the eighth day of May last past and that the sum of five hundred and fifty five pounds eleven shillings and seven pence three farthings is owing and due unto the said David McMurtrie from William Douglass which sum we award and order to be paid to the said David by the said Wil- liam together with lawful Interest from the eighth day of May last past And lastly we award and order that the debts outstanding and due to the partners afs/d as Partners in Saram Forge shall when collected be divided among them the said David, Jonathan William and Persifer share and share alike and that all the debts now due by them as Part- ners in Saram forge be paid by them share and share alike. In Wit- ness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and Seals this twenty fourth day of January A D 1771. (sg/d) Chas Thomson SS (sg/d) Sam Caldwell SS The above is a true transcript of the original award and filed in the Prothonotary office of the Court of Common pleas Phila/a County sy for J. B. Smith protry L. S. George Ward sy J. B. Smith Proth. Award David McMurtrie and Charles McMurtrie Exr. of D M. Persifer Frazier 1766 — 1770. An itemized account of Jno. Peirce against Persifor Frazer from Dec. 6. 1766 to April 1. 1770. The items comprise Indian corn at 3 s. a bushel; rye @ 4 s; chaff; raisins 10 d. a pound; rent of a room 3 months and 10 days 16 s 8 d; hire of two cows and 2 horses £1, , 10, , — ; "to the Barn to put his hay in being greatly to my disadvantage £1, , — , , — , ; 1 bush. 56 dryed apples 6 s; i quarter of veal w/d 19 1/2 lb. @ 3 1/2 <1 a pound; Flitch of Hogg meat 32 lb 16/3; 2 beef cattle came by \v/t to £9, , 7, , 5; 20 lbs meal, 25 1/4 beef (best pieces) 1 qut of Vinegar and 6 lbs ^ool 9 s 4 d. These and other heterogeneous items amounted to £51, . 9, , 1 1. A note underneath follows. "N. B. there is money due me from the overseer of the forge while he was owner." I Object against Paying any Part of the Money which I have ad- vanc'd as adm/tr out of my own private pocket towards paym/t of Jn/o Taylor Ju/rs Debts for the following (in my oppinion) Good and Substancial Reason, (firstly) as it was near or Quite Eight Years that the Profits of the Land went to pay Debts and my Wife had little or no part out Toward her Support which was unreasonable and unjust, And if apiece of Land had been first sold to pay Debts and the Re- mainder Rented She might have had about £250 Pounds more then she now hath which would have been her Right and I think in Equaty She ought yet to have; and Secondly, the Widdows Third which is Very Considerable; have been above 2 Years in the Heirs hands, and I have not Rec/d one farthing, which as it's yet Undevided ought now to pay the debts; and thirdly if it was even Reasonable I should Pay any Part thereof, I Can Prove that my Share according to the Real worth and Vallue of our holdings would not amount to more than one Twentieth part, the above Reasons. I Trust, will have weight with every Prudent Reasonable Person, And upon the whole to Sum up the Matter in Short, I Raily think that in Stead (as before) of my paying any part of the debts, I ought to have near or quite £300 more. Jn/o Peirce Scribbled on the bottom in another hand. John Peirce the Condition of this Obligation is such That John Pierce 1 77 1 The Farther Acc/t of Jn/o Peirce adm/rs to the Estate of Jn/o Taylor Jun/r Dec/d To 1 day at Chester taking out a Writ for Fran. Hickman £ , , 7, , .6 To attending 8 Courts in s/d affair being a Cross Action 12 days @ 7/6 4, , 10, , To 1 day Taking out the Rules of Reffer!. . . 7, , 6 To 1 day and till 2 oClock at night attending the' Reffer! at C. Dilworths 12. 6 To 2 days attending them at Chester 15. , , 57 To attend 6 orphans Courts at Chester about getting Land Sold to pay Debts 9 days @ 7/6 • ■ 3: To Cash p/d at Jo/s Gibb's for the Justices at at an orphans Court 5/5 1/2 and my Self I day attending 7/6 to 1 day at Squire Grahams office from which they appealed and I attend 2 days 1, , on S/d appeal at Chester in all 2 days To attending 3 Courts at the Suit of Evans. 1, , To Cash p/d Benj/a Chew at 2 different times 1 , , in a Second Suit of s/d Hickman To Attending 2 Courts in s/d 2/d Suit 3 days 1, 12: 11 1/2 2,, 6 2, , 6. 10 Bro/t over 15, To Cash p/d the Attorney in the first two Suits of Hickman 3 10 5 1/2 18 10 To a Ballance due me at a Settlem/t of an orphans Court about 5 years ago be- ing an appeal from Squire Grahams Settlem/t in the office Interest on s/d money from June i/st 1769 be- ing the time I p/d it being till next Court 5 Years and near 6/mos £15: 5 1/2 > £46: 10: 9 7: Comiss/s on the above £80: 8: 3 1/2 Cash paid Edw/d Green Debt and Cost four years ago £80 8: 3 1/2 10: Endorsed twise at S Grahams office and twice I in- formed the Heirs of time of Meeting did not charge for. The farther Acc/t of Jn/o Peirce adm/tr against Parsifer Frazer 91/2 April 16. 1 77 1. Holliday and Dunbar vs P. F. Rec'd of P. F. £25 by Bill in full of costs but not in full of debt. Tno Morton Late Sheriff 1766 : ■ 1 77 1. Acct. betw. David McMurtrie and P. F. Feb. 21. 1766 to Jan 24. 1771. 58 May i. 1771. Articles of Agreement Made and entered into by and between John Potts of whitemarsh Township, County of Philadelphia and Province of Pennsylvania, of one part, James Thompson of Ashtown, County of Ches- ter and Province affors d of the second part and Persifor Frazer of Thornbury; Countyof Chester in said Province of the third part are as follows . . Viz. Whereas John Taylor late of Thornbury in the Countyof Chester, affor/d in the said Province Practitioner in Physic, dec 'd Held and was seiz'd of sundry Teniments and Tracts of Land in Chester County affors/d and He dying intestate his said Estate was laid off and Divided, among the Widow and the Pleirs of the s/d John Taylor, according to Law; And particularly a certain Tract of Land lying and being in the Township of Ashtown, Mid- dletown and Thornbury together with a certain Iron Forge a grist Mill and Saw Mill and other Tenements on the said Tract of Land erected, were laid off and allotted to Elizabeth Taylor Widow and relict of the said John Taylor as her third or dower in the said Estate, to be held by her during her natural Life; And the said Eliz- abeth Taylor in and by a certain Indenture duly made and executed, did Leafe, Rent and to Farm Lett to Daniel Calvert and his assigns all and singular the said Tract of Land together with the buildings and all other the apurtenances on the s/d Tract Erected or to the same belonging. And Whereas the said Daniel Calvert in and by a certain Agreement Made, did rent unto the affors/d James Thompson and Persifor Frazer two Equal and undivided third parts of the affors/d Grist Mill and Saw Mill in consideration of the payment of the yearly rent and other conditions in the said Agreement Ex- press'd and contain'd. And the said Daniel Calvert in and by a certain Indenture duly made and Executed did Lease, Rent and to Farm Lett unto the affors ,1 John Potts, all and singular the said Forge, Grist Mill Saw Mill and other the buildings and Appurtenances unto the same belonging or appertaining with part of the said Tract of Land as is in the said last Mention'd Indenture describ'd, (Subject to the afors/d Agreement Made and enter'd into by and between the said Dan/1 Calvert, and James Thomson and Persifor Frazer) for the Consideration of the Payment of the Yearly Rent of Seventy Six Pounds, to be paid Quarterly. And the said John Potts, James Thompson and Persifor Frazer. 59 in and by divers Conveyances and other assurances in the Law are now become Vested in Fee of the whole of the aforsaid Premises, in the following Proportionate shares, the said John Potts holding Eight equal twelfth parts of the afors/d Tract of Land and Premises, and the said James Thompson holding two and a half equal twelfth parts of the same; and the said Persifor Frazer holding one and one half equal twelfth part being the re- mainder of the farm. And the said John Potts, James Thompson and Persifor Frazer, intending to rebuild a slitting Mill and to lie jointly concern'd in Partnership in the same as well as in all other the premises by them held as affors/d in the proportions afors/d do by these Presents mutually agree to and with each other that each of the said parties shall and will well and truly Pay unto the said Daniel Calvert their proportionate share of the afors/d Sum of Seventy Six pounds on the Day that the same shall become due from and after the date of this present agreement and also pay their particular and pro- portionate shares of all such sums of Money as may be expended or laid out by the directions and consent of the s/d Company towards the rebuilding and carrying on of the said Slitting Mill and other matters relating to the said Estate, and also Manage and transact all matters for the benefitt of the same as if the said Elizabeth Taylor was deceased and the Estate had by Law Vested in the Heirs of the said John Taylor, and it is also mutually agreed by the said parties, that all benefitts, advantages and Profits that may arise are become due to the said Parties as copartners shall be equally divided between the said parties in proportion to the respective Share or Shares held by the said Parties. In Witness whereof the (May 21. 1771) Said parties have hereunto interchangeably set their Hands and Seals the twenty first day of May Anno Dom: 1 77 1 Sealed and Deliver'd Jn/o Potts in Presence of Us Ja/s Thomson Davis Bevan Jn/o Taylor Persifor Frazer Endorsed Articles of Agreement Jn/o Potts and James Thomson Persifor Frazer 60 May 6th. 1771 I take this Method to desire thee to Send me the Money due for the Beef and the Remd/r of my old Acc/t as also my Thirds of the Rent for the Place, It ought in Justice to have been p/d Long ago; I think an Honest Hearted man would not have been Easy to have Delayd Paym/t so long. As to the Settlement of the Estate I'm Willing to leave it to be finally Settled by Jn/o Hannum Esq/r Jn/o Morton Esq/r and H Graham Esq/r three Gentlemen of Wisdom and Ability and Such whom I expect will Settle the affair as Just and as Equatable as any three in the County without either favour or Affection: as to thy 111 Hearted Treat- ment and Wicked abuse to me some time ago at Salkelds, If thee does not make me Immediate Satisfac- tion I shall take Lawful Measures to Compel thee; if the above is Comply'd with and the men got together to Settle it before Court I shall so far Content myself otherwise depend upon hearing from me in another Manner As I'm Determined not to be Triffeled with much longer, Especially by one Who Shoes away and Swaggers abroad as one worth a Thousand aYear yet at the Same time daily sinking and in some Measure Living upon the Labours of others. 5/mo 6/th 1 77 1 Jn/o Peirce Endorsed For Percifor Frazier in haste Feb. 4. 1772) Will of Edw. Green and probate of same by H. H. Graham Register of Wills and Benjamin Chew Register- General of Prov. of Penna. Thos. Cheney and Persifor Frazer Executors. Articles of Agreement concluded and made the Sixteenth day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy two Between, James Smither of the City of Philadelphia 61 Engraver of the one and John Reed of the said City of Philadel- phia Gentleman of the other part viz/t — i. The said James Smither doth hereby for himself his Executors and administrators Covenant promise and agree to and with the said John Reed his Executors admors and assigns That in consid- eration of the sum of One Hundred pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania to be well and truly paid in manner herein after ex- pressed he the said James Smither shall and will well and suffi- ciently Grave or cause to be engraven on three good Copper plates A Map Draught or Portraiture of the City of Philadelphia aforesaid and liberty lands thereto belonging with Catalogues of the Original purchasers thereof from the late William Penn Esq/r Proprietor according to the Plan of the said City and liberties now compleating and which shall be forthwith delivered to him the said James Smither by the aforesaid John Reed 2. That the said James Smither shall and will compleat and finish the said Work or engraving to the best of his skill powers and ability on or before the Twenty fifth day of January next ensuing the date hereof Death accidents and Casualties excepted — 3. That he the said James Smither shall not give or deliver any Copy Draught extract or Sketch of the said Map or Plan and Catalogue to any person or persons whatsoever without the order or per- mission of the said John Reed his Exors admors or assigns first had and obtained in Writing and shall and will deliver up the said Three plates when compleated and finished into the hands of the said John Reed or his assigns and to no other person or persons whatsoever. 4. AND the said John Reed does hereby for himself his Heirs Exors and admors Covenant and promise that he or they shall pay unto the said James Smither his Exeors or admors the sum of Twenty- five pounds in hand part of the consideration money aforesaid and the remaining Seventyfive pounds by enstallments or in pro- portion as the said Work shall go on, the whole Sum to be paid off and discharged by the said Twentyfifth of January next And for the better performance of all and singular the Articles and agreements aforesaid the said parties to these presents mutually bind themselves their Executors admors and assigns to each other in the penal Sum of Two Hundred pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania In Witness whereof the said parties to these pres- ents have enterchangeably set their Hands and Seals hereunto Dated the day and year first above written and mentioned. — Sealed and delivered in the presence James Smither of Tho/s Renshaw James Dickinson 62 I do Assign, Transfer and make Over unto Persifor Frazer his Executors, Adminis/rs and Assigns, my whole Right, Title, In- trest, Property Claim, and Demand of, in and to the above Article of Agreement, with all the Benefits and Advantages what- soever that may Arise or Accrue thereon. Wtiness my Hand and Seal this 23/d day of September 1772. Seal'd and Deliver'd in Presence of Us Henry Hubbs. Endorsed Article Agreem/t entre James Smither and John Reed John Reed 1767 to 1773 Account between David McMurlrie and Persifor Frazer from Oct. 25. 1767 to Feb. 6. 1773. Final balance £120, , 13, , 10 See ante March 15. 1773. Receipt and bond of George Fryer to Thos. Cheney and P. F. Executors of the Will of Edw. green for legacy i.e. f 10, a warming, a frying pan, and a Brass Kettle. June 12. 1773. Receipt of L. A. Weiss to P. F. for patents of land, deeds, and draughts of Plumsted and Reily lands and division of the same between the heirs of John Taylor. June 24. 1773. Inventory of the goods and chattels, rights and credits of John Cuthbert late of the twp. of W. White- land Chester Co. deed amounting to £576, , 10, , 9. 63 To the INHABITANTS of the Township of (in writing) Middletown AT a meeting of a respectable Body of the Freeholders Inhab- itants of the County of Chester, on Saturday the 18th of June, 1774, and by adjournment again on the 25th instant. The follow- ing Propositions were deliberately and unanimously agreed to Viz. First, That it is an absolute right, inherent in every English subject, to have the free use, enjoyment and disposal of all his property, either by himself or representatives, and that no other power on earth can legally divest him of it. Secondly, That we apprehend the act of parliament for shutting up the port of Boston (until his Majesty's duties be duly collected, etc.) is highly arbitrary and oppressive to the inhabitants of that town; and in its consequences may endanger all the British col- onies in America. Thirdly, That the two bills mentioned in the last advices from London to be passing in parliament, one changing the chartered constitution of the province of the Massachusetts Bay, into a military government; and the other impowering the governor, or lieutenant governor to send any person or persons to England, to be tried for actions committed in that colony, are subversive of every idea of liberty, and serves as a preclude to the fate of each chartered British colony on this continent. Fourthly, That a congress of deputies from the said colonies is the most probable and proper mode of procuring relief for our suffering Brethren, obtaining redress, and preserving our natural rights and liberties, and establishing peace and mutual confidence between the mother country and her colonies, on a constitutional foundation. As the future liberty of America seems now to depend on the prudent, and uniform resolves and conduct of each colonv on this continent; it will be necessary (in conformity to the other coun- ties) to have a committee of correspondence, whereby the earliest intelligence may be given to the people, of all such measures or resolves which may from time to time be found for, or against their common liberties. _ The inhabitants, therefore, of your township, are hereby par- ticularly requested to meet at the Court-house in the borough of Chester, on Friday the 5th of August next, at twelve o'clock, in 64 order to chuse a committee as aforesaid, and to form and resolve on such other modes or propositions as shall then and there be agreed on. At which time and place it's hoped that every person, who wishes well to their posterity will attend, and give their ad- vice at this alarming crisis. N. B. Deputies from your township (if you do not chuse gen- erally to attend) will he very agreeable, as well as necessary, (in writing) As the Assembly is to meet the 18th inst. it is propos'd to meet in Chester on Wednesday the 13th at One OClock in Or- der to chuse a Committee for this County. Philadelphia, Printed by JAMES HUMPHREYS, Junior, in Front-street. Endorsed Notice of a meeting to be held at Chester August 15th, 1774. A duplicate of this notice with the written word "Edgemont" in place of "Middle- town" is also preserved. Oct. 21. I/74. Sir Address The last Time I had the pleasure of seeing you, I re- quested you wou'd mention to your father that the cer- tificate w/ch he was so kind as to give me relating to the promise made by M/r Plumsted to Doctor Taylors Adm/rs; to make a Title to a piece of Land in West Bradford, was mislaid by the Exec/rs of M/r Plum- sted; to whom I gave it. And as it is necessary before the Title will he made, to have another duplicate as I am now here on that business if he would he so obliging as to forward it to M/rs Jenkins's ag/t tomorrow, wou'd take it as a great favor. I hope He and You will forgive the trouble I put you, at this Season of Grief for the Loss you have sustained in your family. I am Sir With due Esteem Your most Hble Servant Pers/r Frazer To M/r Sketchly Morton Ridley p/r favor of M/r Jn/o Crosby Ju/r 65 r 774- During this year and particularly in December the subject of this memoir took a leading part in the political movements of his County to meet and thwart the oppressive legislation of Great Britain. The Continental Congress had met in Carpenter's Hall Philadelphia on Sept. 5 and adjourned on Oct. 26. 1774. It professed loyalty to the King, but petitioned him to redress the wrongs done the Colonies. Addresses were sent to the people of Great Britain, Canada, and the Colonies, and a declaration of rights was drawn up, with an agreement to stop all trade with Great Britain and to put an end to the slave trade. To carry out its measures Provincial Conventions were called in some of the Colonies, and the more important Counties of Pennsyl- vania organised Committees. Persifor Frazer's name will be found among those appended to the non-importation resolutions. On Monday Dec. 10. 1774 Deborah Franklin the wife of Dr Ben- jamin Franklin died and on the following Thursday her remains were interred in Christ Church burying ground. On Friday May 5. 1775 following Dr. Franklin arrived on the Pennsylvania Packet (Capt. Osborne) from London where he had been acting as Agent for the Massachusetts Government and the Province of Pennsylvania. In pursuance of a public notice given, a very respectable number of the inhabitants of the County of Chester met at the court house in the Borough of Chester on the 20th day of December 1774, and chose the following Committee to carry into execution the association of the late Continental Congress, viz: Anthony Wayne Francis Johnston Richard Riley Evan Evans James Moore Hugh Lloyd Thomas Hockley David Cowpland John Hart Sketchley Morton Samuel Fairlamb Isaac Eyre John Crosby Nicholas Deal Jesse Bonsall Edward Humphreys Henry Lawrence Richard Thomas Win. Montgomery — Persifor Frazer — Thomas Taylor John Foulke Robt. Mendenhall Joseph Pennell George Peirce Nich. Fairlamb Samuel Trimble Charles Dilworth John Hannum George Hoopes 66 Thomas Evans John Hartman Dr. Branson Van Lear William Evans Joseph Cowan Thomas Haslep Patterson Bell Dr. Jonathan Morris Andrew Mitchell Thomas Buffington James Bennett Joseph Musgrave William Miller Richard Hower Walter Finney Aaron Oakford Joel Baily James Simpson Benjamin Brannan Jos. Bishop Jr. David Wherry John Talbot John Gilliland James Evans Joseph Brown John Kcrlin Thomas Bishop Samuel Price Edward Jones William Edwards John Crawford William Lewis Jonathan Vernon Jr. John Taylor Pat. K. Anderson Lewis Davis Sr. Lewis Gronow Joseph Gibbons Jr. Thomas Evans Josua Evans Which Committee are to be and continue from this time until one month after the rising of the next Continental Congress, with full power to transact such business, and enter into such associations as to them shall appear expedient. After the above Committeemen were chosen, they organized by electing Anthony Wayne Esq. Chairman, and Francis Johnston Esq. Secretary. The following - resolves were passed unanimously and re- corded with the accompanying minute: — ist. That any twelve or more of the Committee, meeting upon due notice be empowered to enter upon and transact all such business as shall come under their consideration, — provided that the majority agreeing shall not be less than twelve. _'d. That the present unhappy situation of public affairs in general, and of this province in particular, render it highly necessary a Provin- cial Convention should lie held as soon as possible; for which purpose twelve persons shall be appointed out of the said Committee as Dele- gates to attend the said Convention, at such time and place as shall be generally agreed on. The Committee then adjourned till Monday the Qth, of January 1775. to meet at the house of David Cowpland in the Borough of Ches- ter, at 10 o'clock A. M. at which time and place it is expected that each member will give due attendance. (By order of the Committee), Francis Johnston Secretary Extract from the minutes of Chester County Committee. March 20th, 1775. Pursuant to adjournment and public notice given, the Committee of Chester County met at the house of Richard Cheney, in East Cain. On motion ordered, that Mr. Hockley, Mr Johnston, Mr Gronow, Mr. Lloyd. Mr Frazer, Mr. Moore, and Mr. Taylor, be, and they are hereby appointed a Committee to essay a draught of a petition to pre- sent to the General Assembly of this Province, with regard to the manumission of Slaves, especially relating to the freedom of infants hereafter born of black women, within this Colony, — and do make re- "port of the same to this Committee at their next meeting. (hi motion. Ordered, that each member in this Committee will use 67 his utmost diligence in collecting the several sums of money subscribed for the use of Boston, and pay the same into the hands of Anthony Wayne Esq. Treasurer, at the next meeting of the Committee. The Committee, then adjourned, to meet at the house of David Cowpland in the Borough of Chester, on Wednesday the 31st, of May next. (By order of the Committee, Francis Johnston, Secretary.) In January 1775 Persifor Frazer was elected a Delegate to the Provincial Convention which unanimously adopted a resolution "to procure a law prohibiting in the future the importation of Slaves into this Province," in opposition to the policy of Great Britain. Jany 23/d 1775 The Provincial Convention met the Committee of Philadelphia informed the Various Counties what the intention of Calling them together was, Adjourn'd 'till ten next Morning without doing any other Business. 24th Met according to Adjournment. A Motion was made by M/r Biddle to Settle the Mode of Voting, that each County have One Vote and the City of Philad/a One Vote. Oppos'd by M/r Aus- tin. Carried in the Affirmative. A Motion made by M/r Will- son that the Proceedings Should be Read and carr/d in the affir- mative. A Motion by M/r Willson that this Convention should give their hearty approbation to the said proceedings, likewise that the thanks of this Com/e should be given to said Con- gress. Amendment propos'd by M/r Owen Biddle that Whereas the House of Assembly had taken into Consideration the Conduct and proceedings of the Late Congress and had approv'd of the same, therefore We Do Resolve strictly to Comply with the Asso- ciation Articles and return them our hearty thanks for their dis- interested Care and trouble in guarding the liberties of America This warmly debated etc. thrown out — the first motion carried in the Affirmative — Motion by M/r Taylor for thanks to the House of Assembly for their approving the proceedings of the Congress — debated and carried in the Negative — Motion by M/r Hartley to appoint a Committee to form some Plan for Home Manufac- tures — Committee appointed and adjourn'd to ten O'Clock next Day— 68 25th Met according- to Adjournment. A Motion made by M/r Lam- bert Cadwalader seconded by M/r Rush — amendment offer'd by M/r Thomson for to draw up instructions to the i louse of Assem- bly in order to procure a Law for the Prohibition of the importa- tion of Slaves — A motion made bj M r Thomson for measures to prevent the importation of Convicts. Objected to By M/r Biddle on account of a Law already provided. A motion by M/r Will- son for providing- Relief for the City of Philadelphia in Case of Suspension of Trade etc., after being long; debated and altera- tions made, it was agreed that the Several Counties of this Prov- ince ought and that the members of this Convention will exert their utmost endeavors to afford them all necessary Relief. A Motion made by M/r Biddle that in Case the Committee of any particular County should meet with opposition, that the other Counties give them all the Assistance and weight in their Tower. 26th Met ami Motion was made by M r Mifflin for a Resolve that in Case his Administration should endeavor to carry their oppressive Measures into Execution by Force of Arms and the Petition to the Throne fail of Success, that we will at all Hazard Resist such Force, this motion to on the Table 'till tomorrow. Adjourned 'till four OClock — Met the Committee for preparing (torn) Plan for encouraging- the Several Manufactories necessary. Brought in their Plan — On Examination Six of these Articles Adopted. Adjournd 'till tomorrow. Endorsed Rough Minutes of Convention Jan/y 23/d 1775 My D/r Polly I have not been out of Town since I came on Sunday, have been waiting for M/r Thomson who Came into Town Yesterday and appointed a meeting but M/r McMurtrie did not appear. We ex- pected another meeting this morning, by M r Thompson is oblig'd to go Home as he lives about 8 Miles in the Jerseys, and has appointed to meet Us at the Ferry in the Jersey Side on Monday at 9 OClock. 1 am determin'd to have the matter out before I leave this, as I made it appear that M/r Maurignolt had Examin'd my Acc/t tho' McMurtrie has told every One, that I took the Books away before he had done. I expected the Colt in here but have seen nothing of her please to send Torn Riley with her tomorrow and send me a shirt and a pair of Stock- ings, let Tom Ride the little Grey Horse. I expect to have done on 69 Monday or Tuesday. I hope you and little Sally are better than when I left you — no Man had ever to deal with such a Devil As McMurtrie however I have great Hopes all will End well. I am determin'd never to Come here again on this Business. As I think I have done every- thing in my power— let Tom Come tomorrow by all Means I remain my Dear Love Your Affectionate Husband Pers/r Frazer Saturday Jany. 20/th Addressed To M/rs Mary Frazer pr favour of M/r Thornbury Abram. Hoops April 30. 1775. Letter from Jno Potts to unnamed complaining of non payment of absconding Calvert's bond Jan. 3. 1770 to June 3. 1775. Per/s Frazer's acct with S. Shaw. Apl. 15. 1777. Signed Sam/1 Shaw Aug. 28. 1775 At the Request of John Peirce I do hereby Testify and declare, that at the time his wife went to Frazors, and Lay in did not drive her out of the House as was Re- ported neither did he give her any provocation to leave his hous, as I was present and heard every thing that pass'd, he neither Touch'd her, nor gave her any ill or Threatening language, he had been out with his gun, and came home tir'd and hungry, and Quickly ask'd her for Some Victuals, She Crossly and ngryly said to him, she would not get any etc. She sometime after dressed her Self, and set off on foot, I told him she was gone, he desired me to follow and tell to come back and get a horse to Ride if she must go ; the whole is the Truth which I'm free to be Quallifyd to, if Re- quir'd, given under my hand this 28/th 8/mo 1775 her Eliz/h Hilliard mark Nov. 25. 1775. Promis. note and bond of P. F. to Caleb Brinton of Birmingh. twp Chest. Co. for £200, , o, , o, , Dec. 26. 1775. In committee Chester county 26 Dec 1775 Extract from the notes of Assembly Resolved That Anthony Wayne, James Moore, Frances Johnson Esquirs Doctor Samuel Kennedy, Caleb Davis, William Montgomery — Persifor Frazer — and Richard Thomas gentlemen be appointed and they are hereby appointed to represent this county (if occasion be) in Provincial Convention for the ensuing year. From the minutes By order of the committee Frances Johnson Sec/y Dec. 30. 1775 December y/e 30/th 1775 Dear Sir When I saw you Last, I told you I would be at Your House A Sunday But as Matters is I Can/t — as to Going to Town with you. it will Be of No service, for as I have Consulted my family Concerning the Commission Proposed I Must with a great Deal of Regret, De- cline it at this time; for Perticular Reasons, which Perhaps when I see you ; You/11 be of my opinnon Thefore. With Reluctance, I must Con- tinue in the Same Situation ; as at Present ; Untill '—We are actually Invaded Upon our own Border, But then the Best family on Earth Shall not Detain; Your Humble Servn/t from the Service. Tho/s Taylor To Capt/11 Frazer P. S Do Sir Interseed With Col/e Wayn. to apoint Some other in the Service in the Room of Your Hum/e Servent Sir I do not know how to spell your Name therefore Pray Excuse Addressed To Capt/n Piersefer Frazer Present The following are extracts from an unpublished memoir of Persifor Frazer by Mr. Joseph S. Harris: "The earliest private venture of Persifor Frazer is said to have been a country store in the house then owned by Richard Richison at the intersection of the 'Old Colonial road' with the road now known as 'Church Lane,' about a quarter of a mile east of the Harris home- stead in East Whiteland, Chester County, but the date of this is not known. At another time in his early life he lived about a mile west of this store on the 'Old Colonial road' near the White Horse tavern, and owned a farm at the intersection of that road with the road which runs from Glenloch station on the Pennsylvania Railroad northward to Lionville." "There are also detailed accounts of the business of Jonathan Vaughan and Company relating to Deep Creek Furnace, running from April 2, 1762, to July 8, 1767, and aggregating £ 2000/ 17s./ 10 3/4d. "From these accounts it appears that Persifor Frazer was a partner in the firm, and that he had charge of the finances and of the Com- pany's store. The other partners draw on him for money from time to time." "Jonathan Vaughan, Dennis Whelen, both of Uwchlan, Chester County, and Samuel Kennedy, August 5th, 1760, entered into an agreement in relation to operating Sarum Forge, belonging to the estate of Dr. John Taylor, Whelen being apparently the capitalist of the enterprise. "October 4, 1760, Vaughan and Kennedy gave Whelen a bond in the sum of one thousand pounds lawful money of the province as security that they would faithfully observe certain articles of partner- ship of the same date between the same parties. John Taylor, the younger son of Dr. John Taylor who had owned Sarum Forge during his life time, died the year after this agreement was made, and Sarum Forge was operated for some years by Jonathan Vaughan and Com- pany, Persifor Frazer keeping the accounts of this operation as well as of Deep Creek furnace." "At some time before 1767 David McMurtrie and Persifor Frazer bought out the interests of Dennis Whelen and Samuel Kennedy in Sarum Forge, and William Douglas, of Worcester County, Maryland, also appears thereafter as a partner of Vaughan and Frazer in an agreement dated October 31, 1767. "Persifor Frazer had before this time (October 2, 1766,) married Mary Worrall Taylor, daughter of the younger John Taylor. Sarum Forge had been willed by Dr. John Taylor to his widow, his second wife, Elizabeth Taylor, for the term of her life. She had let it with its appurtenances for the same term to Daniel Calvert, who had been in the employ of Dr. John Taylor, and the somewhat complicated agreements of October 31, 1767, appear to have had the purpose of divesting the interests of Jonathan Vaughan and Company in Sarum Forge that all interests might be vested in Daniel Calvert. With him was associated John Thompson who probably represented the children of the younger John Taylor, and who, at the same date, gives to Vaughan, Douglas, McMurtrie and Frazer, a bond in the sum of two 72 hundred pounds to free them of the obligations under the lease of August 5, 1760, which obligations were assumed by Daniel Calvert. Vaughan and Douglas are, in these papers, represented as being of Worcester County, Maryland, McMurtrie as of Philadelphia, and Frazer as of Ashton township, which adjoined Thornbury township on the Southeast — Sarum Forge being near the boundary line between the two townships." "To close up the business of Jonathan Vaughan and Company at Sarum Forge, Persifor Frazer held a vendue November 5, 1707, at which he sold the personal property, other than that taken over by Thompson; household furniture, live-stock, tools, store goods, etc. As the proceeds of the sale only amounted to £81 10s. lid. it is evi- dent that Thompson took over most of the property or Jonathan Vaughan and Company had not been carrying on the operations at Sarum Forge very vigorously. In fact, so far as we can gather, Sarum Forge was never much of a success in anybody's hands after the death of Dr. John Taylor. Its products may have fallen in price below a remunerative point, and Sarum was not very well located for a profit- able enterprise. It was too far from the raw material, and too far, also, from a market, so that it could not live in an era of low prices." "Persifor Frazer seems at this time to have parted with much of his interest in the firm of Jonathan Vaughan and Company, but he did not wholly retire from it, for he retained throughout his life an interest in the Deep Creek Furnace, and his death in 1792 interfered with his purpose of making a visit to that property." "Deep Creek Furnace was on Deep Creek, a navigable stream tributary to Pocomoke River in Worcester County, Maryland. The property consisted of a body of lands in Worcester and Dorchester Counties, amounting to 51304 acres, which cost, as shown by a settle- ment made August 1, 1767, £ 2999/i4s./6d. The work> were a furnace with mills and houses appurtenant in Worcester County, and on an- other tract, also in the same County, a forge with mills and houses." "Persifor Frazer was, at a later time — but when is not known — asso- ciated with Jonathan Vaughan in the operation of iron works in Ox- ford township, Chester County, near the Maryland border. After the dissolution of the partnership of Jonathan Vaughan and Company, he became interested in the management of Sarum Forge for the heirs of Dr. John Taylor. March 31, 1770, he and James Thomson, who had married Mrs. Frazer's sister Sarah, took the lease off the hands of Daniel Calvert for the remainder of the term of the life of Elizabeth Taylor. He had, March 6, 1770, executed in favor of John Hannum a mortgage for £300 on a farm in Thornbury township. This farm was apparently a part of the Taylor Estate and the mortgage was probably given to raise money for working capital for Sarum Forge. His brother-in-law, Isaac Taylor, was also interested in this venture. 72, He draws a draft on him in favor of John Potts of Philadelphia for £30, October 31, 1771." "It is difficult to trace the various changes of management through which the iron works passed, but Persifor Frazer seems to have been long connected with the management. While he was away from home during the Revolutionary War, the experiment of leasing them was again tried, but again unsuccessfully, as his brother-in-law, James Thomson, writes to him at Ticonderoga, New York, under date of August 21, 1776 — 'Old Joab Fallows is doing no good with the forge, and I think against Spring will not be able to pay the rent.' Later it was one of the daily duties, which his wife. 1 took upon herself during his absence in the army, to ride down to the iron works before break- fast to see that work was properly carried on there." "While running the forge he was also making use of some of the other facilities for production of various commodities which Dr. John Taylor had developed during his energetic life. An account which extends from January, 1770, to March, 1776, shows that he furnished to S Shaw, of Philadelphia, a large quantity of barrel staves and heads, and received from him in return a variety of mill products, bran, ship stuff, etc." "His early connection with Sarum Forge Works probably led to his acquaintance with Mary Worrall Taylor, who became his wife in the autumn of 1766. They were married in the Middletown Presbyterian Church by Rev. John Ewing, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, of which church the family of John Frazer were doubt- less members, as many of his descendants continued to be for nearly a century. The marriage is noted on the records of the church in Philadelphia, but the family tradition that the ceremony took place at Middletown is doubtless correct, that church being within two miles of the bride's home. It is remembered that when the young couple first appeared in the church, it was the popular verdict that they were the handsomest pair ever seen there." This distinguished clergyman was subsequently Provost of the University of Pennsylvania and chief of a commission to extend the Mason and Dixon boundary line westward to the Ohio. The itinerary of this interesting journey with his rough field notes were among the papers of General Persifor Frazer, and were lately purchased and published by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "There was some opposition to the marriage of Persifor Frazer, as there was to his father's marriage. John Taylor, the father of the bride, had died in 1761, and her mother married about 1763, John Pierce, a well-to-do Quaker of Thornbury, who was also a preacher, and there was a strong feeling of disapproval among Friends of the marriage of their people with the later comers of another faith who were pushing their way so vigorously into a colony which Friends had 74 founded, and which they hoped was to remain their special preserve and the nursery of their faith. The records of their meetings about this time are full of cases of people who, having married 'out of meet- ing,' came back and said that they were sorry for having committed a breach of discipline." "Persifor Frazer's wife was much pressed to make a similar ac- knowledgment of error, but would go no further than that 'she was quite ready to say that she was very sorry to have wounded the feelings of Friends, but nobody should ever hear her say that she was sorry she had married Persifor Frazer.' " "John Fierce, who doubtless deserved the reputation he leases in the family tradition of being a surly soul, carried his opposition to the marriage of his step-daughter so far that the young pair who remained at the home of the bride's mother till after the birth of their first child in January, 1769, found it more agreeable after that time to make a new home for themselves. The bride's mother went with them, which caused still greater wrath on the part of John Pierce, and re- sulted in a notice to Persifor Frazer, dated January 23, 1769, 'not to keep, harbor, or entertain my wife in or about thy house as thee to ye contrary shall answer for so doing another day.' This notice having no effect it was followed up by a bill of expenses arising () ut of the 'entertainment of Persifor Frazer and his wife at John Pierce's house from December 6, 1766.' "The storm blew over. Friends of those days who would not fight, did not consider themselves debarred from the privilege of making themselves disagreeable and using harsh words, but Sarah Pierce con- tinued to live with her daughter, and John Pierce contented himself as he best could, though occasionally growling as late as August, 1775." "( Ither than this family jar, nothing seems to have marred the happiness of the Frazer home. Four children came to it before they celebrated the tenth anniversary of their wedding day, and Mrs. Frazer in after years, when the country's troubles took her husband so much away from home, looked back with fond regret to those early peaceful days. "It can be fairly said for Persifor Frazer not only that he had a charming and noble wife, but that he must, himself, have had much attractiveness to have won and kept such devoted love as she gave him. Such expressions of a warm and heartfelt though perfectly dig- nified and sane affection as constantly occur in her letters to him are rare in the formal correspondence of the days in which they lived, and throw a pleasing halo over their busy and earnest lives." "Persifor Frazer's connection with public affairs, which was to con- tinue throughout his life, began before his marriage, for we find it of record that in January, 1765, which was probably before he got quite out of touch with affairs in Philadelphia, he was appointed a delegate 75 CHAPTER II The Year 1776 1776 At the very beginning of January of this year the Fourth Battalion of the Penna. line was organised with Anthony Wayne in command. As Persifor Frazer and he were life long friends the former raised and commanded the first Company of this Battalion and the other comp- anies were commanded as follows : Captain i. Persifor Frazer, of Chester county. 2. Thomas Robinson, " 3. John Lacey, of Bucks county. 4. Caleb North, of Chester county. 5. Thomas Church, of Lancaster county. 6. Frederick Vernon, of Chester county. 7. James Moore, 8. James Taylor, These were severally commissioned by the Continental Congress, on the 5th of January, 1776. The commission of the first named here follows IN CONGRESS. The Delegates of the United Colonies of New-Hampshire, Massa- chusetts Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jer- sey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New-Castle, Kent, and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Caro- lina, and Georgia, to Persifor Frazer Esquire (written) WE reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism.. Val- our, Conduct and Fidelity, DO by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be a Captain (written) of the Fourth Battalion of Pennsylvania Troops in the Army of the United Colonies raised for the defence of Ameri- can Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of Captain (written) by doing and performing all Manner of Things therunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as Captain (written). And you are to observe and follow such Orders 78 and Directions from 'I "ime to Time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress, for the Purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the Army of the United Colonies, or any other your superior < Mii cer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress. Philadelphia January 5th 1776 (written) By Order of the Congress John Hancock President Attest. Cha Thomson Secy (Printed sheet) IN CONGRESS, January 17, 1776. RESOLVED, THAT the Colonies of the several Battalions, ordered to be raised, do immediately order their Officers on recruiting service, to such parts where they are best known and have the greatest probability of success. That the Recruiting Officers ought to be careful to inlist none but healthy, sound, and able bodied men, not under sixteen years of age. That the Colonels of the several Battalions aforesaid appoint some place or places of rendezvous to which the recruits may be sent, and where the Battalions may be quartered. That the greatest attention ought to be paid to the behaviour of the Troops in quarters, that they may give no reasonable cause of complaint. That the quarters of the Troops be duly discharged once every week. That an allowance of Ten Shillings per man be made to the Recruit- ing Officers in lieu of their expences in recruiting, exclusive of the subsistence money allowed them, and that in case any men be inlisted contrary to the foregoing regulations, the pay they may have received and the subsistence money they may be paid for them shall be stopped from the pay of such Recruiting Officers. That The Colonels of the several Pennsylvania Battalions be sup- plied with money for the recruiting service by the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania, and disburse the same to the several Recruit- ing ( )fficers, the Colonels and other Officers to be accountable for what they shall receive, and all arrears they may fall into to be stopped from their pay. That no bought indented servants be employed on board the Fleet or in the Army of the United Colonies, without the consent of their masters. Extracts from the Minutes. CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary. 79 Jan. 26. 1776 January 26/th 1776 Sir You are to Continue to Enlist men for the Purpose of filling your Company as soon as Possible in the Fourth Battalion under my Command — in doing of which you are to be governed by the Rules and Resolves of Congress. You are at Liberty to Offer the men by way of Bounty One pair of new Shoes, a pair of new stockings a new Hat, the value of ten Shill- ings in other Clothing, in place of a hunting Shirt, a new Blanket — or if they find one of their own Two Dollars for it, with liberty to take it away at the end of the Campaign — Five Dollars pr month and one Dollar pr week Subsistance Money until the join the Battalion, Fifty Shillings pr month if Ordered for Canada ; Such of your men as can procure good Muskets or Rifles will find their advantage in bringing them along By a late Resolve of Congress no Soldier is to be arrested unless he is justly Indebted to one Person more than 35 Dollars — nor shall his Effects be liable to attachment at the suit or for the benefit of all his Creditors, unless their debts in the whole on being ascertained by their Oaths amounts to more than 150 Dollars You are to Render yourself at Chester on Friday the 9/th of Feb- ruary next with all such men as you then have or can Enlist I wish you Success and am D/r S/r To Your most Ob/t Hum/1 Ser/t Cap/t Frazer Anty Wayne If you shou'd meet with any Opposition in Recruiting you'l apply to the Committee of the County where Such Oposition has been given who will afford you Assistance Jan. 29. 1776. January y/e 29/th 1776 Dear Sir I Thought to have been at your House this day But the fetage(sic) of Business Requires a Respite Therefore you/11 Obliege me if you/11 send that Money in your Hands from, Col/n Wayne by the Bearer (my son) as I must Go this Evening toward the Half-way House ; and Expect you/11 be on the Service and from Home. Pray Excuse the day for y/e Reasons Offer/d so Remans your Hum. S/t Tho/s. Taylor To Cap/tn Frazer Addressed fo Cap/tn Persifor Frazer These 80 March 21. 1776. Promis. note and bond of P. F. to Caleb Brinton Birmingh. twp. Chest. Co. for £130, , o, , o, , (Printed sheet) CHESTER, March 23. 1776. ALL such Soldiers as are absent without leave, or that have deserted from any of the Companies belonging to the 4th Battalion of Penn- sylvania Troops, who will join the same now stationed at Chester and Marcus-Hook, on or before the 10/th day of April next, shall be re- ceived with full PARDON; and all such as remain absent after that date will be advertised and punished as DESERTERS. All House-keepers or others harbouring or entertaining any De- serters, knowing them to be such, will be fined FIFTY DOLLARS for every offence, or suffer six months imprisonment, agreeable to a late Resolve of CONGRESS, confirmed by the House of Assembly of Pcnnsvlvania. ANTHONY WAYNE, Col. 4th Bat. Penn. Troops. Printed by JOHN DUNLAP, (torn) Philadelphia April 6. 1776 April 6/th 1776 Cap/t Fraser Sir At the Instance of Col Dewees who I know has been a Considerable Sufferer by men Inlisting in his dept — I am to Request that you'd Discharge a Certain Francis Jones — you'l under these Cir- cumstances make the matter as easy as possible to Col Dewees as the cost if any will come out of his Pocket I am S. your most Ob/t S/r Anty Wayne My D/r Polly This evening or tomorrow I go to Philad/a on Friday I expect to be at Home on Sunday my Company will march, Colonel Johnston says I must stay here w/th him till the last of the men march. Please to send one of the Boys w/th a Horse for me on Friday. I have nothing new. my best Love to you all Am yr. Affect. Husband Persifor Frazer Chester Apr. 8/th, 1776 For Mrs Frazer P fa v. of Mr Griffithe 81 Cap/t Frazer D/r to George Speer for Boarding Hezekiah Ragg To 4 weeks at 7/6 p/r £1 — 10 — o Paul Ellis To 1 D/o at 7/6 p/r 7—6 John Tanner To 2 D/o at D 1 5 — o £2. 12 6 An Order by Hezekiah Ragg 1, , 6, , 1 1 £ 3 19 5 Received Ap/1 15/th 1776 the above Sum of Three Pounds nineteen Shillings and five pence from Cap/t Frazer in full of all Demands ag/t him George Spear My D/r Polly Tomorrow I am to go to Philad/a I shall return again I expect on Thursday Evening and shall be at home on Saturday evening if possible. Pleas to send me a Couple Clean Shirts Stocks and Stockings by the Bearer I know not when the Company will March but expect some time next week, my love to> the Children and am my d/r Polly y/r loving Husband Pers/r Frazer. April 23. 1776 I have sent some dirty Clothes home. For Mrs Frazer May 1. 1776. Chester, May i/st ijj6 Cap/t Tayler (Sir) you are to maeke your Selves, and Cap/t Church both with your Compaynees Ready to march to morrow morning to New york the Close for your Comp/s will be at the Hook this Even- ing: and you will Embark to morrow morning with the first High waather you will Call heire, for the Coullers to take on Board the shallup, whear Cap/ta Church/s Comp. are Nich : Haussegger Major 4 Bat/1 P. R. 82 My D/r Polly I have finished all my business here and a ready to set off for Bristol tomorrow morning I shall give you directions when I get to Camp in what manner to forward your Letters. Should old Noblit be troublesome to you you had better applj to Mr. Cheyney and he will direct you the short method to take by Jury and a Justice, (or 3 Justices 1 I have agreed to have the Evening Post sent to Tommy Evans's. 1 have inclos'd the Lease between Thomas Taylor and Jemmy and myself please to let Jemmy have it 1 have not more to add but my best wishes to all friends my love to my D/r Children and my un- feigned love to yourself and am y/r Affect. Husband. To Mrs Mary Frazer p. fav/r Mr Jones Thornbury My D/r Polly Orders have come down this day from Genl. Wash- inton for our Regiment to March as soon as they can be Cloathed and Equip'd. I am just setting off for Philad a with Colonel John- ston shall be at Home Sunday or Monday do get every thing ready as soon as possible, the latter end of next Week will be the extent of my stay. I am Yr. Affect/e Husband Pers/r Frazer. To Mrs. Mary Frazer Thornbury May 4. (1776) New York Mrch/ts Coffee House May 4/th Sir as I am informed you are the first Captain in Col/1 Wayne's Battalion of which I have been lately appointed Chaplain in Connec- tion w/th Col/1 Hand's Battalion of Riflemen, and that it is your Office to draw y/e pay of the Field and staff Officers. 1 am under the necessoty of troubling you in this way in order to secure the arrears which are due to me from the first of January last — I need not per- haps mention to you that by order of the Commander in Chief one half of the Chaplain's Pay is to be drawn by one of the Regiments which he serves, and the other half by the other — I have received the half by Col/1 Hand from the first of Jan/y to the first of April — But should your Regiment go off to Canada before the remaining half due from the first of January to the first of May, to be drawn by you be 83 secured, I may probably loose it, as the advantage of having it drawn in the proper way will then be removed — I do not, Sir, apply to you without having first spoken to Col/1 Wayne, who was pleased to refer me to you — It would give me pleasure to see you personally Be as- sured however of my best Wishes and Prayers for your safety, honour and success in your Canadian expedition — If you will be so kind as to give yourself the trouble of serving me in this instance you will lay me under very particular obligation — I have could wish that the money, when drawn, might be left in trust w/h M/r Cornelius Bradford at the Merchant's Coffee House — I have mentioned to him your Name and the Sum and desired him to receive it and give you a Receipt — I am, Dear Sir, your affectionate friend and very humble servant Samuel Blair — Chaplain to Col/1 Hand's and Col/1 Wayne's Battalions Cap/t Persifor Frazier Addressed To Cap/t Persifor Frazier New-York Long Island May 23/d 1776. My D/r Polly I left Philad/a this day Week in Compy. with Doc/r Kennedy and arrived Safe at New York on Saturday Evening on Sun- day came over to this place and found everything and every Person as well as I could desire. We are situated opposite to New York ab/t 3/4 of a Mile from it, in the pleasantest place I ever yet beheld both for improvements and prospect, it is expected We shall continue here as an Armament is dayly look for from England or Halifax. We have not yet got Arms for the Companys now here but expect shortly we shall be fully supply'd, there are not less than 10 different Fortifica- tions now very forward on this and the New York side w/ch it is thought will be sufficient for the defense of the Capital and disap- point our Enemies in their Schemes of making any great progress in this Country, the Force now in this Neighbourhood amount to ab/t 10 or 12 Thousand Men and it is expected the other Troops rais/d in our Government will be order'd here. The news from Quebec is bad but not so much so as the first acc/ts mention. We have lost but ab/t 200 of our Sick 14 pieces of Artillery and some Baggage, our Troops are now in good condition ab. 45 Miles above Quebec where they propose to make a stand. — 84 Our Men with out ilatterry exceed all the other Troops both in ap- ]• arance and Subordination they are respected by all the inhabitants and hope we shall continue to deserve the character We have acquired. Jem Young deserted the other day if you can hear anything of him send word to Capt. Anderson at Chester to have him taken up and immediately confin'd and every Person that has harbour him ought to be dealt with with the greatest severity. The Blue Cloath at Darby if is good and looks well wou'd advise you not to dispose of it and it is likely 1 shall want a Suit of it for my own use, I have got one p i cotton Stockings the other cotton thread 1 left with the Stocking Weaver who's Name is deshong and lives on the South side of Mar- ket Street within a Door or two of furthest House next the Commons I did not pay him for Weaving the pair I have got — if you should hear of any safe hand please to send them. I have been llonour'd with the Acquaintance of General Green who Commands on this Island in whose Company 1 have been frequently He is an Accomplish'd line Gentleman and respected by all ranks, should be happy in being continu'd under his Command. If the New England Troops do not fight better than their appear- ance indicate they will make a poor hand of it. I have not more worth notice to inform you off. Give my best respects to Nancy Sally Thomson, Betsy Taylor Isaac, Jemmy, Tommy Cheney, Tommy Taylor Westtown, Capt Anderson and all other enquiring friends. My most ardent Wishes attend my D/r Children and wish you my D/r Polly Life Health and Prudence and am Yr. Affectionate Husband. Pers/r Frazer Should you write direct to me of the 4/th Pennsylv/a Regiment com- man/d by Col Wayne at Long Island. This goes inclos'd to Mrs Kennedy by a person going to Lancaster To Mrs Mary Frazer Thornbury Township Chester County. June 4/th [776. M/r Oliver please to forward this it came inclosed to me to Day and has been Detained at Phil/a I got one from the D r Wrote since which says the dayly expect an attack Sarah Kennedy May 25. 1776 Long Island May 25/th 1776 Col. Johnston's Orders As it is not known what moment the Enemy will make an attack upon us, it is therefore highly requisite to make every preparation in our power for their reception — The Works on this Island not being yet finish'd, we must 85 therefore use every mean in our power to expedite the same — For this purpose Order out as soon as possible, this afternoon, the Comp'y next in tour of Duty, on fatigue — Let the officers at- tend with the men, and keep them employ'd — this however seems needless, as our Men have gained great Credit in the Army as, active industrious men — Endorsed Capt/n Frazer Or the Command/g off/r of 4/th Penn : Batt/n May 28. 1776. Dear Maddam I have sent the Mare by the safest hands that I could find : and have use/d her weell, according to Cap/t Frazers Request, but not so soon as as I Expected — I heard from the Captain this Day and hee is in Good Health and I shall sett out for New York Tomor- row Morning Early, soner than I Expected but It is General washingtons Orders which Gives me some Trouble as I have not a formal Leave of my Family, but have the Promise of Returning in two or three weeks to see my wife and family and hope to have the plasure of Cap/n Frazers Companey which I Dare say will be Verry agreeable to you From Yours Maddam John Harper Phila/d May y/e 28/th 1776 N : B Please to Give my Complyments to my Friends Addressed For M/rs Mary Frazer in Thornbury To Care of Chester County M/r Cartin Long Island June 7/th, 1776. My D/r Polly I wrote to you about 2 Weeks ago the Letter was inclos'd to Mrs. Kennedy. I have receiv'd no Account from you since my arrival in this place, but a verbal one by Mr. Harper who arriv'd here on Monday last and inform'd me that he heard you were all well, I continue in my Usual health indeed the whole five Companies en- camp'd here are remarkably healthy not above one or two any way disorder'd We have not yet got Arms but are in daily expectation of 86 those that were taken lately near Boston, when I expect We shall be compleatly Arm'd, whether we shall go to Quebec or stay is not cer- tain, but think it most probable this Island will be our station as Gen- eral Green seems very fond of our joining his Brigade; the Fortifica- tions in this neighbourhood are very numerous one or two New Ones lately constructed, those that were first began are nearly compleat, and the whole make a very formidable appearance, the last news from Quebec is favourable about 1500 of our Men under General Arnold have defeated a large Body of Regulars Canadians and Indians mar Montreal some Acc/ts say they have killed and taken the whole | consisting of 700. Two small parties of ours had been defeated by them before Genl. Arnold attack'd them. There are a very last numbers of Tories in this Island and Neigh- bourhood there was information given the other day to I teneral I'm nam that a number of the most noted of them in this Government were to meet near thirty miles from this place on Tuesday last and Governor Tryon with them. Colonel Johnston and myself were sent off in disguise to reconnoitre the Neighbourhood where thej were to have met. — On Monday night last. A number of Rifle men and the Xew Eng- land Troops amountg. to upwards of 250 set off in the night in order to bring those in We should discover. We proceeded to Jam and Hampstead two noted Tory Vilages the one ab/t [2 the other about 25 Miles from hence. We had not time to make all the di eries We would wish before the Troops who had march'd very Quick came up with Us. The Tories took the Alarm through the Country where the Troops pass'd and Expresses were dispatch'd to their Lead ers. Two of their principals were taken; Tryon had not come on Shore nor can I think he intended it, but from the Conversation We had believe there was to have been a Meeting of some of them. We personated Tories so well that no one of them had any suspicion of our assum'd characeter, but all the men women and Children we met with were of the most villainous principles of any I ever yet heard. had the Honour the other day to be in Company with General Put- nam and several other officers and went with him in his Barge from New York to visit the Fortifications on Governors Island and I'aulus Hook, both of them opposite New York, he is a smart, active in- defatigable Old Gentleman and appears very sensible in his pro- fession. — I am very sorry to hear there is likely to be such division in our Province I am clearly of Opinion the Convention scheme is very im- politic and unnecessary at this time, could wish the leaders of the con tending parties wou'd take more pains to unite and conform to each others sentiments for the General good, I am very well satisfied 1 am 87 from among them at this time as contentions of any kind are very dis- agreeable to me. If you could send the Cloth to Mr Henry in Philadelphia as also the stockings and my other Hat if they cou'd be put into a small Box and go by the stage Waggon or Coach in the Care of some safe hand, I find I shall have occasion enough of them. — I was yesterday about 12 miles from this viewing the shipping near the sea, I counted 6 large ships and 6 smaller ones most of the larger are ships of war and some of the smaller Tenders, none have yet arriv'd from England as We can hear. Please to send your Letters to Mrs. Kennedy She is to send hers and yours inclos'd to Mr Brad- ford in Philadelphia and he is to send them to his Brother who keeps the Coffee House in New York. Shoud be extremely Glad to receive a Line from you. I have nothing more worthy of your notice to in- form you of. Major Haussuker D/r Kennedy and myself Lodge at a private House near the Camp, a very genteel commodious, pleasant place as ever I saw, and the people extremely agreeable, the other Officers Mess together at a House at the Camp Great Harmony has hitherto subsisted among the whole Officers and men indeed nothing is disagreeable only the troubles subsisting in the Continent and ab- sence from my dear little Family. Give my best and warmest respects to Your Mother, Brother, Sis- ter, my Sister Nancy, my old Friends and associates that enquir after me. I am my D/r Polly wishing you and my little ones every blessing Heaven can shower on you Your Affectionate Husband. Persifor Frazer To Mrs Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township, Chester County, Penn- sylvania recommended to the care of Mrs. Harper, Wilmington. P. fav. Mr. Littler. June 10 1776 My D/r Polly I wrote to you the other day by Mr. Littler of Wil- mington directed to the care of Mrs Harper and there was a letter in- clos'd to Mrs Kennedy which desire you may forward imediately ; I ex- pect Mr Vernon will see Mr Littler as he has not yet left York and he will get the Letter from him and forward that and this to you I wrote to you a few days after my arrival here under cover to Mrs. Kennedy w/ch I hope you have receiv'd. I have nothing new to inform you since Writing the last, shall continue to write every opportunity and expect you will not fail to let me hear from you as often as possible. When you send the articles I mention'd in my last please to send me some Linnen for Lining dont forget the Stockings in Philadelp/a SS Let me know how many Shirts I had with me as I think I have lost Regiments of Troops, chiefly New Englanders besides our Battallions and the whole am/t to 3100 effective, 2600 Sick and 1300 said to he on Com- mand somewhere hut to the General and ev'ry one hut themselves un- known, our Battallions amount to aboul [600 fit for duty, the miser- able appearance and what is worse the miserable behaviour of the Yankees is sufficient to make one sick of the service, they are by no means fit to endure hardships, among- them there is the strangesl mix- ture of Negroes, Indians and Whites with ( >ld Men and mere children which together with a Nasty lousy appearance, makes a most shock- ing Spectacle, no man was ever more disappointed than I have been in respect to them. The retreat of the Army to this place what ever others may think was certainly a well Judged piece of conduct. Crown Point the next fortress to this on Lake Champlain ha- been a very strong and important place, hut the Works are in such a ruinous Con- dition and they are so very extensive that it would take the whole of our Army I think 6 Months to repair them. I was there the other day and found it to surpass my expectations the situation is very pleasant: the 6/th Pens a Battallion is now there hut should the Enemy approach they are to retreat to this place. General Arnold and a number of Colonels and other Officers it is expected will be bro/t to severe Acc/t for their action in Canada, Court- Martial are sitting and have been sitting this considerable time and it is not known when they will finish their disagreable business, there has been the basest conduct in respect to the furnishing necessaries to the Army, and the Gentlemen who have had the managing of these matters arc or ought to be looked upon as the greatest Traitors to their Country. General Gates has given the greatest satisfaction hitherto and hope it will continue. The Penns/a Troops have not much Connection with the New England Troops and am sorry We cannot be on more friendly terms, they are encamp'd close to the Fort and on a point just opposite on the other side the Lake. The Gentlemen of the Army complain very much that their Letters have been intercepted and open'd, very few coming to hand, such conduct deserves the severest punishment and some time or other those transgressors will pay for it. the design must be to prevent their actions coming to the know- 99 ledge of the Congress as they have been in every particular almost impos'd upon relating to the affairs in this Quarter. I desir'd in my last letter that you would send me by some safe hand, 6 y/ds fine white Cloath, 5 y/ds Linnen home made, 2 ruffled and 2 plain shirts, 2 p/r cotton, 4 p/r Worsted and 2 p/r yarn stock- ings my Hat, some thread, trimmings for 2 jackets and a p/r Breeches, a Box of Andersons Pills and some other little things w/ch you can think of better than I can and as nothing but liquors and such things can be had here for money, shall have the greatest occasion for the most of them, you need not mind the Cloath for the Surtout as I in- tend to have a Blanket one made as they are the warmest and most fashionable here. (Written about July 25, 1776 from Ticonderoga) Draft of a letter to John Morton Sir. I have not forgotten the promise I made to you when I saw you last in Philadelphia, but as nothing material happened during our stay at Long Island which was not in the public prints, and our five com- panies being under daily expectation of having arms and marching to Canada, I deferred troubling you with mere formality, to which I know you as well as myself are an enemy. During our stay at Long Island our people were constantly employed in building fortifications, and were at length ordered to march June 29th, to Albany unarmed, but with a promise of receiving arms there from General Schuyler. On our arrival there we found plenty of muskets, but in such very bad repair that more than half of them were entirely useless, tho' they had been brought to the store last winter, and the whole of the re- mainder wanted great repairs. We were then ordered to march to this place where our bad arms should be exchanged for good ones, and were then to join our Colonel at Crown Point. We arrived here on the 10th, instant where the other companies with St. Clair's and De Haas's Pennsylvanians had arrived the day before, the 6th Bat- talion still remaining at Crown Point. The whole of them appeared in miserable plight from the fatigue and sickness they had undergone, but compared with the Eastern troops they are robust and hearty. Upwards of 3000 sick I am well informed, have been removed from this place since my arrival, to Fort George where a general Hospital is erected for this army- I understand they are recovering fast, tho' many have been launched into the other world. Such miserable Spec- tacles I do assure you sir, cannot be described, as were every minute presented to our view, and to me who have not yet lost all sensibility were the most affecting scenes I ever beheld, and to a raw soldier as I am, very discouraging. Bread and salt pork are the only diet, the 100 army having received but 4 or 5 clay's fresh provisions since they en- tered Canada, tho' it is now probable we shall be better supplied. The amount of the army at this place and Crown Point the other clay yon may be assured stood thus: -'000 sick at Fort George, 1 : on command nobody can tell where, and 3100 lit for duty. The I Vim sylvanians alone, are [600 effective, and [2 regiments Eastern troops, New \ orkers, and Jerseymen make up the remainder. The retreat of the army to this place 1 look upon as a very prudent measure, as it is capable from its situation of being strongly fortified. Crown Point, where I have been is a much pleasanter and more healthy place, but the works are so extensive, and being in a ruinous condition, it would take more time than it is likely we shall be allowed to put it in a proper posture. The Pennsylvanians now here are constantly em- ployed in repairing the old French lines at this place, which we are to defend, and expect in 15 or 20 days to have them in a better condition than ever they have been. The other troops are encamped on a pen- insula the other side of the Lake, and accessible only in one place. It is about half a mile from the old fort, and they are busily employed in fortifying that ground. We have now on this Lake, 3 schooners, and 1 sloop mounting from 8 to 16 guns; also 4 gallics; and as a large number of ship-carpenters have lately arrived at Skeensborough from Philadelphia and other places, in order to build gondolas we ex pect we shall have a very respectable fleet before long which must be of great service. This army has suffered in every respect ; a few men to whom the management of affairs in this quarter has been left, for- getting every object but that of making money, and that pursued with great industry : batteaux at 35, and almost all the other contracts cen- tering chiefly in one hand, Ox teams and milch cows, are rather below the notice of any man possessing the chief command ; supplying the army with every necessary at a very exorbitant price, all contracts go- ing thro' his hands. These are uncontradicted reports, and from the little experience I have had, I have great reason to believe them liter- ally true and far from being exaggerated. Indeed, exactions of every kind make it impossible to live here comfortably or indeed tolerably, and I am afraid that unless contractors and others who furnish the army with necessaries are more attentive to that business, there will not be that encouragement to form another army, that our situation will require. This is by no means a healthy place, as scarce a day has passed since my being here that there has not been rain. Lake Cham- plain being in a manner stagnated, causes a very unwholsome air. and many of the men who came with us well as the others, are now sick with fevers, and it is not in our power to yield them that relief their situation demands. General Gates is esteemed by all I have heard speak of him. We are all afraid the command will devolve upon a 101 less popular person; if it does it will be attended with bad conse- quences. The whole of the officers here who have been in Canada, unite in saying that there is scarcely a word of truth in any information that has been published respecting affairs there ; the letters that would have given the public an unbiassed account having been stopped, scarcely one in fifty from this quarter, or from our friends to this place have come to hand. Albany is charged with this villainous transaction, for what end may be easily guessed; indeed there is nothing makes our situation tolerable, except the cause in which we are engaged. The arms we were promised at Albany to receive here are not to be had, we must therefore at this time begin to put our muskets in repair, and do without the bayonets. I nevertheless hope we will not bring disgrace on our country when we are put to the trial. I have enjoyed a very good state of health hitherto, I have since I left Albany, laid in a small tent often upon the ground in very bad weather, and have found no bad consequences until within a few days I have been troubled with the disorder common here, but I am some- thing better. There are many other things which I could wish you knew, but I fear I have already wearied your patience with complaints which I do assure you are well founded. Please remember me to your son Sketchley. I am dear sir, with real regard your most obt. servant P. F. Ticonderoga July 31/st 1776 My Dearest Polly I had intended to have sent the inclos'd by Cap/t Rippey but as he was not certain on my applying to him whether he would go by the way of Philadelphia or not thought it best not to send it nor the money by him, as Mr Jones the Chaplain to our Regi- ment and who will give you this and £54 intended tO' go so shortly. His family resides in the Valley near the Babtist meeting House, do treat him with all the respect in your power he can inform you of every thing relating to this place, send the things mention'd in a good strong Chest Well secur'd and directed, Cap/t Rippy proposes to re- turn to this place in about 7 or 8 weeks and will come by Phila/d he is acquainted with Mr Henry who would be a very good hand to leave it with, Mr Jones talks of returning here shortly, should you be dis- appointed in both these Mr Joseph Potts can convey it to his Brother at Lake George. I owe Joseph Robbins a small matter w/ch I re- 102 quest you to pay him as I forgot it, there is no news stirring liere, I enjoy my usual health am up every morning before day at the alarm post with my Companj and out every day at Work on the Lines, some of our people complain of the Fever and flux the weather Being continually wet and disagreable. Give my most unfeigned respects to all m_\- good Neighbours my Love to all relations and Sweet little Babes, nothing cou'd give me greater satisfaction than a line from you that you are all in health I am my dear Polly your Loving and ever affectionate Husband Pers/r Frazer. Ticonderoga, July 31/st, 1776. 1 have enclos'd you a draft of this place which I took yesterday, from a draft made here, it will give you and others satisfaction to have an idea of the situation. (See chapter V of military papers. ) General Arnold had arrested one Col. Hazen, the trial has been of long continuance Hazen is clear'd of the charge and Arnold's conduct not appearing so good and just as cou'd be wish'd he took great um- brage at some reflections that were thrown out in course of the trial, he has thrown aspersions on the court and is to make concessions or he will be under arrest. Col/o Beedle and Major Butterfield have been try'd for their conduct and Cashier'd in Consequence of their Bad conduct in Canada, it is very likely many other similar will take place before long, many of our men are sick this being an unwhole- some place, I am thank God in good health tho' not so robust as when I left Long Island, let no opportunity slipp of writing it will give me great pleasure, as we have scarce any news here. Aug. i/st, 1776 To Mrs Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township, Chester County Penn- sylvania. p. fav/r of the Rev. Mr. Jones. Ticonderoga Aug/t 6/th, 1776. My Dearest Polly I wrote to you the other day by our ( 'haplain Mr. Jones, who had liberty to return Home for some time, where lie pro poses to be in about 2 weeks; as he is to go by the way of New York, I sent by him Fifty four pounds Pensilv/a Money his Family lives in the Valley near the Babtist Meeting House on the Swedes Ford Road, he promis'd me he wou'd call upon you on his arrival at 1 tome, 1 have receiv'd no Letters from you but the one you sent p/r Doct r Ken- nedy it wou'd give me the greatest Pleasure to receive a line from you; you shou'd let slip no oppertunity as there are frequently per- sons coming this Way. I have enjoyed my health pretty well since 103 my arrival at this place tho' I have fell away a good deal since I left Long Island, there are very few of our Officers or Men but have had a severe spell of the Flux or Fever though none that come with Us died, there are 16 of my Comp. sick at this time though all mending fast Doc/r Kennedy has had a smart spell of sickness this 6 or 7 days past but is now able to walk about, Mr Bartholomew has been likewise ill but is recover'd, Mr. Seely my 2/d Lieutenant is at this time very unwell, the climate here is very unwholesome, the days are exceeding hot, the evenings and mornings are as cold as the latter end of No- vember in Penns/a scarce a day passes without rain, every morning there is a very disagreable fog arises from the Lake, the Water of which is almost as bad as poison, as it is almost stagnated, there is no other way of preventing Disorders but living well and every thing that is to be had is very exorbitant Spirits 20/. p Gall. Wine 30/. Choclate 4/. Loaf Sugar 3/6. and every other matter equally dear though the expence of bringing articles is trifling. A Person properly qualified as a settler might make his fortune in 2 or 3 Months, there are no dry goods of any kind to be had and Liquors of all sorts and grocery ar- ticles will bring almost any Price. We have got our Lines in a very good posture of defence and hope in 10 or 12 days more to have them very formidable, 500 Troops from New England arriv'd at this place yesterday and 1500 more are expected in a few Days I have not yet seen them but unless they are better than the greatest part of those that have been here before them, they had better stay at Home, no man was ever more disappointed in his expectations respecting New Englanders in general than I have been, they are a set of low, dirty, griping, cowardly, lying rascals, there are some few exceptions and very few, they may do well enough at Home, but every fresh man that comes here is so much loss to the Army, as they will get sick with the small Pox or some lazy disorder and those that are season'd must take care of them and by that means weaken the Army, many of their Regiments for many months past have not had above 100 fit for duty and at some particular times 20 and some times none; this has been common among them, at the best their Regim/ts are not half full, a Colonel came in the other day with only 60 men in his Regiment and some of them had the small Pox, the General imediately sent them Home again. You may inform all your acquaintance not to be afraid that they will ever Conquer the other Provinces (w/ch you know was much talk'd off) 10,000 Pennsylvanians would I really think be suffi- cient for ten times that number out of their own Country. All the southern Troops Live in great Harmony the others we have little or no Connections with they are separated from us by the Lake. We have no certain Accounts of what the English are doing in Canada. We have heard that there are 7000 English and 5000 Canadians at S/t Johns where they are building Boats and Vessells to cross the Lake and 104 pay L's a Visit, but think they will scarce come so far this season. We heard yesterday from _• Canadians that came in that they are retreated from S t Johns and gone toward Quebec hut I rather think, they will go up S/t Lawrence get into Lake Ontario and come down the Mo- hawk River as there is little or nothing to prevent them, unless we should move from this place to oppose them, However this informa- tion is not much Creditted, If our Troops meet with success at New York I think there is little danger of any thing they can do any where else. The Army in this Quarter has been treated with great neglect, the frequent scenes of distress which presented on our first arrival cannot be described, and to me who have not yet lost all sense of feel- ing for my Fellow Creatures was very discouraging. 1 expect before long We shall have some certain accounts of what they are about in Canada. We have 2 parties now out and they have been expected to return for some days past. By all means send me the things I men- tion'd as quick as possible as I shall be in great Want of them ; indeed I want many of them now, and Cold Weather will set in, about a month hence, there is nothing of any sort of Cloathingto be had here. I hope to see you and my dear little Children and all friends in good health in the Winter, before that time We shall scarcely leave this place, do not forget to send all the Papers since the middle of June. We have scarce any intelligence here from Pensilv/a more than if we were in the Moon. Cap/t Jenkins son of Mrs. Jenkins in Philad/a is the bearer of this and expect he will forward it carefully to you, I am not certain whether he is to return or not but he will be a good Hand to inform you of any oppertunity coming this way should you miss any of those I mentioned in my former Letters, what is the reason Jimmy Thomson and Isaac do not Write, Tommy Cheyney and Tommy Taylor I expected would have wrote before this. A Letter from them would be very acceptable Remember me to them all and all my other Friends and relations I am my Dearest Polly wishing you and my dear little Ones all the happiness that Human beings can enjoy. Your Loving and affectionate Husband Persifor Frazer Aug. 6. 1776 Thornbury august 6/. 1776 Dear Sir I much Rejoyce to hear from you and that you are in a Good state of Health and that your spirits bear- you up to in- dure y/e fatague you have to undergo — With so heroic a Resolution. Were it not for my bodyly infirmities I Could wish my self a pertaker in Every Dainger you have to incounter in that Glorious Cause of Lib- 105 erty I feel y/e same Zeal that warms y/e Breasts of Thousands of breave Emericans and hass Roused them to take up arms in her de- fence, so universall a Zeal nothing Could kindle but a Coal from y/e alter of y/e Great Disposeer of both Causeees and Events, and if in y/e Case as I believe to be Emerica will be Victorious, althc wee may be Loock/d upon Like y/e poor, lsreellites broke Loose from y/e bondage of Pharoug/h may have nations to Concor and seas of Blood to wade through if not us our selv/es our Posterity will arive at y/e Land of Promise that flows with Milk and honey May God Almity Protect you and Direct you and Return you with Honour and Safety to your family and friends is sincear Prayer of Tho/s Cheyney Addressed To Cap/tn Persifor Frazer of the fourth Pennsylvania Redg/mt Commanded By Colonel Wayne Now in Albeny or near it To the Care of M/r Doctor Potts at Leak- -George Ticonderoga Aug/t io/th, 1776. My D/r Polly My last letter to you was of the 3/d instant p/r Mr Jones Chaplain to our Regiment, by whom I sent One hundred fourty four Dollars, I am still so unhappy as not to have receiv'd a line from you, though almost every Body receiv'd letters the day before yes- terday, We have now a post establish'd between this and Albany, who goes constantly once a Week. I also wrote to you 3 days ago by Cap/t Jenkins, (son of Mrs. Jenkins in Philad/a) I still continue to en- joy my usual good health though I have had 2 or 3 threatening Symptoms our men in general are getting better and our Fortifica- tions are almost finish'd so that should our Enemies attempt Us here, have great hopes We shall give a very good account of them, a Body of 5000 New Engl/d Troops are to reinforce Us, near half that Num- ber are already arriv'd I have not yet seen any of them as they are station'd on the other side the Lake and as the whole of our officers and men are constantly employed from Day light till Dark on Duty or at Work have not yet had time to Visit them tho' some of them have been here 8 or 9 days, the last Acc/ts We have from Canada is that ab/t 7000 English and 5000 Canadians are at S/t Johns, M/t Real Chamblee and that neighbourhood, that they building Boats and pre- paring to pay us a Visit, but think they will scarcely be here this Sea- 106 son, as they must have every thing j n the best order before they will attempt to march and that Country is by no means capable of supply- ing them u 'tli Provisions and other necessaries. The Troops on this side the Lake where We are situated are to be augmented to 4000 which I think and it is the opinion of every Body else will be suffi- cient to maintain our ground if We behave as We ought. You must not my D/r Polly let slip any oppertunity in writing to me, if you knew the pleasure and satisfaction a Line informing me of your Health and the Family's, 1 am sure You wou'd not neglect, hut 1 must think Your letters have miscarried as it has been very common to stop some and open others. .Mrs. Kennedy will have a better Oppertunity than you can have of forwarding Letters wou'd therefore advise you to have yours inclos'd in hers except where you know of a safe hand your self, the Doctor lias got better and he and 1 are now writing in the same Tent, he has been very ill but is now well recover'd none of the men of our 5 Compy/s have yet died tho' many of them have been very ill indeed very few have excap'd, the Season is now much better than when We first came and we have got our affairs in better order than any other Regm ts and indeed We are reckon'd the best Regi ment in the Service, this you and others may think savours too much of boasting but 1 really think We are upon a footing with any of them. I have got a very good Tent ab/t 7 feet square, well tloord and rais'd about 2 feet with boards on the sides, 1 have got a very good Birth made in it to sleep on some good Blanketts w/ch I find very comfort able tho' my House is none of the largest. Be sure do not neglect to send me the things 1 Wrote for as cloaths will be a very necessary Article here very shortly those I bro/t with me are going fast as We have not the best Hands to take care of them and there is scarce any thing to be bought here at any rate. The Major. Adjutant. Mr Harper and myself mess together and live as well as any others here though the best fare is ordinary, tho' thank God you know I can eat any wholesome food w ch I do assure you makes me much happier than many others. You must excuse the incorrectness of my letters, the most of them are wrote in hurry as we seldom know of a conveyance till the last moment and I always write by every oppertunity. I have mention'd many ways for you to write. your own discretion will point out the mosl propable. 1 have been very uneasy latterly, not hearing the least Syllable from you. this . by Colonel Hazen who has the Command of a Canadian Regiment and is now going to Philadelphia. I am to go tomorrow morning on a Command with 140 men from our Brigade to Fort George on what business I cannot yet inform you. expect to be back at this place in 2 or 3 days. I have mention'd every thing to you I can think of. I 107 must therefore conclude with my most sincere and hearty good wishes to all my good neighbors, Friends and relations my ardent and un- ceasing Prayers attend you and my Lovely little Children, may the smiles of Heaven constantly attend you all. I am my Dearest Love Your affect/e Husband Persifor Frazer To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Ticonderoga Aug/t 21/st, 1776. My Dear Polly No Letter has yet come to my Hands from you since I left Long Island, tho' I have wrote 6 or 7 since that time, my last to you was p/r Colonels Hazen and Antil who were bound to Phil- adelphia and was under cover to Mrs. Kennedy directed to the care of Mrs. Bradford at the Coffee House, a few days before I wrote by Cap/t Jenkins son of Mrs. Jenkins in Phila/a both of which I expect will go safe to your Hands, as also the letter by our Chaplain by whom I sent 144 Dollars, I can scarce imagine you can have neglected writing and attribute my not having receiv'd any letters to the in- famous practices of some dirty scoundrels who have more curiosity than honour, should any of these rascals be found out they will pay dearly for their villainous actions as the whole army are irritated to a very high degree. I shall continue to enjoy my usual state of health and the Army in general are in better condition than when We first arriv'd. Mr. Seely my second Lieu/t has been in a very dangerous way and is now at Fort George where there are better accomodations for the sick both in respect to food and lodging than can be had at this place. Our Army here has been lately reinforc'd by a Brigade of Militia from Connecticut amountg. to ab/t 1500 Men, who are en- camp'd on our side the Lake between Us and the Fort, they appear better than any others from that Country that I have seen, but it is expected in a few days the Small Pox and other disorders incident to Camps will break out among them and which are always fatal to their Countrymen. We have had various reports from Canada, about 10 days ago 2 french men came in and inform'd that the greatest part of the Troops with Gen/1 Burgoyne had left S/t Johns, and the other posts thereabouts, had embark'd on board the Transports and gone down the River Sorrell, it was expected from the intelligence that they intended to go up the River S/t Lawrence as far as possible and there to send their Troops into Lake Ontario and to come down to Albany by the Mohawk River. We were shortly after inform'd by three men 108 who were sent out to gain intelligence belonging to the 6/th Penns/a Regim/t that they had gone as far as S/t Johns that they saw people busy there building Batteaus etc., that an advanced party of the Enemy were at the Isle au Noix and others at the Isle au Mott, ab/t 100 Miles from this w/ch information made us redouble our diligence in getting our Works in a proper posture of defence. I believe both the reports to be true but think that Burgoyne has gone down the S/t Lawrence and intends to join Gen/1 Howe at New York and no doubt has left a number of men in Canada which together with the Cana- dians that we understood were to join them, would advance as far as prudent this way and fortify ; which would (they might well think.) alarm Us, and of course Numbers would be sent to our assistance and by that means weaken our army in New York, this is only my bare opinion of the matter as also that We shall have little or no lighting here this Year; almost every Body particularly our Commanding offi- cers are of a very different opinion and think that We shall be attack'd in a few days. — A Bag of Truce was sent some time ago, with the proceedings of Congress relating to the transactions of Gen/1 Arnold and the capitu- lation made by him w/ch you must have seen publish'd the orders of Gen/1 Carleton relating thereto are very extraordinary, full of villain- ous reflections and abusive Language and in a manner putting a stop to any further intercourse between Us by flags of truce. One Cap/t Willson of Cumberland County with a party of ab/t 30 Men were sent ab/t 3 or 4 weeks ago in Batteaus to reconnoitre down the Lake, they not expecting the enemy to be so far advanced were surprised and made prisoners, a certain Brigadier General Gordon has been kill'd by one of our people who had gone down as far as S/t Johns and though he was surrounded, returned unhurt. Our Lines here are now in a very good posture of defence a few days more will make them very formidable, a small sketch of them I sent you by Mr. Jones, the breast work is from 6 to 8 feet thick faced w/th Fascines or long faggots well pin'd to the earth in front and sodds on the inside very neatly and strongly laid and the space fill'd up with earth and the whole cover'd with sodds which make a very pretty appearance, on the out- side the Breast work there is a ditch near 10 feet wide and ab/t 5 deep, outside of that, there are large Picketts or Stakes of wood sharpened and set slanting outwards in the ground, close together, round great part of the Works ; We have also a strong Battery in part of the Lines w/ch commans all the high ground and in the low ground next the Lake the New England and Jersey troops are now building 3 or four redoubts which will Command the low ground. We have now 2 schooners and a sloop well arm'd and five or six Gondalow and Row Gallies gone down the Lake to Crown Point and others are get- ting ready, so that if We all behave well they will have warm work 109 should they attack Us. We have heard lately that Major Hausegger is appointed a Colonel of a German Regiment to be rais'd, if this should be the case he will leave Us very shortly, he is an excellent offi- cer to regulate fresh Troops and our Battallion will be sensible of the loss of him. He and I have always liv'd together in great harmony and sociability. He has promised when he has orders to return to Philad/a that he will call upon you, by him I shall Write and believe send some more Money for fear of accidents and it may as well be in your hands for expect our Companies will not be discharg'd until We return Home. We have understood here that Pennsylv/a is almost drain/d of Men thay having been sent to the assistance of their brethen at New York. It gives me the greatest pleasure that our Province on all occasions have so generously been foremost in the general cause, it is deservedly entitled to the foremost Rank among the other Colonies, although there has been a great Noise in other parts, the same disinterested Patriotism appears no where in such a striking light as in my own country, there are many there that wish not well to Our Cause but they are by no means so dangerous and numerous as they are in other places, it gives me the highest pleasure that I am by ex- perience convinc'd of my having entertain'd a wrong opinion of our Province in general. If We are not attack'd in 5 or 6 weeks time We shall it is expected go Home early in the Fall as the Winter setts in very soon here. I should be glad the things I wrote for were come to hand, as I shall be in real want of them very soon, especially shirts and stockings. I mention'd in a letter I wrote you from Long Island that I had left a watch belonging to one of my Men, with Mr. John Wood, Watchmaker, adjoining the House where Mr. McMurtrie lived the Corner of Chestnut and front Streets that I had forgot to Call for it, should you not have receiv'd the Letter, wou'd request you would not fail to send for it and keep it till the owner calls for it, as he is uneasy fearing it may be lost. "Pis expected We shall have a regular Post established from Philadelphia to this place, the Commanding Officers here write by the persons that conveys this to Mr. Franklin in order to have a more certain method fallen upon for intelligence, Mr. Hoffnagle a Gentleman that lives near Fort Pitt and has been here on Public business is the bearer of this. Colonel Wayne, Doctor Kennedy Mr. Harper and all y/r acquaintance here are well except poor Mr Seely but hope he will get the better of his disorder before long. I am sure if you had an idea of the satisfaction a line from you (informing me of all your wellfare) wou'd give me, you would let slip no oppertunity. I wou'd write to all my other friends and acquaintance but as you can inform them of all the News and as many letters would be very cumbersome to private gentlemen who are the only conveyances We can depend upon, they must excuse me as I can assure them all, I think very frequently of them, and as they no cannot plead the same excuse, am surpriz'd none of them have Wrote to me, as news of any sort wou'd be very entertaining here. My mo i unfeigned Love and respect attend Mammy Peirce, my Sisters and Brothers and all my other good Friends and relations, i remain my dearest Polly, wishing you and my lovely little children every felicity bountifull Heaven can bestow. Your affectionate Husband Persifor Frazer To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury Towns/p Chester County, to the care of M, r Joseph Potts, Philadelphia. favourd by M/r HofTnagle. Aug. 8i. 1776. Ashtown Aug/t y/e 21/th 1776. Dear Percey I have this good Opertunity to Lei you now that 1 am well and my wife and Child, and Likewise y r wife and Children \re in A Verry good State of helth at present and 1 have Likewise the Pleas- ure to Aquante you that you wife Carries on y/r farming Business Exceedingly well and Every part of her Conduct is in fad prised by all her Neighbours your Little Son percey is Indeed y/e finest Child that I Ever saw your Sisters Salley and Nancy are both will the Neighbours in generall are in good helth, and 1 think we have hardly as Many Tories as when you Left here. I would have wrote to you Long be- fore this time Onley wateing for Something New and has not at this time any thing worth Riteing about 1 was in Norrisstown Last we< k and they are all partly gone to work them of your Acquantence Dis- sired when I wrote to you to send thire Loves to you. Old Joab Fallows is Doing no good with the forge and I think against Springwill not be able to pay his Rent this Day I had the Pleasure to See Person Joans who has Just Come from your Camp and has Give me great Satisfaction from you and the Rest of my Acquantences helths and well faire god bless you all and hops you may all Return Safe and In- joy the pleasures of y/r wifes and Fortunes, from Respected friend and well Wisher Addressed For Major Persifor Frazer of the 4/th Pennsy/a Reg t p/r favour of Commanded by y/e Reve/t M/r Colonall Wayne Joans at Ticonderroga in Ja/s Thomson 177& August 21, 1776. My Dear brother words Cannot express the Joy It Gives me to hear from you And that you are in good health and Spirits blesed be god for It o my Brother what A happiness would it be to me to See you once more I Could not Desire nor Ask a Greater blessing your Dear Little babyes is the greatest Comfort I now have Sally and bobby is most excellent fine Children but A finer Child than my Darling peirsy you never Saw And your Dear Little mary Anne goes every Day to Schoole and now Sayes Letters very prittyly your wife Drives your business on ex- tremly well I ashure you It would please you very well to See what pritty order She has every thing in And I hope please God that we Shall be blesd with your Company at home this winter Sister wrote to you that tommy Taylor was gone to trentown but It was from wrong Informenation for he now Lays very bad with the flux tory Joe white made shift to fall of A hay Stack and breake his back of wich he is Since Dead if all his Sort was in the same Condition this Neibour- hood would be pritty well thind old Josy talbert has past his Last meeting with Nanny Sharpless And now my Dear brother I must write you something in favour of the presberterians M/r Smith the minesters Son of pequa rocks Last Summer A very great man for espouseing the Cause And got to be Lieutennant but now when the orders went up for the Melitia to march his Courage faild him but rather than he would have a file of men to Escort him he Did apear and went some few miles with them and then gave them the Slip And Joshua way was Last Saterday In the vally at Richard Jacobs, who told him that him and and his father had gone to Philadelphia that morning to try to get him of I think when you presbetererians gets the upper hand It would not be quite proper to Set him at the helm of afairs they had A Remonstrance About here against Independancy And Samuel men- denhall tommy mashel Davy baker blind Conner Danny thomson Isack frank Caby peirce and billy Shankling Could Do no Less than Sign it As It was kepping these wicked blood thirsty presbeterians from getting the upper hand And you know my Dear brother that as Long as they were men of such Carracter and Sense It would have Looke rathor weake of them If they had not Done It they have Stopt parson Caige from preaching because that he Seemd by his prayes as if he would have been quite fond of his friend gorge gaining the victory And Josy white Swore that he would not Die til the key of the Curch Came back Again And I Cannot think what was his notion for going of before It Did except he got out of patience waiting and is gone fetce It I wish all the torys was gone the Same Journey I think they would be pritty Clear of doing much michcheif Sister Sally Jacob and Aunt betty Desire to be Remembred to you 112 And now my Dear Brother that the Almighty god may Defend you and be your Director And Asisttor In All Dificultyes And Return you home to your Dear Wife And Little fatherless babyes and mee is the Sincear and ardent Desires of your faithfull freind and Afecttionate Sister Ann frazer to Albany. .4. . 16 awypr/d 1 . .01 Addressed To to the Cap/t Persifor Frazer care of of the 4th Pensyv a Doctter pots Regiment Commanded by at Lake gorge Col Wayne at ticonderoga Phil/a. Aug /21 that he shall be order'd of the ground ) v . . _ ,• . 1 111 r. 1 1 •. 1 c V Note apparently in (-apt. immediately and be hereafter prohibited from V Frazer's handwritii Suttling in the northern Army — ) Aug/t 22/d 1776 My Dear Percy Last Monday T received your Letter of the 15/th July and this Day received a Letter by M/r Jones and £54 which givs inexpresable joy to Lara that you hav health thrugh So much hard Ship may you Stil injoy that greatest of blessings and return to me how(?) can Disregeard Life with out you I Shall Endever to Send you what you have wrote for as Soon as possoble we hav now news Stir- ing here Except the Death of you and Col. Wayne which Richard Paks Confirms by Saying 1 received a Letter from you after you ware Shot Tommy Taylor has been Like to die with flux Tommy Chainny and his family is' well me and the family are all well Little Sallj and Bobby Sends Love mary anne Gos t<> Chool Every Day Isaac Bettsy Taylor are w^ell and Send there Love your Sister Sally and her family is well please Give my Resprectfull Complement to Dod r Kennedy and my besl wishes and Love to you I am my D r Percy y r affectionate Wife Mary Worrall Frazer Addressed To Cap/tn Persifor Frazer P/r favour by Col. Wayne at of the Rev/t Regiment Commaned M/r Jones of the 4/th Pensylv/a Tyconderroga "3 Aug. 24. 1776. August y/e 24 1776 my Dear brother I gladly imbrace this oppertun- ity of letin you now I am in good helth and aul our frends are well at presant betsey Taylor has got a young daughter and is like to do weel I hope my prayers for you have reach/t the throne of grace god grant you a Safe return to the arms of your afectunate wife and dear littel Children who im- paciently waits your return I a mat this time in Norin- ton mamy Curay Joyns me In my love to you I have nothing extroniry to relate to you but would beg you would mis no oppertunity of riteing to us I understad you are in grate destress for want of pro- vision and very Sickly but the god in whom you trust is aul Sofisant to presarve you and fetch you to your dear frends that ardently longs to injoy your good Company I am your most afeccinate Sister Sarah Thomson dady Curay and brother archey and brother mark and many more of your frends are gone to the Camp at Ambouy and left may Sarowfull harts behind as well as you your prety little Sun perceey is the finest Child you ever Saw aul you Children thrives well polly is like to make a good farmer her neighburs in general is very Cind and obligeing to her Since you abcence Addressed To M/r Percifor Frazzer Cap/t in Colonal Wains Battalion at Ticondirogo. Aug. 26* 1776. Thornbury August 26/th 1776 Dear Sir I wass favored by Polly with a sight your Last Letters and am Very Glad to find you are in a Good State of health and Likewise in posture to Re- ceive y/e Enemy may Heaven Grant you may Give them as warm a Reception as Genrall Lee at Charles Town in Carolina or y/e Virginians did Dunmore at Guins Island who are intirelv Routed and are now Come to york with all their fleets and forces jond Lord 114 How: and would to Heaven They might * * * be Compleatly Defeated, for God is on our side witness Hunkers they their Gaind a Greal Loss as was ob- served by an [rish Genrall upon a Like occation if y/e Emiricans had Gaind that pos, i y e would have Dis- troy/d y/e City, bul < lod Distin/d them a Victory in more favourable way which Clearly Demonstrate that God sometimes in Mercy Denies our Requests it hass been surpriseing to see how unanimous y/e peo pie have been in Every part flocking to y e Emerican Standard at new York Except our Neighbourhood who still Remain at home Grumbling at Every Measure that hass been taken to secure their Liberty Our Convention hass Published a bill of Rights which I think will stop y/e mouths of y/e lories very much some talks a Good deal more favorable already I be- lieve their is meny will turn their Coats in a short time 1 tells all 1 talk with that we of that Denomina- tion it is time to Chainge their princeples that \ e never will meet with a more favorable oppertunity than now and y/e obstenate are ignoranl are Rater in- titeled to pity than Resentment It is as much out of y e power of men to think a like as it to Cook alike My wife Desires to be Remember d to you and Quar- ter master Harpet she hass favor to Requesl of you that is (torn) Enquire after Edward Bennett her brother who she hass Heard went with one of y/e Virginia Companies that went first to Canadv and if you Can hear any thing wheater alive or Dead to aquaint her y/e first oppertunity Tho/s Taylor westtown hass had a sewar -pell of v e flux but is like to Recover 1 am in tolarable Good Health but so pestered with my old Disorder that at times I Can scarcely take Care of my business Joseph white y/e old Bell weather lory feel of a hay stak and broke his back and is since dead and Left 150 £ in Good hard Cash which is like to prove a Consolaton to widow Please to Give my Complements to Cap/1 Wane Quarmaster master Harper and Captain Vernon I am your Sincere friend and Humble Sorvant Tin 1 s Cheyney Addressed To Cap/tn Persifor Fra/cr of \ e 4th Pennsyl. a Battalion Now at Tyconder- oga These "5 (Aug/t 27/th 1776) My Dear Percy this is the 6/th letter I Wrote you Senc our un- happy parting and received 8 of yours which Gives me the Greatests pleasure of any thing on Earth Except your Presents I Shall be Glad you wold Com home Soon in the fall I offen paint to myself your Com- ing to See your little Babs alround you and the Supprise you will be in to to See your Polly turnd into yallow Looking woman Duch Looking woman Mary anne is offen talking of you this Day and Last night Little Percy has been very bad with a fever rest are all well Every thing Concarning the plantation goes on midling Spring gain is Good Isaac Taylor is Com to his new House the peple Semes midling well reconsild to Independency but very much feare the heavy taxes that is to Com upon us but above all the feeare the new Inglanders Should the americans gaine the Day the hav got Sheet Iron to greate perfection at M/r Potts mill the hav pold down the old mill and maid it Larger it will be redy to Gind in 2 weeks John Edwards Fourge will go in 3 weeks Job has not paid the rent yet as there is Some dispute about M/r potts medow I would be glad you would Let me know some thing Concarning it in your next I understand by M/r Jones you are Major please to Let me know in your next Letter that I may hav the pleasure to giv your title for I understand you offissers are very perticulare in these matters Maine peairce Little polly Sends there Senceire respects to you Lit- tle Sally and Boby Sends Love to Dady William Johnson and wife Sends there Complements please to Give my Complements to Doct/r Ken- nedy and Col. Wayne and am my Dearest Percy wishing you all the Choicest blessing that heaven can bestow Your ever Loving and affectionate wife Aug/t 27/th 1776 Mary Worrall Frazer (Written in pencil on the back) My Mothers letter to my Father Ticonderoga Sep/t i/st, 1776. My D/r Polly Is it possible that you can have neglected Writing to me ; yet as so many Letters have been lately receiv's in Camp, I can- not excuse you. Doc/r Kennedy has receiv'd four since We came here, one of which was in answer, to that, inclos'd in mine to you from Lake George. I have not the satisfaction of acknowledging the re- ceipt of a line since I left Long Island, though no safe conveyance es- 116 capes me. I have been unwell 5 or 6 clays past, am now something better. 1 should be the better of the Cloaths I wrote for, as the Weather begins to be cool and very wet!. I mention'd so many methods to you of forwarding Letters that you can have been at no loss in that respect. Mrs. Kennedy vvou'd have inclos'd yours under her cover, as i mention'd, and wou'd have been the easiest and safesl way for you. It would have given me the greatest pleasure to hear of the Wellfare of my Famil) and Friends. 1 must apply to some other person for that information, my best wishes await you all. 1 am y/r affection/te Husb/d Pers/r Frazer. For Mrs Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township Chester County, Penn- sylvania. Ticonderoga Sep/r 9/th. 1770. My D/r Polly I cannot address you in any other stile though I think you have treated me with the greatest neglect and indifference. I am sure you cannot find an excuse. I am certain of your having receiv'd the letter dated at Lake George and another by our Chap- lain, and I dare say or seven others that I have Wrote, as I always sent by good hands. Your inattention in not sending the necessaries 1 wrote for you possibly may account for but I do assure you I cannot forget. Doc/r Kennedy receiv'd the day before yesterday a large bundle of Cloathing and scarce any body arrives but brings one or more letters to him. I shall now have no need of the Cloathg as the season demands that 1 should provide imediately. Mr. Morton who will forward this can convey any letter you may choose to write. God Bless my Sweet Children I am y/r affec/t Husband Pers/r Frazer For Mrs Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township, Chester County Pennsylvania Ticonderga Sep/t 21/st, 1776. My Dearest Love Mr. Jones arriv'd on Thursday last, by him I had the inexpressible satisfaction of receiving two letters from you. in- forming me of the health and wellfare of yourself and my lovely little Children. I also receiv'd 2 letters from Nancy, one from Jimmy Thom- son and One from Mr. Cheyney for w/ch i am extremely obliged to them, those are the onlv Letters I have receiv'd since I came to this 117 place, except One from Mr. Morton who was so kind as to inform me of your Wellfare. I have not neglected any safe conveyance in Writing to you, my two last (at least one of them I am not certain in regard to the other) went under Cover to Mr. Morton. I do now most sincerely ask your pardon for the Coolness and hardness of those 2 letters as I find you have not been unmindfull of me who never scarcely has you out of my thoughts, indeed you must when you un- derstand that none of your letters before that time came to Hand Acc/t for the indifferency shown in those Letters, as my temper was sower'd by so many repeated disappointments. You will always find that I have mention'd in my Letters by whom the preceeding ones were sent, that you may have it in your Power to enquire should any of them Miscarry, should be very glad you would do the like, as any Villian that cou'd be found base enough to Stop or Open any letter wou'd be made a public Example of. I have had a very severe spell of the Flux and Bilious Fever it had reduced me very low and Weak I thank God I am now in good Spirits as ever, though very much re- duced in Flesh. I had a severe Lax at the time Mr. Jones went away, but was not attack'd with the other severe disorders till ab/t 4 weeks ago. I did not choose to mention any thing of this, as I know the ideas you wou'd have form'd of my situation, the Flux is not so fatal here as in Pennsylv/a otherwise few of Us wou'd have been alive. Colonel Haussegger promises me that he will wait upon you with this. He can inform you of every thing you wou'd wish to know of our situation here. He and I have lived together ever since We came to Long Island to this time in the greatest Harmony. I am sure you will treat him with every possible mark of kindness and esteem. Mr. Bartholomew, Mr. Seely and Mr. Griffith have all been very ill. Mr. Seely particularly has been given over by the Doctors at Lake George where he had gone, being a place where things necessary to his situation were more plenty than here, he is now return'd and will shortly be again fit for duty, the other two are also got very hearty, the Weather is getting cool and consequently more healthy. I expect to have the pleasure of seeing You and my dear Children, all my respected Friends and kind Neighbours in good Health ab/t the beginning of December, if not sooner. Our Commanding Officers are still firm in the Opinion that We shall be attack'd this Fall, if We are ; I make no doubt but that We shall make our enemies repent their rashness, I am sure Our Men will fight ; on every little alarm or Com- mand they show the greatest readiness to turn out. Our News here from New York is indeed very bad, to loose so many Noble Heroes is almost irrepairable, Poor Parry dy's like a Hero, a more firm Friend to America is not left, I cannot hear what has become of my Old Friend Anderson, The southern Troops should not be seperated, the Loss of Long Island is very much against Us, I nevertheless hope 118 that the Ardor which those repulses will Create in our Troops, will recover all those Misfortunes; We have heard this Day that the Con- gress have sent 3 Commissioners to Amboy in order to settle with Lord Howe, God Grant they may agree upon terms Honorable and safe for America. A prisoner came in the other day from the Enemy and informs L's that they do not exceed 8000 regulars sick and well, that they have built a floating Batterry mounting 24 eighteen Pound- ers, they have an Arm'd Sloop and a Schooner some Row daily's and 300 Batteaus all this I do not think equal to our Fleet, We have now here three Row dallies upwards of do feet long done off in the Strongest and neatest manner they will he ready to join the rest of our Fleet in a few days, each of them mount 2 large Cannon in their bow ami -■ in their stern and four upon Deck they row with near 40 ( )ars ami will have upwards of 150 men each. 1 saw an acc/t in one of the Xew England Papers that one of fleet here was taken, there is not the least truth in the report, it was suspected the tleet had an Engagement with the Enemy about 10 days ago as a Firing for up- wards of 2 hours was heard by the People at Crown Point it gave Us an alarm here as We thought the Enemy was advancing We after- wards heard that Gen/1 Arnold who Commanded the Fleet had sent a party of 16 men on Shore to cut fascines to lay along the sides of the Vessels, that a party of the Enemy who had heard of their being in the same place before, Fir'd upon our men kill'd 2 or 3 and wounded 6 upon which the Fleet drew near the shore and fir'd a Considerable time into the Woods but without any effect that they cou'd learn. We have understood by the deserter mention'd before, that there is a party of Indians and Canadians sent out by the Enemy to annoy us. Four Companies of Ritle Men went Yesterday and are not to return till tomorrow evening in search after them. Two or 3 of the Yankee Colonells have died lately more of them are sick, indeed the most of them look like spectres, miserable Creatures they are, the more I am acquainted with them the worse I like them, I hop'd it wou'd be other- wise. 1 was yesterday with Cap/t Robinson and Mr. Christie upon Mount [ndependance the other side the Lake where the Chief of the New Englanders are encamp'd, upon our return in the Evening We were Oblige'd to wait a short time for a boat that was Coming over, when it came to shore and the Passengers were Landing. 1 espy'd our servant Jacob Down that ran away from Us. I laid hold of him, ask'd him if he knew me, he deny'd he had ever seen me. when I told him my name, after a considerable time he thought proper to recollect me, he had enlisted in Massachusetts, where I understand he was Born. I bro/t him over with me, his Captain came over shortly after. He and I have this day been about agreeing for his Price. I believe I shall get 51 dollars for him which is ab/t the sume he Cost me. I always expected to see him in the army and there has been scarce a 119 guard, Company or Battallion collected on this ground but I have had my Eyes employ'd looking out for him. Our Fleet is down the Lake at He of Mott ab/t ioo miles below this place. In regard to what you mention of Job Fallows, Mr. Potts can have no pretentions to the meadows but what Job himself gave him untill his lease expir'd, when he begins to quibble it is high time to bring him to his senses, I wou'd have Jemmy and you not wait a mo- ment as you will have no thanks — after the first of November We shall have the matter settled here whether the Enemy comes or not. I intend then to apply for permission to go Home, which I doubt not will be granted. We expect our Regiment will be order'd Home by that time tho' this is uncertain. For God's sake let no oppertunity slip. Mr. Morton or Mrs. Kennedy will forward your letter safe. I want stockings and shirts badly. I am not certain whether I shall be promoted or not, it is talk'd of. I want it not, My most sincere re- spects attend all Friends and Relations. I have not room to mention their names. My best Love to my lovely Children. I am my Dearest Polly y/r ever affectionate Husband Pers/r Frazer. P. S. Just as I was sealing this, news came into Camp that one Lieu/t Whitlow of the New Englanders and who kill'd General Gor- don is just come in here with two Officers Prisoners he took near S/t Johns, he having been again sent out on a scout what news they bring I cannot yet hear. To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury, Chester County, Pennsylvania, p/r favour of Col/o Haussegger. Octo 2/d 1776 My Dearest Love I Received this Evening your two Cruel Letters one of the i/st and one of the 9/th Sept/r which has been the mose Sever Stroke I have met with Sence our unhapy parting as my thoughts base run Chefly on this Day ten yeares I hav Spent the Great- est peart of the Day in the new Land you Charge me with neglect which I do asure you is Quite Rounge you are Scarce ever out of my thoughts this is 8/th Letter I hav Sent I have every thing redy for you that you Rote for Except the white Cloath and that I expect in a few Days I Should hav Sent Some of them be now but for want opertunity I have Spaird now paines I have been three times in Philadelphia Sence you Left mee to try to Get your things Sent but was all ways Disapinted I hav now Some hoope of Sending them as M/r Henry is 120 in Town you Say you Cannot forget the respect M/rs Kennedy Shose by Send Letter and necessaries to her Husband you will please to re- member Doc/'r Kennedy Rode ioo miles in the heate of Somer to See his wife you will Like wise remember that M/rs Kennedy is Settuaited on the Great Rode Sid with every possible advantaige your friends and Relation and Children are all well it wold give me Great Satis- faction to hare of your helth and well fair againe 1 am my Dear Percy your affectionate wife Mary Worrall Frazer Addressed To Cap/tn Persifor Frazer of the 4/th Pennsylv/a Regiment Commaned by Col Wayne at Ticonderoga Ticonderoga Octo. 2/nd 1776. My D/r Polly I wrote you the 23/d ult/o p/r Col/o Haussegger since which time little has transpir'd worth notice. We are in much the same situation and I am much reinstated in my health. I have receiv'd no ace, t since Mr. Jones from you. When We shall leave this place f can give you no acc/t of. There has been no further ace t of the Enemies motions, and am more and more confirm'd in my mind that they will not make an Attempt upon Us this Season. Our Superior Officers are of a different Opinion still. Two fine Row Gallics arc to go down the Lake to join the Fleet this day. one went down a few days since, and another is expected to be here from Skenesborough tomorrow', they mount from 8 to 10 large Cannon each and will have ab/t 100 Men on board each of them. 1 am in great want of Shirts and Stockings and other matters the weather is getting very cold almost the whole of our Regiment have got good Chimneys built to their Tents and many of the soldiers have gol g( ■ id warm huts built, w/ch makes them live much more comfortable than they otherwise wou'd do. 1 was the other day by Order of Gen/1 Gates appointed Major to our Battallion untill the pleasure of Con- gress shall be known, there is another Major of my name at this place. The news from New York is not so good as I wou'd wish but think upon the whole We shall before the campaign ends turn the Tables upon our Foes, do when you write give me more full acc/t of things it gives me great satisfaction to hear of every matter from you. I shall make a push in ab/t 6 weeks to get leave to go Home as nothing 121 can be expected here after that time am in some hopes I shall obtain Liberty how it will be is however uncertain. I wou'd not wish to go while there is any probability of Action. I am sorry so many novices are appointed in Penns/a at the head of affairs, none but men of the first Character for knowledge and probity shou'd now be at the helm. The Gale is boisterous and requires men of the best abilities to man- age the Vessel and steer clear of rocks and shoals. Give my most unfeigned Love and respect to Nancy Peirce. Sally and Jemmy, Isaac and Betsy, Tommy Cheyney, Tommy Taylor, Billy Johnston and Wife my good old friend Joseph Gibbons and family and all other enquiring friends, may a kind heaven smile upon you and my dear Children no man on earth will be more happy than I to meet you and them in health and prosperity. I am my Dearest Polly your most Affectionate Husband Persifor Frazer. To Mrs. Mary Frazer, in Thornbury, Chester County, Pennsylvania John Rolston Sutler. By a resolution of Congress, then sitting at York, Penna., of Nov. 12, 1777, Persifor Frazer, who had been raised to the rank of Major during the Ticonderoga campaign by Gen. Gates, was com- missioned Lt. Col. of the Fifth Penna. regiment to date from October 1, 1776, (the day before the date of this letter.) To save confusion he will be referred to in the following pages either by this title, the highest conferred upon him by the National Government, or by the courtesy title of Colonel, which was more usual in all but strictly offi- cial intercourse. Oct. 8. 1776. October the 8 1776. My Dear Brother I received your kind Letter and Am very Much regoysed to hear that you have recov- ered from your Sickness blesed be god for It O My Dear Brother What An Excesiv joy Would It Give Me to Se you Again you that Are All the father the brother the friend I have Now Left My Dear Brother I Return you My Sincearest thanks for the kind Instructions you have give Me In your Dear Letter And with the help of God I Shall endeavour to follow them if It has pleased god to take from Me two of the kindest and best of parents he has also been pleased of his Infinite 122 goodness to bless me with you the Dearest and best of Brothers and If it Should be his blessed Will to bereave Me of you O My Brother What Would become of Me but I hope you Will be Spared to be a blessing to your Dear famm (torn) and Me I Cannot My Dear Brother bear the thoughts of such A Seperation It would Dis- tract My Very Soul to think of It And I trust that the Almighty God Will be your Defender And protect you in every Danger And return you Safe to us again It .Must give you the greatest Satisfaction to hear that No person ever Did behave In a More prudent prittyer Manner than your Wife Doth. 1 Ashure you that She is Admired by every person in the Neighberhood for her good Conduct And Management your Dear Little Babyes are All Well and no person was ever blessed with A Sweeter Child than your Dear Little peirce you Cannot think My Dear Brother what A Little Darling lie is () My Brother Let Nothing Stop you from Com- ing home As Soon As It is in your power Sister Sally Jacob and aunt betty Josshua way and his Wife Desires to be Remembered to you And All the Neibours Seems to be very Desireous of your return No people ever Seemd More obligeing than they Do to Sister Polly And Now My Dear Brother I Must Conclude And Re- main your ever Loving Sister. Ann Frazer Addressed To Cap/t Persifor Frazer a of the fourth Reg/mt of pensylvane Regulars Commaned by Co/In Wayne at Tyconderroga My Dearest Ticonderoga October 13/th, 1776. Last night an express arriv'd here from Crown Point informing that a Cannonading was heard the day before yesterday for a considerable time which they conjectur'd was an Engagement between the Enemies Fleet and ours, this morning three Guns were heard at this place fir'd at Crown Point, w/ch was to be the signal of the Enemies advancing the Guns were afterwards repeat'd, which confirm'd Us that they were advancing, shortly after an Express Boat 123 arriv'd confirming - our suspicions and acquainted that a very severe engagement had been between our Fleet and the Enemies yesterday and the day before, that the Enemy had lost two of their Arm'd Vessels w/ch were sunk and ab/t ioo Men in them drownd as also that others of their Vessells were very much hurt, the greatest part of this Forenoon We heard distinctly at this place an almost continual cannonading which ceas'd about 3 o'clock, two of our Vessels have since come here and say that this day our Fleet had the worst of the engagement that 4 or 5 Gondolas are taken or destroy'd as also 2 Row Gallies, the greatest part if not all the men in them had got on shore, one of the Vessels has brought a Number of Wounded, she be- ing set apart for an Hospital to the Fleet. The Enemies number amounted to about Thirty sail arm'd Vessels and our 14 or 15 w/ch engag'd. The Army of y/e Enemy are certainly advancing and ex- pect by the day after tomorrow at the furthest that they will be here. We are all this day preparing to receive them properly and hope we shall behave in such a manner as to bring Credit to our Country and the Cause. October 14/th. Last night the sixth Penns/a Battallion arriv'd here from Crown Point, they having destroy'd the Buildings and abandon'd that place it was occupied only as an out Post and was to be deserted on the approach of the Enemy. The loss of our Fleet is greater than We at first understood. Out of Sixteen Sail, only 5 have return'd 2 are taken, the remainder destroy'd chiefly by our People, as they were surrounded by the Enemy, General Arnold with about 200 men of the Fleet arriv'd here last night, he had the chief Command, the Vessell in w/ch he was he ran on shore and set fire to, and came here ab/t 30 miles by land. Our men seem in high Spirits and have great expectations from their Courage. We are all kept very busy in getting matters in proper order. How it will be with myself i can't say, but hope I shall not bring any dishonour on my Family or Country. Death is far preferable in my opinion to a Life of infamy. Our success here will be attended with the best Consequence, it will prevent the intended plan of junc- tion between the two armies, I hope we shall effect it ; I think We shall at least so weaken them that it will render that scheme abortive for this season, we have not heard of the strength of the Enemy's land Forces, they had stop'd about 5 miles below Crown Point when the last acc/ts came away I suppose to Consult what was to be next done. I shall write you by every oppertunity, this is to be forwarded by Cap/t Robinson of our Regiment who is going to Fort George Sick. Hope for the best my D/r Polly, Providence may have many happy Days in Store for Us. Let Us endeavor however to deserve its bless- 124 ings. My most unfeigned ardent Prayers await you and my Lovely Children, my best respects to mammy Pierce, Nancy, Sally, Sally Thomson and Jemmy. Betsy Taylor and Isaac and all my other Rela tions and good Friends and neighbors. I am your affectionate and ever Loving Husband. Persifor Frazer. To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury Chester County. To the care of the llonble John Morton Esq. Philadelphia. Octo 15/th 1776 My Dearest Percy I received your dear Letter of 21/st Sep/r it givs me inexpressible Satisfaction to hear of your holt h and like wise to find that you are better pleased with my Conduct then you ware 1 have nothing to acquse my Self with Except not Sending Letters ac- cording to your orders for which 1 am heartily Sony you hav 1 (issired me to Let you know by my Letters by whome the preceeding ones were Sent it is out of my power as the hav been Left at M/r Brookses or with M r Potts and the Sent them 1 never knew by whom the ware Sent it is great Satisfaction to your Freinds and neaghbours and to me and your Little faimly in perticuler that you have apinted the time you will Com home your Dear Little Children and 1 am well in helth your Sister Sally and her family and your Sister nancy and all you other Reletions and freinds are in good helth I heav ^'<\ the new Land Sode and have don all but a little ry and that we Shall finnish this week the neighbors has been very good the bought ther plows and helped mee your old freind Cheinny bought his neagro and Stad and Sode all the feild and to his Letter I must turn you for what new news wee hav Sturing here as I am going to Philadelphia this Evening with a box of Clothes for you there is in the box 4 Shirts 2 Ruffled and 2 plain 2 pair woolling and 3 vvosted Stockings 3 yards of Linning 1 hat 2 yards Black Ribbon 1 pair nuttings and 2 pair gloves 2 dozen Small and 3 Large Buttens a Box andersons pils a pen knife and thred 2 Sticks of mohair white Black and red thred you Sister nancy Sally Tomson Betsy Taylor Sends there Love to you and your Little Sally and Bobby please to Give my Censeir Respects to all my acquaintance I am my Dear Percy with respectfull Complements your affectionate wife Addressed To Cap/t Persifor Frazer of the 4/th Pensylv/a Regiment Commaned by Col Wayne at Ticonderoga 12; Mary Worrall Frazer Oct. 15. 1776. Thornbury October y/e 15/1776 Dear Sir I Receivd your Letter of September y/e 21 the 5 Day of October whearin you inform me you have been sick it must be a dowble affliction f— when from home whear proper attendance Cannot be Expected but it Gives me a Great Deal of Pleasure to heare you are so well Recoverd from your illness and Concearned Least you Should not be able/d to indure the Pinch- ing Cold of that Climate but I must Remind you not to forget to put on that blanket Coat you wear some time ago Speaking of I do assure you Polley have managed your business to admiration She bass Got the new Land Cleard Compleatly twise Plowd and Sood in Good time She turns out a very farmer I believe y/e Beauset must be neglected for y/e farmer seems to ingrose all her attention. Wee have heard hear that you wear Re- duced to half-alowance some time in September and at that rate not enough to Serve above 5 days and num- ors army of English Canadians and Indians Hourly Ex- pected to attackt you this Report wass Currenly be- leived by those who wear inclin/d to have had it so this news to Gether with the Loss of new York and Long Iseland have sweld our Tories above their Com- mon sise our old Friend Vernon by the advce of M/r morton Mr Graham and some other Cattle of the same Kind opened an Election on the first of October whear 334 Electors as much a like as a hatch of Turkeys and very little more sence Met at Chester on y/e day be- fore mentioned and opened the Election in the old way Richard Baker W/m Swaford Robert Mendenhall Isaac Bullock as Judges the Proceded and Chose James Gibbons Charles Humpris Joseph Pennock Joseph Pyle John Minshall Robert Mendenhall Wil- liam West and Isaac Bullock for assembly — Nathaniel Vernon William Gibbons Shr/o William Kerlin Cor: — Adam Grub Comm : John Jones Frederick Fairlam John Tolbert Caleb James Emor Jefferis Abiah Tay- lor asses/r the Ole Gentleman — Shr/e Proceed to Philadelphia whear the Commity took him into their Cear nor would not Release him until he Gave bale for his appearance at a future Day Last Satterday wass y/e Day his advysors the Judges and inspecttors wear sum- monded to appear some did and some did not I have not heard what bass been Done but I Expect those that Did not attend will have y/e honour of being at- 126 tend by a file of musquetheers in a few 'lavs The prin- ciples of those men who are for Pasive obeydence and non Resistance do not a th their Practices Please to Remember me to .Mr Horper mr wane God Bless you in Every undertakeing is y/e Sincear wish ol Tho/s Cheyney Addressed To Captain l'eirsefor Frazer of the 4/ th Pensyv a Regment Command by Col : Wayne at at Ticonderoga 17/6 1776 My Dear Brother we have been Informed by M/r Jones what would have giveing me a great Deal of uneasiness had I a knowd It before that you had had the flux but he Save'- thai you were on the mending hand when he Left you blesed be god for It" All the Comfort 1 have My Dear Brother is to hear from you but — 1 Am very Sorry that the yank es Merrit no better Carractter than you give them And M r Jones barbers no better opinion of them than you Do I would not for the world that It was known Amongst our tories here there would be no Liveing Among them At Any Kate they have had Com/d Wayne and John harper and All Cap t Robisons Company Dead \ Long time and Richard parks is very Sure that your Are Dead for he Says that After your head was Shot of you wrote a letter to your Wife to Let her know Jehu taylors wife told Si-ter polly that She heard that as John Set \t his breakfa (torn) hall took Away his head Into the Air Morn) into the Chocolate pot thai (torn) And All his Company was Certanly In york goal And A thousand Such things but this will give some Idea of the way these Christians Goes on here old M 'r Joseph talbert was yesterday Married to M rs Nanny Sharpless 1 suppose that nothing ever exceeded the old gentle- man for Smartness hut I Dare Say thai he Could not refrain from puling up his breches behind I wrote to you before witch togather with a Letter from tommy Cheyney was Left At M r Brookse> Sister Sally Jacob etc and Aunt betty Desires to Send there besl Love and Respects to you your Dear Little babyes is All well And I hope will be A great Comfort And blesing to you And now My Dear Brother that the Almighty god will Direct and guide you in All your troubels 127 and Dificultyes And Defend you In the time of Danger and Return you Safe (torn) Again is the Sincear (torn) faithfull friend and (torn) Ann frazer Addressed To to the Cap/t Persifor frazer Care of of the 4 Pensyvania the Re/v Re/g Commanded by M/r Jones Col/d Wayne At tyconderroga Brother with peculiar pleasure i could once have writen to you as i believe you to be my Sincere freind and i can with the greatist truth Say one i Sincerely Love and whose happyness i wish in this world and in that more blessed State awaits the truly pious hereafter you may wonder at my writing to you now as i would not if i could have the pleasure of Seeing you but as the great god before whose pres- ence we must all before long appear knows me to be clear of what your wife says to my charge i am easy about what She Says and as i be- lieve my time here to be Short i Should be glad our afairs were Setted and that to obey the commands of a dying mother we lived more like Cristians than we do at present i Should be glad to See you and if you will be so kind to let me know if you have got me any feathers i Should be oblidged to you as i now want them if you would Send a few lines by my Sister i Should take it kind from your Sister Sarah Vernon This undated letter is evidently not in its proper place. October (2) 1776 My Dear Sister Polly I think there Never was As od A Creature As My Self for Since I Left your house I have Cryd My Self Mad And Now I think I have Courage Sufitient to fight All the Savage Army God Send I May not Retain My Integrity until to Morrow from your Sincear friend and Sister Ann frazer Head Quarters the Night before we ingage the ennimy Addressed For M/rs Mary Frazer 128 Octo 20/th 1776 My Dearest Percy I received a Letter of 2/d of this month it givs niee inexpressible Satisfaction to fine that you are So well reinstated in your Helth I can Scarcly beare to think that you are now So un- certian of Coming hom when you gave me So much Hoops in your Letter p Col Haussegger if you can not Com this winter pray Let me know for certian and please to give me leave to Come to you and shall Scr that nether Mountens nor Laks frost nor Snow Shall be able to Step me from the inexpressible pleasure of Seeing you your being promoted 1 feair is what keeps you if So 1 Cold wish either wise my Love 1- a over ballance for my pride no person Can be in greater aStaim then you are both with whig and Tory your Letters is often Call upon to disside Dissputs Espesully them to M r Morton and \1 r ind by the Tory account the are Very Dift'ent from my Letters the Say you hav been upon half aLouance I understand M r Morton Left the Congress 1 and your Dear Little Children are in pood Helth at present tho little Mary aim has been exceeding ill for menny Days 1 thought She would Scarce recovered 1 have don Sowing, your new Land Looks Charmingly it is Sowd with English wheat that wayd 62 there is Scarcly any in the Naighbourhood that ways above .49 or 50 1 am blest with the best of Neighbours your friend Calib Linton Came with 2 plows one Day I would be glad you would wight to him or remembour him in your Letter to me he has Exsprest great friend- ship for you he is filling his new Seller with good Lickers and Says be will pend this winter very plesently if you Coins home I have never yet seen Col. Haussegger I went all through Philadelphia and Cold not find his Lodging it would give me great plesure to See him I hav Sent you 2 rul'tlid and 2 plain Shirts the are far from being as good as I Cold wish I give 12 Shillings a yard for 6 yard of the Linning the are maid of and 28 Shilling a yard for the Caimbrick that is on them 1 hav Lik wiss Sent you 5 yard whit Cloath 4 yd while Lyning 1 red Mailing waist Coat 1 pair Shoses 5 pair Stockings 2 pair gl and 1 pair mittings 1 hat 3 y/d Linning Cloath 2 dozen and 3 buttens Some butten molds 2 y/d black ribon 1 box anderson pils thred news pepers the fall of Brittish Tinny 2 Sticks of white mohier 1 pen knif please remember Jacob Vernon and Sally in your Letters or right to them Jacob has behavd as moch Like a brother as any of the three Mame Peirce is very ill and Says She thinks She Shall never See you more She and little polly Sends ther Love to you Sister nancy and little Sally and Bobby ScmL there Love Dady Gibbons and tsaac and betcy Tomme and Sally Sends ther best respects to you 1 hav never re- ceived a penny from Vanhorn I can not get him to make Nails nor any thing that I want I hav had £4 [OS of Job not any from Tommy Jo •on 1 hav had the misfortune to Loose our Largest < >\ and bunny 129 Rachils babe please to give my Respectfull Complements to Doc/tr kennedy M/r Jones, Mr Harper and the rest of my acquaintances with you I am my Dearest Percy wishing wishing you ever blessing that kind heaven can bestow your affectionate wife Mary Worrall Frazer Addressed To Cap/tn Persifor Frazer of the 4/th Pensylv/a Regiment Commane'd by Col Wayne at Ticonderoga November 16/th, 1776 My Dearest Polly In my last mention'd the approach of the Enemy and our being in constant expectations of an attack from them, their morning and Evenings Guns were constantly heard for 14 or 15 days, parties of Canadians and Indians were hovering round our Lines in the night ; they kill'd a sick man that two others were taking to the landing and made prisoners of the men, who were sent back after- wards. They took another prisoner a few days after from an En- campment of New England Troops ab/t a mile from this. For fear of being surpriz'd We were obliged to do very severe duty. We ap- prehended the Enemy propos'd to repair the Fortifications and Bar- racks at Crown Point w/ch might secure their retreat should they be unfortunate in their attempt upon Us and that they wou'd continue there all Winter their Numbers We frequently heard amounted to 1 0000 as we had many Spies and reconnoitring parties out to bring us intelligence, They had an advance part ab/t 4 miles on this side under the protection of their Vessells thus matters continued till Mon- day the 28/th, last month in the morning; our advanc'd Boat made the signals that the Enemy were approaching, alarm Guns were fired from our different Batterries and in a few minutes every person able to carry a musket was at his Post. One of the Enemies Boats pres- ently hove in sight and advanced within ab/t 3/4 of a mile of One of our Batterries on board this Boat We have since heard was One Gen- eral Phillips Colonel Carlton and an Engineer and other Officers. Their intent was to take a View of our Works that they might know where to attack Us to most advantage. We let them Satisfie their curiosity near half an Hour and when they were going off, We thought they would reckon Us impolite if We should take no notice of them, We saluted them with five Cannon, One had the desir'd effect and went through their Boat kill'd their Enginier and wounded another 130 man as we have since heard, they then made oil as fast as they could. Shortly after this We saw 14 flat Bottomed Boats full of Men cross- mi; over the Lake We thought this parly were to take possession of a piece of ground opposite one of out Batterries and w ch wou'd very much annoy it. about this time We heard 3000 of them had landed on our .-ale ah t j 1 J miles of, and were approaching to attack our lanes. Our Colours of the different Regiments were stuck on the I op of our Breast Works by way of Challenge for them to Win them and Wear them 1 never had greater satisfaction than to see the ardor with which our Men were possess'd they show'd the true kind of cool, deliberate Courage; every man wishing and preparing Ins Arms for their ap- proach, after keeping us thus employ 'd greatest part of the day, they thought it most prudent to return to Crown Point, they had a very fair view of every part almost of our Works, a- also of our Troops and I am certain they were nol pleas'd with the sight; the day was fine and nothing hut their timidity hinder'd the Fate of Canada and indeed of almost America to be decided; and never were men in a better disposition to end the Quarrel] by conquest or Death than our Troops. — However their retreat will have verj near the same effect as a defeat, their great preparations for this Campaign in Canada, has ended in nothing more than destroying a number of our Vessells. Our Army had not possession of any place that could he defended in that Country they have suffered a vast deal by Sickness as Well as our Army, tin- We are certain of as a Serjeant of our Army who was taken prisoner last Summer and had been sick in their Hospital at Montreal and who return'd the other day informs Us, that he had seen [9 taken out to buried in one day. — The Enemy continued at Crown Point till the J nd ins t and then made their retreat which appears to have been in a hurry as they left many things behind which would not have been the Case if they had proceeded deliberately. I believe their hurry proceeded from an order given by General Gates that every Person in Camp should he provided with three days provision ready cooked and as many Tory inhabitants live round us, they were certainly 111 form'd of, and concluded that We intended to pay them a Visit. Two parties one of 400 on our side the lake and 500 on the other side were sent off by us to attack their advane'd 1'ost at Putnams Creek they set out Saturday Evening and propos'd to be ready t< tack them early the next Morning, hut they found that they left then- Post. Parties were sent to Crown Point to reconnoitre and they brought word that the last of them were just embarking some of their Vessells still remaining to protect them. We kept -till upon our guard fearing they might have done this by way of stratagem to de- ceive Us. A Boat w/th a flag is sent down w th a Flag to gain in- telligence of their intentions on their return we shall take our meas- ures accordingly, during the whole lime from their approach, till this 131 day We have scarcely had time to eat our Victuals, We constantly lay w/th our Cloaths on and were frequently turning out the Picket Guards 2 or three times in the night and in the day all hands off other duty at Work to give them a genteel reception w/ch they wou'd have had had they advanced. Thus have We disappointed their two Grand Armys from forming a junction, w/ch appears to have been their chief design and would have been attended with unhappy consequences. I hope Gen/1 Washington will have it in his power to make Lord Howe and the Gen/1 seek for safety at Halifax or England to spend the Winter, In the spring I hope they will find We shall have an Army in every thing baffling their expectations by that time it is possible their Eyes may be at last open to their Interest. You must excuse my in- correct writing as I am frequently interrupted with other matters. I have just receiv'd your letters by Mr. Lucas I shall write you another letter. Adieu. Ticonderoga Novem/r 18/th, 1776. My Dearest Polly I received your inesteemable letters of the 2/nd, 15/th, and 20/th of October by Mr. Lucas as also One from Mr. Cheyney and One from Nancy, it gives me the highest satisfaction to understand you, the Children and all our Friends are in such good Health, my dear little Mary Ann Excepted who I hope is recovered as you inform me she was better. I am surpriz'd Col. Haussegger did not go to see you as he prom- is'd me in the most punctual manner that he would not neglect it. I cou'd make out pretty well without the Cloaths, if I had the Stock- ings, as they are the Articles I am most in need of, it will be needless to send any of them now, as I have this day obtain'd permission to set off from here in Company with Doc. Kennedy the first of next Month and hope in 10 days from that time I shall be happy in the Company of you my sweet Children and my Friends. — This day I went with others to Lake George to bid Farewell to Gen/1 Gates who is going to Philad/a Gen/1 Arnold and Gen/1 Brickett also went with him. He deserves great Praise for his conduct at this place, No man could have in my opinion done more nor have given more General satisfaction than he has ; it would surprize any Person to see what has been done since our first arrival here. Colonel Wayne has now the Command entirely at this place. The first Pennsylvania Battallion with two of the Jerseys went from this on Friday last 6 or 7 New Eng- land Regim/ts have march'd since that time and in a few days all those that are not to stay the winter will decamp. Three of the Penn- '3- sylvania Regim ts One of the Jerseys and as many New England Troops as will make ab/'t -500 are to form a Garrison lor this place until! fresh Troops are sent to relieve them, it was with a good deal of trouble 1 obtain'd Liberty to leave them, as Colonel Johnson and Cap t Robinson left this Sick some time ago. But as the danger from the Enemy is now entirelj at an End ami our People will ha\ «.- got into Barracks bj tin- the tune 1 shall go away and very little can he done iin ne this Winter 1 was very urgent untill I obtain'd Per- mission, A number of our young officers are to go tomorrow or next day recruiting for the Regiment 1 expect Mr Bartholomew will go and he promises to deliver you this imediately on his getting home. He is a very worthy Young Fellow and a most excellent ( >fficer. I had wrote the inclos'd just as I receiv'd your letters, by it and what .Mr. Bartholomew can inform, you will have a pretty just acc/t of our transactions here since the Enemies approach. A few days after they abandon'd Crown Point a ilag of Truce was sent from hence aftei them, with an English Officer who had been taken in Canada last Spring and whom the Congress had permitted to return to his fam- ily, the main intention was to discover their situation as the officer had arrived here before the Enemy had retreated. Yesterday the Boat return'd and We learn that our People that went w/th the blag bail been very ill used by General Phillips and the other scoundrelly there, who no longer pay any regard to acts of generosity and human- ity. Their army is gone into Winter Quarters their Fleet unrigg'd General Burgoyne gone to England to give a splendid account of their illustrious actions and prudent retreat from an army not equal in num- ber and who they affect to despise in order to inspire their Villainous Mercenary Hirelings with courage w/ch they will stand much in need of when they attempt this place, if We have an army equal to the t >ne We have had, though much Weaken'd by sickness, and strugling with many other difficulties which experience and attention will sup- ply the next Season. It may be expected they will indeavor to at- tack us early in the Spring and no pains should be spared to be in readiness. 1 am 1 thank God very well reinstated in my Health. The weather has been extreemly pleasant 6 or 7 Weeks past the air is sharp and clear and we can see the Mountains cover'd with Snow about 30 or 40 Miles off, I live very Warm and comfortable in my Tent We have no great variety of provision Beef and Bread being the standing Dish, I have been very happy in living in great Harmony with every Body here. The being absent from you gives me the most uneasiness. I have been frequently employ'd in doing matters distinct from my Duty in the Regiment and have I believe yielded satisfac- tion. Colonel Wayne is in the highest esteem for his Spirit attention to discipline and the services he has done in the Engineer depart- ment, the works on this side being almost entirely under his direction 133 and indeed few excell him in any thing in the Military Line, One or two Generals and all the older Colonells were sent oft" the Ground in order to make room for him to Command. It gives me the highest satisfaction that my good friends and neighbours should treat you with so much kindness and attention. I shall never forget their favours and hope to have it in my power to acknowledge and repay them for their friendship. Col. Wayne, Doct/r Kennedy, Mr. Harper and all your other ac- quaintance are well. Please to inform Mrs. Cheyney that I have made all possible enquiry concerning her Brother, 1 apprehend he went w/th Gen/1 Arnold from Cambridge last year into Canada and as none of the Troops that went on that expedition are now or have been at this place this Season it is not likely I shall be able to hear of him as 1 imagine he must have gone with the Rifle Companys who were most of them taken Prisoners last Winter at Quebec and as those prisoners I understand are sent home it is most probable by finding out and enquiring of some of those Persons an account may be had of him. Mr. Cheyney will be kind enough to excuse my not answer- ing his letter; I am twenty times in an Hour interrupted. I am very much obliged to him for the information he gave relating to affairs in our Country. I hope e'er long there will be but one opinion, as there is but one interest in Pennsylvania. I think the convention were not politic in making so many alterations from the old establish- ment. Give my most sincere compliments to Mr. Brinton (tell him 1 hope to taste some of his good Liquors before Christmas.) as also to my good Friends Cheyney, Jacob Vernon old Mr. Gibbons, Billy John- son and wife. My love and respects to Mammy Pierce (who i am sorry to hear is unwell) to Sally Thomson Betsy Taylor, Nancy, Sally Vernon and Isaac and Jemmy and Polly Pierce and every other my good Neighbours and Friends, my best Love awaits you and my lovely little Children. I am my dear Polly Your ever affectionate Husband Persifor Frazer "Anthony Wayne" by John Armstrong. (Jared Sparks library of Amer- ican biography 1835.) "After defeating a small naval armament on the lake commanded by Arnold, he (Gen. Carleton) advanced It's army to Crown Point ; whence he began a series of close and careful reconnoitrings * * * The old fortifications were found to have been so repaired and new ones so multiplied as to forbid an assault, while from the lateness of the season and condition of the weather a siege and an investment became equally hopeless. Under these new impressions the British 134 General determined to suspend all offensive operations until the Spring: and accordingly withdrew his army to Canada for the winter. \\ hile these events took place in the north, defeated on Long Island and driven from New York, Washington was hastily retreating through the Jerseys. The moment that Gates was able to assure himself that Carleton's retrograde movements was not a ruse de guerre Gates marched eight regiments to Washington's assistance leasing Wayne in command at Ticonderoga" (pp. i _> and 13) "Dream of Thomas Cheyney Esq r during Gen. Washington's en- campment at Valley Forge." "He imagines himself sitting in a strange room, near a table spread witli costly articles of American manufacture, in the centre of which stands a decanter of Wine. When the company is seated the de- canter smi^s the following song." 1 Cheerful spirits here we'll stay And guard against despotic sway; Though Britain's numerous frightful fleet, Makes oceans groan beneath its weight, And guns and drums cry out so loud To appease the vengeance of their Lord, Yet America will be free — Yet America will be free ! 2 Tho vassal powers them aid afford \nd demons crowd their council board, Yet Innocence will raise its cries And rend the cloud that shrouds the skies. And mercy will her aid afford, And confound their council board. Yet America will be free — Yet America will be free ! ^ Third Stanza mislaid * * * -| The ruffians return in vile disgrace — Shame and confusion mar each face And, when before their Lord they come They're struck with disappointment dumb — Begone ye scoundrel paltry knaves You yourselves are the greatest slaves, Yet America will be free — Yet America will be free! A. H. 135 "The Squire Cheney was a near neighbor & kind friend of Gen. & Airs Frazer, often cheering the latter by his hopefulness & sympathy. In the darkest time for her, while her husband was at Ticonderoga and other affairs of the country were most discouraging, as she sat one morning by the fireside weeping, he came in, and said "Polly dont give up. It will all come true. I dreamed I sat by my candle stand & there were three bottles on it, I was mourning over the state of the country, when out went one of the corks & a smoke & a voice came out". He then repeated several stanzas of doggerel verse, each ending with "America will & shall be free". After sing.ing this the cork retreated to the bottle. He added "Now Polly this will come true I know." " (From a lecture by Dr. I. W. Riley) 136 CHAPTER III The Year i i i , The interval b* and ■ j was • - g ed. — My D, r Polly There ai some Ships of \\ four of them are as Bombay Hook. hend to divert us from - m< :her views e: a few termine the matter. The - We have two stout Row Gallies H . Colonel Johnston set out for the Jerseys. I am to stay. I don't know- how long, please I -end me the cloath for the i ngs etc Send my Horse down on Saturday. I am y r Loving Husband Persifor F: . To Mrs. Marv Frazer. Thornhurv. Apl. 29. 1777. D r Co 1. I wrote you som g Sent Vanhorn to in- form you that Noblit was very likely to get I n of . which he has Effected a few Pays ag breaking Open the Doore as Vanhorn says, who is mov'd off and left the g with the Idea that all is his own without Interruption. I presume you know y e only S taken is to repre- sent the Matter to the Board of War who Represent the 57 Supream Executive Cauncil and who I make no Doubt will immediately Comit him to Prison and put an End to the Dispute I am Dr Sir with Respectfull complements to M/rs Fra- zer in which my Wife joins Y/r most Hble Ser/t Apl. 29/th, — 77 Sam Kennedy Address. Co/1 To Persifor Frazer at his House SUMMER CAMPAIGN IN NEW JERSEY. Camp at Mount pleasant June 9/th, 1777. My D/r Polly I arrived here in good Health on Saturday last, every thing appear'd as agreable as I could wish. We have a fine Army, in fine Health and Spirits and in a fine disposition to fight. General Wayne is as hearty as ever I saw him, Our Regm/t is fix'd in the advanc'd divis- ion of the army and guard all the passes through the Hills. We have constantly partys out harassing them and there is not a day passes but many deserters come over to Us and very few of our men leave Us. We have intelligence that the Enemy are prepar'd to embark on short notice, and think the Course of a week will turn out something of im- portant. We have no want of Necessaries and a fine healthy situation; how long we may be kept here I cannot determine. I had the bad luck to loose my Horse on Sunday but hope to get him again. If you can get the other on any reasonable terms send him to me if he is not more than 8 years old, We have an officer or two at Chester that you may send him by should you agree. I want some Paper, my Ink pot was forgot and is in the Desk. I was up all last night visiting the guards, and am rather out of trim to write. We are in Gen/1 de Haas's Bri- gade and Major Gen/1 Lincoln's division, who is an agreable fine Gen- tleman. Our regiment still bears the Belle indeed there is none in my opinion deserve it better, you know I have a little tincture of vanity. I wou'd not have you give more than £ 80 or f 85 for the Horse. This goes by Mr. Abraham Robinson of Naaman's Creek, who is to leave it at Mr. Cowplands where I shall send all my Letters, except when they are to stop at Philadelphia and then they will be left at Mr. Vandegrifts. I have got the Hanker/s from Mr. Henry. — Mrs. Henry desires you to have her flax hackled. Our Army is daily increasing. — Give my best respects to all Friends my Love to Sally, Nancy, Sally Thomson, 138 u t-y* [Mmollmu n J ■■ :: •: DDNLAP.] '//£/•/• n igcJ Year", In! _ liigl\ I lair, ., Complexion, born in hie refiding in S&/& do voluntarily itfvlt rnyl' tlf m a S iMi.-r in i!i--Mbiu Regiment of Foot, comminded by mt- MN********!*, mi theService of the United Statci of Amiiica, «► fervc during t'le War, if not fooncr ddcharged. An i to be Hibjeo) fb luch •Rules and A rticlc. as are or lhall be clhbiillicJ by - I rcrnment of the 'Army. WtTxtss my Hind, this Z/,ir/ Day ot i /rCa y A II i T > ,V " J ;'' //-» r7 •.<- Da»fwr:.r to be true and faithful to the J/Unitfh St ati ; ok Aw.- pica, and to fer-e them honeftly and faithfully .1 jainfl ill their Enemies and Opp'ofcrs wha:!oevcr, and :o obferve and obev (he Orders ot the Gene- 4^'F , '&;'//"<»<> R 1 ECEIVED, tnt Day of 1777. ol the Sum of 1'wimtt Dollaii, bcinj t!ie ^i - Bo-inty ordered by Con^ref; :o be paid me. V i Six-tenths, lineal m< i t, of the original. ! Philadelphia, May i, 1777. Head Quarters. GENERAL ORDERS. ALL the Officers of the Continental Army, now ■£*■ in this City, are to attend Tomorrow Morning at fix o'Clock at the Statehoufe, to receive General Schuyler's Orders. By Order of General Schuyler, James Van Renjfelaer, Aid-de-Camp. Fifty-six hundreths, lineal measurement, of the orginal. Betsy Jemrri; and Isaac if he is return'd my Blessg. to my sweet Chil- dren. I am my D/r Polly Your affect/te Husband. Pers/r Frazer. To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township Chester County, to be left Mr. Davi( Cowplands, in Chester. ' by Ab/m Robinson Esq/r Mount Pleasant, near Bound Brook June 17 ,'th, 1777.)* My Dear J olly, I wrote you 5 or 6 days ago p r Mr. Abraham Robinson directed to the care of Mr. Cowpland in Chester w/ch I doubt not you have receiv'd by this time. On Thursday or Friday last the enemy's main body left Brunswick and advane'd about 3 miles, their advance guard as f ir as Somerset; the intent of their movement was to procure forage and in case We should move to attack, that they might take pos- session of the Ground we occupy, which is naturally very strong. Their situatio is very strong; a river on each wing of their army, and a large c p swamp in their Front; so that an attempt to attack them would he very imprudent. On Saturday last the whole of our army were order'd to have their Baggage and Tents in the Waggons, then were Se' t off to a place of safety, and our troops were order'd to lay on their ar ts all night. We expected every moment to receive orders to march to attack them, untill Sunday afternoon when Orders were given to pitch our Tents again, ami We are now in the same situation we were before. A number of Rifle Men and two or three reg/ts were sent off and kept them employ M Saturday and Sunday, the enemy fired a vast deal, and all the Execution they did was to kill One Man and wound another. We have taken several Prisoners, a great Number of deserters have come Over to Us lately. In a very short time you may expect to hear of a General attack; as We shall be greatly rein- forced. The General has the entire confidence of the army. Our other Generals are men of the best character for courage and understanding; and if God will but smile upon us every thing within human foresight appears encouraging. Our regiment with several others of our State have the Post of Honor in the Front at the Gap of the Hills the re- mainder of the army are encamp'd behind us. I am clearly of Opinion a very Short time will decide the Controversy. I am greatly Pleas'd * This letter is nearly illegible and will perhaps become entirely so in ;i Few years. It was written originally with inferior ink and but for the softness of the paper and the vigorous pressure which furrowed it. inucli would now lie ei I undecipherable. It has been very carefully examined and the above copy is correct (P. F. Feb. 18. 1905) 139 to hear the Pen. Militia are turning out so Generally; this is the time to gain immortal Honor in the service of their country. One grand exer- tion will certainly put a finishing stroke to the dispute, and then peace and Happiness will ensue if We have Virtue enough to accept the de- sirable guests. You may have oppertunities to write, as there are sev- eral of our officers about Chester. I have sent off my Chest with my Papers and most part of my cloaths 8 or 9 miles off under the care of Captains Moore and Christy who are both sick. I have yet heard nothing of my Horse, tho' I am still in Hopes I shall get him again. I have got my inkpot w/ch I tho't I left behind. — I have nothing more than I can recollect worth Writing. Give my most unfeigned love and respect to all my relations, Friends and Neighbors. My best love to my Dear Children. I am, my Dearest Love, Your affectionate Husband Persifor Frazer. Mount Pleasant near Bound Brook June 17. 1777. Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury, Chester County. To the care of Mr. Joseph Vandegrift, Sign of Cross Keys. Philadelphia. Fav/d by Col. Irvine. (June 20/th, 1777.) My D/r Polly My last to you was p. Col/1 Irvine directed to the care of Mr. Vandegrift. The Enemy notwithstanding their great Threats and preparations have return'd again to Brunswick Yesterday they have in many instances behav'd very cruel to the Inhabitants where they pass'd. A respectable woman they Hung by the Heels so long that when they took her down she liv'd but a few Minutes, Plunder and Cruelty Mark their steps where there is scarce a soul but Tories. We have been in constant readiness to march this 6 or 7 Days, twice We have had all our Baggage in the Waggons, but still remain in our former Camp. We have constant parties attacking them, a number of prisoners and deserters are daily Sent in about 20 within this 2 days. Among whom a Captn and Lieuten/t who were bro/t off within 300 yards of their Main Body. They are very much afraid of Us, every Motion Shews it, their Cannon are constantly brought up if but ten men attack them. I should be very Glad to hear from you, I have not yet rec'd any letter from you. We live here in the greatest Harmony. We have plenty of 140 every necessary which will cost no small sum during the Campaign. I have not heard a Word ab/t my Horse, Shou'd be glad to know wh< 1 can get Isaac's or not. 1 have still hopes thai 1 shall find him. Mr. Griffith and 2 or 3 others of our ( (fficers arc behind by whom you may Write, send me word how Noblit goes on and who has got into the I [ouse. If there is no prospect of Action shall endeavor to be Home ag/t Harvest, though it will he very uncertain. Give my sincere and respectfull compliments to all relations and Friends. My best Love to my D/r Children. I am my D/r Polly y/r ever affect/a Husband. June 20. 1777 Pers/r Frazer. To Mrs. Mary Frazer. Thornbury, Chester County. to be left at Mr. Vandegrifts, Cross Keys. Philadelphia fav/d by L/t Forbes. (June22/d, 1777.) My Dear Percy I Received yours of the 9/th and 17/th of June which Gives me Pleasure to find you are in Health and Spirits and that Matters are no worse for we have had Dreadfull accounts hare that the Enemy was within 35 miles of Philadelphia yesterday week it has made a Great stir among Militia the first Draft is to be in Chester this week and Some I heard went Last I am Sorry to heare you hav Lost your Horse as I am not Like to pet the other he is Since Sold for a Hundred Pound Nob- let took possession of the House the night that the men Left it and is there Still as m/r Chaney dont like to do any thing in it till you Come I lome if you think I had better try to get him out Let me know in what manner I Shall proceed and I will do my indcavour I have nobody to go in if the Hous was Lmtv, Col Hannum is Come home and he Swears Every man in his Draft Shall go he took but one Day to rest him Self after his Long Journey I Shall Send your Stockings and the Linning for your Briches in two weeks if I can get an opertunity your family Relations and Friends and Neighbours are in good Health Little Sally and Bobby gives there Love to you please to give my CompementS General to Wayne and M/r Harper and M/r Jones and Cap tn Betholumy I am my Dearest Love your affectionate wife Mary Worrall Frazer June 22/d 1777. please to let me know the Number of the Enemy in your next To Col. Persifor Frazer. of the 5/th Pens a Regiment at Mount pleasant near Bound Brook New Jerse Recommended to the care of M/r David Cowpland in Chester, recommended to the care of M/r Chatson Philadelphia. 141 (probably June 1777) My D V Polly My last to you was p. M/r Forbes of our Reg/t who prom- is'd to deliver it to you himself since that time I have receiv'd two of yours, earlier in date than the one I then mention'd — I am now re- turn'd to Camp pretty well recover'd — when I shall see you is uncertain but hope it will be before long as I intend to crave Liberty — the weather is getting cool and shall want some of my warm Cloathing — if I could get some white cloath and trimmings for a Couple of Jacketts and trim- ming and lining (white) for some light blue Cloath would be satisfied for Coats and Jackets — The News relating to Sullivan you will have in the papers before this time — A movement of our Army We expect will take place before long, it is thought to the eastward — Your letters may be sent to the post — I have just time to give by best respects to all friends and my love to my D/r Children and to tell you I am ever yours. Pers/r Frazer. To Mrs. Mary Frazer in Thornbury, to be left at Major Arch Dicks near Marcus Hook p. favour Mr. Henderson. Wednesday July 2. 1777 My Dearest Polly This is my third Letter to you since I came to the Jerseys, since I wrote my last our Villainous Fnemys have entirely evacuated this State. On Saturday night was a Week, upon intelligence that the Enemy intended to leave Brunswick, Gen/1 Wayne w/th part of his Brigade am/t to ab/t 500 was sent off to intercept their march on the East side of the Rariton, Gen/1 Vernon with a number was also order'd on the other side, whilst Gen/1 Sullivan was to advance from Prince- town and cooperate w/th the others. About Sunrise our vigilant countryman began to fire on a very large Body across the Bridge at the Landing, they fled with the greatest Precipitation though at least 5 to one superior at this time Gen/1 Vernon hove in sight but from a mistake in orders retreated. Gen/1 Sullivan had not at this time come up, hav- ing much further to march. Wayne however w/th his little party ab/t 500 Rifle kept on the attack from Hill to Hill where they had fortified themselves till he had put the whole to flight, he follow'd them while Sullivan and some others took possession of Brunswick. They had set fire to two small vessells w/th Stores and attempted to Burn a New 142 Bridge they had built but in vain. The Best acc/ts We have, make their loss from the time they went to Somerset to the end of this En- gagement 500 at least — they made the Best of their way to Amboy w here they were sti 1 mgly fortified. 1 saw from a 1 lill near our Camp the whole of the Engagement. ( >ur Division being order'd to stand their ground till further Orders. On Monday 1 went down to lake a View of Brunswic, but believe me the Worst Accounts you have heard of then rapine and plunder fall infinitely short of the reality, it passes all de scription, the greatest part of the Houses within their limits for 4 or 5 miles around Brunswic, Burnt, or Pull'd down or otherwise tore to pieces, not a sign of a Fence to be seen and a universal scene of savage Barbarity and Cruelty presented themselves to \ iew and this to those who had taken protection from the mighty infamous Howe. 1 have had information from undoubted authority that while they Were about Somerset they Violated many Women forcibly, two they hung by the Heels. One of whom an elderly Woman and of good family died ime- diately on her being taken down, they cut down many Orchards, de- stroy'd all the furniture that came in their Way. Wounded many and kill'd some of the inhabitants and on their retreat from Somerset and Brunswick Burnt the greatest part of the Houses along the road these are incontestible facts, and I sincerely wish those stubborn advocates for British Tyranny in our neighborhood cou'd only make it their Business to take a small ride and see the Devastation and ruin the deluded inhabi- tants of the Jersey have been treated with. The Baggage of the Army thai remain'd were all in Waggons and We lay mi our Arms two Nights, on Tuesday We were order'd to march to Quibble Town about 5 miles toward the Enemy, Our Generals went to reconnoitre the Enemy hut found they were so very strongly posted that it vvou'd De Madness to attack and run the risk of a Defeat, they were posted on a Hill near Amboy, the Rariton cover'd their left Wing, their Right ex- tended to the sound a Battery of 32 pieces of Heavy Cannon cover'd their Front, thus were they station'd and the Might}- Conquerors of America amountg. to near 15000, were satisfied to have their partys, their Guards and Gentry's insulted hourly by our Rifle men and scouts. Our main Body still lay at Quibble town 10 or 1 1 miles from Amboy till thursday, lord Sterling with his division and Genl. Maxwell's Bri- gade havg. advane'd very near them, they detach'd 7 or 8000 of their Army to surprize our troops or to drive them hack and to get forage, the attack lasted all day Our people retreated with scarce any loss, ex- cept 2 field pieces w/ch were unaccountably left unguarded. Genl. Washington had intelligence that the Enemy were pushing for our old posts on the Mountain. Our division were order'd imediately to March for the Gapps, w/ch We did w/th great speed. We expected every mo- ment to meet them hut wlien We arriv'd the Post was safe. We then M3 rested 2 or 3 hours, another alarm then took place that the Enemy were near another Gap ah/t 2 miles distant, Our Regiment and another were order'd to March with all speed to attack them, but found both alarms took place from 2 Columns of our own Army who were ap- proaching those places from Lord Sterling's Division. We Were then order'd back to the ground We left and lay on our Arms that night and next day till 12 o'clock at night when we were again Order'd imediately to repair to the same Gap where We lay the remainder of that Night, next day and then encampt where I now write ab/t 4 miles to the East of our old Post. Last Night intelligence arriv'd here that our people were in possession of Amboy the enemy havg. retreated to Staten Island and left the Jerseys entirely — Our Division are under orders to have 2 days provision cook'd and to be ready to march I expect this afternoon We shall set off to Amboy or Elizabeth town. Our Army are in excellent order, every day large Body's of troops joining us, I cannot ascertain our numbers but think them sufficient for any thing We may have to do. An angel from Heaven cou'd not have the confi- dence of the Troops equal to Gen/1 Washington. He will not risk any thing but on certain appearance of advantage well knowing that annoy- ing them by parties, confining them to narrow limits, and taking pos- session of inaccessable Posts will as assuredly defeat them as any other Method, he therefore prudently refrains from a General Battle, the issue of which may be uncertain. The Enemy in every skirmish and engagement have shown the greatest marks of fear. We have a Rifle Regiment lately embodied, being chosen men from the Whole Army their number 500. those Troops within this ten days have had no less than 15 different skirmishes and attacks vv/th the Enemy, the whole of their loss you may depend upon is but 3 kill'd and 1 1 wounded, which I mention to show the great goodness of Heaven in preserving our Men. Two of our men that were prisoners at New York came in here last night they say our People are Bombarding New York (if any it must be Gen/1 Putnam who has been at Peeks kill) that the inhabitants were packing up their furniture and goods, that a fleet was ready to take them and the Army aboard where they intended was not known, but thought to be New England, I have very little confi- dence in any part of this intelligence. I thank God I have my health very well, I have laid out in the open Air 5 or six nights and have found no ill effects. Our Regiment in Gen/1 are very healthy and in good Spirits, I shou'd be glad to hear from you, Write by none but safe hands, you will always find Officers of our State in Philad/a. there are 4 of our Reg/t now absent, Mr. Griffith is not yet come. Give my most unfeigned respects to all Relations and friends, I cannot mention them 144 particularly, 1 am oblig'd to write in a hurry, they must excuse me. my best Love to my beloved Children. 1 am my Dearest Polly y r ever affectionate Husband. Pers, r Frazer. Mr. Ross is desir'd to leave this letter at Mr. Tho s Evan's, near Con- cord Meeting Mouse, and to leave the musket there also, he is d< also to leave word there what time he may return with his waggon. To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury Township, Ch< er < ounty, to the care of Mr. Joseph Vandegrift, at the Cross Keys. Philadelphia. 1 by Mr. Ross. (Saturday) Morris Town July 5/th 1777. My D/r Wife My last to . you 1 wrote cm Wednesday last, ami went by Ross, a Sutler of our Reg/ 1. 1 gave him direction to leave the letter at Mr. Vandegrifts shou'd he be detained any time in Phil a but as he was to go through Concord on his way home 1 desir'd he might leave it with Tommy Evans if he sho'd not stay in town. The morning alter 1 wrote We march'd for this place together with the greatest pan of the Army, as it was apprehended the Enemy had an intention to pass up the North River. How long We shall continue here depends entirely upon the Movements of the British troops shou'd they proceed to the southward We can readily march after them, as we are but little further off than at the piace We left. Nothing of great consequence has transpir'd since m\ last, the plunderers have got upon Staten Island ami owe their safety to the Water that divides them from Us — there they cannot re- main long as the Island is not sufficient to maintain their Army any considerable time, it is horrid to hear the accounts that are hourly brought in of the Barbarity and Villainous behaviour of the Enemy, it wott'd be endless to relate every particular, your ideas cannot paint their conduct in Suitable colours We have heard that Ticonderoga is likely to be attack'd. 1 hope they will be able to defend that place properly. I have not yet got my Horse, but believe I have heard where he is. I wou'd not have you send the stallion as they are very trouble some among such a number of Horses as are in the Army. I wou'd be glad you wou'd send me some inkpowder and some good paper, as those articles are very scarce — there is no probability of my seeing you soon — I am in pain when I think of the fatigue and trouble you will '45 have in harvest. Cap/t Church will deliver you this, you may have an opportunity of Writing when he returns. I must if possible send all my Papers Home as We shall if We shou'd march any distance be obliged to leave our chests behind. All your acquaintances are well. Give my best respects to all my good neighbors, Friends and relations. My Blessing attend my D/r Children. I remain my D/r Love Your affect/te Husband Pers/r Frazer To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury, Chester County. Fav/d by Cap/t Church Sunday (July 6/th 1777) My D/r Percy I Wrote to you the 22/d of Last Month Since that I Re- ceived yours of the 20/th and I have not heard a word from you Scence which make me very unessey as I Expected you wold Sent me the Gloryous News of the Enemy being Drove out of the Jerse I have Saw it in the papers but it wold Reade much better Coming from you we have Some very bad News Sturing among the Torys that Lord Star- lings and Gen/1 Maxfeilds Brigades ware Entirely cut off Brother Isaac is come Home and much pleased with Carolinna and is going there with his family to Set out in two months time to Settle in Hilsborrow he will Sell his Land in the Vally and Rent that wheare he Lives I would be glad you would come home to Settle with him before he gos I think you Cold Get that pease of Land from him now I have Sounded M/r Brinton concerning it and find him much for you to hav it and like- wise find we hav been very ill Treatted concarning it about the time you bought it at Vendew by Some pertended friend Noblit is yet in the House and I am not Like to get any body to go in this Sommer that I now know of I was Last monday down at Gilsons mill trying to get a Horse for you from one Saile he is a very Gay hore abo/t four years old Saile was not at home but I Expect him up evry day if we Deal I Shall Send him as Soon as possible Jemmie Thomson hase Loust the yuse of his Left hand your D/r little Children are all in Good Helth and your Relation and freinds are gennerally Healthy Exscept my Self I have been very ill with a fever and can not get Cleer of it which maks Every thing I hav to do Look like Mountens before me Give my respectfull Complement to General Wayne and Cap/tn 146 Bethlumy and M, r Harper 1 saw M rs Harper and Last monday and her and t he Children ware all well I am my 1) r Percy y r ever affectionate wife July 6/th 1777 Mary Worrall Frazer Just as I finish this I received 3 1 »ur by M/r Ross nothing cold give more pleasure Except the Sight of votir D/'r Self M. !■'. P favour M r Kiiss To Col. Persifor Frazer of the 5/th Penn/a Rcgment at Elizabeth Town in new Jersey (Wednesday) (July 9/th 1777) My Dearest Percy 1 received your Letter by M r Ross without any Date this is the Seckond you have Sent with out I am much oblidg to you for the particular account you givs of the Enemy proseedings in the Jereys it will he of greate yuse to our Frcinds heare 1 Reapt yesterday the new Land wheate and part of the Ry with 26 hands Every man try which Cold do the best for you the ware both whig and Tory in the feild and not the Least Disspute amonge them 1 have not yet got your Stockings or Linning redy hut you may Expect them Shortly porhaps 1 may Send them with the Horse if I Get him please to Let me know what you wold hav me do with that matter of Isaacs if you cannot get Home in time your Self 1 wrote to you concerning Noblit in my Letter of 22/d (hut find you have not yet got it) that Mr Chenny thinks I had hetter let him alone till you return Except I put him out the Same Way he Came in he broke the dower open the Same night your men Left it I Still hav Some Little of the fever the Children and family are all well and God almighty Grant that you may hav your Health and he preserved to return to me and your Dear little is the Dayly prayers of you ever affectionate Wife Mary Worrall Frazer July 9/th 1777. Addressed P favour Mr Ross To Col. Persifor Frazer of the 5/th Penn/a Rement at Elizabeth Town in the Jersey 147 (Thursday) (July io/th 1777) My D/r Percy I received your Letter by Cap/t Church and have Sent by him peper and Ink ponder three y/d of linning and three y/d of dimety I have not anything more then wat is in the other Letters to informyou of mere then to beg you to Com horn if posseble befor ISaac Gos but 1 feare that will not be in your power if you Should move to the North ward though to have Sent you Som Stockings but find Cap/t Church Can not wait for them wrote Concarning the horse let me know Soon if I must Send him may God Bless and preserv is the unfained prayers of your Ever Loving Wife July io/th 1777 Mary Worrall Frazer Addressed To Col Persifor Frazer fav/d by of the 5/th Pens/a Regment Cap/t Church at Morris Town Jersey (Friday) Camp at the Cloves. July 18/th 1777. My Dear Polly I have received your letter p. Cap/t Church the day be- fore yesterday, to hear of your recovery and the health of our Dear Children gave me the highest satisfaction. I am very sorry poor Jemmy Thomson has met with so great a Misfortune, care and atten- tion may yet recover him. I wrote to you on Friday last by a Mr. Thomas who lives near Cuckolds Town, the Letter was to be deliver'd to Major John Bartholomew and have no doubt you have receiv'd it. That morning the Whole Army left Morris Town and arrivd at this place on Tuesday. We are now properly an army of observation as the Movements of the Enemy will determine our Rout. We have heard here that Ticonderoga is evacuated that the Army and the greatest part of the Stores were safe at Fort Edward, that Gen/1 Sinclair was attack'd on his march near Skeensburg (ab/t 26 miles from Tycon/a) the Enemy were obliged to retreat laeving 300 dead and a Cap/t and ab/t 40 Pris- oners Some of our Leaders think it a happy event that that place lias been left, as the Enemy may be tempted to penetrate into New England or York State, and as there is a very good body of men ready to oppose them, there is a good probability Burgoyne will not get so easily back, or join Gen/1 Howe as he may have imagined; and indeed I think he will repent this manoever should he attempt to march into the Country. We were informed the other day that ab/t 70 Sail of English Transports 148 n Sandy Hook with board from New York by w cli ii was thought they intended foi Philadelphia 01 some other place to the southward, the ne\ - arriving from i .1 a bt this time made it appe; that they might mal the North River to join their army, the place we arc now at is a bl 25 miles from the North River and 35 from Morris Town, Where it is likel) we shall halt untill We have certain Ace ts of their destination. Certain inti riv'd here the da) before yesterday thai Major General ' (who pri ler) and who h Conn ud at Rhode nd, is taken prisoner by stratagem an and will I titute for Gen 1 Lee. < Kir Army is in very fine health and Spirits ii wou'd surprise you to see the vast n diers, Horses, Waggons, Drivers, Cattle and Provisii 1 • .that are here ; yel everything goes smi n ithly < in. 1 am highly obliged ti 1 for the trouble you had in getting me a Horse, but can now make a pretty good shift, therefore desire you may not purchase any for me as I am still in hopes I shall get my own. I expected the other day to have had him, but the one I thought mine had been taken away by an< ■ on vv/ch I shall enquire into. It gives me gn 1 to yon are so forward with Harvest and feel sincerely for the trouble and uneasiness yon must have; but this once my I) r polly and shall relieve yon from ev'ry hardship in my Power. Tl nses We are unavoid ably put to. every Necessary bearing so exorbitant a price, makes our pay far short of what it ought to be and I am determin'd not to hurt my I mily by the Service, whilst Robbers, plunderers and Villains in Philad/a and other places, are accumulating ii Fortunes in ease and safety, [f nothing very material shou'd intervene, shall make inter- est to get Home in ab i three weeks, bill this will be very uncertain. Mr. Jones our Chaplain will convey this to you he will return shortly. by him you can Write. The hurry We have been constantly in this 2 or 3 Weeks past has occasion'd my neglect in not dating my 2 letter-. If I shou'd not get Home at the tirrn hou'd be 1 ound over to his g 1 behavior and give Surety's of the peace, or shou'd he not find sufficient Bail imprisoned; this cou'd be lone with n priety by Mr. Cheyney and the other M tes that were present than by any other as they have aire h I een acquainted with the mailer and t he commitment of the Old man and h ill still remain in force or anew one may be made out. Shou'd be very glad to hear you had -old the land near the Ship, you kno \ the inconvenience of having it at SO great a distance. T think you ha er have another advertise- ment form'd and put in the papers. Am afraid Isaac will not pet t lie Value of his tract, Johi ■ ns ] ! pe he will meet with everything favourable to his Wishes if hi ermin'd to re- move to Carolina. 1 think von had Letter have the New Land stubble burnt and sow the best part of it with Wheat, il will be much easier done I [9 and will answer other good purposes. I thank God I enjoy my Health as well as ever, though I have endur'd much hardship and fatigue this 2 or 3 weeks. My Mind cannot be ease absent from my dear family, no one enjoy'd more happiness than I have enjoy'd with them, and hope I shall not be again so long absent after this Summer. This season I hope will put an end to this War, every thing appears promising, and with the favours of Providence how happy shall we be in peace and tranquility. I believe it is not Inkpowder but Emery you have sent me, I will desire Doct/r Jones to bring me some from Philad/a 2 p/r good strong Stockg/s to wear under my Boots will be as much as I want from you this season. I shall constantly write all the news worth your Notice nothing has transpir'd but what I have mention'd, but marching and encamping. It was expected We shou'd have gone toward Philad/a as we understood that was the enemys purpose. We have had acc/t from ab/t New York the inhabitants of which begin to feel the friendship of their protectors, in a very sensible manner they are con- stantly of late treated with great harshness, this seems to indicate the Enemys intention of leaving that place. Amboy is a heap of Ruins, where every one had taken the Oaths and protection, the Measles and other disorders make their Army very sickly, they have been fam'd for cleanliness and but every account and every thing I have seen of them contradict that Character, their Tents, (torn) etc., and Quarters ex- ceed every thing for Nastiness, there' ar ' ls south of the house. sight but the chickens upon the bank, where the old Gum tree above the spring was silently lengthening its shadow, and dropping down, now and then its bright red glossy leaves, from among the shining green; with the mingled smells of the damask monthly rose, the shrub, the sweet herbs, and the fox grapes, coming from the old fashioned ter- raced gardens as I sat upon the kitchen door step of the dear solitary sequestered Thornbury home, with ''Grandma beside me just within the door, seated in her accustomed arm chair, and we looked over the fields, and woods, and hills and meadows, now lying in such serene re- pose, but which had been the scene of events so full of painful interest to her and her family, and which were also a part of the history of the country, in its great revolutionary struggle; she related the following incidents which I will give as nearly as I can in her own words. "On the day after the battle of Brandywine, two very genteel looking men came here proposing to stay all night. Your Grandfather stayed on the ground until evening and then joined the American Army near the Seven Stars, and after staying there a short time came home. "It was late and the strangers had gone to bed. Harvey an Irishman, your Grandfather's body servant, in carrying his saddle up stairs, struck the stirrups and girths as he stepped and the noise woke the strangers, who called out. asking who had come? The servant said, his master had come home; they rose immediately, went out, saddled their horses, and before any one knew of it were oft. We never learned who they were. Your Grandfather thought they must have been some dreadful good-for-nothing Tories. The next day, Friday, a party of Riflemen came, and as there was the baggage of two regiments in the house (there had been a good deal of ammunition and arms which had been removed not long before this time) they advised Gol. Frazer to go away, for if the British got wind of it, they would come to plunder and he would be taken. He however did not apprehend danger; the Rifle- men got some refreshment and went away. ( >n Saturday quite early, your Grandfather rode over to the Blue Ball tavern on the Chester road two or three miles from home, to join a reconnoitering party upon which he was ordered, and there met Major Harper and L'ncle Jacob Vernon. Major Christy had been with us for some time nursing a sprained leg, which rendered him unfit for service. I had four children. Sally and Robert and Mary Ann and Persifor these with Polly Follows, a woman who lived with me many years from her childhood, black Rachel and two black men who' worked on the farm, made up my family. The three blacks belonged to us." "I had been afraid of the British coming to the house and had sent many things of value to neighbor Hemphies. Your Grandfathers papers, £200 in paper money, and some silver and other things, I had *The General's widow. '57 hid among some vines in the garden and in some bushes in the woods. In the morning after Maj. Frazer had gone, as I sat carding and spin- ning wool, we heard wagons coming down yonder-hill. It was then covered with woods and we could not see on the top of it as we do now. I thought that they might be American wagons coming to take away the baggage that was here belonging to the Regiments* Major Christy watched for them to come out of the woods, and seeing that the drivers wore rifle shirts, still thought they were our own people. At length as they approached nearer, he discovered that they were British; just in time to give the alarm, send one of the black boys to Uncle Jacob Vernon's, (Cheyneys now) and escape with the children, Aunt Nancy Frazer, and Polly Follows into the woods, where they hid among the branches of a large tree that had been felled. The boy was sent for a party of Riflemen who had been at the place the night before, but had left, unfortunately, early in the morning. I was then in the house alone except the black girl who took up two large Cheeses and threw them over the fence among some weeds and briers. I sat carding my rolls to pieces, when a British officer, tho' not the commander of the party, entered and accosted me in broad Scotch with "where are the damned rebels"? In those days when I was frightened I always be- came angry. Since then I have often thought I did wrong to exas- perate them. I did however always, say every thing against them that I could. — So I said to him, that I knew of no Rebels. — there was not I believed a Scotchman about the place. At this he flew into a great rage and used abusive language. — Many of the soldiers were now in the house ransacking all the lower part of it. One had gone into the cellar and brought up a barrel of salt, both armies at this time were much in need of it and it was very scarce and valuable. He thought he had brought up all there was, but he missed a bushel that was in a barrel hidden under some old beer bottles. What they got the soldiers tied up in rags and put in their pockets, and a great deal they gave to their horses. — The Commander of the party (which consisted of 200 foot and 50 horse) now came up. He divided the horse into two Companies. — Stationing them at a considerable distance from the house but so as completely to surround it. They were in great fear that the Riflemen who they had heard were in the neighbourhood should surprise them, they had seen Major Christy, as they came up the hill, go into the woods and knew the American uniform and the thought that he might be one of a party not far off, did not tend to lessen their fears. They had also a line of sentinels placed within their line of horses. The alarm that had been given by the black boy, had brought a number of my friends and neighbours to the spot. When I saw them with my own servants, for my other black had joined them, I thought that it was the hardest thing ♦Brought Aug. 29. 1777. This was Saturday Sept. 13. 1777. 158 Frazer house, Tltornbury, in 1893 — Looking south from fifty yards north of its north angle. On the extreme right and parallel with the side of Hie house was the garden alluded to in Mary Fr.i/ir'- description of the occupation by Hriti-h troops. that not one of them in my great difficulty and distress came near to say a word to me for I did not then know what prevented them." "After these arrangements had been made Capt. De West the com- mander (he was Captain of the Guard and ranked equal with a Col.) came into the house just as one of the men was going to strike me. — They had got at the liquor and were drunk — the officers were obliged to drive them off with their swords. However as I said, the Cap/t came in and told me that he had understood the house was full of arms and ammunition asking me to open the door leading up stairs. He was afraid that there was some one concealed on the stairs who would shoot him. I told him 1 knew of no ammunition in the house and that I would not open the door; if he wished it opened he might open it him- self. He then opened the case of the clock hoping to find money; he found an old musket with the lock broken off, this lie jammed up into the works and broke them to pieces, lie then insisted that I should open the stair door and I persisting in refusing to do so, he was obliged to open it himself.'" "He then told me to show him every thing that belonged to me and that it should not be touched, which I did. — Yet he went himself to your Grandfather's desk, took his flute and music books, a large French Bible with many other French books and a silver handled riding whip of mine that had belonged to my Grandfather Taylor, saying that he was just wanting a riding whip. I took it out of his hand and told him that it was an old family piece, that he could take it from me if he chose, that I did not want to part with it — and screwing the handle off I put it in my pocket and handed him the whip. He looked very queer but did not take it. When he saw the baggage which was packed in chests and ammunition boxes, turning to me, he said, you told me there was no ammunition, and breaking them open found only the soldiers clothes. Now it became a scene of pillage and confusion, — they plundered the house — what they could not carry away they destroyed: took the beau- tiful swords worn by the officers on parade, carried off the clothes, one man put on five shirts. While tearing about up stairs they took a suit of plaid worsted curtains I had that belonged to a field bedstead — this they threw at poor Rachel saying, "here nigger is a petticoat for you" she, poor creature, being frightened partly to death thinking she was obliged to put it on, in her efforts to get her head thro' a slit became completely entangled to their great amusement. — " "They then went to the barn and took 50 bushels of wheat — that was threshed, and in bags. This they took away with them, and fed their horses with a great deal that was in sheaf. The next spring it came up thickly upon the bank in front of the house where they had strewn it for horse feed. All our horses were taken away. In order to catch a young mare that had not been broke they turned her into the garden. She ran in among the vines where I had put my papers, and I was sure T59 they were gone, but the British did not find them and when after their departure 1 went to bring them in 1 found them strewn about and many yards from the place I had concealed them in. At length after doing all the mischief they dared ami taking every thing they could carry, they went away, except a few that stayed for, 1 forget what. — The Captain as he was going said "1 had orders to take Mr Frazer prisoner and burn the house and barn to the ground, but these I give to you". I said "I can't. Sir, thank you for what is my own, and if such were your orders you would not dare to disobey them." After he went out a soldier came down stairs with a very handsome double reined bridle of mine. I told him to put it down, the Captain had said they should touch nothing that belonged to me, it was made for a lady, and he should not have it; it would be of no use to him if he took it — he very peaceably laid it down, and going into a bed room took from a dressing table that stood under the glass, a dressing box, throwing pincushions, combs, brushes, and many other things on the floor. and waswalking away with the box. I told him to put it where he found it and if he offered to take it f should call the Captain who was not yet out of sight or hearing. — He walked straight back, picked up and replaced all he had turned out, and went away. I was very sorry to lose two little glass cream buckets with ladles, — the most beautiful little things. — I never saw any like them — they were brought from England by my Grandfather Taylor.- — One of the men took them away. They took a large quantity of liquor that was stored away; some belonging to us, and some to Aunt Sally Thompson who had sent it over here to be out of Jem's way. After they had all gone the family returned from their hiding place in the woods very hungry and there was nothing to give them. There was not an individual morsel to eat in the house except a piece of meat which had been put over the fire to boil for dinner and a few ears of corn that the children had put in the pot for themselves, and the cheeses that were hid in the garden"." "Aunt Patty* told me before Captain De West left the house he told Grandma that there were persons employed by his government to offer very high terms to some of the American Officers to induce them to join the British army where they should receive a commission, the pas; would be overlooked, and a reward given beside. — That her hus- band was one of the persons designated and that if she would use her in- fluence with him, which was doubtless very great, he would probably accept the offer; and set forth in strong terms all the advantages and happiness which, such a change of position would give to her. She said : "You do not knowCol. Frazer or you would not undertake such a thing — nor would he listen to me if 1 should propose it. — but if it were pos- sible to pursuade him and he should consent to become a traitor to his *Mrv Martha Morris, another daughter of Gen. Frazer. T()() country. 1 should never consent to have anything to do with him again." — \ few days after the battle of Brandy wine Major Frazer and Map >r Harper being on reconnoitering duty a few miles from home went into the Blue Ball tavern on the Chester road where they were joined by Uncle Jacob Vernon The) had not been long there when .Major Har- per looking from the window saw a numl er of horsemen coming up the road who from their uniform he supposed were part of a company of Virginia Lighl horse. They proved to lu- a considerable body of the British, coming up from the Seven Stai : to j ornwallis (who lay en camped on the South \ allej Hill) o immanded 1>\ < ien. ( rrant. When the mistake was discovered Uncle Jacob \ ernon jumped out of a win- dow among some bushes and brambles and. I think, got off. The Others in attempting to do so, were tired upon, the house surrounded and they captured, their swords and horses taken from them and them- selves compelled to proceed with their captors, den. (Irani entered into conversation with my Grandfather who was walking near him, and at length asked his name — Persifor Frazer — That is a Scotch name- said the General (himself a Scotchman) and should not he the name of a rebel. "England has called other men rebels he-ides those who resist her government in America" was the reply.— "For that answer." said Grant, "you shall have your horse," and when it was brought lie re- stored his sword also, and they rode along very pleasantly together for the remainder of the journey which was short."* "This occurred as they were passing the Goshen Quaker meeting house The main army of the British lay upon the hack fields of our Valley home (The narrator lived in the Chester Valley. Sin- was born in 1800.) and Genera! Washington's head quarters were at Malms about two mile- below in the Valley, where they were preparing to en- counter Cornwallis in the morning. That night a very heavy rain fell and finding his ammunition completely wet. in the morning (Ien. Wash- ington with his army moved rapidly down the Swedes Ford road in order to cross the river before Cornwallis should overtake him. who was in hot pursuit. The river was much swollen by the rain of the pre- vious night, and was rising fast when our people crossed. They gol over safely just as the advance of the British came in sight. — When they reached the Ford the River was impassable. — My own family always spoke of this as a special interposition of Providence for the rescue of our poor drenched pursued people. A battle in their condition would have been certain destruction. 1 am told (Ien. Washington looked upon his escape in the same light." "When Philadelphia was occupied by 'Ien. Howe the American pris oners of war were taken to the New fail at the c< >rnei i if I til and Walnut *Aboitt -'':: miles. 161 Sts. During the winter the jail fever broke out and they were lodged in different places in the City- My Grandfather with Major Harper and Col. Hannum were taken to the White Swan Tavern in 3d St above Market and put on Parole Notwithstanding a Guard was placed over them and their chamber and sitting room locked. I think their cham- ber windows were barred also. Being released by this violation of mili- tary law from any obligation to keep their Parole, on St Patricks day the Irish sentinels having drunk pretty freely to the honor of their Saint, their vigilance departed with their sobriety, and when it became dark the prisoners escaped by climbing over a stone wall at the back of the house, and went to Mr. Frazer's a distant relation of my Grandfather who lived down Front St., below Pine, and from thence to Mr. Black- stone's an old family friend who also lived in Front St below Pine — After three days of concealment, during which they were once hidden in a deep closet behind shelves of china during a search of the house, Mr Blackstone, with great difficulty procured a boat in which they crossed the Delaware and were safe in Jersey. There was a demand made by Howe that they should be returned, but when the circumstances were known the demand was withdrawn." — "During the time of her husband's imprisonment my Grandmother having obtained a pass from General Washington not unfrequently went in to see him. Mrs. Jenkins a good whig, kept a tavern at the sign of the Conestoga Wagon in Market St above 4th on the south side; she was a friend of my Grandparents and whatever provision could be spared from the farm, my Grandmother brought to her; and engaged her to supply her husband and his friends with what would add to their com- fort, as far as possible. Mrs Gibbons, a neighbor, and sister of Col. Hannum, sometimes went with her making the same arrangements with Mrs. Jenkins" — "The following was told me by Aunt Sally* I give it as nearly as I can in her own words. — "My mother was going to the City, and the provision was packed upon two horses one of which I was to ride, I was not quite 9 years old but a good horsewoman; every thing — flour, eggs, chickens, meat, butter, cheese, — was packed in large strong home-made tow linnen wallets and saddle bags, and these were thrown across the saddle, the ends projecting far on each side of the horse. I rode a large black and you may think I looked pretty queer, little girl as I was, mounted thus above all this luggage. It was a warm day in the fall, and though we left home in Thornbury before noon, and our horses were large, and strong, and good travelers, yet with their heavy loads and the heat it was nearly dark before we began to descend the hill to Darbv. — Here we were met bv an American officer on horse-back — *The same from whom the description of the hattle of Brandywine was received. 162 Frazer house, Thonibury, in 1893 -Northeast room, tir-t Hour. who said he could not suffer us to proceed; accusing your Grandmother of taking supplies into the City for the British, at the .same time making complimentary remarks upon her beauty (she was at that time the hand- somest woman I ever saw). She relinked him for his impertinence, which she said was unworthy the uniform he wore, and insisted upon his allowing her to pass, and attempted to do so. but he caught her bridle rein to prevent her; she cut the horse with the whip and as he jumped she loosed her rein and again tried to get away, but finding him determined to detain her, produced her pass. Upon reading it, he seemed much mortified, asked her pardon, and rode off very fast. We never knew who he was. — We soon entered the thick woods, which ex- tended several miles on this side the River, and on the East side nearly to where the New Jail stood, at the corner of Sixth and Walnut Stints. Here we met companies of Hessian Soldiers, under command of their officers, sent by the British to cut wood to supply the City with fuel. We had not gone far before it became dark. The light of the large torches which some of these Hessians carried (they were frightful look- ing creature s) and that gleaming from their huts through the stems of the trees away nil', made the surrounding darkness seem deeper. 1 shall never forget the impression the scene made upon me the longest day 1 have to live. -My mother did not seem to be afraid, she said the British were always glad to see provision going into the City, that if any one troubled us we should he protected by the sentinels who were stationed along the road. We crossed the River at Greys Ferry on a floating bridge, we had not been spoken to till we came here, though I thought some of the men we met looked fiercely and wickedly at us. The Sentinels at each end of the bridge questioned my mother and then we passed peaceably on to our resting place at Mrs. Jenkins' who at once set herself about obtaining a permit from Gen. Howe for your Grandmother to see her husband in the Prison. This was no easy mat- ter, and the delay caused by this difficulty kept us in the City till late on the second day after our arrival. It was at length procured through the influence of an American lady, an acquaintance of Mrs. Jenkins, who was intimate with Gen. Howe, under promise that her name should not appear. Your Grandmother never knew who it was that did her this kindness. The next morning she was too much worn out to rise early. It was some time before the birth of the Patty that died, anxiety on my father's account, the uncertainty of her being permitted to see him. the fatigue in preparing to leave home, and the ride in the heat and in the night had been too much for her. I was up pretty soon and looking out of the window saw, far down the street, a large body of British soldiers on parade. The sun just rising shone on their arms and uniforms and made a brilliant sight. I hated them so. and was so indignant that I screamed and stamped and cried with rage." "After breakfast Mi s.Jenkins took me to the Prison to see mv Father 163 Across the wide hall that ran through the house, almost half way down, was a heavy iron grating reaching from the floor to the ceiling; back of this was a close screen that reached to within two or three feet of the floor. The prisoners walked in the back part of the hall, with front and back doors open, for air and exercise. Guards were placed at both doors. Several gentlemen were walking backward and forward as we entered and I instantly distinguished through the grating, my Fathers feet and legs, I cried out jumping up and down "O; 1 see my Daddys' legs! I see my Daddys' legs!" till Mrs Jenkins and the people about us thought 1 had suddenly gone crazy. The screen being removed 1 saw and talked with my Father through the grating." "From neglect, and bad food, and cold, the sufferings of the Ameri- can prisoners in Philadelphia were very severe.- — " The hills which descended to the river on the right bank of the Schuylkill at Gray.s Ferry and the land from there to the jail building were thickly wooded and infested by camp stragglers and outlaws. Mrs. Frazer however traversed this region at each visit to Philadelphia either with Mrs. Gibbons or with her daughter Sally, a girl of nine years, or alone, usually bringing provisions to Mrs. Jenkins who kept a tavern at the sign of the Conestoga wagon on MarketSt., above Fourth on the north side. This woman was a good patriot and supplied the Continen- tal prisoners with delicacies and necessaries for their comfort. The following account of the return from a similar journey was given by Mary Frazer to Elizabeth Smith and written down by the latter. "Your Grandfather (General Frazer) asked me if I could take a paper which was addressed to Gen. Washington and signed by the officers (and men too I believe) describing their condition; and some of the bread that was given them; and have both shown to Gen. Washington, who was then with the army at White Marsh. This I undertook to do. In the morning after seeing Col. Frazer we mounted and turned our horses heads towards home. At the Ferry there were persons whose business it was to search all those who left the City by that road, and Mrs. Gibbons and I were shown into a room where two women came forward to undress us. She gave full employment to them both, declar- ing that they should not touch her. I had ripped the quilting of my petticoat, putting in the paper between the lining and outside, and had sewed pieces of the braid all round inside the hem, and did not feel very comfortable at the thought of undergoing a search. Mrs. Gibbons kicked and slapped, and fought and scolded, giving them a great deal of trouble, and making them believe she had something to fight for tho' she had nothing. They took off her shoes and stockings and undressed her entirely, greatly provoked that they had their trouble for their pains. I was very quiet. When they turned to me they performed their office slightly saying this one has nothing to be afraid of or she would not take it so quietly, .after examining our saddles we were allowed to go 164 on our way. Tho' I had kept my composure 1 was very far from feel- ing unconcerned. I tho't of my little children at home without Father or Mother if I should he detained,! thought of the business at home with no one to attend to it, and what would become of our living', but most of all I thought of the poor prisoners if their efforts for relief should he discovered and frustrated, not only could there he nothing done to lessen their suffering, but the rigor of their confinement would he no doubt greatly increased. I took a very long breath when we were safely over the River. — It was afternoon before I reached home; I had something to eat changed my dress had a fresh horse saddled and set out for White Marsh. — It was dark and raining when 1 came to the Swedes Ford, where I crossed the Schuylkill. There was a large house not far from the ford, a tavern or Ferry house, I rode up to it to ask for some one to go with me across the River. — The light came from all the windows. It seemed to be full of Soldiers drinking, and swearing, and carousing, and I was afraid to call, and rode down again to the River, here all was dark, and raining, and blowing, the River rushing and rising, and 1 was afraid to venture through a Ford I was not used to; After sitting awhile on my horse I determined to return to the house. — The Soldiers were some of our own, and seeing a man at the door I asked him if he would request the commanding officer of the party to come to me. This he did and when the Officer came he proved to be a gentleman that I knew. He ordered his horse to be saddled and crossed the river with me keeping hold of my rein, the current was very strong, the River rising and the water above the saddle girth. — I saw Gen. Washington at headquarters the next morning Gen. La Fayette and some other officers were with him, I gave him the paper and the bread, he seemed much moved at the condition of the prisoners and after his asking some questions relating to the business, I came away. He sent a gentleman with me to see me safely across the River. Gen. Washington immediately had communication with Howe re- specting the treatment of American prisoners in Philadelphia and their condition was improved, tho' it never was what it ought to have been". (Notes by Elizabeth Smith) "At the time General Lafayette paid his visit to this country and was in Philadelphia my Grandmother (Mary Worrall Frazer) was paying a visit to Uncle Jonathan Smith opposite Independence Hall. On the day the General went to the old State house ( Independence Hall) Uncle told Mr. Biddle, one of the committee thai attended him, that he thought it would be a great satisfaction to Grandma if she could see him. Mr. Biddle mentioned it to Gen. La Fayette and he at once con- io; sented to call. She told him the only time she had ever seen him be- fore, was under the circumstances I have written above. — He remem- bered the circumstances distinctly, and seemed gratified to have them recalled, this and some other conversation relating to those troublous times they had; he speaking French and she English with some one to translate. The recollection of this interview afforded her satisfaction as long as she lived." — "During the dreadful winter when the army lay at Valley Forge, en- during extreme suffering and privation, Grandma told me that she has ridden day after day through the country, far and near on horseback, collecting all she could from friends and neighbours, to help supply the wants of the poor soldiers ; and these, with what she could give herself, she repeatedly took to the Camp herself. She has traced the steps of a foraging party for a long distance by the tracks of the bleeding feet of the soldiers in the snow. The blankets and half worn clothing and stocking and yarn that she obtained, would be bro't home ; the clothes pieced and mended till they were wearable and comfortable; the stock- ings footed, and new ones knit ; and these with all that could be spared to eat, she would take on her long cold journey. — More than 300 prs. of stockings were prepared and sent in this way at different times during that winter with a great deal besides. She often sat up all night knit- thing and sewing for them." "All the cloth and linen that my Grandfather wore during the whole time he was in the army was spun at home mostly by her own hands. All the clothing of the family was made at home during the war except the weaving. — Besides she had the business of the farm and all the busi- ness of every kind to see to herself, she would have her horse saddled as soon as she could see in the morning in summer, ride all over the farm, direct her men, and often rode down the Creek to where Sharpless iron works now are, attended to matters there, and was home to breakfast, ready to give her time and attention to children and servants and house- hold duties."* "My Grandfather Robert Smith said on one occasion, when he went to Valley Forge with a load of unthreshed wheat; the soldiers snatched it from the wagon and rubbing it from the chaff in their hands devoured the grain. They were nearly famished. "I (Elizabeth Smith) add one or two things in the shape of notes to parts of the foregoing." — "When I was a little girl — (1 think after Aunt Elizaf was married) — the tenants who lived in the house in the meadow had a pet Crow. One evening a girl coming from their spring house noticed something bright in the birds beak and going to it took from it *She rode well until a few years before her death which occurred in her 8fi/th year. tMrs. Henry Myers, another daughter of Gen. Frazer. 166 a gold sleeve button which the next day she brought to Grandma who knew it to be one of a pair she had thrown with some other things among the vines in the garden, the day the British plundered the house. 1 suppose it must have been a quarter of a mile from the place where it was thrown in the garden to that where the Crow scratched it up in the Meadow." "In the conversation Grandpa had with Gen. Grant they made them- selves out to be cousins. Grant said his mother was a Frazer and cousin to our Great Grandfather" (John Frazer XV-5) The transmission of this letter to General Washington was an act of daring invoking danger and hardship, as may be better ap- preciated when the condition of the country is taken into consideration, together with the fact that the messenger gave birh to a daughter but a few months later. The im- portance of the act of carrying to General Washington circum- stantial evidence of the maltreatment of the American Officers in cus- tody in Philadelphia, and the unwholesome bread which was given them to eat, may be gathered from the expressions of regret of General Washington in the reply transmitted to Lt. Col. Frazer, at the futility of his efforts to induce Gen. Howe to consent to a continuance of the General Exchange of prisoners "on just and equal terms". As he states, the effect of the letter of Lt. Col. Frazer was to cause him to re- new correspondence with General Howe on this subject, with the result that the desired renewal of the cartel was accomplished on the succeed- ing 2 1 st of April 1778. This consummation was partly, and probably largely, due to the brave act of Mary Frazer. (See on this subject Mr. Bancroft's letter on the exchange of prison- ers during the American war of independence, N.Y. Historical Society,) containing a letter from Washington to Gen. Howe Dec. 18. 1775 in which he intimates that retaliation will be taken for maltreatment of our officers in the hands of the British and adds in a postscript "if an ex- change of prisoners taken on each side in this unnatural contest is agreeable to Gen. 1 1 owe he will please signify as much to his most obedient" etc., etc Gen. Howe's letter to Lord George Germain dated Dec. 19. 1775 says "Mr. Washington commanding the rebel army pre- suming upon the number and rank of prisoners in his possession has threatened retaliation in point of treatment to any prisoners of theirs in our power and proposes an exchange, which is a circumstance I shall not answer in positive terms nor shall I enter upon such a measure with- out the King's order". Lord George Germain writes to Gen. Howe Feb. 1. 1776 acquainting him with the sending of the prisoners taken aboard the privateer by H.M.S Greyhound and advises their exchange for Officers held by the Americans. 167 July 22. 1776. Congress took into consideration the exchange of prisoners and Resolved 1, that the commander-in-chief of each depart- ment have authority to exchange prisoners of equal rank, 2. that each State hath a right to make any exchange it thinks proper for prisoners taken from or by them. July 24. 1 77O. Congress further resolved that General Washington be empowered to exchange Gov. Skene for Mr. James Lovell. Wash- ington wrote to Gen. Howe July 30. 1770, notifying him of the above. Gen. Howe wrote to Washington as follows: "Wishing sincerely to procure relief to the distresses of all prisoners I shall readily consent to the mode of exchange which you are pleased to propose. "Officers of equal rank, soldier for soldier, citizen for citizen". You must be sensible that deserters cannot be included in this arrangement and for the mode of exchange in the naval line I refer you to the Admiral". (Bancroft's letter N. Y. Hist. Soc.) The exchange of prisoners proceeded without interruption until the capture of Gen. Chas. Lee at Basking Ridge N. J. on Dec. 13th 1776. Gen. Howe claimed that he was a deserter and did not come under the agreement. Washington who was an intimate personal friend of Lee refused to allow this and the exchanges were terminated "until the (British) gov- ernment directed Lee to be treated as a prisoner of war" (id.) It was during this intermission in the exchange of prisoners, but be- fore the recognition of Gen. Lee by the British authorities as a prisoner of war that the letter from Lt. Col. Frazer was carried to Gen. Wash- ington. This letter and the reply to it are appended. The results of these renewed efforts of Gen. Washington to secure an exchange of prisoners appear in the Boudinot papers, Elias Boudinot being the American commissioner who conducted the negotiations. From them we learn that "Gen. Lee arrived in Philadelphia March 25. 1778 His parole was enlarged on April 5. A few days afterwards he visited Congress then sitting in York(town) Penna. His exchange was arranged while he was there. (Penna. Magazine April 1. 1891. p. 30) In a foot note on p. t,2 of the same number it is stated that his ex- change was effected three days before April 24. 1778. The renewal of exchanges followed therefore about five months after that of the correspondence on the subject brought about by the letter of Lt. Col. Frazer to Gen. Washington, carried under the cir- cumstances just related by Mary Frazer. 168 September 17. 1777 Madam I Saw Colonal frazer and Major Harper about Six oClock this Evening Colonel frazer Desired me to Let you Know that he was well and in high — Spirrets and that he was used Exceeding well and treated with a great Deal of Sivillity by all the officers he Desired that you would not be unesy for he Exspected to be Released upon Porrole when he got to General Hows head quarters I Should have been very fond to have brought the Message my Self but for fear of Some ill Matured People I am oblidged to Continu with the Arm) — this from your f/d — Joseph Robins Date Near For head quarters in Goshen Mary Frazer September 17/th 1777 Living, in Thornburv these With Care and Speed This note was written on the day after Col. Frazer's capture. On consideration I am inclined to believe that Col. Frazer wrote the first of the following statements to be carried openly by his wife and of course read by the British guard in order to disarm suspicion of her carrying other dispatches, while the second, in which the barbari- ties were more fully revealed, was concealed with the specimens of bread in her petticoat. Washington, though prudently confining his reply to the open letter, shows that he is moved more deeply than would be likely had he not seen the second. In the letter of Feb. 5, 1 77S. Col. Frazer warns his wife against coming back because "lying Villians have reported you and Mrs. Gibbons took letters from the City." This was very likely intended to deceive the enemy. Sir I wrote to General Wayne from Germantown about 2 Weeks ago, mentioning that Major Harper & myself were Prisoners, since our capture the Number of Officers taken belonging to the Army Navy & Militia has increas'd to near Fifty — Upon our arrival in this City a Number of Us were admitt'd on our Parole to continue in this City — On Tuesday last orders were given that We should be confin'd in the State House under the Main Guard His Excellency General Howe by his Aid de Camp Major Belford has this day Signified to Us the reason of this proceeding, as also 169 Some proposals which materially altect every Captive Officer and which We fondly hope, if your Excellency Should think them con- sistant will be adopted, or some other mode attempted that may re- lease Us from our present irksome Situation — The reasons given for our confinement are, that should such a Number of Officers be Set at Liberty in this place (as there is none other convenient) it might be highly prejudicial to the Kings Interest that a Number of Officers in the British Service taken at Staten Island has been coniind in Irons; that others taken prior to those have been sent to remote parts of the Continent at a great distance from their Connections & some of them imprisoned ; Also that Your Excell/y has fail'd in agreing to An Exchange of Prisoners on just Principles — 1 have Liberty to mention that General Howe earnestly desires a general Exchange of prisoners may imediately take place on equitable terms; Or otherwise that the Officers that are Prisoners of War on both sides shou'd be releas'd and have Liberty to go to any place in possession of their Friends on their Paroles — I have in as concise a manner as I can given your Excell/y the substance of what General Howe thought proper to communicate to me this day by Major Bel- ford — We would not presume to give our sentiments on those matters, fully relying on your Excellency's disposition to do every thing just and reasonable in your power for our Relief We wou'd beg leave to mention that our situation is render'd more disagreable by a want of hard Cash. We think an attention to this matter highly necessary to render our Captivity tolerable, especially as the Winter is fast approaching Fragment of a rough draft of Lt. Col. Frazer's capture and treatment written by himself while still a prisoner. I was made prisoner on the 16/th of Sept/r by an Advance party of the British Troops, that March'd from Ashtown, Major Harper being taken with me, that day and the next we were kept under seperate guard of the 4/th & 64/th Regem/ts & were treated well, on the third day after our Capture upon the March of the Troops from the White Horse we were turned over to y/e Provost guard & so continued till they arriv'd at Germantown, during the time of this March We were con- santly exposd to the insults of the Army twice each day ; in the Morn- ing the prisoners Were drawn up near the Road the Troops were to March & so remained till they had pass'd & We then fell into the Rear; in the Evening We pass'd from the Rear to Head Quarters gen- erally near the Front (dur)ing which time every kind of abusive Language was made (torn) Use of to Us, by the Soldiers, without the 170 least Check from any Officer — I had been frequently told by Officers of the first Rank among them that on our arrival at Philad/a We should be admitted to our Parole in the City & upon our .Arrival there the 30/th of October We were inform'd by the Provost Marshall that We were to go to such Quarters as we Chose & remain there 'till fur- ther Orders. Our Paroles being previously sign'd at Germantown. We remain'd in this maimer 'till the //th ( )cto/r when the Commiss/y of Prisoners (one Dement). infod inform'd L's he had orders to take Us to the State House where We were to be kept in close confinement, the Reason given for this was, that there being so large a Number of Prisoners, it was thought might be prejudicial to their interest to have Us at Liberty; in This place We remain'd till the 4/U1 Jami. Many of Us were here six days without having any provision serv'd to Us — and for many Weeks after, < lur allowance did not exceed from 4 to 6 ounces of salt Pork & ah t half a pound very ordinary Biscuit p. day — ■ and had it not keen for the supplys We had from the Citizens We must all have inevitably Perished. We frequently complain'd & remonstrated but never in we had-— \y e were told We had the same allowance, of their own Troops when on hoard Transports. We were also in- form'd that we might Purchase what Necessaries We pleas'd in the City. Upon M/r Fergusons being appointed Commiss/y our allowance was honestly dealt out for a Considerable time, but by inattention it is now far short of what it should be. at the first of our confinement our ac- quaintance Were suffered to Visit L's. but that and every other enjoyment Satis Priviledge they could think of was by by various Pretexts withheld from Us except in some instances when particular Officers of more sensibility than the rest had the guard and it was not until they began to insult & restrain Us lri,m that any attempted their Escape Centries were placed in each of the Rooms, who very often pick'd our Pockets & Stole our Cloathes whilst we were asleep Money cv Letters that were sent to L's has been witheld & very frequently con- siderable sums of Money (torn) — ssing, the Persons who brought our Victuals have been (tre)ated with abusive Language & Women with indecent behavior often kept in very Cold weather waiting a considera- ble time at y/e outward door, which treatment We had just reason to think was intended to retard the Citizens from supplying Us. the Soldiers very frequently pilferd both Victuals & Cloaths w/ch they were intrusted to deliver — We were often refused the Liberty of going from one Room to the other, the Windows also naild down, though the smoke occasional by a stove below stairs in the guard Room & the Badness of the Chimnies. has been for many Days together, almost intolerable there were forty of Us in the two upper Chambers in the State House which serv'd for every purpose of Kitchens & Bed Chambers, when \y e were often in- sulted both by Officers and Soldiers, A Negroe that was appointed to 171 wait on a Room on being order'd by an u " "" Lieu t Lefevre to sweep the Rooms treated him w/th very abusive Language for w, eh the Lefevre attempted to strike him the Negroe seiz'd him & on Endeav- ouring again to chastize the fellow who had struck him, the Centry swore he wou/d run his Bayonet through M/r Lefevre if he did not im- mediately desist. On his complaining to a Subaltern of the guard he was told the Negroe was as good as any of Us & refus'd any redress, application was made to the Captain of the guard to as little purpose. About the Latter end of Decem/r We were informed we were to Lie remov'd to the New < roal. as we had been told by the Physician that attended the prisoners there that a very malignant disorder raged among them & as we frequently saw six or eight dead bodies taken out to be buried in a day. We thought it our duty to complain to Gen/1 Howe of this inhuman Order. We were told in Answer that the General intended by our removal to put us in a more comfortable situation and that We might be more agreeably accom- modated, that he would order the a Physician Generl to exam(ine) the state of the Goal & make report to him — We were informed (the) Doctors report was that no infectious disorder rag'd there and conse- quently We were desir'd to hold ourselves in readiness for our re- moval, with promisses that the Rooms allotted to Us should be cleans'd in the best manner, and every thing- should be made as agreable to Lis as possible which was neglected in almost every instance. Upward of 180 of the privates were sick when we were sent to this place which to- gether with other Causes occassion'd such a hor — (The rest of this account is missing) It seems likely that this was a rough draft of an account which was secretly car- ried from Col. Frazer by his wife to Gen. Washington, while the letter beginning "I wrote to Gen. Wayne," &c. was carried openly and was composed accordingly. Washington, of course, only alludes to the latter. The following is Gen. Washington's reply to the letter of Lt. Col. Frazer. The body of the writing is in the hand of his Aide de Camp and Secretary, Lt. Col. Rob- ert Hanson Harrison, of Md., the signature only by Washington. Head Q/rs 4/th Novemb/r 1777 Sir I have been favor'd with your Letter of the 9/th ult/o and was sorry to find, that the situation of our Officers was so disagreable. You are well acquainted with the treatment of the prisoners in our hands, and therefore can determine without difficulty, how just the grounds for your confinement are. -^— - • - i t^ i??^> y~ <^/£~U- ai^"~-<'4> -6~^f«*L * ^ .-nd /l»— /L a-^3 *-«~~ £-&•_ »v<^ a.^ <£ ' _._ Zasal ~^~ ^ ^-/ ^ ^ £— ,^~^^ s~ Gen. Washington's Letter to Lt. Col Frazer. riii body of the letter is in the handwriting of Lt. Col. Robert Hanson Harrison, Aide-de- Camp an,l Military Secretary to the Commander in Chief. Fifty-eight hundreths, lineal measurement, of the original. « v - Pass in the handwriting of Lonl Stirling. Sixty-three hundreths, lineal measurement, of the original In respect to a General exchange of prisoners, it has ever been my wish, that it should take place on just and equal terms. My Letters to Gen/1 Howe upon t he subject, 1 trust, evince tins to have been the case. I have written to him again, and shall be happy, if we can effect SO de- si real >le an < Ibject on proper principles. If this cannot he done, 1 have proposed, that it should he no impediment to the Exchange of All the Officers, as far as circumstances of Rank and number will apply; and, if any should then remain, that they may he released on parole. The first mode mentioned for the liberation of the ( (fficers, 1 expect, will be most agreable to both parties. You may imagine your Letter upon this Subject, might have received an earlier Answer. I .assure you, the delay has not proceeded from inattention to the distresses of our prison- ers, or want of inclination to afford them every possible relief. I am Sir Your most Obed Servt L/t Col/o Frazer G/o Washington of 5 th Pennsylv, a. Battalion, Prisoner in Philadelphia — Pleas to lett Leu t Col o Frazer have Sum 1 lard Cash and the favor Dun him Will be Acknowledg d by your Hubl e Sarv t John Keed I )essemb y / 9 th 1777 XI'.. Dont fail in abligeing JVI r Frazer, all in your Power, and the favor shall be Returnd by your old frend & Jn/o Keed The following pass in the handwriting of Lord Stirling was not that which Mary Worrall Frazer showed to the unmannerly Officer on the occasion related by Sally Frazer, but was issued about two week- later "Permit Mrs. Frazier, Mrs. Harper, and Miss Nancy Frazier to pass to Philadelphia and to return. This pass to continue for eight days after General Howe's Army returns into the City of Phila- delphia. Stirling M. G." "December 27, 1777." Notes connected with Brandywine battle On June 18. 1895 after the ceremonies at Birmingham Meeting House attending a visit of the Pennsylvania Sons of the Revolution to the Brandywine battle field, including an address which the present V3 writer was invited to deliver, Mr. Alban II. Dil worth introduced himself as the son of James Dilworth who was one of Titus Taylor's Company in the war of 1812, and one of the command of light horse which re- ceived Lafayette on the hitter's fourth visit to the United States in 1825. Mr A. H. Dilworth was very enthusiastic about Gen. Frazer, call- ing him the "bravest of the brave'" etc. He said there was a tradition that when the British captured Lt Col Frazer after the battle of Brandywine they threatened to hang him, and actually did attach a rope around his neck and threw one end over the limb of a button wood tree. At this juncture Lords Cornwallis and Howe rode by and said to the victim "We leave you with our guard". But the men of Brandywine assembled and "Clairwood Le Gere" one of Lafayette's trumpeters climbed out on the limb and cut him down while the Brandywine boys drove the British soldiers back. It is extremely improbable that the "Brandywine boys" (i. e. Wash- ington's soldiers who must have also been prisoners) drove back the British soldiers who were engaged in executing a prisoner. But in- dependently of that and of the remark - ascribed to Howe and Corn- wallis, none of these circumstances are alluded to in the papers of Gen. Frazer or have come down as traditions in the family. There would seem to have been also no motive for this excessive cruelty toward him. Mr. Dilworth's great uncle, Charles Dilwoith, built the hotel of im- ported brick at Dilworthtown in 1750. The Dilworths afterwards built the Birmingham Meeting House, and one of them filled the first grave in the burial ground. Shortly afterwards Dr F. Shippen, Maj J. F. Carpenter and the present writer drove to Dilworthtown and thence by the headquarters of Lafayette and of Washington to Chadd's Ford. (These are passed by taking the second road to the right after pass- ing through Dilworthtown from the direction of Birmingham Meeting House.) On the way we met Mr Jester, Sj years old sitting by the side of the road. It was he who as a boy heard Lafayette say when being taken over the scenes of the battlefield in 1825: "I was wounded about fifty feet from the fence in that field". The West Chester Historical Society put up a tablet on this authority. Mr Jester also reports being at the same time with Lafayette, in the room of Mr Gibbons, who was dying, and hearing the dying man say, "I hope we shall meet in the world beyond where there is no trouble". Mr Jester thinks Lafayette was a deeply religious man. Dr Shippen asked Mr. Jester if the latter could understand Lafayette whose Eng- lish was said to be very meagre. Mr Jester replied that he had no difficulty at all in understanding him. '74 r. o r. o 5" a 5 H^p 3 ~ &i c s. ' -i « c S ^-< o^s g 5.:. H PJ o ~ o 3"o 2 S? o a »" HT 1 E' £= H = c •€ " •y 7T 2, O 3 c Q.3Q ° > cr 3 CHAPTER IV The Year 1778 (Philad/a Febv. 5/th, 1778.) My D/r Polly I have been at Lodgings in the City now almost 2 weeks, I have had a pain in my breast w ch you know has been com- mon when I wanted exercise, I am something better. Poor Mrs. Jenkins is obliged to leave the City this morning. I now lodge at Mrs. Rivers's in Arch street. I do not think it would be safe for you to come here, as I understand some lying' Villians have reported that you and Mrs. Gibbons took letters from the City. 1 wou'd advise you to be very cautious in speaking your mind. Scarce a day passes but some from our neighborhood are here. Many of the Officers that were in Goal have taken the fever, 2 have died 4 or 5 others are not expected to recover and many others unwell. Please to send me 2 or 3 good Shirts Norris Jones's Brother-in-law will be a good Hand he will he in y/r neighborhood this Week. It gave me pleasure to hear the other day that you and the family were well. 1 hope your health will continue and that you will not suffer your Spirits to fail you. My situation I doubt not will answer some good end. I got £20 in gold from Mrs. Gray, which I drew upon you for, do let no oppertunity slip to have my acc/ts settled with the Army, you will find greatest part of my ace /t in a Marble Cover'd Book. I am surpris'd they should be so neglectfull as not to pay you. Col/o Johnston has got my Silver mounted Belt and Bayonet, desire him to send it is I under stand he is out of the Army. I wou'd be glad to know how our Regi- ment are. who Commands it and what alterations have been made in it. My best respects to all friends my Love to the Children. 1 am my D/r Polly Y/r affect/te Husband. Pers/r Frazer Phila/da Feb. 5/th 1778 To Mrs. Mary Frazer. Thornbury, Chester County. 1 75 According to the letter of General Washington to Lt. Col. Frazer of Nov. 4. 1777 the latter's letter to him was dated Oct. 9 of the same year; but the date of its conveyance to the commander-in-chief by Mrs. Frazer, who in company with her friend Mrs Gibbons smuggled it through the lines sewed up in her petticoat, may have been later. Col. Frazer in the above implies that no communication had been carried, evidently fearing the letter might fall into the enemy's hands. The date of the above letter, in which caution and depression are manifest, was the day before Dr. Franklin signed the treaty with France in which that Nation recognized the independence of the United States and promised the aid which ultimately assured it. Lt Col Frazer's escape from the British military prison in Philadelphia. In the reminiscences of the battle of the Brandywine and subse- quent events, related to Elizabeth Smith by Mary Worrall Frazer and her daughter Sally Frazer, a brief account has been given of the cir- cumstances attending the escape of Lt Col Frazer, Col Hannum and Major Harper from their confinement. The commissioner of prison- ers, Mr Ferguson, must have known that the parole of an Officer which relieved his guards from the necessity of watching him, could only be asked for the consideration of a freedom from restraint within certain reasonable limits. Yet after obtaining the paroles from a number of Officers (among whom by his own carelessness or that of his Assistant W/m Serrett, Lt Col Frazer and Major Williams were not included) the severity of their captivity was increased instead of being diminished. The Officers whose paroles had been thus obtained by false pretences repeatedly but vainly protested and demanded that their paroles be returned to them. In neglecting either to grant or to reply to these demands he tacitly acknowledged the contract be- tween himself and the Officers cancelled and of no binding force. But when he discovered that they were able to secure their free- dom, he sought to excuse the negligence of their guard by bringing against them the outrageous and unwarranted charge of violating their given promise. The form of this charge was an affidavit by Serrett and another by Ferguson, made nine days after the escape had been effected. This probably only came to the knowledge of Lt Col. Frazer after he had 176 been honorably discharged from the Army (Oct. [778). The slate ments by Lt Col. Frazer are unsigned but in his handwriting and were apparently rough draft copies kept among- his papers; the complete statement and affidavit hiving been probably presented to Gen. Washington. They are so explicit and satisfactory that no comment is needed. I the subscriber assistant Commissary of Prisoners do declare upon oath, that on or about the 25th of Feby. last. 1 received < )rders from Mr. Gordon Surgeon attending the prisoners to take several Officers on their parole at Sick Ouarters into confinement, among which num- ber was Lt. Col. Frazer and Major Williams whom 1 accordingly in- formed, that by the Doctors orders they were ordered into confine- ment, hut at the same time told them, that the officers having" now the privilege of their parole to remain in the Swan tavern they might either go there on giving their parole for that purpose or return into confinement that they agreed willingly to go to the Swan on the Terms prescribed to the others, that J did in consequence of this fill up paroles for Lt. Col. Frazer and Major William- in their presence but whether those paroles were signed by one or both of those Offi- cers or what afterwards became of those paroles 1 cannot fully recol- lect, duty calling me away at that time, but must nevertheless think they were signed and left on the table by mistake or through hurry and that the aforesaid Lt. Col. Frazer and .Major Williams remained in the said Golden Swan three weeks before they Broke their Paroles, as did Col. Hannum who broke his Parole at the same time and whose parole is present Sworn this 26th day of March 1778 Wm Serrett Ass. Corny. before me Daniel Coxe Mg. Police (copy; I the subscriber do declare upon Oath that Lieut. Col. Frazer and Major Williams prisoners of War to the Kings Army did remain three weeks or thereabouts in a house Call'd the Golden Swan in this City with a number of prisoners on Parole That the said Frazer and Williams were understood by me to all intents and purposes as upon parole, my assistant having assured me that their paroles were duly taken, that they were well informed of every circumstance relating to the Nature of the parole granted to the other < >fficers in said House, which I had fully explained in the presence and hearing of the -aid Frazer and Williams neither of whom expres ed any objections nor dissatisfaction with the Conditions thereof, though a few others 177 did and were consequently depriv'd of the advantage of the parole but notwithstanding this the above named Frazer and Williams have furtively absented themselves from said house, in breach of those ties of Honor ever held sacred by Gentlemen Sworn this 26th day of W. Hugh Ferguson March 1778. before me Danl. Coxe Mg. Police (copy) Sirs I have just been inform'd that the British Commissioners have made a demand that I shall be delivered up, alleging that 1 have made my escape from Philada. being on Parole. I will in as concise a manner as possible mention the transactions and leave it to you, them, and the World to Judge whether I have in the least punctilio deviated from the Character of a Gentleman and American Officer. I had been in close confinement in the State House and New Goal near four Months; for want of my Usual Exercise and the extreme badness of the air in the latter place, I was afflicted with an obstruc- tion in my Lungs, on my frequent application to the physician who at- tended the prisoners, he, (after I had taken Medicine near 2 weeks) recommended me to Sick Quarters in the City. I signed my Parole for that purpose about the 20th January, and though the parole speci- fied my being restricted to the limits of the City I had notwithstand- ing private instructions from a Deputy of Mr. Ferguson that I was not to leave my lodgings, though moderate exercise was absolutely neces- sary for my recovery. I remain'd in this situation until the 28th February when I received notice from the afores'd deputy that he had orders to put me again into confinement, he indulg'd me till 3 o'Clock that afternoon when with another Gentlemen in the same circumstances, I went to the Golden Swan in third Street, and was received by Mr. Deputy and or- dered to our Room up Stairs. Into this House abt io days before a Number of Officers had been removed from the New Goal, upon their signing their Parole not to leave the House without leave; many fav- ours and indulgences being promis'd them by Mr. Ferguson as I was informed by them but the restrictions were here much greater than they had been either at the State House or Goal. The Moment I became acquainted with their situation I determined not to sign a parole under such disgracefull circumstances; but fortunately for my- self and some others, a parole was not demanded of us. yet it must have been intirely through neglect, for every other Officer who was or- dered in from their quarters in the City, their Paroles were im- mediately demanded. In this situation I remained 17 days and 1/8 J^Clu r -i C~/* c " V-/ f.V «j U.' /I •' a &O0 } ■ > # . Handwriting of W. Hugli Ferguson, British Commissar) of Prisoners. Seventy-two liumlretlis, lineal measurement, of the original. .1 would have made my escape much sooner bul that I understood an Exchange of Prisoners was likely to take place, but when we were in- formed by Mr. Ferguson that this illusion had vanished I proposed to make use of the first opportunity to escape which I thank God I have effected without any kind of dishonour to myself or my Country. The parole which 1 signed on being admitted to Lodgings in the City for the benefit of my Health is now made use of most basely and ungen- erously to stigmatize my character and serve as a pretext to justify the Cruel treatment of many worthy Officers now confined in Phila. Mr. Ferguson is not ignorant thai he or his deputy has or had two, three and four paroles in their possession at one time, for separate Officers, who had been admitted for the benefit of their health at divers times into the City, and which 1 have frequently heard them demand of him and his deputy without effect, when they have after- wards been broughl into confinement, and should any of them es- cape' from the New Goal he might with as much propriety charge them with a breach of Honor as me. The Golden Swan was to every in- tent a prison, Centrys were fixed in the front and Rear of the Hou e with orders to suffer no person to speak to the prisoners, neither to speak with them themselves, they had their Bayonetts fix'd and con- stantly loaded their pieces at sun set. Cur nearest connections and acquaintances were refused the satisfaction of speaking with us. And it was often with much difficulty our Victuals and Cloathin^ could be brought to the end of the alley, that led to the Passage to our apartment^, and then both examined in the strictest manner for fear of intelligence being conveyed. Many of the I Ifficers have been treated with the grossest insult by the guard. A stinking stable yard to walk in a few at a time, and looking out of the doors and windows were all (he Liberty, we were suffer'd to take and the Town Major was heard the day 1 left them to reprimand the Sergeant for suffering "those bellows" (as he call'd Us) "to have so much Liberty", A few day> alter my Confinement in the House, my Wife came to Philada. 1 wrote to Mr. Ferguson for Liberty to see her, which he informed me was not in his power to grant though I had been indulged in a similar request by the Officer of the guard when in the New Goal. Mr. Fer- guson cannot forgel this, and yet he would insinuate 1 was under parole. Neither parole nor any Conditions whatever were demanded of me and out of upwards of Sixty there were but three or four of Us in that situation, who all happend (<• be ordered into confinement the same day. Surely He cannot be serious if he means that 1 was bound by a Parole dated about the 20th January. 1 apprehend any Gentle- man of Candor either Friend or Foe will be of the opinion that the moment I was confin'd it was no longer in the least obligatory. The facts here stated are most scrupulously true and. am sorry to add that 179 this charge should be made use of among many others equally ground- less, to justify at different times the severe treatment of many worthy Gentlemen now in confinement in Philada. And I do with pleasure mention that during Six Months that I was a prisoner I never knew an Officer make a bad use of any indulgence, and I was well acquainted with their transactions. The parole signed Jan. 20, granted him liberty within the limits of the city, not- withstanding which he was confined to the "Sick Quarters'* which thus became a prison. I Persifor Frazer late Lieutenant Colonel of the fifth Pennsylvania Regimt. do declare that being a prisoner in the New Goal when the Enemy were in possession of Philada. in company with Colonel John Hannum and several other American Officers that abt. the 20th day of January 1778 I obtain'd a parole to go to Sick Quarters in the City my health being impaired — that I remained in that situation until about the last of Feby. followg. that during this time the other Gen- tlemen who were in confinement with me obtain'd Liberty as I was in- form'd to go to the Swan Tavern in third Street. At the time last mention'd myself and Colonel Marbury who lodg'd together and the next day Major Williams were ordered into confinement in the afors'd. place — that when I convers'd with the Officers who had been there before me I understood from them they had been persuaded to sign paroles having been promis'd great Libertys which I found had in every respect been Violated — As they were as well as myself in every respect as much prisoners there as ever we had been before — that no paroles were demanded from me nor as I understood from Major Williams and Colonel Marbury, That during my confinement at this place Mr. Ferguson the British Commiss'y. of Prisoners came into the Room where Colonel Hannum and myself and other prisoners were when Col. Hannum complained that the privileges promised by Mr. Ferguson to him and the other officers at the time of their removal to that place had not been comply'd with and mentioned many hard- ships we at that time suffered, upon the relating of which Mr. Fergu- son seem'd very much surpris'd and said the Guards had misunder- stood their orders but that he would explain the matter to them and that for the future We should have more Liberty that the Guards were only plac'd to prevent us from insult. For a few hours after this con- versation we were suffered to speak to some friends who came to visit us but the same evening the Sergeant or Corporal of the Guard informed some of us that they had received fresh orders not to suffer us to speak to any person or that any person should speak to us. which was strictly comply's with on their part, who frequently threat- 180 ■■/ft/ 4^ ./■*4tf /z^rj^^A^- &&-** -6j?,/£. P/CnLAgp t/fy~ #%£** « - 4/7 ' <^>7/ y /z^ /Ss'Sj. " as <7n S&u&i Declaration concerning hi> escape from the enemy in the handwriting of I.t. Col. Frazer. Fifty-three hundreths, lineal measurement, of the original. ^c**s /XL^yL \£ a£L ^/^A^Cyfy^^ ^yfyyy« / <£ / '? s/ y x y / O-fUi /&<■* CtTTl l^flJ^/t**J &!>£. ^^n, M^ y^fc* &AU4A '&' "Arm*. Ar^enO &C~Aa ca&us £T A'sls tA- Aitf -^ AxA AC- jAy^ £*?nA *-A «/ AAltV ' /%cy Aa2 &* e-e-w /t-'AZc sAda */ StsA & Vy4«wV/%'-^ A7~ AAr, ttrAr y uttt* ¥Ar*sAA ^rift^-ty!/ tn^f £^_ //ud AJa*/,'//*^ L^Si/r/is ten;**, ^^^i^^ *//£/Wl/ < /?ifu>c*y£ /£ca&3 & sVaySKt-/ <~y>>y>*y6>>-' ■**&' /t A /Ac A) A^ sn Act 3trf'~~ ' ./L*'™'*~£ t* t^r-Aci*- irz-cst- V&iA*, *vct*s /fa^t £6,h&*s U.As-t ~f-f A*6*& 4*4-A* /> f/tc~ t**&z*~ ^Z'^^^AA *Ts*&r~(A' ^Aa-tats & AA*~ s t: A££-^<7£S> /£* ec-e*^ry, ' <*^^-^^ yfc> &****>&&% aai yKxyt-,^ 3~a<,<£ ~?d &t /e-y*A>-J y fcxn.'LertU- AjAfc. e <-.,<£}— &-'Zc*rm.i',Z) *J A& f/ufi }e l//rm) aAttttl'&.-tS? A Off AAt n j i^cm* YtA&U iv- "^^iw/ tit- J Mtnty u*<~ '?7i^3t- jj%- y^iC £ (In a stranee hand) nere the Draw bridge 196 I (In Sep_/r 9/th 1778 My D/r Percy I have this minute received the agreable account of your being in good helth, by Jemmy Thomson who Saw Major 1 lerbut at the Sine of the Ship yesterDay he Says he Saw you jest before he left Camp this is to go to the Ship to Day the Major is to Call there for it I have Sent your hanger and bagonete three weeks ago I Expect you have got them 1 have not received any Letter from you Sence that of the 19 th of Aug/t it gave the account of your illness from that till this f think 1 have been as unhappy as any one Living as the Children Still Continue bad with the Hooping chouf I shall Expect you home in three weeks from this pray write every oppertunity our Relations and friends are in helth Little Sally and Bobby and Polly fallows Sends ther Love to you 1 am my Dearest Percy with fervent wishes for your helth prosperity and Saife return to nice and your Deare Little Children your Loving and affectionate wife Mary Worrall Frazer this is the 5/th Letter 1 have Sent Addressed To Lieu/t Col/1 Persifor Frazer p/r fav of the 5/th Pens/a Regiment of Major in Cen, 1 Waynes Brigad I lerbut on the White Plains in the State of New York. My Dear Percy Sep/r 16/th 1778 You mention in your Letter p. L/t Forbes of the uncertinty of your coming home it givs me a great Dail of concarn for I quite Expected you the Latter end of this month from what you wrote me in your Second Letter 1 Spoke to m/r Chenney about Nob- lets afaire he Seems reathir to Let it be till you return 1 hav not yet Seen Col Hannum but intend to See him as Soon as possable con- carning it, your besiness with mr. Brintin is Settled to Satisfaction and he and his Lady is to Dine with me before Long the Children are all geting better of the Chincoff but your Little Percy I am in helth thank god and intend go for Philadel/a to morrow this Day we furnish Sowing wheat 1 mention in a former Letter Frederick Taylor Son I Suppose you never got the Letter I would be glad you would Lett me know if you have Seen him as his parrants has never heard 197 from him I Have Sent you 4 yards blue and 4 y/ds white Cloath 17 Canes of thread 1 pair of Linning Draws 2 flanning west coats 1 y/d of Linning 2 y/ds of white Linging it is all that I hav Shall endever to get Some in Philad/a Mamme Peirce continues much as She was when you Left us She Sends her Love to you I would be glad you Let me know what Stocking and other things you will want please to Let me know Soon and Send me Some monney if can get a Safe hand to Send by if you hav it too Speair if not dont put your Self to any trouble your Sisters and brothers and there familys are all well Jemme has not paid of the morgage yet I hav kept the money for him I am afrad he will do nothing in it till you return I would be glad you would write to him concarning it Little Sally and bobby and Polly Fallows and Sally Thomson Send ther Love to you please to give my Love to my acquaintance at Camp I am my Dearest Percy with fer- vent wishes for you helth and saif return to me and your D/r Little Childrer your Ever affectionate wife This is the 7/th letter Mary Worrall Frazer I have sent to you I have sent i yd buckram 4 Scanes of blue Silk Six dozen white medle buttons three Stichs of moheer To Lieut. Col Persifor Frazer of the 5th Pensa. Regiment at Camp fav/d by Lieut. Forbes September 28. 1778. Sep/r 28/th 1778. My Dearest Percy I was in Philadelphia Last Satterday was a week and Left the following artickels in the Care of Cap/n Peirson who promissed to Send them to you the first opertunity 4 y/ds Blue and 4 y/ds white Cloath 2 y/ds of white Lining 1 y/d Linning \ y/d buckeram 4 Scanes Silk and 16 of thred 2 Sticks white moheire 6 dozens of white mettle and plaitted Buttons 2 flanning Jacketts 1 paire Lining draws your Shouse that was Left at M/rs Jinkinses is not to be found and M/rs Rivers Says the things that you Left theare was Sent to the Swan to the Care of Col. Maybury and ware Sent out by Col : Bedford I Shall send you some more white lining and Some worme Stockings next week and Shouse as soon as I can get them maid, Oct/r 2/d my Dearest Percy this Day Twelve years I little thought that ever Such a Dreadfull Separation would fall to our Lot O this unhappy war that has made Life almost insupportable to me 198 if it was not for the pleaseing thought of Seeing you Some times and in that how am I Disopinted the time is past that you gave me to Ex- pect you home in, in your Second Letter () the Cruel Spiler of our peasable Land that has towrn fathers from their tender Children and Sons from there aged parents may the Just Vengents of god over take them in this world that was the- beginers of these troubles this is my Sinceare prayers, for you know my Lear we are Commanded to pray for our Enemy and I am Shure I can not pray for them cincerly in any other way when 1 think on the many happy Lays we have Spent to gather and are now So Cruelly Sepperatied this Lay has brought to my remembrance all your former fond Endearing be- heavour to me and your deare little Children my Dearest Percy it is imposable for me to describe to yon how heavy time Drags on Oct: 4/th I have been very ill this week with a paine in my head and fever am now prity well recovered little Percy Stil Continues ill with hooping Chof the rest of family is well this will go by M/r Blackissten and by him 1 Shall Send Blue and white Moheire three paires Stocking white and Lite Collered thick for Jacket! and Britches with blue thred white Lin- ing, and buttons for the Jackett and Britches S Jemme and Sally Thomson and Jacob Vernon and Sally are well and Send thear Love to you Nancy and Jesse is going to Delworths Town to Live as there is nothing to be don with Noblit til you Come home m/r Cheney thinks a rong Stepe in the matter might Cause von a vast daile more trouble as I can not be So well acquained with it as yon and am Sure Cirlin in will do Every thing he can in Noblit favor 1 mentioned the matter in a former Letter and concerning the Land at the Ship Jemme has been offerd io pound an aker for his and think we may get that for ours please to give my best Complement to all fiends in Camp I am my Dearest Percy wishing yon all the Choicest blessing of Heaven Your ever Loving and affectionate wife Mary W'orrall Frazer Little Sally and boby Send there Love to yon I had forgot them till the Letter was foled and the ware not pleased Endorsed -1 o Lieut/t Col. Persifor Frazer of the 5/th Penn/a Regiment favor/d by in Gen/1 Waynes Brigade M/r Blackiston at Camp (In Dr. Riley's possession.) 199 *(Fredericksburg Octo. 2/nd, 1778.) My D/r Polly I would have apply'd for Liberty to have got home before this, but as I have some accounts to settle w/ch I have nearly compleated, thought is best to wait a few days longer for that pur- pose rather than to leave them in confusion as I have not settled since I left Ticonderoga — And as I propose to resign made my tarrying a few days more necessary. I expect in 10 or 12 days to have the pleasure of seeing you — The Enemy have been in the Jerseys for some days past, they surpris'd ab/t 60 or 70 of our Light Horse there and killd and took the greatest part of them — Major Lee has also the day before yesterday took 12 and killed 12 of the Enemy's Light Dragoons We mov'd from the White plains ab/t 2 weeks ago to this place w/ch is about 25 miles to the northward. The reason of our moving was, that Forag-e got very Scarce and as it was probable the Enemy intended either for Boston or the North River We are now that dis- tance nigher Boston and within ab/t 20 miles of the North River where our chief Fortifications are near Fish Kill. Our Division was to have march'd to Jersey yesterday but News arriv'd that the Enemy had left it. We are orderd to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moments warning — I cannot leave the Army whilst there is a probability of Action — but I am of opinion we shall have little or no fighting this Fall — from every thing we can learn they will leave New York before winter — I have seen Major Williams he tells me you have sent me some Cloathing by Cap/t Lang — he is not yet arriv'd being obliged to retire to Morris Town for fear of the Enemy. My best respects to all friends my love to my Dear Children. I am my D/r polly Y/r affectionate Husband Pers/r Frazer Fredericksburg Oct. 2. 1778. To Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury, Chester County, Pennsylvania P/r fav/r Lieu/t Wood. * Fredericksburg was a precinct of Dutchess Co., now a portion of Putnam County, N. Y. (Baker's Washington) 200 y \% o o r r. o c > \ \ c ■ * t ^ t A •» d > A I i sC < . u , * K j ? • V \ r^ V N y * ■*- rv s J \ P v !? K •<\ 4 is K v i • X CHAPTER V. Military Papers and Correspondence. March 25. 1776 At a Regimental Court Martial held at Chester on Monday the 25/th day of March 1776 on Serjeant Killpatrick Accus'd of Damning the Congress & striking one of the Guard President Cap/t Frazer Lieu/t Johnston Ensign Vernon Members Lieu/t Bartholomew Ensign Standley Cap/t Moore sworn declares that he being inform'd that a person be- hav'd a Riotous manner in the Court House went with a guard to Con- fine him & found the person to be Serjeant Killpatrick who he heard express the Words "Damn the King & Congress" John Watt sworn, declares that he was one of the guard when the s/d Killpatrick was Confin'd & that the s/d Killpatrick wrung the de- ponant by the nose & afterwards struck him. Killpatrick Confsses he made Use of the expressions with which he is Charg'd & in excuse for his saying so says he was in Liquor & was agravated by one Bradley Who s/d he was perjur'd. he also confesses he struck the guard & his reason for so doing was that the person he struck Made use of abusive language to one Ellis who was at that time a Prisoner, the s/d Sergeant Kilpatrick being Unanimously found guilty of the Crimes wherewith he is Charg'd by the Members of this Court Martial Do adjudge that the s/d Kilpatrick shall be reduc'd to the Ranks & kept under the closest Confinement in the guard house for two Weeks May 21. 1776 Long Island May 21/st 1776 A Court martial to be held tomorrow at 10 O'Clock Capt/n Frazer President Lieut/t Potts Lieu/t Johnston Members. Lieut/t Bartholomew Lieut/t Williamson All Witnesses to have notice to attend 201 A Sentry to be posted at the lower Ferry to prevent the Soldiers from attempting to cross tlie over to York, and likewise to prevent them from using strong Drink Every Soldier who shall in future attempt appear disguis'd with Liquor must be confin'd — & shall be denied trial by their own Offi- cers — The Col. cannot help expressing the greatest sorrow, to find the Vice of Drunkenness so prevalent in the Regiment — It appears as tho' the men were bereft of every principle of Christianity, & in short of every principle w/h constitutes the Gent/n or Soldier — Their Con- duct is observed by other Regiments, & by other Officers, who will, unless an Amendment take place undoubtedly punish them with Severity May 22.. 1776 Proceedings of a Regimental Court Martial of the fourth Pennsylvania Regiment Commanded by Colonel Anthony Wayne held on Long Is- land May 22/nd 1776 by order of Francis Johnston Esq/r Lieu/t Col- onel Cap/t Frazer President Lieu/t Potts Lieu/t Bartholomew Members Lieu/t Johnston Lieu/t Williamson John Tanner of Cap/t Frazer's Company a Prisoner charg'd with stealing a Shirt the property of Timothy Kelly, being brought before the Court, Acknowledges he is guilty of Crime with which he is charg'd being in Liquor at the time he committed the Fact & was advis'd thereto by (Lawrence Connelly) one of his Companions & that he Sold the Shirt to a Shallop Man (for Cyder) The Court upon due Consideration do Adjudge the said John Tan- ner to receive twenty one Lashes on his bare Back with a Cat O'Nine tails well laid on at the Head of the Battallion & that he shall pay to the said Timothy Kelly the Sum of Fifteen shillings the Value of the Shirt Stolen Persifor Frazer Cap/t and President There is a second record of this court martial identical except as to the words above in parenthesis. 202 May 27. 1776. DrSir Have sent you the Letters we spoke to you about yesterday, wou'd take it very kind of you to leave those that are directed for the County at M r VV/m Grahams Tavern keeper in Market Streel op posite the Sign of the Connestoga Waggon the others you will be so good as to deliver to those directed, in l'lulad a the Doctors Compli- ments & mine wait upon M rs Voung & yourself & wish you a very agreable Passage I am Sir Y< iur mi is1 I tble Servant I 'ersifor Frazer Long Island 27/th May 1776 For Cap/t John Younger New York- June 14. 1776. M r Rohert Gregg Please to pay Cap n Pircefer Frazer the sum of four Pound five shilling Pennsylvania Currency and this Order with his shall be your Discharge in full from S — Your Humble Sv John 1 larper June y/e 14/th 1776 Axcepted by me Robert Gregg June 23. 1776. Camp Long Island June 23/rd 1776 A Court Martial held p/r Order Major Housagger Capt/n North President Lieu/t Potts Lieu/t M/cClintuck Members Lieu/t Johnston Ensign Letts William Davidson Prisoner brought before the Court fur [nsolence Prisoner Pleads not Guilty of Committing any Crime The Court by Suffitient Evidence have found him Guilty of Provoking Insulting and Coloring* an Officer to the Great Prejudice of Good *Collaring(?), or perhaps cholering i. e. angering. 203 Order — Therefore have Adjudg/d that he shall Receive Thirty Nine Lashes on his bare Back at the head of the Redgment and go Six days Runing on Feteigue Caleb North Capt/n Proceedings of A Endorsed Regimental Court Martial No date. Probably Long Island, May 18 to June 29, 1776. Capt/n Frazer— Order a part of the Guard immediately to Capt/n Vernons Barracks to seize upon every Rascal who is drunk or has misbehaved — particularly confine (Row the old offender) as he has struck and abused Stophal Knare— likewise confine Mullen — ■ F: Johnston L/t Col A Sentry must be posted this Ev/g at y/e Q/r Master's Store — let him be a trusty fellow — Cap/n Frazer No date. Probably Long Island, May 18 to June 29, 1776. To Cap/n Frazer — Col : Johnston's Orders. — Sir You will take care to suffer no Soldier at his peril to destroy the fences adjoining our Quarters, particularly, order them to refrain from doing any Damage, to the Premisses of the bearer hereof — Let the Q/r M/r Serjeant see that a suff/t quantity of Wood be supplied the Troops before their present Stock be out.- — F: Johnston Capt/n Frazer Probably in camp at Long Island May 18 to June 29, 1776. Capt/n Frazer — I shou'd have waited upon you early this Morn/g agree- able to promise, but I find myself considerably indisposed, added to this, I slept very little last Night, on account of the noise w/h was 204 made at my Quarters by the seizure of a Capital Tory (no less than the present Lord Mayor of N York) I am to accompany his Lordship this Morn/g to his Excellency Gen/1 W/n You will please to make out an exact duplicate of the General ab- stract for my use — as soon as you arc done you will go over to York & meet me at M/rs Aireys Your's &c F: Johnston — Capt/n Per/r Frazer Probably in camp on Long Island between May 18 and June 29. 1776 May or June 26. 1776 Col Johnston's Orders — A Fatigue party must be form'd out of the several Companies con- sisting of Carpenters, in order to lay the floors of the Tents — Send the Q/r Mr Serjeant with the above order to N: york for the Tools — Let no time be lost in puting the several Tents in good Order — Captn Frazer arrived at Albany by boat with his command July 2d. See p. 93. July 2. 1776. Sir As soon as you shall have received what arms may be In store here, (many of which will doubtless be unfit for service with- out some repairs and will be repaired at Tyconderoga) and such other necessary's as you may want and that can be procured here for the troops under your Command, you will march with all possible dispatch and Join me at Crown-point, my secretary will furnish you with a rout and give you every needful assistance. I am Sir Your Ot. Serv. Ph. Schuyler M. General albany July 2/d 1776 To L/ Colo : Johnson of Colo : Waynes regiment 205 July 21. 1779. Proceedings of a Regimental Court Martial of the Fourth Pennsyl- vania Regiment. Commanded by Colonel Anthony Wayne at Ticon- doroga July 21/st 1776 — Cap/t Frazer President Lieu/t Potts Ensign Lette Members Lieu/t M/cClintock Ensign Wallace Corporal Biggam of Cap/t Vernons Company conim'd by Major Morris of the i/st Pen/a Regiment for insolence & disobedience of Orders — upon hearing the Charge & the Prisoners defence do find the s/d Bigham guilty of the Crime with which he is Charg'd and do ad- judge that the said he shall be reduc'd to the Ranks — Samuel M/cGowan of Cap/t Frazers Company confined by Cap/t Til- ton for milking a Cow belong/g to Col/o Starks Regiment. Cap/t Tilton not being known & not hav/g notice did not attend, the Prison- er was therefore remanded. John Ross of Cap/t Taylors Company confin'd by Serjeant Ruth for accusing said Ruth of Stealing his Pocket Book & ten Shillings the said Ross making satisfactory concessions to Serj/t Ruth he f ° r de- clin'd the prosecution August 5. 1776. Albany August 5/th 1776 M/ Matth/w Mauss Sir p/r Doctor Stringer I received yours with a six dollar bill,* and now send you those articles I was able to procure for you as you will see at foot — the nails are not to be had in town, but should I be able to get any I then shall sent them p/r first oppurtunity — inclosed sent you the Ball/c of your six Dollar bill I am Sir your most humb/1 Serv/t Henry Will *A curious denomination for paper currency but not uncommon then. 206 i Tea kettle £ o 4 Plates i Teapott I Pair knee Buckles I y/d Ribbon Cash £ 2 8 , , o NB : the Ribbon & buckles could not get better My Respects to Cap/t Frasier M/r Matthew Mauss. or Capt/n Frasier with i Kettle £ o, , 17 .. 10. . 8 6 — 1 .. 6 2 — £ i . . 17.. 2 10 — 10 1 Teapot & 4 Plates at Fort George August 8. 1776. Major General Gates Ticonderoga Aug/t 8/th 1776 Sir The Court Martial ever desirous of rendering their proceed- ings clear and intelligiable, have thought proper to mention to your Honour, the principles on which their determination was grounded in regard to the Testimony of Major Scott; which if your Honor should esteem necessary may be transmitted to Congress. From Major Scotts overstrain'd Zeal to serve as Judge Advocate during the course of the Trial ; from his own Acknowledgement in the Face of the Court, that he had never furnish'd Colonel 1 fazen with any Written Orders from General Arnold; from his appearing extremely solicitous to give Evidence in the Cause; from his application to the Court to cross examine a Witness; And lastly from the purport of the Testimony of divers Witnesses, proving that, the ( roods were deliver'd to Major Scott & while under his care, conducted in such a disorderly manner, that part of them must unavoidably have been damaged or lost previous to their arrival at Chamhlee; that Colonel Hazen never had the possession of the Goods, And that he could not possibly have taken them (granting he had been authoris'd so to do) not having 207 sufficient Store Room. — From these — concurring circumstances We beg leave to assure your Honour, that We were constrain'd to believe Major Scott so far interested in the event of Colonel Hazens trial as to render his Testimony inadmissable. We are &c/a (Unsigned duplicates (except the concluding words) in the hand- writing of Col. Frazer.) Philad/a the 18/th Aug/t 1776 Dear Sir your favor of the 31 ultimo is received I thank you for your Inteli- gence it may be useful to me and ma y ,)e in some way go to the public but am sorry to hear of the Extream distress of my dear Countrymen there is no body abhors Peculation more than I do how can people attend to such things in this time of distress surely good cannot Come of such doings; Pennsylvania Never see such days as now on Account of Arrival of so large an Armament at N york the Enemy now — Con- sisting of 27000 or as some Accounts say 30.000 men are all Encampt on Staten Island our Militia are march'd to a man Out of Chester County Except some few that ran of and hid Themselves and so they have from all the Counties to the amo/t in the whole of Upwards of 15000 the Spirit of the Association on this as well as on other oc- casions does them much honor and I have good reason to hope at this time they will be the salvation of North America 4000 more will soon arrive from Maryland and the delaware counties and two Bat- talions of Regulars are on their march from Virginia for New york and General Lee is also on his way there by order of Congress I hope If we can stand it this Campain the spirit of our Enemies will be broke and Busieness will then be Easie we have arrivals of powder and Mili- tary stores frequently make a good deal and are in no want of that article nor of lead our Militia are Stationed at Amboy Woodbridge and Elisabeth Town points are in health though some of them that went from this City about a Month ago are I am told somewhat un- easie to return, Our army at New york at present Not so Numerous as I Could wish but Increases every day. General Washington Expects an attack every hour is well provided with every thing and I am sure our Troops will sell their lives dear or Conquer they have my prayers and yours I am sure for their success. Your friends and Relations I have reason to believe are well it is a very healthy time here as I have known or Else there is no no body 208 to be sick the men being mostly gone I had almost forgot to mention the arrival of Devil Dunmore and Clinton who are both at N york and all their troops; with my best Respects to you and prayers for your health I am sir with real Esteem your most Obed/t To Cap/n Persifor Frazer hunble ser/t P S write freely to me John Morton no fear of Injury to you Subscribe P. F. Sketchley's Complement to you he marches this day to Jersey from this place. Aug/t 21/ News has Just now arrived from Martinique that the Gov- ernor will receive our Vessels to trade freely Protect That trade and receive and suftur us to sell our Prizes there that the french are preparing for war which will soon take place ag/t the English this may he depended on See letter of Capt. Frazer, p. 100, to which this is a reply. August 28th, 1776 August y/e 28/th 1776. Dear Sir I. Have Thought often of you since your Departure: and Likewise ( Mien Intended to write to you. But having my mind Draw . d Away by Other Buisness ; as our State hath seem/d in a Very fluctuating Condition : By the different Oppinions of The People Concerning In- dependance;* But it' Took place And Our Bill of Rights is Decleared : that Old obsticle Of Riligion is now Put Upon an Equal footing; which seems to Ease the minds of the People: But the Association Continueth nearly in the Old Dine; as when you left Us, But our Con- vention has Provided an Aqualibrum; they fine Every Non associator 20/. Pr. month & 4/ Pr Pound On their Property; which will be Likely to make those that hold' Back; think they are hardly Dealt by: But I think the Remedy is suitable to the Descasc ; Now as to Our Military affairs at Xew York ; with Gods Blessing we shall be able to; send to Britain a Very Good Account of Our firmness and Resolu- tion: By that Commissioner so much Talk d of; M/r How and his 20000 Ruffins; for at this time Of a truth there is 70000 Now at York ♦We are apt to imagine our ancestors too unanimous for independence — while it was yet to be achieved. 209 Bold Americans and y/e Jerseys oppesite Staten Island 15 or 16000 from Our Southern States so we hope to Give them a Suitable Recep- tion when Ever they make an attack Upon us — Sir; I Receiv/d a Letter from your Q.M. M/r Harper; which Came By your Chaplain The Reverand M/r Jones, which Informes of Your sutuation; which I think Perelous. Enough But with y/e Blessing of Heaven I hope you/11 be Reanforced And be Able to withstand any fource, that Northan Ministerial Scoundrel with all his Law artifices can Sugest will be able to Bring against you; And Sir; as I have nothing more of Moment To write ; But my Best wishes for your Safety & welfare; tho; Must think; Your must sufferings Can/t other- wise be, but be Great Considering your Situation ; And I Pray God ; you may Preserve the Souldiar, and Let Patience in Suffering be your Charecterstic ; the Neighbour' is all in Health for Ought I know or have Hear/d and Every Other Matter Nearly as When you Left us — Sir I Conclude these Lines at your House in company with your Spouse ; Who are with God' Blessing in Good Health ; She Shew/d several of your Letters; Which makes my Heart Shudder; in feeling for your Distresses But Hope in God You/11 lie Preserv/d, as the Cause must lie the Cause of Heaven so I think it will Prosper, Your Old friend Tho/s Cheyney is along with me at your House: & Desire you may Give my Compliments to Col/1 Wayne in Perticular; and the other Offecers of my Acquaintance so Conclude With my Best Wishes for Your Safety & Return to Your Loving wife & Little Chil- dren and Subscribe myself Your Real friend. & Hu/ Servent Tho/s Taylor To Cap/tn Persifor Frazer of y/e 4/th Pensy/a Battalian September 7th, 1776. Dear September the 7/th 1776 Capt/n I have Just Got able to Write to you to Let you Know that I am a Citing Better Fast For I have Got able to walk about a Little But Very Weak as yet, I have. Bin as Low as Ever any Body Was for to Live I do suppose I was Give Over By Doctor Potts I Stayed But three or four Days at Fort George I Pushed Down in a Wagon a bout II miles Bellow the Fort to one Widow Harrises where I Remain yet and Shall (torn) remain Till I Git Stronger if you Remember when I 210 was Coming away from Camp that you Told me if I wanted any more Money to Write to you and you would Send it to me 1 Shall Stand in Crate Need of some Realy for the Man 1 Have with me and my Self is Very Expensive 1 intend to Send Charles home as Soon as Ever 1 Git well a nuf to Do with out him. My Love to M/r Bartholem— and M/r Griffith From your Very 11 u Servn Isaac Seely N B Cap/t af you Could Send Five or, six pound I would Be obligat Do Please to Send it in a (letter) and Give the Letter to the (bearcr(?)) of my Letter Lieut Gro(ss who can send) Right Down Direct to W Haris To Captain Persifor Fraser Pr for at of Ticonderoga Lieu/t Gross September 7th, 1776. general Hospital Fort George — Sep/t 7/th 1776 Worthy Sir, Since I wrote my Last I heard you Recev d those articles for which I wrote to albany I wrote for a p/r of knee Buckles and Ribbon for my Self if you have Rec d them Please to Send them by a Safe hand I am in grate Need of them — 1 Should he under a grate Compliment if you would he Pleas d to Settle my accounts at Tycondaroga 1 think I left you my account hut for fear I will Send it now — Enter'd into the 4 /th P: B: Camman/d by Co 1 Anthony Wayne as Surgeons mate under I) r Kenedy the 13 th of april 1770. was in the Service 3 months and and 5. Days — 3 . . 4 5 16: ad 13 2/3 Doll/r per m/o to Cash Paifl for the Medicine Chest from Philadelphia to Xew yorck £ 16. 15 Total £ 10.. 1 q . . 10 j 1 i £ 6. ■ IS- . o IO . i . . o £ 16. . 16 o £ o . ■ V . IO May 6/th 1776. by Cash Recev/d of Major Hausecker in Phila/d July 19/th 1776 by Cash Recev/d of L/t Co/1 Johnson at Tycondaroga total Balance Due As for my Rations I thing I Left you my account, — The account I Left you mentions. 18 Doll/ per m/o but as D/r Kenedy Promis/d more then he Could perform whether he did it Ignorantly or Designingly I do not know but this I am Certin of that he told Cap/t Lacey and adju/t Ryan the Night before I Left yau that If I Left him it would be Some Pounds out of my Pocket, not that that I Value the few Pounds, but any man that Dos doo any thing Designingly I Look upon to be the greatest Villian on Earth — Too long have I Dwelled on this Insignificant Subject or at Least the Cause of it is Insignificant, I am Sorrey I Could not Entertain you with Some News which would be more agreeable of which I Can Let you have non at Present but Expect Some Every hour although you have it allmost as Sune as we have — M/r Seeley is better no more at Present but Remain Sir with the gratest Esteem Your Sincere and most Obedient Serv/t Matthew Mans P: S: Please to Send back the Letter from M/r Will which I Send you — - Please to give my Compliments to all Enquiring Friends Yours etc To Cap/t Frazor in the 4/th Pensylvania Battalion at Tycondaroga p favour of the Bearer September 10th, 1776. Dear Sir We have no News from New yorck farther then what you must have Rec/d but we Expect News Every hour- — by the Bearer L/t Gross I Sent you a 11/ Coucumbers Please to ac- cept of them 212 The account in my Last is Pcnsylvania money — M/r Scealey and M/r Lezt are both bether I am Sir in grate haste Your Sincer and affectionate Ilumb/le Serv/t General Hospital Fort George Sep/t io/th 1776 To Cap/t Frazor. 4/th P. B; at Tvcondaroga F— A— G P favor of L/t Gross Matthew Maus (No date.) Sir Maj/r Stuart, has this moment rcceiv'd your Note relating to the prisoners Keyes ecc — but is too unwell to answer it — I can see no other method, than for the the Court to proceed to the tryall of some other person, & to have it in Order that the persons to whom the money was pass'd, attend the Court tomorrow morning I am Sir Your Very Obed/t J Trumbull Wednes morn/g D. A. G. John Trumbull of Conn, was Adj. 2d Conn. May 25; A. D. C. to Gen. Washing- ton July 27; and Brigade Maj. to Gen. Spencer Aug. 15, 1775; Deputy Adj. Gen. of Northern Dept. Sept. 12. 1776 till his resignation Apl. 19. 1777. Major Christopher Stuart was a Capt. 5th Penna. Battalion Jan. 5. 1776. pro- moted to rank as Major from Feb. 28. 1777. (Heitman). Oct. 28, 1776 On Monday Morning 28/th October at 9 OClock the Alarm Guns were fird When our People man'd the lines at 1/2 after Nine the Enemies Spy Boat appeard in sight and Came In within Gun Shot, When three Cannon Was fird from the Jersey Redoubt one from the Sandy Battery East of the Jerseys & one from the Ronzallic Trumble( ?) which Went Nigh her without Damage excepting killing one & was Return'd with Small Arms from the Enemy, the Enemies Ves- sels Came to the three mile Point and there Cast anchor & Landed a Considerable Number of men then (at 12 OClock the Signal gun was fird of the Enemy when the lines was mand a Second time & thirteen Boats full of men Landed the East Side of Champlain our People Retird from the lines for Dinner & was not Disturb'd that Day 213 Nov ii. 1776 Report of the Guard at the French Lines. Ticonderoga November 11/th 1776. Parole Falmouth C: Sign Norfolk t/i en *: «i ; S « \n o ■£ £ Occurrences. ft J3 'P " 3 Ji .£ C M C^ ns 3 v o i it: u f >^ v >. U in co U Q to (X, u,aU.o Main Guard consists of 1 2 2 2 1 1 40 10 10 Received the Grand Detached Guard Rounds at half past consists of " 1 1 1 I " 20 6 6 one o'Clock Total i 3 3 3 2 i 60 16 16 Jos/s Harmar Capt. of the Guard. Beautiful handwriting Nov. 24. 1776 Col Wayne's Compliments to Maj — (torn) him to cause all the Muster Rolls — (torn) out — and the Muster Roll of the — (torn) — these will be wante — (torn) 24/th Nov/r 1776 Major Frazer present No. date. *Major John G. Frazer's compliments, to Col/o Wayne, & his Major Frazier, shou'd be glad of their company to Dine with him to day at two Oclock. Col/o Wayne Thursday Morning ♦Probably John Gizzard Frazer of Massachusetts. Asst Q Mr Gen 22 Sept to Dec. 1775, Major 6/th Cont'l Inf. Jan 1. to Dec 31. 1776. •14 November 1776. Proceedings of a regime — (torn) — Ticondaroga November ye — (torn) — Colonel Anthony Wayne Captain Lacey President Lieu/t Bartholomew Lieu/t Boude Members Lieu/t Seeley Ensign Funck John Dun Confined by Colonel Johnston for drunkenness & dis- obedience of orders. — Brought Before the Court Pleads Not Guilty, — No Evidence appearing against the Prisoner, the Court thinks Proper to return him — to the guard David Thomas Confined by Lieu t Christy for Thretning to shoot him. Being Braught before the Court Pleades not guilty ; M/r Harper declared before the Court that at the time M/r Christy was Currecting his servant he beared the Prisoner say that if he served him so he would shoot him the Court Consid- ering the Evide — (torn) — do find the Prisoner guilty — and do ad judg — (torn) — Christy's Pardon and to go on three days — (torn) Patrick — (torn) — Bartley for giting drunk and — (torn) — ut leve Being Brought before — (torn) — Pleades Guilty the Court Con- sidering the Crime, do adjudge the Prisoner to receive 20 Lashes on his Bare Back at the head of the Regement Cap/t John Lacey President Endorsed. Ticondaroga 1 i/th Nov/r 1776 The Col/1 Confirms the within Sentences and Orders them to take place tomorrow Morning Tyconderago Nov: 24/th 1776 Sir You will be pleased to Order Your Regim/t to be paraded on Tuesday the 26/th instant at three OClock in afternoon, precisely, in order to their being mustered, Giving me notice of the place. — You will therefore be pleased to have Your Your Regiments Ex- cused from Duty for that Time & Order all the Parties and artificers taken therefrom to attend the Muster. I am Sir Your Humble serv/ Rich/d Varick To Colonel Wayne. — 215 November 28th, 1776 Sir The Commisary is Issuing beef to my Company which I & a Number of the Officers think not such as we Should have Issued to our Army I Should be Glad that you and the other Gentlem who are appainted to Inspect provitions, would Come and Give your Opin- ion — the Corporal will warn the Others if you will please to Inform him who they are I am Sir your very Hum/1 Servant M/t Independance Wm Alexander 20/th (or 28/th) Nov/r 1776 4/th P. . B. To Major Fraizer Major Fraizer Complaints of bad beef issued to United States soldiers commenced almost as early as the country itself. December 4th, 1776. All Officers Civil and Military are Requested to forward Major Frazer the bearer hereof to Congress with all possible Dispatch Ticonderoga 4/th Dec/r 1776 Ant/y Wayne Col Com/ This note of recommendation was intended for the use of Col. Frazer on his jour- ney from Ticonderoga to Philadelphia as bearer of dispatches to Congress. December 4th, 1776. Major Frazer will procure the following Uniform & necessaries for the 4/th Penns/a Regiment viz a blue Coat faced with white, the Coat lined and something fuller than the last & set off in the neatess taste a uniform hat and Cap for the In- fantry — overcoat and Breeches two pair of white Linnen & two pair white yarn Stockings two pair of Shoes and one pair of Gaiters and Black Stock two white and two Course shirts — Shoe, knee — stock & Garter Buckles — Crooked hair Comb for each man and pair of shoe brushes and Close brush for every mess or Six men Col Johnston will aid and assist in this business Anty Wayne Col. 4/h Dec/r 1776 216 MAP OF THE FORTIFICATIONS AT TICONDF.ROGA IX THE SUMMER AND AUTUMN OF 1776. 'I he paper on whli.li tins map is draw n was made by L. V. Gerrevink . ol Hollaud. and Ileitis a water-mark ol u lion on u low platform, the word VRYH KYT helng printed on one side of the platform. The lion clasps in one paw a Bheathed sword, and in the other a bundle of arrows The whole is surrounded by an oval band with I In- Inscription, " LIbertate pro patria ej usque " surrounded by a crown. The paper was made In 1774. A hlauk sheet In possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania h.is, on t It e page ul the sheet inlsslug Irouj thib leaf, d R.. meaning Hullleliuus Rex, Fifty-two liuuditths, lineal lueasureineul, of the original. Between July and December, 1776. References b 1. the old French fort in part Repaired A 2 a Stone Redoubt of 12 Guns c 3. an Old french Redoubt and ditch lately Repaired d 4 General Brickets Redoubt 5 Gun's e 5 the Jersey Redoubt 7 ( runs f 6 a Simicircle Redoubt with 4 Guns g 7 an Oblong Redoubt with 3 Guns h 8 an Intended Redoubt with 3 Guns i 9 a Work in part finished — k 10 & 11 — *Flush thrown up after the defeat of the Fleet. 1 12 a Rising Ground where a Hush was began — The works Raised in (?) the plans marked S t Clair, Wagon Artilery W'a — De Haas — shows the old Pennsil. lines — made by these Regiments — nearly on the Ground where the old French lines formerly stood m a log hut an advanced work made of loggs n n n a Battery of 26 Guns on Mount Independence o a Barbett Battery of 7 Guns overlooking and Commanding the Other p an Octagon Stockade within which are 8 Barracks sufficient to Contain 800 men The plans marked thus /*v n " J_, '"v Shows the bights the lines marked thus ^m^^u, Shows the low Grounds the sea Green shows a deep Morass on each side a Creek' per- haps 8 Miles back of Mount Independance and nearly parallel with the S. Bay This page of references in Gen. Wayne's handwriting i-. explanatory of some map of the region of Ticonderoga which is missing, and docs not appear to apply to either of those found among Gen. Frazer's papers. *I am indebted to Lt Col A. H. Russell, U. S. A., fur the following note on the word "flush :" Washington, .D C, Dec. 17, 1906. Dear Doctor The most probable explanation of word "flush" is that it was used colloquially for "Heche" or "flat he" as I find it variously printed in Military Dictionaries; though the anglicized form I do not find. It means a simple species of earth work, usually having two faces form- ing a salient towards the enemy, something hurriedly thrown up to protect the guards or advanced post, lt may have been merely bad spelling. Yours very truly, A'. H. Russell. 217 February 17th, 1777. Dr Sir On my arrival at Chester I found Sudry of the Men much Indespos'd but no Medicine was therefore Oblidg'd to Return with- out doing anything for them but, directing the Comissary and Nurse Must now go immediatly for Philad/a to get a proper Supply of Med/s as I'm determin'd to be no longer hurri'd I have Sent y/r Mare Pr Bearer being in hop's my Horse will be able to Come home I m Dr Sir, with Respectfull Complements to y/r self and good Lady in which M/rs Kennedy Joins y/r oblidg'd Hble Sert Feb: 17/th 1777 Sam Kennedy No address. February 20th, 1777. Marching Orders for Lieu/t Oldham of the 4/th Reg/t of Penns/a Sir You are to proceed Immediately with your Company to Al- bany — and there wait on Gen/1 Schuyler for further Orders — but if he should not be there or give others — you are then to apply to the Qr Master Gen/1 for Sleds to Carry your Sick and Baggage to Phil/a taking the shortest Rout to that City always Marching in good Order and using every possible means to prevent any Insult or Depredations being Committed on the Inhabitants through which you pass — On your arrival in Phila/a you are to wait on Col Johnston or the Board of War for further Orders — Rendering an acc/t of your Com- mand — You are to put Philip Kippo into the custody of the Guard at the Blockhouse with Orders for the Officers to send him under Guard to this place But if you should not meet with him until you get to Fort George — you are then to give him up to the Guard there with Orders to the Coming Officer to send him under a good Guard Immediately to Ti- conderoga Given at Head Quarters Ticonderoga 20/th Feby 1777 P Ant.y Wayne Col Com/ Issued at Ticonderoga. 2l8 March 4th, 1777. Sir it gives me the utmost Pleasure to Congratulate you on your Appointment As Lieutennent Collenal of our Regiment it Likewise gives the greatest Satisfaction to all Who have the Honour of being under your Command — ■ At the Request of Co 1 Jonston 1 inform you that his Compliments Waits on you At Chester in order to Consult on measures to Bring the Regiment into forme I am with Respect your H S/t Joseph Potts Chester March 4/th 1777 To Col/o Purcifer Frazer in Thornbury Chester County This note shows the feeling of his subordinate officers toward Col. Frazer. March 25, 1777. D/r Col 1 understand Mr David Wilson declines Accepting the Office of Q/r Master, but find his Brotherinlaw Mr. llamel would he glad to till that vacancy — I'm well Instructed lie's a Gentleman of Integrity and has been well Acquainted with Ser- vice. — Any Civilities you will he good enough to Confer on Mr. Wil- son's Family Consistant with the Service & Hon/r of the Regi- ment. Shall Esteem as done to y/r Hble Sett Sam Kennedy 1/77 For particulars Refer to Capt Christy Endorsed. T/o Col. Persifor Frazer Fav'd Present by Mr Wilson 219 March 31. 'jy Esteemed Sir Mr Ferguson informs me that the Officers who belong'd to Colnl Wagner Regiment have applyd to him — for Rations due them whilst serving in Canada — I request you will order the Quarter Master of Colnl Wagner Regiment to make out a ge(ner)al return — of all the difficences — ■ due that Regiment — to which you will please to Certify that it is a just & true account — after which I will order it — to be paid in this City — I am Sir with Due Respect Your Humble Servant Philadelphia Carpenter Wharton March 31. '77 C. G. Endorsed. On publick Service Colnl Francis Johnston Chester April 3. 1777. This may Certify that Lieut M/cClintuck hath paid a Reward of Forty Dollars for Two Deserters which are now Confined in Philadelphia Gale which Reward is to Be Settled out of the Ball' of Accompts Due my Company P/r m Caleb North Maj (torn) April y/e 3/rd 1777 April 17. 1777. Dear Col. Philad/a April 17/th 1777 I received your's of this Date, & in consequence of which I waited upon Gen/1 Schuyler (the Command. g Officer here.) The Orders you have rec'd are to be complied with at all Events, as soon as you can with any degree of convenience for w/h purpose you had better order a list of necessaries to lie made out for those Com- panies immediately & let them be immediately drawn — You had likewise better order in those men who are out on fur- lough, the Recruiting Officers belonging to those Companies shou'd likewise be call'd in — 'Tis needless to add any thing more, you know what is necessary to be done — I am D/r Col : your's &c F: Johnston P. S. There is a certain M/cDonnald & Ashton of North's Company 220 confined in the old Goal — you can get them out by your Order. I think you had better exchange them to the Frigate for Landsmen — To Lieut/t Col : Per/r Frazer Pr Lieutt Forbbes 5/th Penn: Keg/t Chester April 24. 1777 Sir Bound brook, April 24/th 1777 Agreabel to Col/o Johnstons order I Let you know that all my Papers Concernin my Company M/r M cClintock lias gol By apply- ing to him you may Know all about them he likewise Can Inform you of all the Diserters that Belongs to my Company there wass Eight Desserted from our Redg t in one Night since we Came here among which was two of mine, one Rayter & Doberman Perhaps upon Search he may _\| r \[ cClintock may finde them you would ( )blidg me much If you would hurry M r Scophel on here for our Duty is so hard here that I cant Possibely Do without an officer we are one Day off and an- other on Both officers and man Sir I am Your hum/1 Serv/t To Lieu/t Col. Frazer In Chester County John Christy April 25. 1777. Dear Sir, Boundbrook Aprile 25/th 1777 By Col : Johnston I am informed that you were not acquainted that the accounts of my Compy with my hooks were left in Chester, which Surprised me much as 1 Depended upon M r Kim- mel to inform you and likewise assist in Settleing of them he being fully acquainted with the Nature of my accompts, if M r Kimmel has not Delivered them you I would he (Had you would Call on him for them, and likewise Convey them (as Soon as a Settlement can he made to me — Your Comp y is much desird here together with the other officers of the regiment in hopes of your Soon Joining o — (torn) I subscribe myself James Taylor Col : Percifer Frazer Chester 221 April 27. 1777. Bound Brook Ap/1 27/th 1777 Dear Col/o Since I wrote you last a strong Reinforcement has arrived at this place; In consequence of w/h my officers are in some Degree excused from Duty, so that, they have nearly compleated their Accounts- Tomorrow, I expect to forward them to you with this Letter — Inclos'd I send you a Copy of Gen/1 Orders, w/h must be strictly attended to, no excuse for Delay, will be admitted — You will direct the Paymaster to carry these Orders into practice immediately, as soon as the Abstracts are finished he must wait on Paymaster Gen/1 not Head Quarters, for the Money & then join the Regiment — Those men who are not reenlisted must be first settled with, so that it will be necessary for y/e Paymaster to keep their Acc/ts separate — Perhaps you can draw Money in Philad/a to pay off the two Com- panies under your Command & likewise the Men who have not en- gaged again — Write to Cap/tn Oldham as soon as possible, Order him to come to Chester with his Company, leaving two active Officers to recruit — Order in the several Recruiting Parties & send on their Recruits to me as soon as you can, One Recruiting Officer from each Company will answer at this time, as Congress have granted leave to enlist Ser- vants a Apprentices — The Light Infantry Caps to be sent on by the first Detatchment, you will likewise send on as many Hats as you can, some Shoes & Shirts Breeches &c/a — D/r Co/1 We live exceedingly well, but do severe Duty, Tyc was nothing to this for Duty — Please to forward my Letter to my Wife, as soon as you can. the few things I left at Chester you will endeavor to send to my father's, together with my furniture, when you have leisure — My Comp/ts to your Lady, M/rs Wethy & all friends — I am Dear Sir Your's &c F: Johnston Call on My worthy friend M/r Blair M/c Clenneghan give my Comp/ts to him, & bring from him the Case of Pistols he has made a present of to m — (torn) As Lieut/t Williamson has never deliv'd in an — (torn) Account of the Cloathing he deliver'd to Capt/n — (torn) Moores Men, nor never accounted for 504 Doll — (torn) he drew from Gen/1 Wayne at Ticonderoga (for y/e recruiting Ser- 222 vice), you will therefore call him to acc/t immediately, w/h if he re- fuses, pray inform the Council of Safety, & they will call him before them — To Lieut/t Col/o Persifor Frazer 5/th P. Reg/t Lieut/t M/c Henry Chester Pennsylvania April 30. 1777. Dear Coln/1 Bonebrook Apl. 30/th 1777 I Now Transmit you by M/r M Henrey Sundry Accts of My Company, Among which are the Acct/s of the Old Soldiers Who Have Not Engaged during the War, Except it is Jacoats, Breeches & Shirts Which Williamson Drew In My Absence and De- livered to the Men, Which he has Never Rendred Me the least acct of Nor Has he Ever Delivered Me The Muster Roll Nor abstracts Which he Made Out at Ticonderoga You Will be Please'd to Make Him Give You all the Paper(s) Rela- tive To My Company, which Will Be of Great Service to you In Set- tling the Acct/s and Perhaps I (torn) Never May Have An Oppor- tunity of Getting them from him — Have Sent You an Exact acct of The Men Inlisted During the War, With the Dates of thier Inlist- ments, & times of Disertions Or Deaths. Some of the Men are Not Attested. By which Means I am afraid I shall Loose Considerably Altho Not Justly,- — Part of those Men Who Are Not attested Were Inlisted at Ticonderoga Agreeable to Gen/1 Gateses & Gen/1 Waynes, orders and Long before the Recruiting Orders Were Published, — the others Who Were Not attested was Inlisted in The Country twenty or Thirty M (iies) from any Magistrate by which Means it Was (torn) — Entirely out of My Power to Comply With the Orders — I [ave Xoted in the Margin of the Roll of (torn) the Men Which Did belong to my old Company Likewise a Note of the Men which Past Muster in al- bany Which Muster Roll have sent you I have Likewise Inclosed you an acc/t of the Cash I Drew From Time, to time for the Use of My Company — I Request you Would Take the Trouble of Setling an acc/t With Gen/1 Miflin, — its 115 P Shoes M/r Williamson Drew of him at New york which he Paid and took the Receipt But 1 am a Fraid its Lost — Would therefore be Glad you Would Get Williamson to Setle the acc/t The Qr/t Master Gen/ls Books are in Philad/a the Act. 223 is £ 41 , , some Shillings Lawfull — this Sum Was Stopt out of my Last Pay at Ticonderoga — We Make out to Live very Well here With a great Deil of Care In the Eating and Drinking Way, all We Want (are ) Tarts, Custard & floating Hand But are frequently Deprived of our Rest by the Bloody Backed Villians Who Very frequently Come and fire upon our Centries. We ar frequently allarmed by them but Not (torn) so Much harrassed as they are Not a Day But a our Scouts & Other Party, Goes Down and fires Upon them, yesterday our Scout killed three or four of thier Guard. & Came of Without any Damage My Complement to the Gentlemen I am D/r Sir With the Greatest Respec/t Your Most H/e Sev/t James Moore I have Made out My Pay roll and Draws the (allow)ance Ordered by Congress for Every Recruit To Coln.l Persifer Frazer Chester p/r Liu/t M Henry April 30. 1777. Bound brook April 30/th 1777 Dear Colonel. I am Sorry to trouble you with Such Confused Ac/ts but at preasent it is out of my power to avoid it as my Inlistments are In Different hands I send you the Inlistments with a Roll of the Dates of Inlistments with the Subsistance Due and the time they came into Quarters affixing no particular Sum uncertain what is allowed by Con- gress for Recruiting I have likewise paid Each man in that Roll his full Bounty and have Sworn all Except those Deserted within the Six Days there being no magistrates in the Country at that time, I wish I could have my Books Conveyed as Soon as possible to me that I might know how my accompts stood I send you the amount of all the money M/r Bonde & myself Drew for Recruiting (Exclusive of what I Drew from you) which is 3194 Dollars, my pay rolls will Testify how much I drew for the Compy. — I have never Drew any ad-van f the augmented pay so that I Expect the fifteen pounds p month from the 224 Date of the Resolve Sir I long for a Settlement and a Junction of the Different Detachments of our Regiment and Can only at present wish you great Success and a Quick Settlement James Taylor 1 would Just recommend those whom 1 would be Sergeants & Corporals with their Rank. Sarjeants Nathan 1 M (iill John Speer William M, c Donnald and Tho/s Benderman, Corporals Paul Gilmore Arthur Pat- teson John Sharp & John Griffy Drumer John Connally — If any person aproper heir should appear for M c Elhatton Stop 66. . 15 . . 3 on acom/t of \\ 111 Noble Rob t Thompson and James Brown as I have Ul c his notes for the money. Jas Taylor To Col/1 Persifor Frazer Chester April 27. 1777. S/r Head Quarters Morris Town April 27/th 1777— I am well convinced that the amazing desertions which have of Late prevailed among Our Troops proceeds intirely from thire not being regularly paid, for it is not to be suppos.d that the bare encouragement of receiveing a few dollars from the enemy for thire arms could Operate so forceibly upon them. I have in vain endeavour. d to make the Officers bring in thire pay rolls and Draw thier Money, the plead in Excuse that they are so Ex- ceedingly detached the Cannot Posibly Make Up Regular Rolls, and there May be some thing in this, But there is a Cause which I fear Will be found upon Ex Examination too true, and That is, that the Officers have Drawn Large Sums Under Pretence of pay- ing thier Men But have been oblidged from Extravagance and for other Purposes, to appropriate this Money to thier own Use — there is a Necessity at this time for the Mens being Paid up as Nearly as Posible, I Therefore Desire that you Will have the difrent Corps — Under your Command pareded Inquire of them What Pay is Due to them Order the Paymaster or Com- manding Officer, to Draw as Much as Will Be Necessary and — When its Drawn See that the Soldiers have theer Proportion It Would be Well to Let the Soldiers know That this Irregularity of Pay has been Owing to the Hurry in which the have been De- tach'd into the field — But that thier Wants shall fully Supplyed, — I also Desire that von Will inform the Officers that as Soon as Posible the Reg/t— (turnover) — Is Drawn together I Will Shall 225 Cause an Exact Scruitny to be Made Into Tliier Accts. and In- quire How These Complaints of the Soldiers arise for Want of Pay When Large Sums have Been advanced for that Purpose I am Sir Your Most humb/1 Sv Endorsed A Letter from His Excell.y Gen/1 Washington to Gen/1 Lincoln Most likely an imperfect copy of sucli a letter made in haste by some one more soldier than scribe. Apirl 30. 1777. Bound Brook Ap/1 30/th 1777 Dear Col/o Since I wrote you last, the Inclosed Letter arrived here from Gen/1 Washington to Gen/1 Lincoln (a Copy of which I have sent you for your perusal — Agreeable to these Orders (torn) Officers are now making out an Ace (torn) as nearly as may be, of the Sums due to their respective Companies — Tomorrow, I intend to set out with these Accounts to Head Quarters, where I expect to receive (torn) money sufficient to stop the Clamours of the men, as well those on this Ground, as those who are absent belonging to these Companies — This maneuvre of mine must not hinder the Paymaster from draw- ing money for & settling with the two Companies under your Com- mand, nor must it hinder him from giving money to those men be- longing to the Companies I have here, in case any of them shou'd be with you, & should any money be due to them. Nor must this prevent the Paymaster from making out the Pay Abstract for the Regiment, as His Excelly is determ'd to call all Offi- cers to account for y/e expenditure of Publick Money, as soon as the several Regiments join — In order to enable the Paymaster to make out the several accounts and form an Abstract, I have transmitted by M/r M/c Henry the Ac- counts remaining here, the Enlistment Papers &c &c — You wou'd be astonished to hear of the number of Desertions from us to the Enemy on account of the deficiency of pay — I am D/r Col/o Your's &c F: Johnston. To Col/o Persifor Frazer Chester Lieut/t Mc Henry. :?26 May i. 1777 (Printed) Philadelphia, May i . 1777. I lead ( (uarters. < i E N E R A L mud E R S. A/LL the Officers of the Continental Army, now in this City, arc to attend Tomorrow Morning at six o'clock at the Statehouse, to receive General Schuyler's ( )rders. By ( )rder of General Schuyler, Janus Van Rensselaer, Aid-de-Camp. May 3. 1777 Dear Sir. I am desired by Col. Connor to beg you would take such Steps as you think will be most effectual to apprehend & bring hack the Officers from your County who lately broke their Parole & escaped from New-York Their names are Cap. M c (lure & I. ts Anderson & Wind all of Colo. Montgomery's Regim/t of the Flying Camp. Colo. Connor forgot to mention those circumstances when he had the pleasure of seeing you & as he is now extremely busy I take the Liberty at his request of doing it. I am, Sir with respect Y most ob/ Serv. P. Scull Morris town 3 May. 1777 (Addressed) Colonel Francis Johnston 5/ l'enn a Regin/t Bound! book (Endorsed) This Letter to be left with Col o Frazer, who is desir'd to make diligent search for y V within named Officers & to bring, or send them to Head Quarters — F: Johnston From its beginning the United States Army was scrupulous in exacting from its officers a strict compliance with their paroles. 227 May 3. 1777. Sir/ I Just Rec/d the letters from Officers by Capt. Vernon Capt. Taylor Mentions Viz Alex/d M/c hatton Died 26 Jan/y 1777. M/c Murray & S/t John Deserted Alb/y Jan/y 29/th Joseph Dew Died Chester March 23/d 1777 — l 1,a — Capt Vernon has a list of Sundry not yet Charg/d to Old Soldiers — belongg to Capt. Taylors C/o I have Taken all the Papers I thought wou'd be of Advantage to me at Camp I am Yours &/c To Colo Frazer Chester Mich/1 Kimell PayMas — (torn) Philad Saturd/y 3/d May 1777 To Col/1 Persifor Frazor Chester May 6. 1777. Dar Col/o Bound Brook May 6/th 1777 I rec/d your's of the 3/d inst/t by the Hands of my' Paymaster (M/r Kimmlei) & am astonish'd beyond measure, to find that, notwithstanding the repeated Hints our Superiors have rec'd, regarding the notorious omissions and Neglects, in certain Depart- ments in the Army, yet those Abuses are not redress'd — You mention in your Letter, you cannot get Blankets for the Men 'tis extremely hard. Soldiers shou'd he oblig'd to do the severe Duty incident to a Camp Contiguous to the Enemy, when they are so much neglected, not only as to Blankets Cloathing &c but pay — The amazing Desertions from us to the Enemy, are totally occasion'd by the neglect shewn the Men — they can be accounted for on no other Principles — I have not experienced, since I left you, so happy a Circumstance as the arrival of M/r Kimmle — I this inst/t have put into his hands 12,000 Dollars, to distribute among the Men, but even this will not prove satisfactory to them, nor will any thing short of a final Settle- ment — I must therefore beg (for God's sake) that you will im- mediately transmit by the bearer Lieut/t North, all the Books & Papers, Pay Rolls &c &c/a relating to the respective Companies, now in your Hands, as it will otherwise be impossible, to come to a final 228 Settlement with the Men — I have sent Lieut/t North Express to you, for no other purpose — I wish you had waited on Gen/1 Schuyler, to have obtain'd Liberty to march on the two Companies from Bristol to this place — As His Excell/y seems desirous of having Reg, ts together, 1 make no doubt Gen/1 Schuyler on proper application made to him, will grant liberty, to send on the two Companies — You express a desire of joining the Reg/t as soon as possible, you cannot desire it more than 1 do — and as the two Companies are now at Bristol, you may without doubt, come on to me immediately, leav- ing an active ( Mhcer behind to send on the Recruits — D/r Col/o I am almost weary of commanding Troops, who have such cause of Complaint as mine have, >!v who are perpetually, ringing in my Ears, Want of Money, & want of Necessaries — This Morn/g I had the honor of commanding a Division from this Post compos'd of as likely, brave & determin'd Men as Britain can boast of- — I form'd them into a strong Column & march'd towards Brunswick, as far as the Hessian Picquet, near w/h place, 1 was joind by another Column under the Command of Col o Spotswood ; We drove in their Out Sentries one by one, & then challeng'd their Main Body to a fair field fight, they declin'd it, however tomorrow we expect to hear from them — The Enemy will assuredly approach us in the course of three Days or decamp — w h of the two I know not, cer- tain I am they are preparing to move somewhere — Send to M/r Robinson's at Naaman's Creek, for the Major's Papers & — present my Love to the family — If my Dear little Girl is there, kiss her for me — I am really sorry to hear of your Lady's Illness, I hope she is likely to recover — Pray do not neglect to procure the Articles I mention'd in my last, the Shrubb(f) (as much of it as you can purchase) send on im- mediately. My Confusion in consequence of this Day's fatigue, is such, that I cannot remember the respective articles I require — I am D/r Col/o Ever Your's &c/a L/t North at all Events must bring on the Men belonging to the Companies here — To Lieut/t Col/o Per/r Frazer Command/g Officer Lieut/t North at Chester 229 F. Johnston May 9. 1777. Dear Sir In Answer to yours of this day I must inform you I rec'd a letter from my Brother, the other day requesting me to settle the Acco/ts of his Comp/y; I have made some essay thereto, and wrote him about it, he likewise gives me some expectation of his (torn) — ing home shortly for a few days, I believe chiefly to settle those Acco/ts 1 hope my detaining them a few days to endeavour to put them a little forward will no ways retard the Settling the Acco/ts of the rest of the Captains, 1 intend for Chester in a few days where I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you — interim remain your Friend &c N. Creek May 9/th 1777 Ab/m Robinson To Col/1 Frazer at Chester June 2. 1777. Dear Col/1 Bristol June 2/d 1777 — Since I arrived at this place I have been (as it were) persecuted with a vile Fever, attended with Billious symptoms — I fear it is something of my old Complaint — I make no doubt you will do every thing in your power to hurry on the Men — when you do set out, you will remember to send on a few spare Muskets, as Many of the Arms here are considerably out of order — As the 90 Blankets which the Q/r M/r drew, will not be sufficient you will endeavor to draw some more — remember to send on Serjeant Halbert in Irons, he is a dangerous Villain — Pray what can detain Doct/r Jones, unless he comes on immediately he must give the matter up totally — My best respects to your Lady — &c Send Vernon & Potts immediately — I am D/r Col/1 Your's &c To Lieut/t Col/1 Pers/r Frazer 5/th Penn/a Reg/t Chester Col/1 Shreiv 230 F: Johnston June 10. 1777 It is with inexpressible regret, The Commander in chief, has been driven to the necessity of doing a severe but necessary act of justice, as an example of what is to be expected by those daring offenders, who, lost to all sense of duty and the obligations they owe to then- country and to mankind, wantonly violate the most sacred engage- ments, and fly to the assistance of an enemy they are hound by every tie to oppose. — A spirit of desertion is, at once the most fatal disease that can attend an army, and the basest principle that can actuate a Soldier. — Wherever it shows itself, it deserves detestation and calls for the most exemplary punishment. — What confidence can a General have in any soldier who, he has reason to apprehend may desert in the most interesting moments? — What hut the total want of every moral and manly sentiment can induce him to desert the cause, to which he has pledged his faith, even with the solemnity of an oath, and which he is bound to support by every motive of justice and good will to himself and to his fellow creatures? — When such a character appears, it may almost he said in reference to it, — that forbearance is foil)- and mercy degenerates into cruelty. — Notwithstanding this, and though the General is determined to convince every man, that crimes of so atrocious a nature shall not he committed with impunity: yet, as he is earnestly desirous to show that he prefers clemency to severity — par- doning to punishing, — He is happy to proclaim the remission of their offenses to all the other prisoners now under sentence and a releasement to all those now under confinement, for trial. — He hopes, that they and all others will have a proper sense of this act of lenity and will not he ungrateful or fool- ish enough to abuse it. They will do well to remember that justice may speedily retake them, as it has done the unhappy man whom they have seen fall a victim to his own folly and wickedness. — Those who are pardoned, can expect no favour on a second offence. — But why will soldiers force down punishment upon their own heads? — Why will they not he satisfied to do their duty and reap the benefits of it? — The General addresses himself to the feelings of every man in the army, exhorting one and all — to consult their own honor and welfare — to refrain from a conduct that can only serve to bring disgrace and destruction, upon themselves, and ruin to their country. — He entreats them not to sully the arms of America by their in- fidelity, cowardice or baseness; and to save him the anguish of giving guilt the chastisement it demands. — They are engaged in the justest cause that ever man defended — they have every prospect of success, 231 if they do their part. — Why will they abandon or betray so great a trust? — Why will they madly turn their backs upon glory, freedom and happiness? — Head Quarters June io/th By His Excellency's command 1777 A Hamilton ADC (In Alexander Hamilton's hand writing) June 18. 1777. The Proceedings of a Regimental Court martial held at Mount Pleasant this 18/th Day June 1777 Cap/t Vernon President — Job Vernon L/t James M'Cullough L/t Members Joseph Standley L/t Hugh Steel Ensign Rob/t Garret Prisoner brought before y/e Court for being drunk when going on duty pleads guilty The court Sentences him to receive 25 Lashes on his bare back at y/e head of y/e Reg after which the Court adjourn/d for want of Evi- dences The Proceedings of a Regimental Court martial held at Mount Pleas- ant this 19/th Day of June 1777 Cap/t Vernon President Job Vernon L/t Ja/s M'Cullough L/t Members Tho/s Boud L/t Jn/o G/t Kencher L/t Garret OFarrel Prisoner brought before y/e Court for stealing 11 Dollars Pleads not guilty ■ Mic/1 Brannon being sworn, says he lost 1 1 Dollars, that it was stole out of his Pocket as he lay asleep in his Tent, that no one was in it but OFarrel after Jn/o Lackey being sworn says he saw a quantity of money with s/d O Farrel y/e s/d O Farrel told him that Brannon had not lost y/e money yet, but for he had it under his head. The Court finding him guilty sentences him to receive 75 Lashes on his bare back at y/e head of y/e Reg/t. & the money to be stop/d out of his pay till y/e whole is refunded— 232 Ja/s Kelly Prisoner brought before y/e Court for Stealing, getting drunk & abusing his Corporal, pleaded not guilty Ja/s Nelson being sworn, says lie found the Prisoner going ab/t dusk with a Shirt, of which he wold he not give an acc/t of what he was going to do with it. he Likewise believes the Shirt was stolen, oc y/e s/d Kelly was drunk & ahus/d him much for stopping him After Rob/t Garnet was sworn who said the shirt found in Kellys pos session belong d to him & he never allow/d Kelly to take it- The Court finding him guilty, sentences him to receive 50 Lashes at y/e Head of the Reg/t on his Hare hack Serj/t Speir, Serj/t Gilmore, Serj/t Benderman & Jn/o Connolly Drum/r Prisoners brought before the court for forging an order for Liquor, pleads guilty The Court taking into Consideration their former good Behaviour sentences to be reprimanded at the head of the Reg/t by y/e Com- mand g, Officer & to beg M 'r Bonds I 'anion whose Name they forged Cap/t Fred :/k Vernon. President July 2. 1777. I do Certify that I have received from L/t Colonel Pers. Frazer, Receipts for the following Sums from the Officers herein Nam'd Viz Cap/t Moore 240 Dollars. L/t Vernon 140 Dollars, L/t Seely 140, L/t M/cClintock 248. Cap/t Johnston IO ° 100 Doll/s. Cap/t Taylor 130 Doll/s Cap/t Potts 470 Dollars. Ensign Evans 108 Doll/s Cap/t Vernon 216 Doll/s L/t Mc/Henry 142 Doll/s Paymaster Kim- mell 108 Doll/s Ensign M/cGee 216 Doll/s L/t Griffith 162 Doll/s L/t Forbes 162 Dollars. L/t Smith 38 Dollars. Cap/t Barthol- omew 234 Dollars. L/t M/c Cullough 30 Dollars Quarter Master Strong 83 Dollars. L/t Bartley 100 Dollars, being in the whole Three Thousand & Sixty Seven Dollars which were paid to the s/d Officers for the purpose of recruiting for 5/th Pensylv/a Regiment, by the Said L/t Col/o Frazer. Witness my Hand this 2/nd lulv 1 777- Mich/1 Kemmell 5 P. R. L/t Col/o 5/th Pens/a Reg/t C/r 1776 doll/s Decem/r 4/th By Cash from Col/o Wayne 66 2/3 By ditto rec/d from Col/o Johnston Chester 130 By ditto from d/o P L/t M cl tenry -'60 By ditt/o from M/r Nesbit 1000 By ditto Mease & Caldwell P order of Gen/1 Schuyler 2000 233 July 5. 1777 D/r Colonell By the Resolutions of Congress for the issuing of Forage only six Persons in each Reg/t are allow'd to draw — viz Co/1 L/t Co/1 Major, O/r M/r Adju/t & Surg/n I shall be very happy to oblige a Friend with any thing in my Power but must put every Reg/t upon an equal Footing to avoid just Censure for Partiality His Excellency the Gen/1 can give Permission for the Chaplain to have Forage- — ■ — ■ Morris Town I am D/r Col/1 July 5 1777 Your Frd & hb/1 Serv/t J. Mifflin DQ M G L/t Col/1 Frazer The Deputy of his brother, Thos. Mifflin, then Quarter Master General. August 10/th 1777 August 10/th 1777 Dear Col ;/l Philad/a We have mov'd from the Ground where you left us, & are now on our way to *Corryell's Ferry, tonight we shall encamp on the side of the Neshammeny, tomorrow we shall reach Corryells — Our next Maneuvre is not known, 'tis likely, we shall immediately proceed towards Albany, or into some part of New England — I give you this notice that you may join us as soon as possible — My best respects to M/rs Frazer I am D/r Col/1 your's &c F : Johnston In the interval between the dates of the last and the next documents Col Frazer had moved with his command down the Delaware to near Wilmington, thence up the Brandywine to Chadd's Ford; had participated in the battle of Brandywine Sept. 11. and had been taken prisoner on Sept. 16. See Chapter III. pp 151 + September 28. 1777 I do hereby acknowledge myself a Prisoner of War to the King's Army, and do most sacredly promise upon my Parole of Honor, that 1 will not directly nor indirectly in any Respect whatever, do, or say any ♦Now called Lambertville, in Hunterdon Co. N. J. 234 ./ fYt f-y r . "•/, :■■ .■' . /As '// n& t> . fSs»y, J fj-rXr*a -m ' ■" /*■ r* . • - 'V. 1 ', ;.>•■>. ' s~> /■■ '" ' y -' " '■ '"' i y ■ • -V-' 77 * . jf.oj£* ^fJ;vf. ParoK- -i^m.l bj I.i. Col. l'r.i/rr. Probably a duplicate. Sixty-four hundretlis, lineal measurement, of the original. thing- to the Prejudice of the King's Service, or bear Arms against His Majesty, until] regularly exchanged, and tins my Parole returned to the Commander in Chief of the American Army, or to his Commissary of Prisoners for the Time being. Given under my hand in tins 28/th Day of Sep r 1777 Persifor Frazer L/t Col 1 In the Presence of *Jos Strike L/t 10/th Keg t Persifor Frazer This parole was probably a duplicate left in the possession of the prisoner to serve as a pass in case of challenge by a British patrol. September 30. 1777 Camp 30/th September 1777 Dear Colonel Your's of the 27/th [nstant P flag- I rec d and send your Baggage by Cap/t Taylor who goe's as a flag on the Occasion .Major Harper's Baggage being at a Distance could not be sent with your's — but will be forwarded the soonest Possible Interim I am yours most Sincerely Ant y Wayne Lieu/t Col. Frazer Lieu/t Col/1 Persifor Frazer In P flag Germantown This was two weeks after his capture. The march of the British army with its prisoners toward Philadelphia was slow. September 30. 1777. Trap Sept/r 30/th 1777 D/r Coln/1 I this Morning had The Pleasure of Seeing A Letter, from You & am Verry Happy to hear You are Well — Gen/1 Wayne has Permited Capt/n Taylor To Go With a Flag, Who Conveys Your Cloathing To You. 1 am Fxtreamly sorry You Were So Unfortunate as to Be Taken, But Makes No Doubt You are Well Treated •[Perhaps "I/s" or "H"] 2 35 Please Inform Maj/r Harper that When Ever his Cloathing arrives hear they shall Be sent him Capt. Bartholomew. Doct/r Davison and all the Gentlem of the Reg/t has their Best Compliments to you & Maj/r Harper. I am D/r Sir With the Greatest P. S. have sent you the following Respect Cloathing Which I hope you Will Get Your Most Obd/t Safe Humble Ser/t 3 Shirts i hunting d/o J/as Moore 2 p/r Breches 2 p/r Under Drawers 3 towals 1 p/r Overalls 2 hand towels 2 p/r Gloves 1 p/r Gaiters 10 p/r Stockings 1 p/r Silver Shoe Buckles 3 p/r Shoes — 2 Sheets 1 Blanket 1 Bed 1 Coat & 1 pillow To C oln/1 Persifer Frazer fav/r p/r Prisoner at Capt/n Taylor Germantown October 1. 1777. Dear Madam I shou'd have written to you sooner, but unfortun- ately fell sick immediately after the Action at Chad's Ford — I am heartily sorry for your Loss, I trust however, that it will be a loss of short duration, I have great reason to believe, a general Ex- change of Prisoners will soon take place — The Enemy will find your Husband a Man of Honor & a Gentleman, so that you have nothing to fear, he will be treated well — If you have not already sent some Hard Cash & Cloathing to the Col/1 you will please to let me know, that I may use my Endeavors to procure some Hard Money, w/h with his Baggage shall be sent with a Flag of Truce, the earliest opportunity — I shou'd be glad to know whether my papers & some little Cloath- ing w/h I had in the Col/1 Chest be secur'd, & where they are — I am D/r Madam Cross Roads Your's &c Oct/r i/st 1777 F: Johnston When you write, send your Letter to Camp — To M/rs Frazer Chester County 236 October 5. 1777. Philadelphia 5/th October 1777 A Horse belonging to Perceval Frazier Esq. of Chester County, hav- ing been marked by mistake in the Kings Name, is therefore not to be considered as belonging to the Army. But to Pass where His Law- full Occasions require — Henry Bruell N:B: G:R: is now reversed. D.O/r M/r Gen/1 This is a very remarkable note. It implies that the prisoner had been permitted to retain his horse during the march to Philadelphia, and that it was, with quite un- usual consideration, cared for while its owner was languishing behind the prison bars of the State House, Also that the farrier had by accident branded the horse, and as such a brand would subject its rider, if not a British officer, to very unpleas- ant consequences, the D. Q. M. G. very kindly gives a pass for his animal to the owner, which may be of value in case he is paroled or exchanged. It is not improbable that this is further proof of the good will of Gen. Grant, his captor, who discovered a relationship between them and restored his horse and sword. It is also probable that Col. Frazer was a Free Mason at this epoch, as he certainly was later, and that this was one of those instances so often cited to prove the value of membership. The last name of the British officer may be Bruen or even possibly Bruem, but neither of these names nor Bruell was found by Dr. J. W. Jordan among the lists of British officers in Gen. Howe's army. October 24. 1777. Dear Frazer — I am not a little surpris'd to find, that our former Connec- tions & friendship have not indue'd you, to favor me with a line — This perhaps proceeds from an apprehension, that I am still unwell & absent from the Regiment— this however is not the case — 1 have long since return'd to my Duty, tho, not in such a perfect state of health as I could wish — Our worthy Major is recov'd & I trust will join us tomorrow or next Day) Capt/n Potts is well — Moore & the other Gent/n join in their best respects to you — M/rs Frazer & family I understand are extremely well — My best Comp/ts to Major Harper tell him, I had it not in my power to send his Baggage sooner, than the present opportunity — I am Dear Frazer Ever Your's &c Oct/r 24/th 1777 F: Johnston To Lieut/t Colonel P: Frazer 5/thP:Reg/t Philadelphia 237 October 25. 1777. Dear Colonel, Camp Oct/r 25/th 1777 Your much Esteem'd favour of the 10/th Instant p/r Flag came safe to hand, which gave me particular pleasure, I had rlatter'd myself, you wou'd not be Denied your Parole, nor the priviledge of walking the Streets, but was much distrest to find to the Contrary, by your letter — I ever was Convinc'd your Spirits were able to support you in every Distress and your Fortitude much Superior to any misfortune that can Befall you, — (Three lines crossed out) When I sent you your portmantteau and *Pilew y/e Wash woman was not in Camp, but when Ever she Arriv'd and I found your Clothes were in her possession, I got them Imediately and Sent 'em to M/rs Frazer's — thinking you had a Sufficient Supply Untill I shou'd be happy in seeing you with us again, and at your Liberty — You may Rely on the greatest Assiduity and Care shall be taken by me in Settling those Acc/ts which you have Intrust'd me with, and as soon as I can possibly procure the Money, Shall transmit it to M/rs Frazer. If you want the remainder of your Cloathes, please write me and I shall take Particular pleasure in Serving you, Capt. Tay- lor when in with a Flag, gave Major Stroubinsey £3,, 12,, o in Specy, for you the Rec/t of which, you did not mention in your L.etter. Shou'd be glad to know in your next, If you Receivd it — All the Gentlemen in the Regiment were Extremely happy to hear from you, and Joins in their Sincere wishes for your Health — I have y/e Honor to be Dear Sir with the greatest Esteem your most Obedient Serv/t Coln/1 Persifor Fraizer To Lieu/t Coln/1 Persifor Fraizer 5/th penn/a Regment p/r Flag Prisoner in Philadelphia James Moore November 5. 1777. Sir I shall be much obliged by your procuring from the Commis- sary and transmitting to me a list of our Officers, who have been taken *Perhaps "Vilise." 238 since the British Enemy landed at Elk. 1 am induced to request this, that their Friends may be satisfied in their anxious inquiries about them. If any have died of their wounds, or thro other cause, you will be pleased to mention it. I am Sir Yr Most Obed Servt Camp Nov 5 Robt Harrison 1/77 To Lieut Col/o Frazer This is Lt. Col. R. II. Harrison, A. D. C. and Secretary of Gen. Washington, who wrote the body of the letter addressed by Gen. Washington to Lt. Col. Frazer and dated Nov. 4, 1777. The following is probably an enumeration of the occupants of the "New Goal" Sixth and Walnut Streets Philadelphia, made in response to Gen Washington's above request. The Walnut St. Prison, occupied in 1775, was two stories high, 1S4 x 32 ft., with two wings of ox3 ft. and contained 36 rooms 20 ft. square besides cells, &c. Second Floor. Front Persons N/o 7 22 8 22 9 n 10 24 12 24 13 24 14 25 15 9 161 East Wing first floor N/o 4 19 N/o 5 15 N/o 6 15 7 Doctors Room 3 8 19 7i 2 39 Second Floor N/o 9 16 10 16 11 ■ 13 12 16 13 19 80 West Wing first floor N/o 4 17 5 18 6 18 7 15 8 8 76 Second floor N/o 9 19 10 • 23 11 24 12 18 13 14 98 N/o 17 Upper floor Front 8 First Floor Front N/o 1 7 2 15 3 • I 2 5 12 6 13 59 First floor front 59 Second D/o D/o 161 East Wing i/st floor 71 D/o D/o 2/d D/o 80 West Wing i/st floor 76 D/o D/o 2 D/o 98 N/o 17 Upper floor front 8 Total in Goal 553 240 Total Confined in Goal Officers Citizens & Soldiers 553 Scribbled on the back of preceding page Some men for publick good oft pretend While representing' Interest in their end Philadelphia Phil Johnson Philad/a Ben Weller George Seaton Livin Joynes To Capt. Frazer (?) I am your Humbl Servt James Johnson Nancy Smith I am Druyer (?) Yauberson ( ?) The following lists are most probably of the inmates of the hospital connected with the New Jail. In y/e front Lower Roomes N/o 1. is 3 Nurses N/o 2 is 15 officers 1 of them Sick Total N/o 3 is 10 officers N/o 5 is 12 officers 1 of them Sick 53 N/o 6 is 13 officers West Wing Lower Storey — N/o 4 is 16 Includeing y/e Nur/s 5 is 16 D/o V.D/o 6 is 16 D/o D/o Sick 78 7 is 16 D/o D/o 8 is 14 D/o D/o West wing Up Stares — N/o 9 is 16 D/o D/o Sick 20 N/o 12 is 2 D/o D/o 13 is 2 D/o D/o 241 Front Up Stares N/o 7 is 31 — In health N/o 8 is 31— D/o N/o 9 is 31 One of them Sick N/o 10 is 31 In health N/o 12 is 31 D/o No/ 13 is 31 D/o N/o 14 is 31 two of them Sick 217 East wing Lower Storey. N/o 4 Is 16 Including y/e Nur/s N/o sis 13 D/o.... "D/o N/o 6 Is 14 D/o.... D/o Sick 62 N/o 8 Is 19 D/o D/o East wing Up Stares- In 2 Small Roomes No fire East Wing Up Stares : -N/o 9 is 16 Includeing y/e Nur/s N/o 10 is 16 D/o D/o N/o 11 is 16 D/o D/o N/o 12 is 16 D/o D/o Sick 80 N/o 13 is 16 D/o D/o N/o 16 is 14 In health. N/o 17 is 8 D/o. . . N/o 15 is 6 In health. 5io 22 West Wing Lower Storey N : 4 is 16 Includieng y Nurses n/o 5 is 15 n/o 6 is 15 Sick 57 n/o 8 is 1 1 N/o 1. 3 Women 2 Men " 2 13— 5—12 6—13 4i * In pencil 41 West Wing up Stairs N/o 9 is 15 Including Nurses N/o 10 is 17 one Sick n/o 11 is 12 16 Sick 242 Front up Stairs N/o 15 is 24 n/o 14 is 24 n/o 13 is 24 n/o 12 is 30 n/o 10 is 24, n/o 9 is 24, n/o 8 is 24 n/o 7 is 25 n/o 8 a Sm 3 Sick 5 Sick 3 Sick 2 Sick 2 Sick In Health 199 9 Sick 8 a Small Room up Stairs is 8 East Wing Lower Storey n/o 4 is 15 Including Nurses n/o 5 is 14 n/o 6 is 14 n/o 7 is 4— Sick 65 Sick n/o 8 is 19 East Wing up Stairs N/o 9 is 17 Including Nurss n/o 10 is 1 — (torn) n/o 1 1 is 1 — (torn) n/o 12 is 1 — (torn) n/o 13 is 1 — (torn) 72 Sick (No date) Coll/o Buncombes best Respects attend Coll/o Frazier, & the other Gentlemen at the State House, has been unsuccessful in procuring a Supply of Eggs; He sent the Bearer to Market this day. but not one cou'd be had; wou'd wait on Them, but can scarcely walk, owing to his having the Step-Gout — 8 O Clock- Saturday Morn/g Coll/o Frazier at the State House Col. Edward Buncombe, who gave his name to a County in N T . C, commanded the 5th N. C. line, was wounded and captured at the battle of Germantown Oct. 4. 1777, and confined with other officers, including Col. Frazer, in the State II Philadelphia, where he died before the close of the year. Like Col. Frazer and many others he was paroled, but unlike them he was allowed to enjoy some of the privileges which a parole confers, — very likely because it was known that his wounds would soon prove fatal. 243 November 12. 1777. In CONGRESS. The DELEGATES of the UNITED STATES of N civ-Hampshire, Masschusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South- Carolina and Georgia, TO Pcrcifer F racier of the State of Peunsih'ania, Esquire- WE, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour Conduct and Fidelity, DO, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be Lieutenant Colonel of the 5/th Pennsilvania Regiment, and by a special Resolve of Congress of this date, to rank from the i/st of October ijj6 in the Army of the United States, raised for the Defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of Lieutenant Colonel by doing and performing all manner of Things thereunto be- longing. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Sol- diers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as Lieuten- ant Colonel And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Di- rections from Time to Time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress, for that purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief, for the Time being, of the Army of the United States, or any other your superior Officer, accord- ing to the Rules and Dicipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust re- posed in you. This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress. Dated at Yorktoivn the 12/th Nov/r iyjf By Order of the Congress, Attest. Cha/s Thomson Secy Henry Lausens President. On the back of this commission is endorsed in the handwriting of Lt. Col. Tench Tilghman A. D. C. and Military Secretary to General Washington the following note which is a formal acceptance of the resignation tendered a year later and an honorable discharge from the service. Head Quarters Fishkill q/th October 1778 Lieu/t Col/o Frazier having at his own request desired liberty to quit the Service, His Resignation is hereby accepted By His Excellency's Command Tench Tilghman The parts of the text underlined were written. 244 December 31. 1777 Sir We have frequently understood that the British ( Mhcers (Prisoners) were on their way to this place and consequently We were in daily expectations of being releas'd from tllis P lace - but our hopes have prov'd fruitless. M/r Ferguson Commiss/y of prisoners here, has inform'd Us that he had had a meeting with M/r Boudinot in or- der to expedite the Exchange, but that M/r Boudinot had failed in giving a regular return of the prisoners & of course the business drop'd, should this be the Case, which I can not doubt of. it is thought some very good reason will be expected from M/r Boudinot for this neglect, in a matter of so much consequence to our happiness \\ e are under great obligations to those who have furnish'd Us with hard Cash &c/a. and Tomorrow we are to be remov'd to the new Goal as We have been inform'd, the rooms are preparing for our more commodious accomo- dation, the State House being thought not so proper to render our situation agreable. I have heard nothing lately from Col/o Johnston, & wonder Major Robinson should be silent. 1 must imagine they are both unwell & absent unless the old adage is — fulltil'd in them also. "Out of sight &c/a" We have been inform'd that a malignant disorder has prevail'd in the New Goal, but We are told since yesterday, it has been otherwise. I am not in proper mood for writing what is agreable to myself, & cannot expect it can be pleasing to you I will therefore conclude with being Your most Hble Scrv/t Pers/r Frazer Decem/r 3 i/st 1777 M/r Ferguson has propos'd that any Provisions, ('loathing or other necessaries that may be thought expedient to send to Officers poor pri- vates in confinement he will faithfully distribute among them — You will please to mention this to Gen/1 Washington — To Anthony Wayne Esq/r Brig/r Gcn/1 American .Army P flag f Pers/r Frazier ! . tV / 1 a. ■< In a foreign hand. Decem/r 31/st 1777 ! State House { 245 January 3- 177%- Camp Jan/y 3/d 1778 Sir Your Letter to Gen/1 Wayne of Course fell into my Hands, and you may imagine the Paragraph containing M/r Ferguson's In- formation, of the reasons for dropping the intended Exchange, did not escape me — The part I have taken in all your distresses, and the Labour I have used to have them removed, obliges me to trouble you with this, lest your miserable State, should be any ways heightened by a suspicion that every Thing was not done for you, that was in our Power — An Agreement was fully concluded upon, between the two Generals, for an Exchange on Parole, and also that an Officer of our Army not above a Quarter Master or Commissary should be permitted to go into Philadelphia with Provision &c and there examine into the State & wants of our Prisoners — General Howe had asked for a re- turn of the Prisoners in our Hands, and on recieving Orders to make it out. I made report to General Washington, that all the returns Books &c were gone to Congress but the day before, and therefore I could only give him an Estimate of the numbers for each State from memory — This I took with me to the Lines, where I met M/r Fer- guson, and applied to him for a return of our Prisoners, on giving him the above Estimate, with the reasons of not mentioning the Names, in writing with a Promise to send them as soon as I could get at my Papers — He likewise alledged that the Person who had the former Direction of our Prisoners, was gone to New York & therefore he could not give me the Names, but the next morning would also give me an Estimate of the Numbers — As these returns were no part of the agreement relative to the Exchange we proceeded to settle the Busi- ness, but night approaching, and M/r Ferguson wanting to consult his Superiors on the nature of the Parole to be settled, he returned to the City, with a positive Promise to meet me next Morning at Ten °Clock at the same Place — The next morning I attended accordingly, and after waiting till half past Three in the afternoon and my Busi- ness requiring my presence at Camp that Evening, I left the Lines, and have not heard from him since on the Subject, except by Billet dated the same Evening, wherein he mentions the making the returns as a New Conditions of the Exchange & apologising for his delay— -I have since sent him the returns as far as in my Power; but the Exchange cannot by any means reach you, as they do not take off all the fort Washington Prisoners— I have ordered aI1 full Supplies to be sent in from the lower Counties, I mean of flower &c — which will be delivered to M/r Thomas Franklin my Agent in Philadelphia — If M/r Ferguson put a failure of the Exchange on the want of returns, it was not a Con- dition contained in the agreement w/h General Washington — I forgot to mention, that I was refuser! admittance into the City, notwithstand- 246 #^~ <# £*>*• &s 2~~y> X,; feA 7 — / X~-^ ■"««- •"*-' A ~~ / K l'.irt of .i li-ttcr of Col. Blias Boudinot to I.l. Col, Frazer, then :i prisoner of war in Pliiladelphia Fifty-six hundreths, lineal ineasuretiient, of the original. ing the Encouragement given l>y Gen/1 Howe's Letter for that Pur- pose — Whatever is in my Power to accomplish towards making - your Im- prisonment comfortable, you may depend shall be done — I am Sir Your very Hble Serv/t Elias Boudinot Com Gen/1 of Prisoners To Coll. Percival Frazier Prisoner of War Philadelphia January 1 8. 1778. Jan/ 18/th 1778 Dr Co/' I much Surpriz'd to hear you are in Close Confinment especialy when I Consider that the Gentlemen on the other side of the Question are treated by us with so much tenderness and humanity; Pray do you stand in Need of any assistance in my Power only com- mand: Your Friends of my acquaintance are exceedingly Anxious for you M/rs Frazer, I have hear'd a few Days was well — Pray let me hear from you by first opp/t. I am D/r Co/1 your most Obed t Hble Ser/t Sam Kennedy Lieu/t Co/1 Persifor Frazer Philadelphia January 21. 1778. Philadelphia goal January 21/st 177S Sir When we presume to address your Excellency be Assured it Cannot Arise from a trival affair humanity is the subject which we wish to dwell on & when that Amiable Quality is mentioned who can doubt that M/rs Gray is the Lady who amply has display'd that part of the grand scenery of Life which Shee was born for tK: which will Ever be indiliably impress/d in the Obliged Hearts If individuals Confind in this place seperately Could relate Con- sively the tributes of thanks due for Each particular favour sheets of 247 Paper must your Excel/ read to know what this Lady has done but not to intrude on your Excellencys Precious moments give us Leive to say shee has done all that mortal well Could do in Providing Every necessary in her Power and liberty at her own Cost for the Prisoners — We remain your Excel/lc most Obedient Humble Serv/ts To his Excell/cy General Washington Mrs. Gray's devotion to the suffering soldiers is alluded to in a letter of Dr. McKinly, dated Nov. 25, 1788, near the end of this chapter. Mrs. George Gray was probably the lady from whose husband's family Gray's Ferry is named. January 24. 1778 M/r Ferguson presents Comp/ts to Colonel Frazer, and has no ob- jection to Colonel Frazer giving M/r Bell a few Lines to procure him a safe passage through the Enemies lines to Chester. 24/th Jany 1778 January 31. 1778 Market Street Jan/y 31/st. 1778. Sir I Some time ago Deliver'd some shirts to the Bearer to wash, & there was one which she Could never give any acc/t of Untill this day when She brought me a Shirt, which she said she got from Col/1 Frazer and S/d she believ'd to be mine, & upon my Examina- tion I Declare upon my Honour that I realy believe it be my property as it is Exactly the Same sort of Linen & the same Size of the Rest of my Shirts, therfore hopes that y/e permitt the bearer to Carry it to me — I have the Hon/r S/r to remain Y/rs &c B Finegan Ens/n 16/th Reg/t of Foot Lieu/t — (torn) Dr. J. VV. Jordan was unable to find a record of this officer's name among the British army lists. 248 February 7. 1 7~8( ?) Sir, In answer to your Letter of this Date concerning a Horse which you say was left in my Care. 1 am to inform you That I am totally ignorant of every Circumstance of the Matter, & have no Horses hut what I brought from New York with me I am Sir your most obed Philad/a 7/th Feb/y humble Serv/t Robert Mackenzie M/r Frazer M r Frazer at M/rs Kivers's in Arch Street next to Major Gwyn 1 6/th Dragoons Francis Edward Gwyn 16th Light Dragoons (the Queen's) commissioned Aug 5th, 1775; Lt. Col. aoth Light Dragoons May 5. 1779; Col. Oct. 19, 178 ~>, A. D. C. to the King; Maj. Gen. Dec. 20, 1793; Lt. Gen. Jan. 10. [799. February 23. 1778 Sir Salem 23/d Feb/y. 1778 — You are to pass up the River with your Boats, and hum all the Hay along the shore from Billings Port to this Place, taken an acc/t of the Persons Names to whom it belongs together with the Quantity — On one John Kellys place at the Mouth of Rackoon Creek, there is near one hundred tons and up Mantua Creek there is a Con- siderable Quantity — it is his Excellencies wish to deprive the Enemy from Receiv/g the Benefitt of the Forage, and at the same time for such persons as are friends to this Country — to receive a recompense at a future day — for altho, it is a Maxim That Private property must be sacrificed to Publick Good — yet it is not his Excellencys Intention to Distress The Individual for The benefit of The Publick; but when Prudency & Policy, joined to necessaty will Justify The Measure — and not even Then, but with a full Intent that Restitution be made to that Individual — You will by The first oppertunity Transmitt to Head Quarters, the Names of the Persons, together with the Quantity of Forage belong. to each that you may have distroyed, persuant t.> this order — By his Excellencys Comm/d Ant y Wayne B G On Publick Service Cap/t Barry at Salem 249 This order was addressed to Captain, afterwards the first Com- modore of the United States Navy, John Barry, whose statue is to adorn Independence Square, Philadelphia. Barry at the time of the British naval attack in force on Red Bank by the Roe Buck and other vessels had saved his fleet of "frigates," including the "Effingham" his flagship, by running up the Delaware to Burlington. That portion of the American fleet "south of Market Street" had gone down the river. About the beginning of the year 1778 Barry ran the gauntlet of the British fleet at Philadelphia in the night, and' carried his boats to Fort Penn in the lower Delaware. Here, in February, he captured the "Mermaid" and "Kitty" loaded with forage and stores for the British Army. He also captured by boarding the armed tender "Alert" which belied her name, for with twenty seven men he drove one hundred and sixteen armed Officers and men into the hold, and secured the hatches. The order of Gen. Wayne was dated Feb. 23. 1778 and in a letter to General Washington of Feb. 26. 1778 (published in Griffin's life of Barry) the Commodore gives the following account of his action. Sir Feb. 26. 1778 According to the orders of Gen. Wayne I have destroyed the Forage from Mantua Creek to this Place the Quantity Destroyed is about Four Hundred Tons and should have Proceeded farther had not a Number of the Enemies Boats appeared in Sight and Lining the Jersey Shore Deprived us of the Opportunity of Proceeding Farther on the same purpose. Shall Remit to Your Excellency the Names of the Persons Whose property was Destroyed and Likewise the Quan- tity of Each have thought Proper to Detain four of Your men to assist in getting the Boats away as some of My Men are Rendered Incapable of Proceeding thro Fatigue. But shall again Remit by the first Order if Your Excellency having no further Occasion for the Re- maining Part of the Detachment under My Command have thought proper to Discharge them & am Sir with Due Respect Your Ex- cellency's Most Humble Servant John Barry Captain Barry remained two months on the river destroying forage & provisions. March 6. 1778 Sir I now acknowledge the receipt of Your Letter p/r Cap/t M/c Culloch, and do entreat You to believe, that, I am most sensibly mor- 250 tilled at not waiting; on You before this your second Letter. I will Sir, certainly wait on You tomorrow, when, 1 will chearfully pay with Interest the small Sum which You say is due to Your Fathers Estate. I am Sir James Chalmers Lieu/t Col/o Commandant First Batt/n Maryland Loyalists Col/o Fraser Everlys Banks Skuylkill March 6/th 1778. To Persifer Fraser Esq/r John Chalmers was a loyalist of Maryland. 1 1 i ^ corps was in service till 1782, but of no great strength in numbers. He went to England. < hi .1 voyage of this corps to St. John's N. B., the vessel was wrecked ana half were lost April 12. 1778. Cross Roads April 12/th 1778 Dear Frazer — 1 most heartily congratulate you on your fortunate escape, I shou'd be happy had I it in my power to take you by the Hand, this pleasure, I trust, I shall soon enjoy, as it is my determina- tion to return to my Duty & Command as soon as possible — When I last left Camp I did intend to spend some time in Virginia either at the Hot Springs, or on the Sea Coast for the Recovery of my health, w/h was greatly impair'd during the Winter by a very malignant fever — But as I collect health cv Spirits apace I shall regu- late my Motions accordingly — 1 wrote several Letters to you during your Captivity, perhaps they did not reach you, else I shou'd certainly have ree'd some in return from you — My Dear friend you will infinitely oblige me by writing me p/r first opportunity a Detail of your sufferings. &c since you unfortunately fell into the Enemies power — I am D/r Frazer Ever your's &c F : Johnston To Lieutenant Col/ 1 Frazer Col/1 Delany 5/th P: Regiment at Camp 251 June 3. 1778. Shanks June 3/d 1778. Dear Colonel I am Sorry to Inform you that it is out of my power to Return to Camp as soon as I proposed I have not found any Relief for the pain in my Brast from what medicine I have yet taken and the Cough that I had Seems to Increase — but that is not what keeps me beyond the time I proposed Comming in My Wife is Taken Very 111 before I Left Camp which I never heard till I Came to Neshamina I must beg Leave to stay a few Days till I See Some alteration in her — I have sent Wilson to Camp to D/r Davidson for medicine and would be Very Clad if the Doctor Could be Spared so Long as to Ride out — you will oblidge me by Giving Wilson Leave of absence to Return — Give my Compliments to Cap/t Bartholomew Cap/t Boud & all the Gentlemen of the Reg/t. — I am With Greatest Regard & Esteem your obedient Serv/t John Bartley Lt Col/o Persifor Frazer S/th Penns/a Reg/t Pass issued from Headquarters at Valley Forge. June 14. 1778. Permit Col/o Frazer, Major Williams and Doc/r Wellford to pass the Guards. By his Excellency's Command Tench Tilghman (torn) — ad Quarters (torn) — ley Forge 14/th June 1778 June 22. (?) 1778 Dear Frazer — It is likely we shall march tomorrow Morning early — the night being rather damp and disagreeable, I shall be under the necessity of sleeping with General Wayne — I shall be obliged to you, if you will order Lard to pack up all my things in the Waggon 252 dy Wa/ r^U jk '•&* *fe4^s **?<*ry ^ uc*~ OrJer in the handwriting; of Baron . Sixty-one huiulreths, lineal measurement, of the original except the Portmanteau & those things w li Peter has the charge of. these you will please to order Peter to bring here immediately to- gether with the Sorrel horse & forage if he has any — 1 am I )ear Frazer (torn) — ne 22/d 1778 Your's &c/a F: Johnston N.B. Please to inform the 1 Ifficers, that nothing can be done touch- ing v e arrangement till Gen 1 Reed comes to Camp, as soon as he comes 1 shall state their Complaints before him — F : Johnston To Frazer Regiment Pres/t Colonel JulyS. 1778. A quantity of Forage being Orderd to Paramus, the person in Charge thereof is to issue to the Detachment now marching for there til they Join the Army — — M/r Kelly at Sluterdam is to direct some Forage there tomorrow to serve til the next Day — Newark 8 July 1778 Clement Biddle Paramus is now a hamlet of Bergen County. N. J. two miles from Rochelle Park. Sluturdam is probably Slauterdam a po I office address in Passaic County near Passaic, N. J. The order is in the handwriting <>f the signer, who was the deputy Quartermaster of the "flying tamp." JulyS. 1778. Agreeable to the Commands of His Excellency General Washing- ton, the Second Re°; t first Pensilvania Brigade & the /th Reg t Second Brigade of Said State of Pennsilvania, are ordered to march this Evening from Newarck Camp at seven o'Clock to arrive to mor- row in the forenoon if Possible at Peramus church Where they will wait for Lord Stirlings Orders: Given at Head Quarters at Newarck July 8/th 1778. The Baron deKalb. In the handwriting of Baron deKalb. 253 July 17. 1778. Dear Frazer — I have stood a very severe attack of a billious fever and inflammatory Rheumatism in conjunction — My little Citadel had like to have surrender'd, but I luckily receiv'd timely succour from a youth descended from the great Esculapius. He completely counteracted and baffled the attempts of old Gen- eral Death — I think I am now partly out of his Clutches, at least for a Season — I am still extremely weak & by the advice of my Physician must not join the Regiment till better recruited — I propose to go to Bristol & in order to use the Mineral Water there as soon as possible I shall re- turn to you — You will oblige me by giving a particular charge to Molly B — s to take care of my things. I have a little Tea in my Portmantau w/h Capt/n Christie purchas'd, I have no opportunity of sending it on — As soon as one offers I shall send it you — I shall endeavor to purchase as many necessaries as possible — I expect to be order'd to Philad/a in Hartley's room — with our Reg/t My best respects to all my Officers I am Dear Sir Ever Your's &c Brunswick Fr Johnston July 17/th 1778 Lieut/t Colonel P: Frazer 5/th Penn/a Regiment Camp At that period Bristol, Pa., possessed a mineral spring of supposed curative virtues, and was considered a watering place. I 77 8 (?) Dear Frazer The situation you saw me in will justify my not lying in Camp tonight — I was so infernally wet that I was oblig'd to strip myself in the first house y/t offer'd, I very fortunately hit upon one opposite y/e encampment of the i/st Brigade, where Col: Cham- bers is likewise quarter'd ; I cou'd find no convenient house near our Brigade, save Woodford's quarters, else I shou'd have been nearer you — If. you will come down this way, you will fare not amiss, we have a good house, room enough good food & drink &c&c — 254 — if you cannot conic with convenience, make use of any Article in my baggage Waggon y/t you shall require — I shou'd be glad yon wou'd give pointed orders to the Waggoners to provide Grass enough for the horses, & forage, if to be procur'd — — if there are any sick men it wou'd not be amiss, to order the Q r Master to get some Straw for them to ly on — pray come if possible — I am D/ r Frazer Your's &c F. Johnston P.S. My Comp/lm to Seely and Bartholomew, tell y, m to sleep in the Market if they please. Saturday 5 o Clock P.M. To L/t Colonel Frazer Pres/t 1778 (?) General Orders — Colonels and Commanding Officers of Corps must cause their Regimental Paymasters to make up their Pay Ab- stracts to the i/st of this Month, and order them to attend at the Pay- master General's for the Money, proper attention to the General Or- ders of this Nature issued on the 21/st last Month, wou'd not only have removed the Complaints of the Soldiers for want of their Pay, too frequently made to the Commander in Chief, but wou'd have saved them much trouble in settling their Accounts for Money drawn on Account — The most punctual Obedience must be paid to this Order, No ex- cuse for Delay will or can be admitted — Geo Washington Command/r in Chief July 19. 1778 Dear Frazer By my friend M/r Buchannan I have sent you what remains of the Tea, 1 dare say you want it 1 shall soon supply you with more, as well as other Articles — I have escap'd the Clutches of old Death with great difficulty — I stood a narrow squeak — for near 48 hours it was a moot point whether I shou'd live or die — 255 I thank God my Disorder is broke, but I am still shatter'd & weak — I shall soon return to you — Inform Gen/1 Wayne I wrote to him some Days since, perhaps he has not receiv'd y/e Letter- — I am now at Princeton & shall proceed so far as Philad/a as soon as I gain suffi- cient strength — My best respects to my Officers, inform them I shall not neglect them — I am D/r Frazer Princeton Ever Your's &c July 19/th 1778. F: Johnston P.S. By all means write to me pr first Opportunity — F. J To Lieut/t Col : P : Frazer 5/th P: Regiment Camp Probably White Plains about July 24 1778 Dear Frazer — I did not intend to write to you by this opp/y ; being much press'd and hurryed with business, under this Idea I desir'd Stuart to apoligize for my not writing — but finding a leisure moment & ever willing to embrace it, I must trouble you with a Line — Our Line & the Carolinians only remain on this Ground — the other Troops with Gates's Winer have march'd Eastward — De Estaing it is apprehend'd, is the Object — I pray Heaven he may be secure, how- ever I think we have nothing to fear, there are or soon will be at least 14,000 Cont/1 Troops in that Quarter — We shall march within a Week, where I know not, 'tis likely East- ward. D/r Frazer I have been obliged at length to part with Peter, he is this moment gone to his Company, pray send me Andrew as soon as you can spare him — do not think I mean to hurry you in this mat- ter, but believe me there is not one man in y/e Reg/t fit for the pur- pose of a Waiter — My best Respects to M/rs Frazer & believe Me Ever Your's &c F: Johnston P. S. I trust I shall be with you in a few Days — F. J. To L/t Col. Frazer L/t Col Robinson Chester County 256 July 25. 1778. Dear Frazer I lay at Brunswick three Weeks in a deplorable situation, the necessaries of Life were exceedingly scarce there, & even Medicine would have fail'd me, had it not been for a worthy young Surgeon belonging to the Hospital — His great Care & Assiduity undoubtedly sav'd me. By his Advice I retreated as far as Philad/a apprehending that necessaries wou'd be there in greater abundance, this was the case, but they were infernally dear — I thank God, I am now much better & trust I shall soon be with you — The bearer Lieut t M 'c Cullock has the command of a small party of Recruits & four Rascals belonging to the Reg/t whose Crimes you will examine & punish — Pray desire Lieut t Forbbes to write me in the most particular manner what became of the Articles w/h he drew for my Reg t. I think his presence here wou'd be necessary — Unless those things w/h he drew are now with the Reg/t I shall conclude that he has transacted matters in a very disorderly way & thus he has de- voted his time to pleasure more than Business — Until 1 am inform'd of this Cloathing w/h he drew, I can obtain nothing for the Regiment- — You will likewise please to let me know what things Capt n Seely procur'd for the Mess, otherwise I shall not have it in my power to know what we stand in need of. My best Respects to my worthy officers, tell them I shall soon be with them again. & shall endeavor to bring on some I.innen & 1 have made a damn'd Rumpus about Broadhead's Conduct in regard to our Cloathing — T have carri'd out business for the Council — For God's sake, write me by the earliest Opportunity & let me know how our Operations tend — My best respects to Gen/1 Wayne, who is universally belov'd by the Whiggs here & fear'd by the Tories — desire him to write to me & in- close his Commands I am D/r Frazer with y/e greatest respect Philad/a Ever Yours July 25/th 1778 F: Johnston P.S. Since I wrote you the above, I find Doct/r Hutchinson, will be in Camp much sooner than M/cCulloch, & therefore have sent you this bv him — To Lieut/t Col/1 P : Frazer 5/th P: Reg/t Camp 257 July2 9 . 17/8. Camp 29 July 1778 Sir David Rees informs me he was formerly a Soldier in your Reg/t that he was taken by the Enemy at Brandywine afterw/ds enlisted with them & deserted from them. He was lately hired at Philad/a as a Waggon Driver & is now come forward in that Service. As we cannot hire a sufficient number of Teamsters otherwise we are obliged to draw Soldiers out of the Line for that Purpose, and as those who have been accustomed to the Business are more suitable than others, I should be glad, if you can with Propriety, that you would permit this Man to continue a Waggon Driver, which will save the drawing another Soldier in his Room I am Sir your most hum/ Serv/t Chas Pettit A Q M Gen/1 Col. Frazer Colonel Frazer 5 Penns/a Reg/t August 5. 1778. Sir/ I inform you that a Certain George Gath who enlisted last Febry. in Cap/tn Boud's Comp. is my indented Servant and is not free to the 14/th of this Instant I shall not follow him for the Time adjudged upon him for his absenting himself from my service; pro- vided that I am paid for the Time he had to serve when he left me — I want not to take him from the Service although his Time to me would (torn) very profitable as I can not find a Hand (torn) Business I kept him at — as it is in your (torn) to pay me or to send me the s/d George Gath I (torn) you by M/r Reeth who I impowr to Receive (torn) Price or to Bring me the Boy — My Charge is £ 45 — o from Sir your very hum : Serv/t Augs/t 5/th 1778 Patterson Bell To Colo. Francis Johnston or the Commanding Officer of the 5/th Pennsy/lva Reg/nt 258 August 13. 1778(F) Much Respected Sir. I am happy to hear you are better and wish you may continue so — 1 receiv'd your welcome supply the Veal I mean and shall with Collonel/s Chambers and Hay about one OClock return the proper thanks due so great a Benefactor — the articles you sent for you will receive with my good wishes for your recovery — the Gentlemen Above mentioned and 1 purpose waiting Upon you this Evening and hope to have it in our power to Congratulate you Upon the intire reduction of Road Island as report now says — my adven- tures throw this storm 1 shall also give you an Acc/t of pray have some Cool watter in the house V/rs Christ/r Stuart Camp August 13/ Coll/o P Frazer Probably 177S Sir You will send the Serjant who came from Philad/a immediaty to Head Quarters, as it is his Excellencies orders to see him — • Y/rs &c Monday mrg Ben. Fishbourne A. D. C. To Colo. Frazier — or the Officer Comm/g 5 Penns/a Reg/t (Benjamin Fishbourne was Pay Master 2. Pa. Bat., Oct. 2, '76, Capt. 4. Pa. Jan. 3. '77, and Aide de Camp to Gen. Wayne) August 17. 1778. Phila. August 17/th 1778 — Dear Sir I make So free as to trouble you with a few Lines in be half of my Rank as I Cannot possably attend my Self it being Such a distance and Going on Such an Uncertainty but make no Doubt but you will and Every Other Gentleman Officer in The Reg/t Do Their indeavurs for me to keep my Rank in the Reg t as I think it is a mater that may Very well be disputed Concerning major Ryans Coming into the Regt after his other apointmens Neighther had he Ever a comision 259 in the Reg/t higher Than a Second Lieut where as I have had a first Liet Comison in it The Commitee is Coming This Week to Camp to Settle the Rank of all officers I Therefore Sir would be Glad of your assistance in my be- half please To Give my Kind Complyments to all the office/rs of The Reg/t I am dear Sir yours to Serve ' Cha/s M/c Henry August 24. 1778 D/r Colonel I am extremely oblid'd to you for your note by Andrew ; I should have gone to see you this afternoon but am much fatigued ; tomorrow I shall certainly wait upon you — I am sorry I have no Letters for you nor News, yet I have many things to relate to you w/h will give you satisfaction. From my Circumstances while in Penn/a I could not possibly hear from your family, therefore cannot give you any satisfaction on that head — I am D. Col. Aug/t 24th 1778 Ever Your's &c F Johnston L/t Col. Frazer 5/th P. Reg/t This was one of those failures to call upon the family of a brother officer to which Mrs. Frazer refers several times rather caustically. August 29. 1778. D/r Coll thier is a General Order that returns be made of the Officers names and rank Serving Since the first of 1777 in Conse- quence of that and the Commit s of Arangments being Shortly to fall Upon our busness there are larg Chains Making for Rank in Our line Colls Harmer and North will disput with Hubly with no greater Right than you I am perswead'd Cap/t Bartholomew will Also make his Cliam as the Return will Soon be Called for — Coll Johnston has Slept one Night at home and is now at the Sawpitts with the rest of the Quality Wayne Stuart & Robinson have mov.d there bagage down my master will soon follow the Example I beleive I am with Respect y/rs &c C. Stuart August 29/th 1778. To Coll P: Frazer 260 September I. 1778. Gentlemen It is with reluctance that I add to the many com- plaints that are laid before you. relating to Rank in the Pennsylv/a Line, 1 am conscious that it will he difficult to give Satisfaction to every one, considering how matters have hitherto been conducted. And have no doubt but that you will do ample Justice to all as far as circumstances will admit — I think 1 am injur'd, in that Col/o Walter Steward is at present my Senior in Rank — referring to our Commissions as Captains I am far before him — The Congress thought proper to give him the Rank of Lieu/t Col- onel in November 1776. My Commission as Lieu/t Colonel qives me Rank from the first day of October preceeding his appointment — Before the arrangem/t of the Board of Gen/1 Officers last Cam- paign 1 had precedency of Colonels Rich/d & Will/m Butler by my Commission, that Board detennin'd very justly that they should take rank of me, which 1 chearfully acquiesced in — 1 only mention this Shews that it is not from a Cavilling disposition that 1 trouble you at this time. I have the Honor to be with due Esteem Your most Ob/t Serv/t To the Honble Commtee P F of Arangement White Plains Sep. i/st 1778 The injustice here complained of was one of the principal causes which induced Col. Frazer to resign from the Army the following month. September 2. 1778. Sir It is now upwards of Six Months since any thing certain has been heard from you — You must know you have faild in point of duty in not sending forward your recruits if you have any or otherwise not joining the Regiment You are therefore imediately to make the best of your way to Camp w/th the Men you may haw. having first sel ■ tied your acc/ts w/th the Lieutenants of the County & have the money to pay off the Bounty, if you should fail you will certainly be struck off the List of Officers — I am Sir Your Hble Serv/t Pers/r Frazer L Col/o Command/g 5/th P. R. Camp White plains Septem/r 2/nd 1778 Lieu/t Levi Griffith 5/th Pens/a Reg/t Chester County Lieu/t Forbes 261 September 6. 1778. Dear Col/o you are forthwith to repair to Camp by Col/o Johnston Express Command on sight of this at your peral fail not as you shall be Accountable for Non Compliance — you are to Asist in setleirg the Rank of the Officers in Our Reg/t my Compliments to Cap/t B ! B am y/rs &cc Christ/r Stuart Sunday Morning Sep/r 6/th 1778— Col/o Frazer There is always a touch of waggery in Capt Stuart's communications. September 1 i/th ( ?) 1778 Dear Frazer I shou'd be glad you wou'd make out a Return of the Officers of my Reg/t who were left out at Valley Forge — you will likewise please to inform the Brigade Major that he must call on the other Commanding Officers for a similar Return — the Returns are to have a private Mark to such Officers who are really unfit for the Army, if there are any such — F : Johnston Sept/r 11/th (?) 1778. L/t Colo. Frazer To the Honorable Committee of Arrangement September 26. 1778. Gen/1 Wayne's most Respectful Compliments waits on Colonels Johnston & Frazer Major Stewart & Cap/t Bartholomew & begs the favour of their Company to dine with him to day on a saddle of good Mutton Saturday Morning 9 O Clock 26/th Sep/r 1778 Colo/s Johnston & Frazer In Gen. Wayne's handwriting. 262 ». K I i i a bo •<- bo < $ s / ? ■ . ■ ! if » in s 5 3_ Vi3 i ? 2.3 3 S-l 3 C « O a = ; & I "' _ I a 3 m o g_ O - •" r ■ \ quire all ( )fficers and Privates under your Command, to be obedient to your ( )rders as Brigadier General And you are to observe and follow such ( >rders and Directions from Time to Time, as you shall receive from the Supreme Executive Council of this Com- monwealth, or from your superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War. pursuant to the Trust reposed in you GIVEN under the Seal of the Commonwealth, at Philadelphia, this tzventy fifth Day of May .... in the Year of our L R D One Thousand Seven 1 [undred and Eighty two Attest. T Matlack Secy Commission Brigadier General Percifor Frazier. Italicised words are written. Received Sep/r 30/th 1778 from L/t Colonel Persifor Frazer Twenty Five Pounds Six Shillings & Three Pence being in full for 2 Months & 15 Days pay as Lieu/t in the Com]) y. Commanded by tap t Joseph Potts in the 5/th Pens/a Regiment — Isaac Seely Lieut Receive! Sep/r 30/th 1778 from L/t Co!. Pers/r Frazer Twenty Seven Dollars & one Third Being for Money advane'd to Ja/s Long Serj t Vernon & Patrick Martin Soldiers Belonging to Cap/t Potts Company Serj/t Vernon.... 2 Dollars B: I'.artholomew Cap/t Ja/s Long 18 1/2 D 5/th P Reg/t Patt Martin 3 D Received Septem/r 30/th 1778. from L/t Col/o Frazer Twelve pounds one shilling & four pence in full for 2 M/o 15 days pay & former Bal- ance of 5 . . 16 . 4 John Walker Major John Harper To Persifor Frazer Dr — 1778 Dec/r 4/tli To Ball/ce due on Settlement of Acc/ts £ Received October 5/th 1778 from L/t Col/o Persifor Frazer Twenty five Pounds Six Shillings & therefore being in full for 2 M/o 15 days 273 pay from i/st Jany. 1776 to the 15/tli March following as Lieutenant in the Comp/v. lately commanded by Cap/t Potts in the 5/th Pen/a Reg/t— Levi Griffith Lt : Received Octo 10/th 1778. from L/t Col/o Persifor Frazer Twelve pounds ten shillings, being pay due to Jn/o M/cCullough & James Berry Soldiers in the Comp/y. late Cap/t Potts, the pay due from i/st Jan/y. 1777 to the 1 5/th March following. & w/ch 1 am to pay to them — Job Vernon Lieut/t Received Novem. 22/nd 1778 from L Col/o Frazer Six Pounds, seventeen shillings & Six pence in full for two Months & an half Pay. due me from the i/st Jany. to the 1 5/th March 1777. as Fifer in the 5/th Pens/a Reg/t William Cline October 31. 1778 Received Octo: 31/t 1778. from L Colonel Frazer One Hundred Dollars in full for 2 Months & an halfs Pay from i/st Jan/y. 1776. to the 1 5/th March following, as Captain in the fifth Penns/a Regiment Commanded by Colonel Francis Johnston — Joseph Potts Cap/tn P 5 R Received Feb/y. 4/th 1779. from L/t Col/o Persifor Frazer Six Pounds, five Shillings for two Months & an half pay due from i/st January to 1 5/th March 1777 as a Soldier in the Compy lately Com- manded by him John Murtland Received Nov/r 29/th 1779. from L/t Col/o Pers/r Frazer Seven pounds ten Shillings for two months & an half pay. due from i/st Jan/y. to the 1 5/th March 1777. as a Serjeant in the Compy. lately Commanded by him Edw/d Verney 274 Received Octo 4/th 1783. from L/t Col/o Persifor Frazer One pound five Shillings Specie being for 2 1/2 M/o pay due, & rec/d by him Sept/r 1778. when the scale was five for one John Maby Received March 10/th 1787 from Persifor Frazer One pound one shill- ing & six pence, on Acc/t of Two Months & Fifteen days Pay rec/d by him for me in Sept/r 1778 his Test Jonat/n Smith Pat/k X Martin mark It is interesting to note that the pay of a soldier was about eighteen pence paper money or about three pence ha'penny specie per day; the relative value of the two kinds of money being, in 1778, five to one. Captains earned $1.31 Wk- in specie), and Sergeants about two shillings (a little less than five pence in specie). The United States To Persifor Frazer To my Pay as L/t Col/o from 1. Octo: 1776 till 15/th March 1777 — is 5 1/2 Months @ 60 dollars Pr Month is 330 doll. NB my Pay from 15/th March to i/st Feb/y. 1778 has been settled by M/r Kimmell To 1 Months advance pay allow'd 60 To Pay from i/t Feby. till i/t June 1778 ) , ,,, is 4 Months @ 60 dollars ) 4 ° aoll/s To my Expenses from Ticonderoga in Decern. ) , ,,, 1776. being sent express by Col/o Wayne ) ••35 / To Forage for a Horse from 20/th Decem/r 1776 till 6/th June followg. 162 days @ 5/ To my Expences at Philad/a & Chester on y/e \ 21Q doll/s recruitg Service & other business of Reg/t .... i To Capt p/d for a p/r Irons for a prisoner ) , from Chester I ' ^ To my rations from 10/th Decem/r 1776 ~\ till first June 1778 at 5 Rations remains > wholly unpaid j ~/0 To Capt p/d sund/y Officers of y/e regim/t priv/ts 3067. doll/s The United States To Persifor Frazer L/t Col/o of the fifth Penns/a Regiment Dr. To my Pay as Major from the first This account is unfinished. The following claim for loss and damage by the raid upon Thorn- bury of Capt. De West is in the possession of Dr. I. W. Riley: September 1777 An Account of the Loss & damage Sustained by Persifor Frazer of Thornbury in the County of Chester from the Ravages of of a detachment of General Howes Army under the immediate Com- mand of Cap/t. De West of the guards on the thirteenth day of September 1777. 4 pair Chains, 4 Collers, 4 Blind Halters & Bridle. . £ 4 2 Mares 47 Wheat in Bags 9 Bus & a quantity in Sheaf 6 150 lb Cheese. Butter. Beef, & Flour 5 13 gallons Spirits 4 22 tb brown Sugar 7 lb loaf d/o 2 Tea, Chocolate, Coffee, Salt 11 Blanket & Coverlet 30/. Jarrs & Bottles 15/ 2 a number of Books of Account & other Books value unknown Damage in breaking Doors Locks & other damage 3 18, 10, 2 10 10 10 5 £ 87, , 5 Two negroe wenches ran away afterwards went away one of them went to the British 200 in Philad/a the other suppos'd to have joind them also £287, ,5 Endorsed Account of Loss Sustained by the Enemy in 1777. There is nothing to indicate when the above claim was presented, but most prob- ably after the war was over. The writer of the paper is unknown. 276 Abstract of Receipts lodged in this Office by Lt. Col. Persifor Frazier late of the 5th Penna. Regimt — >, s*% ^ "Z. u ■0 5 -3 V •—5 Tn .S 'n ■z t ■^ 'C "- 1 ei rt rt ri h V *-• PL.U B-j 3 a. S 0. B u Amount Date of s wo too 5 rt wo to S paid Receipts By whom received Dolls. Cts. Dolls. Cts. Dolls. Cts. Dolls. Cts. DolKCts. 1777 Feby. 7 Cap 1 James Moore 200 " 8 Ditto 40 " 240 " " " Cap 1 Alex. Johnston 100 " 100 " " 7 Cap 1 Job Vernon 140 " 140 " " 22 Cap 1 James Taylor 130 " 130 " " 20 L 1 James Forbes ' ' *' 60 . 1 May 15 Ditto 162 " 222 " Feby 2t *Ens'n Run. (?) Evans 60 " " ;. ;.-, Mar. 9 Ditto " " " " 11 11 97 "I Mar. 21 Ditto " " II 41 200 " ,. ,. 465 " Ap 1 30 Ditto 108 " it 11 " .. ,.j Feby 1 Cap 1 Jos. Potts 14 11 30 " 1 Mar. 6 Ditto 38 " '' "I Ap' 30 Ditto 270 " tl .1 f .. ..J May 1 Ditto 102 " 500 " " 1 Cap 1 Fred. Vernon 10S " \ 108 "J " 15 Ditto 216 " Feby 7 L' Isaac Seely 140 " 140 " " L l M« Clintock. 140 " 1 108 '■/ Ap' 30 Ditto 248 " May 2 L' M° Henry 142 " (1 (« " " 11 11 142 " 7 L' M° Gee 216 " || 11 " " ii 11 216 " " L 1 Griffith 162 " 162 " Feby 12 L 1 Sam 1 Smith " " 6O . l May 21 Ditto 38 " 98 '< May 22 Cap 1 Benj. Bartholomew 2 -,4 234 " 31 L 1 M'Culloch 30 " " " 11 11 i< 1 1 30 " " William Strong, Q. M. 83 ■ 83 " May 3 L 1 Kimmell 108 " 108 " Ap 1 30 L 1 Bartley 100 " 200 97 100 " 3067 " 2IO 3574 " Quere what Stores were did I y t. North procure for Col. Johnston. ? I find he he receipts for the sum £ 70. 16. iod. * The word may be Eng/r or Ens/n, but if Ens/u it is not clear win- he drew the pay of a Capt'n. The first name seems an abbreviation for Reuben, but in Heitman Frye's Mass. Regt. the only Reuben Evans was 2d Lieut of 277 On the back of the sheet is the following. Commissioners Officer Philad/a Feby. 20. 1784 I Certify that Lt Col : Frazer late of the 5/th Penn/a Regiment has lodged in this Office. Receipts against the Foregoing Officers Amounting to the sum of three thousand five hundred & seventy four dollars. Three thousand & Sixty seven dollars of which are in his favor, two hundred and ten dollars in favor of Captain North, two hundred dollars in favor of Cap/t Christie. & Ninety seven dollars in favor of Lieut M/c Clintock. — Joseph Howell Junr. A Commis A Accts. (Endorsed) Abstract of Receipts of Sundry Officers of the 5/th Reg/t of Pennsylvania for Monies advanced them by Lt Col. Percifer Frazer &c for Recruiting in the Year 1777 September 10. 1788. Wilmington 10/th Sept/r 1788 Dear Sir I am almost ashamed to trouble You on the following occasion yet for your sake as well as my own I think : it not unneces- sary — being in a large & respectable Company, at a Tavern in this place, the other Evening when some altercation happening between our Attorney Gen/1 M/r Bedford & myself, & the same becoming gradually warm, he then reproached me, that when I was a Prisoner in Philad/a I used to sweep our Room in turn, when I might have been excused on paying five Shill/s in port Wine — this I positively denied & mentioned That you cou'd prove the contrary — he then asserted that You were the very Person from whom he had the information 1 replied that as it was false, You cou'd not be the Author, & gave my reasons — mentioning your good Character, & the mutual regard that subsisted between us — that there were Nineteen Prisoners in the Room & that I was confined there only Thirteen Days — so that it cou'd not become my turn more than once — & that I well remem- bered, when that Service was proposed to me, & knowing that we were then all on a footing, therefore I assented if required, on which I was told, half a Gallon of Rum wou'd excuse me, which I immediately sent for, & that poor George Blewor,* & ( his Father as he called him & others named Commodore) Francis Grice, who I think proposed it, drank almost the whole — which perhaps you may remember — altho' the Company in which this dispute happened were too well acquainted *Perhaps Bluver. 278 with me & my disposition, to believe I cou'd lie so meanly saving, as represented, yet it being repeatedly asserted on your credit, & as often denied on the same, in such a Company, renders it necessary that you shou'd be informed thereof, altho' I assure You that 1 have not the least suspicion that You ever treated me in such a manner — but as false stories have been frequently propogated against me & 1 am per- suaded from the same Quarter, for some Years past, before our Gen/1 Elections, at which that Gentleman lias for several Years been a Can- didate, but for certain reasons he has not for some Years, bad my ap- probation — therefore the mean policy has been frequently made use of, to propogate false Stories to diminish my influence in behalf of Others, whom 1 have better approved of for as to myself it is well known that I will accept of no public Office 1 have therefore to re- quest that You wou'd favour me with an answer, as soon as possible — & if you send it to the care of M r Aaron Musgrove, your Goaler, to whose care I send this under cover with a request to forward your .Answer as speedily as he can ov 1 expect he will do so — 1 have several reasons to request your compliance & I doubt not you will indulge me — My best Respects to M/rs Frazier, your Daughter & Family — & believe me to be with much esteem & regard " D/r Sir Your's sincerely pray fail not to answer me speedily J n /° M/c Kinly Coll/o Percifer Frasier Esq/r Chester County In care of M/r Aaron Musgrove Councellor John Hannum Assembly Caleb James Memoranda _j AT-it-l- WHrr.%- written in another hand Alaik \\ ilcox I ownsend Whelen Rich/d Thomas Samuel Evans „ W/m Gibbons Assuming Dr. McKinly's allowance of time for the transmission of letters be- tween Wilmington and Thornbury at "a few days." this letter probably reached Gen. Frazer on Sept. 15. for he wrote a reply on the 16th, which was entrusted to Major Harper but still undelivered on Nov. 25. Probably this letter contained a copy of the communication he addressed to Col. Bedford, which for that reason is entered here. 279 (Sept. i6.(?) 1778) Sir I Received a letter yesterday from Doct/r McKinly which has given me great Surprise; He therein mentions that you had re- proached him in a Public Company in the following terms, "that dur- ing the time M/r McKinly was a prisoner in Philad/a he Used to Sweep the Room in turn, when he might have been excused on pay- ing five Shillg/s in Port Wine" and that I was the person, that gave you the information Now Sir I do in the most explicit manner de- clare that, no such expression ever passed my lips, nor had I any grounds ever to have made Use of such expressions; on the contrary I do not know that he ever did sweep our Room, and remember his being excused from that business on acc/t of his age and Rank, and on his giving a treat to some of the Company — You must certainly upon recollection Sir clear me of being the Author of so groundless a Charge; during the time M/r McKinly and I were prisoners together, I never observed any thing in his conduct either mean or mercenary and it wou'd have been highly improper in me to have made use of such ungrounded reflections — I believe upon recollection you will re- member that one of our Company when prisoners, had from former disputes, no great friendship for the Doct/r whether any expression of his might have made impressions on your mind I know not, but I most solemnly declare that no such words were ever uttered by me — I shall be glad to hear from you on this subject, which has given me much uneasiness and shall be sorry the respect I have entertain'd for you should suffer any diminution I am Sir Your most O.b/t Serv/t Pers/r Frazer Gunning Bedford Esq/r Addressed Gunning Bedford Esq/r Wilmington October 24. 1788. Wilmington 24/th Oct/r 1788 Dear Sir I wrote to You, some weeks agoe, a Letter which I in- closed to the care of M/r Musgrove your Goaler requesting that he wou'd forward the same with care & dispatch & as I apprehend that he has complied with my request — & that Business has prevented your favouring me with an Answer hitherto — I must therefore repeat my 280 request that you wou'd favour me with an Answer by the first con- venient opportunitv & thereby oblige Sir Your very hum Serv Jn/o M/c Kinly The Bearer has promised to forward with care this hasty Scrawle Coll/o Persifor Frazier Esq/r Chester County favoured by Mark Wilcocks Esq The reproachful letter of Oct. 24th must have been received and answered three days later, viz: Oct. 27, and a second letter enclosing another copy of the communication to Gunning Bedford was dispatched on that date by Mr. Russell, reaching the impatient Doctor a few days later — say Nov. 1. But the latter \\a^ not so prompt in acknowledging the receipt of services as in requesting them, for he allowed over three weeks to pass befure inditing the following: November 25. 1788. Wilmington 25 th Nov, r 1788 Dear Sir This is the first opportunity I have had, or 1 wou'd have sooner acknowledged the receipt of your favour of the 27/th Ult/o for your Letter on the 1 6/th Sept r by Major Harper 1 have not rec d but your last by M/r Russell came safe to hand, a few Days after its Date, for which you have, what You so justly merit, my warmest grati- tude — for You have therein not only proved all my assertions in that noted Controversy, to which it relates, but You have also kindly men- tioned how I constantly attended the sick & wounded < )fficers & Sol- diers belonging to our Army & supplied them with Medicines & Wine at my own expence — & to my great satisfaction it clearly proves what I particularly insisted upon at the time, that You were my Friend & to much of a Gentleman to be guilty of the Falsehood that Calumnia- tor laid to your Charge — & the whole was so well expressed, that I had great pleasure in showing it to every of the Gentlemen who were in Company when the dispute happened, i\: to several Others, who all were fully convinced thereby that the Person alluded to is a scandalous Ever tho' 1 did not before think worth while to mention it to You, yet he also insisted at the same time that the Provisions, which You may remember. 1 did procure liberty from lien 1 Smallwood to supply our Landlady M/rs Jenkins with, who then Stood m great need of such supply, that I huckstered them about the Street to sell to the highest Bidder, the fact was, M/rs Jenkins wanted & wou'd have willingly kept 281 the whole, but I got her to spare a part, only for the use of my Brother in Law Cap/t Reeve, who was then in great want — thus He, who to carry his Election into the Legislature, to which he knew that for sev- eral weighty reasons I was opposed, therefore to lessen my influence, he has constantly made it his practice for several years before our an- nual Election, to propogate, covertly, some falsehood against me — but at last becoming so bold as to insist on some of those falsehoods to my Face, which 1 long suspected he had often done behind my Back, he is at length detected which I hope may be the Fate of all such base & scandalous Persons — (turn over) — I wou'd now mention to You, that at the same time our Calumniator said, that he had his informa- tion from You, which was what we chiefly disputed upon, he also de- clared that Coll/o Hannum also told him the same, which I do not be- lieve, therefore I cou'd wish that You wou'd acquaint Coll/o Hannum therewith as soon as You have a convenient opportunity, & request his Answer for altho' your Answer is fully sufficient to disprove the Charge, yet his wou'd be an additional Evidence — I shall not apologise for this farther trouble, as I know You will readily excuse it— & shou'd it be in my power to render You any Service, I hope You will freely command — My best respects to M/rs Frazier & the Family, & assure yourself that I am with great regard D/r Sir Your real Friend & very hum Serv Jn/o M/cKinly P.S. I wou'd just add, that all the Company who were present, when the dispute happened, knew that I had never been a niggardly Person before or since being a Prisoner— & You may recollect, that when in Captivity, besides what I did for the sick & wounded, I also gave the worthy M/rs Gray* an half Johannes, when raising a Collection amongst her Friends, wherewith She, good Woman, bought Blankets, & carried them by stealth to our half naked Soldiers, who were in Goal, starving with the Cold, without Fire General Persifor Frazier Esq/r Chester County favoured by Ja/s A. Bayard Esq *This is doubtless the Mrs. Gray to whom such a glowing tribute is paid in the sketch of an address to Gen. Washington from the "Phila. Goal" Jan. 21. 1778. presumably by the American officers and soldiers who were prisoners there. 282 Description and authentication of arms and portions oi uniform formerly used by General Frazer. In the half tone illustration the upper sword, presented to Col. Frazer by Baron von Steuben as stated by the former's daughter Sally, with it's scabbard is 2' 2" from the top of the ornament surmounting the hilt to the point of the blade, and 5 3/4" from the same initial point to the lower surface of the guard. The hilt and guard of the sword, and the bands of the scabbard are of brass. This was one of the small swords of General Frazer, and is in all probability that one alluded to in the accompanying letter of Sarah frazer to my father, John Fries Frazer, written June <>. [840, as having been in the possession of George Brinton and Joseph II. Brinton, West Chester, June 6th. 1840. My dear John I have heard a piece of news within these few days that 1 think will be interesting to you. Namely that one of your Grand- fathers small swords which was thought to be lost, is to the fore, in this neighbourhood — It seems that there was some conversation about me going on in .Mrs Hodgsons house some time since when |ohn Brinton the Lawyer asked Mrs H. if I knew that Joseph II. Brinton had my Fathers Sword (or Lewis Brinton now. his father being dead). Mrs. H. did not know nor did she mention any thing as to any one of the Brintons having it. but I know that your Grandpa had two swords besides his Hanger, as he called it. I also heard your grandma men tion several times that he had lent one to Colonel Thomas Taylor of Westtown and that it was lost — Col. Taylor was a militia officer and an intimate friend of your Grandpa, there are letters from him among those papers I gave to Persifor, 1 think, by which it appears he was very near taking out a commission and going into the regular Army — George Brinton the father of Joseph J I. Brinton was a pretty near neighbour of Col. Taylor, 1 remember them both very well — it seems probable the sword might have been left at his house upon some oc- casion and Col. Taylor might have died without mentioning it — More- over I think it must be the sword presented to your Grandpa by Baron Stuben, the military Tactician, you know, a foreigner, who assisted General Washington in training his raw troops. At any rate I think it of too much consequence to be left * ***** and believe you will think so too — I have been balancing, a little whether or no to give you the first chance for redeeming it, have finally concluded you have the best right, particularly in the absence of your brother P. — I do not know 283 who has the sword* that was bought by Doctor Wilson at the sale of your Fathers property after his death, but some one of the fam- ily, or conections of the family, got it after the blade had been broken and repaired — Give my love to my dear Charlotte and a kiss to the little Anne— and believe me, in spite of all your capers, Your affectionate Aunt Sally Please tell Doctor Barton he must not take those children of his to France without bringing them up to see me first — I want to know about Robert, whether he goes into the army or no as I have heard a talk of — I think, however, you will be here and can tell me — West Chester August 21st, 1840. Dear Sir I have taken the liberty of addresssing you, upon a sub- ject of great interest to myself, but which requires that I should com- mence by apologizing for troubling you, with whom I have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance, in the matter. Having been informed that there was, in your possession a sword, which originally belonged to my grandfather, Lieut. Col. Persifor Frazer, and was used by him in the revolutionary war, I applied to Mr. Dillingham to learn whether there was any possibility of re-obtaining possession of a relic so interesting to us, and was by him encouraged to make the present application to you. To your late father, this sword was undoubtedly highly interesting as a memorial of an ancient loved, and respected friend ; and there would, I conceive, have been an impropriety in seeking the recovery of it during his life-time ; this impropriety, does not, I hope, now exist, since he too has followed his ancient comrade, and is succeeded by those, to whom, in the nature of things, Col. Frazer must be com- paratively unknown. To the children of Col. Frazer, however, and to his descendants, such a historical relic of such an ancestor, cannot but be of great value, and of the highest interest, and it is in the name of his descendants, that I take the liberty of requesting of you the favour of its restoration. I feel that in making this request, I am taking a liberty which is the greater, not being warranted by any previous ac- quaintance ; but I hope that this will be pardoned, and my request, (if consistent with your feelings,) be granted, for the sake of the friend- ship which has of old existed between the families. "This was the broken blade of lenticular cross section which disappeared shortly after the death of my father, John F. Frazer. 284 1 shall be happy to hear from you, when perfectly convenient to yourself, and if it be agreeable to yon will call upon you, whenever you may be at leisure, to discuss the matter personally. In the mean tune 1 remain with gTeat respect Yours truly John F. Frazer (Chester Cy. Hotel)— Lewis Brinton Esqre. Philadelphia September 5th, 1840 Dear Sir The numerous occupations, to which my sudden return to the City called me, have prevented me from acknowledging, ere this, the receipt of the sword which yon have so kindly presented. Permit me, in my own name, and in that of the family, to return to you, our sincerest thanks for your kindness, and to assure you of the pleasure, it will give us to reciprocate it, if ever an opportunity shall occur. With great respect 1 subscribe myself Your obedient servant John F. Frazer. Lewis Brinton Esqre. Westchester The last two letters were shown me by the late Dr. Daniel G. Brin- ton, and were accompanied by the following note : Dr. D. G. Brinton, Media, Pa April 26/99. Dear Dr Frazer; On looking over some old family papers, my sister came across two letters which she has sent me. They refer to the sword, of which you once inquired. It occurs to me that you might like to see them, & I therefore enclose them to you. Will you kindly return them at your convenience. I remain Very truly yrs D. G. Brinton 285 The correspondence with Mr. Lewis Brinton establishes the identity of this sword because my Father possessed but two others of early date. One of these was a broken blade with convex sides tapering to a point and without hilt, grip, or scabbard. Its cross section was lenticular. This sword was probably the second of the two small swords, alluded to in Sarah Frazer's letter, of which the origin is unknown. It was in my Father's possession till his death but since then could never be found.- — The other sword inherited by him is not of older date than 1812, in the opinion of an expert of the William H. Horstmann Co. The sword represented with its scabbard at the bottom of the illus- tration is with equal certainty the "Hanger" mentioned also in my great Aunt's letter. It was given to me by W. H. Myers, whose letter will be found below establishing its authenticity. He told me that during her life time his mother kept it in a drawer. It is 2 ft 3 3/4 inches long from the top of the hilt to the tip of the blade, and 4 1/2 inches from the same point to the lower edge of the guard, the chains on the hilt and scabbard, and the bands on the latter are of silver. Philad/a Dec. 14. 1887— Dr. Persifor Frazer Dear Sir — The small "French hunting sword" you have, belonged to Col. Persifor Frazer, & was used by him after he lost his sword when taken prisoner after the battle of Brandywine. He last wore it in action, at the battle of Monmouth,* of the above I was informed by my mother, who was his youngest daughter, in whose possession it was until her death — This was also known to all the older members of my mother's family. — Very truly Yours W/m H. Myers This sword was always called a "Couteau de Chasse," & from the guard & chain being silver & the hilt ivory, had evidently belonged to a French officer, & had been given by him to Col. Frazer. — W. H. M. The pistols in the illustration were inherited by my JJncle Persifor Frazer (b. 1809) from his Father Robert, son of Gen. Frazer, and at "This is probably a mistake. In a letter ilated "White Plains July 26. 1778," the second he wrote after the battle of Monmouth, Col. Frazer says * * * "do send my Bayonet and small Hanger, * * * "I have no sword to wear" * * * ; and in a subsequent letter from the same place of Sept. 2, '78, he says, "I forgot to mention that I have got my Sword and Bayonet." 286 Epaulette -worn l>\ General Frazerinthe Revolution. Seven-tenths of natural size, lineal measurement. Military chest of white pine used by Gen. Frazer during his campaigns in the Revolu- tion. The dimensions of the lower base are 3 ft. 1 1 inches x 1 ft. 7 inches : at the top 3 ft. 7 inches x 1 ft. 3'^ inches. Vertical depth 1 ft. 3^ inches. The name ami initials were probably cut by himself with a penknife. The top and sides are stained reddish brown. Interior of thi my uncle's death were left by him to me together with the military chest elsewhere figured, and the family papers which are embodied in this book. Thy are each i ft. 2§ inches from butt to muzzle. The barrel is 8 inches long. The barrel, base of the butt (with connecting inlaid strips on each side, and a small detached inlaid plate on the upper part of the stock in shape like the vertical section of an egg with the point towards the base) is i! inches long and 7/8" broad"; the side plate (bearing the name "Blyth"), a narrow ,-croll opposite, the trigger-guard, and tube & socket for the ramrod; are of brass. The trigger, hammer bearing the flint, the "steel." and a short strap secured on top of the stock by one screw and touching the upper side of the chamber of the barrel, are of steel. The ramrod is of wood 7f inches long tipped at the small end with a steel charge-drawer with double cork screw reversed and screwed on to the steel threaded end. On the upper side of the barrel is engraved the word "LONDON." The sash of red silk which surrounds the other objects was given to me by Dr. W. H. Myers the nephew and namesake of the donor of the "hanger." The accompanying undated note from him gives his state- ment of the origin and successive ownerships of this sash: I came into possession of the sash after death of my father the late Persifor Frazer Myers, who died in 1862 when I was a boy of 17 years of age. Always understood that it belonged to my grand- father the late Col. Henry Myers of the Chester Co. Blues ( [812-1815), and my grand mother Eliza Frazer his wife who was a daughter of Gen. Persifor Frazer, and that it formerly belonged to her Father. My -rand parents afterwards gave it to my father 1 suppose and along with some old family papers which have disappeared. Have always kept it as a relic until the present time, and with the above account of its history. I he military chest was used by General Frazer during his campaigns in the war of the Revolution, and has the following dimensions: Length of lower base, 3 ft 1 1 inches, breadth 1 ft 7 inches. Length along upper aperture closed by the lid, 3 ft 7 inches, breadth 1 ft 3 1/2 inches. Depth vertically from upper corner to bottom, 1 ft 3 1/2 inches. Its possession descended to his eldest son Robert, and from him to his eldest son Persifor, my (Jncle, who kept it with great care in a bank vault ; and having no children, left it to me. It is made of white pine. The top and side- are stained a reddish 287 brown. The words "Lt Col. Frazer" are cut on the top, very likely by its first owner. The letters "P' F"? also roughly cut a little to the right of the front edge of the lid, are very shallow and not completed. It is to this chest Mary Worrall Frazer alluded in the postscript of her letter of Aug. 29. 1777 to her husband, where she expressed sur- prise that it was not among the Officers' baggage which had been brought to their house in Thornbury. The epaulette in the illustration, worn by Persifor Frazer while Lt. Col. of the Fifth Pennsylvania Continental line, was presented by his widow to their granddaughter Mrs Emma Vaughn (Smith) Riley, and is now in the museum of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. It is of the pattern generally used by the Officers of the Continental army. The strap and fringe are of silver bullion. The length of the epaulette and strap when suspended, as represented in the half-tone, is 7f inches. The workmanship is superior and probably French. I sent the illustrations and descriptions of the arms to Gen. Crozier, Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army, with the questions subjoined. Through the kindness of Lt. Col. A. H. Russell, of the same depart- ment, who referred them to the anthropological section of the Na- tional Museum, at Washington, I have received the following replies from Dr. Rathbun, to whom and to his assistant, Mr. Beckwith, I ex- press herewith my sincere thanks. Smithsonian Institute United States National Museum Washington, D. C. October 23, 1906. Dr. Persifor Frazer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dear Sir: Your letter of October 9th addressed to Brig. Gen. Wil- liam Crozier, U. S. Army, together with the photographs and descrip- tions of swords, pistols, etc., concerning which you desire certain in- formation, has been referred to the National Museum. * * * I am not able to do more than send you the annexed answers which have been furnished by Mr. Paul Beckwith, of the Department of Anthropology, in reply to your questions, and these I am repeating for your convenience. 1. In the upper sword are there indications of German origin? Ans. More probably French than German. 288 2. Were swords like the two represented common among the gentlemen of the American army in 1777-78? Ans. Yes. They were in general use. 3. Are there indications of French workmanship in the lower sword ? Ans. Yes. There are such indications shown. 4. Were "coutcaux de chasse" and "hangers" used then as officers' swords ? Ans. Yes. They were in general use hy the line and staff officers, with the exception of those in the Cavalry and Ar- tillery branches. 5. Have the pistols the appearance of duelling pistols of that epoch ? Ans. They were probably used as dragoon or holster pistols. 6. Would duelling pistols have been probably used in holsters then owing to the scarcity of suitable military small arms? Ans. As there was no regulation service pistol, any avail- able make was used. 7. Who was "Blyth" (the name on the plate under the ham- mer). If a London gunmaker, what was his date? Ans. He was a gunmaker in London during the years 1 772- 1 793. 8. Were red silk sashes worn by the American officers during the Revolution ? Ans. In compliance with General Orders issued from the War Office. Philadelphia, on January <;. 1799, rec ' s 'lk sashes were to be worn by the commissioned officers, and red worsted sashes by the non-commissioned officers. 9. The cross section of the lost sword was somewhat oval, the longer diameter about an inch at the guard. Does this give any suggestion as to its character or origin ? Would it not resemble a rapier? Ans. The cross section resembles a court or dress sword, rapier, scaramouche, hanger, or small sword. 10. See note p. 5. What use had an officer for a bayonet? Ans. In 1780. in accordance with General Orders, Short Hills, Sunday, January 18, 1780, all commissioned officers were required to have as side arms either a sword or a "gen- teel bayonet." The latter weapon resembled a dirk. * * * Very truly yours, R. Rathbun. 289 Nov. 7. 1906. Referring to your letter of October 25th, I would say that the duelling pistol of the Revolutionary period was a finely finished heavy pistol with a blunt butt. The one represented in your photograph has a round butt and is of a much heavier build.* It is very probable that sashes were worn in the Continental army, although there is no documentary proof to that effect, as the uniform was copied after that of the British officers, who certainly wore silk sashes at that time. * * * R. Rathbun Asst. Secy. ' That is to say they were not duelling pistols. P. F. 290 CHAPTER VI. The Period from 1779 to 1792 Inclusive. MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS INCLUDING LETTERS, INVITATIONS, MEMORANDA, LEGAL DOCUMENTS, VCCOUNTS, RECEIPTS, ETC., ARRANGED AS NEARLY AS POSSIBLE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER. A paper book 5$ x j\ inches with paste-hoard covers under red marb- led paper, containing - ten leaves, has the following heading- on the first page : Register of the Names of those Persons that have taken the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance and Fidelity, as directed by an Act of General Assembly of Pennsylvania passed the 5/th day of December 1778. before Persifor Frazer one of the Commissioners appointed for the County of Chester. N/o Persons Names o 1 Thomas Cheney Esq. Tho/s Taylor Esq. o 3 Samuel McMin a 4 Jn/o Murtland o 5 Bart/w Sutton o 6 Will/m Linsey a 7 Joseph Rudulph o 8|Jn/o Gruber a o|Henry Hayes a io|Sam/l Smith Date of Certificate one of the justices Jany. 20th and a Sub Lieut, for 1779 Chester Co one of the justices Jany. 29/th etc I of Concord(vveaver)|Feb/y 1st of Goshen | 4th Middletown j 13th Chichester j 1 3th Darby | 15 ditto I d/o ditto j d/o ditto j d/o 291 o 1 1 James Davis JTredyffrin o 12 Samuel Landers (Ridley . . . o 13 James Kerr | o 14 John Snider jun/r a 15 Jacob Rudulph Cap/t 16 John Quandrill o 17 Ja/ S McMichell 18 William Willis o 19 Cap/t Nich/o Diehl o 20 Major Sketchly Morton Commiss/r of Taxes o 21 David Cloyd Commiss/r of Taxes o 22 Col/ Jn/o Bartholomew One of the Assessors a 23IC0I/0 Caleb Davis |Prothonotary |Darby I |Chester I Ridley Ridley J East Whiteland 1 ditto I Springfield February 19th 23d ditto ditto ditto ditto 24th d/o d/o d/o do d/o d/o a 24|Joshua Ash a 25|Jn/o Pearson o 2o|Jn/o Mcfarland o 27 o 28 o 29 o 30 o 31 o 32 o 33 o 34 a 35 o 36 o 37 a *8 o 39 a 40 a 41 o 42 a 43 a 44 a 45 Will/m Evans Edw/d Burd Esq/r Prothonotary of Supream Andrew McMinn James M Cullogh Will/m Haston Ralph Forrester John Taylor James Hemphill James Ramage James Beggs. W/m Dunwoody Tho/s Levis Esq/r Mark Willcox Isaac Levis Mordecai Massey Rob/t Thomson John Levis Elisha Taylor Edward Carter Court / 25th d/o d/o 27th d/o d/o d/o d/o d/o d/o Ashtown Springfield Chichester Goshen Willistown Goshen Thornbury Edgemont ditto one of the Justices etc of Concord Middletown Edgemont do Springfield Willistown Chester March 4th d/o d/o d/o d/o d/o 22/nd 23/rd 292 o 46 Thomas Bigar o 47 Morton Morton o 48 Thomas Price o 4oJAnd/w Urian o 5oJPhilip Clime March 23/d 27/th 29/th 29/th Register continued N/o o 51 o 5 2 o 53 o 54 o 55 o 56 o 57 o 58 o 59 o 60 o 61 o 62 a 63 Persons Names Laurence Fredrick John Wright Andrew Boon John Cornog John Davis William Field Bernhard Vanleer William Quin Hugh Kirpatrick John Vaughan Robert Fergison Rich/d Flower David Cowpiand Place of residence Darby . . . ditto ditto Haverford ditto Marple . . . ditto ditto Chester . . ditto ditto ditto d/o date when adm/r March 29/th 29 29 29 29 30/th dito 30/th d/o d/o d/o d/o d/o 64 65 a 66 a 67 68 69 70 a 7i 72 73 74 75 76 Joshua Vaughan William James John Rinker John Schantlin John Hogan Caleb McCully William Jones Joseph Black Daniel Rice George Gruber Chris/r Shuff Joseph Boon Jacob Rice |d/o d/o d/o d/o d/o d/o d/o d/o d/o d/o d/o d/o Goshen | d/o Edgemont | 3 T /st Darby | April i/st ditto' I d/o ditto I d/o ditto I d/o ditto I d/o 293 77 o 78 o 79 a 80 a 81 o 82 83 Lewis Painter Peter Boon Arch/d Dick John Hannum Esq/r Lewis Trimble Joshua Way Alex/r Vincent ditto j d/o ditto I d/o Lower Chichester. . ! d/o East Bradford | d/o Ridley | 20/th Thornbury IJune 14/th Concord I 84 85 86 James Lindsay Mich/1 Gill W/m Noblit jun/r Ash town |Octo : 12/th 1779 Chester Middletown Octo d/o 18/th List of Persons, who have taken permits accord/g to an Act entitled an Act. to prevent engrossing and forestalling etc a I I Parker Askew |Concord |Feb/y. 23/d 1780 Jn/o Pierce |ditto | 28 Francis Trumble |Goshen | 29 Col/o Thomas Ball |Warwick furnace, .j March i/st Adam Richards |East Cain | d/o Jn/o Hannum Esq/r | 2/nd James Woodward Bradford | . . . ... d/o March 5. 1779 Brother Isaac March 5/th 1779 I expected to have seen yon here on Monday last as you promis'd and expected We might agree about the Meadow and Worrilow field — It has been a disap- pointment so far to me as I have not concluded where to put in my Spring crop and as I must have my fences put in order if Grissell is to have it, he must prepare Rails for his part as I shall have occasion for a great many if I am not to have that part — I should 294 be very glad you would give me an answer that I may know how to proceed — We hope Betsy and all the Children are well, We should be very glad to see you and your family here again — Piercy is well — Your Mother has been very ill for several days past Polly and myself join in our good wishes and Coin/ts to Betsy and yourself Y/rs Pers/r Frazer Let me hear from you by a line by the Bearer — Pierey wants Shoes very much. Addressed To M/r Isaac Taylor near Colonel Knoxes In Southwark favour of Rob Glenn The following inquisition is the outcome of the annoyance re- ferred to in the correspondence of Col. Frazer and his wife during 1776: April 6. 1779. Pennsylvania Chester County Ss An [nquisition Indented and taken at East Whiteland in the said County of Chester the 6th: day of April Anno Dom one thousand seven hundred & Seventy nine by the Oaths & affirmations of John Jacobs, William Denny Robert Wallace Charles \ivx-(\ David Denny, Aaron Phipps, Benjamin Jacoby, Paul M/c Knight, John Evans, Thomas Roberts and John Francis Thomas Harris, good and lawful men of said County, before Thomas Cheyney and David Cowpland Esq/rs Justices the Peace of said County to keep Assigned, and also to hear & determine divers other matters and things to them com- mitted who say upon their Oaths & affirmations aforesaid that William Noblitt in said County Yeoman Persifor Frazer Yeoman lonir since was lawfully and peaceably seized in his demesne as of Fee of & in one messuage with its appurtenances in Easl Whiteland afores/s in the County aforesaid, and his said possession so continued until William Noblit late of Middletown Yeoman some time in the month of April 1777 with strong hand into the messuage aforesaid with the appurtenances afores/d did enter and him the said Persifor Frazer thereof disseized and expelled and him the said Persifor Frazer so dis- 295 seized and expelled from the said Messuage and appurtenances from the said month of April intill the day of the taking of this Inquisition with strong hand did keep out and doth yet keep out to the great disturbance of the peace of this Commonwealth and against the form of the Laws in such case made and provided We whose names are hereunto set being the Jurors aforesaid do upon the Evidence now produced before us find the Inquisition afore- said true In Witness whereof we have hereto set our hands and Seals John Evans David Denny John Jacobs Tho/s Roberts Aaron Phipps W/m Denny John Francis Ben Jacobs Robert Wallace Thomas Harris Paul m/c kiuVht Charles Reed April 15. 1779 Agreement of Jonathan Valentine to pay P. F. £1135 for a tract of land in E. Cain twp. Chester Co. but as a part is held by Sarah wife of John Pierce P. F. is to pay to Valentine the interest on £ 135 per year till her death. Chester: ss: Whereas information hath been given to me the June 7. 1779 Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Chester, that Jonathan Hunter, George Fryer, William Pyle, George Brinton and John Pierce are at this time possess'd of quantities of Grain or flour more than Sufficient to support their family's and stock to the First day of August next — And whereas divers familys are at this time in great want of Bread for their sustenance of tlie familys an d some of the persons afore- mentioned have refus'd to dispose of Grain or flour at the market price or for Continental Currency. — These are therefore to authorize and Command Hugh Reed — Jacob Vernon and Persifor Frazer to go to all or any of the places where any grain or flour is kept by all or any of the persons aforesaid and carefully examine what quan- tity of Grain or flour all or any of the said persons are possess'd of and how much thereof can be spared over and above what may be necessary for the support of the owner or possessor his or their family's or stock by them kept, 296 which overplus you shall appraise at the current price and make return of your proceedings to me — Given un- der my Hand and Seal this 7th day of June 1779 Thomas Cheyney June 8. 1779. Agreable to the Orders & directions of Thomas Cheyney Esq/r We the subscribers went to the dwelling House of Jonathan Hunter of the Township of Edgemont to examine what quantity of Grain or flour was in the possession of the said Hunter and upon examination as aforesaid We found in the dwelling House of the said Hunter Eighty Bushells of Wheat & thirteen hundred of flour — Thirty Bushells whereof We think sufheient to keep & maintain the family & stock of the said Hunter untill the first day of Aug/t next — And We do appraise the said Wheat at Six pounds ten shillings p/r Bushell each Bushell to weigh sixty pounds & We do also appraise the said flour at Twenty Pounds p/r hundred weight. Witness our hands this 8/th day June 1779 ) June y/e 9 Samuel Oliver obtained ■ an order for 200 of y/e above flour foreign ha nd f the 12 James Tomson for one hundred on back of sheet Sam/1 Oliver 2 C/t flour David Yarnall. Rich/d Evanson . . . . . . 1/4 C/t Jacob Vernon Hugh Reed Pers/r Frazer 2 1/4 C/t Richard Sill 1 C/t Jn/o Bougher 1 C/t James Thomson 1 C/t Elinor Walters 1 C/t Rich/d Butler 1 C/t Jn/o Edward 2 2 1/2 Wheat Aaron Baker 10 Bus John Sill 3 1/2 Bus James Register.... 9 Bus Josiah Lewis 10 1/2 Bus 35 1/2 Bus Rich/d Butler 1 Han/a Yarnall .... 3 Levis Jones 3 Jane Russell Nat/h Baker 3 Jn/o Briggs 3 Dan/1 Yarnall 6 53 (In pencil) Nathan Baker 3 297 From the date of the return to the Court of the report of the com- missioners last till Nov. 29, 1 78 1, there is no dated and signed writ- ing by Gen. Frazer among his papers, although there are the rough drafts of two memorials; one to Congress, and one to the Su- preme Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which must have been written in this interval. (See pages 265 and 270) During the summer of 1779 Gen. Sullivan prosecuted his Indian campaign in the Wyoming Valley, and in the official account of that campaign by the Secretary of the State of New York is a Roster con- taining the name of Lt. Col. Frazer as a Deputy Commissary General. The question of his participation in this campaign is discussed in the Preface. July 14. 1779. Philad/a July 14. 1779. Sir, As a Clothier General is now to be chosen, I have taken the lib- erty to mention your name to some of the members of Congress as a person very proper for that place — what the Event may be I cannot pretend to say; but beg you will take a ride up to Town without delay; as your presence may be very necessary if any thing is likely to be done — I shall hope to see you tn >s Evening or early to morrow morning; and am D/r S/r Yours Sincerely W/m Henry Addressed near Taylor's Ironworks Chester County For Sundry Reasons it would be highly necessary you should be here to morrow morning, by Breakfast Time, if possible. (No date.) Chester. Ss The deposition of Hannah Yarnall of the Township of Edgemont, taken before me the Subscriber One of the Justices &c/c of the said County ; who being duly affirm'd according to Law doth depose & say — That She is well acquainted with Edward Richardson the Son of Joseph Richardson who lives on the other side of Skuylkill as she is informed — that the said Edward came to live with George Peirce 298 las about this j n the Spring of 1782, that the said George Peirce occupys the plantation where this deponant which was the property of the late deponants late Husband & where She now resides — that the said Ed- ward Richardson work'd for the said Peirce from the time above men- tioned 'till after the next Harvest, that during this time the deponant often observed the said Richiso Edward go abroad & Return with a different Horse from that he took with Him & at one time he bro t two Horses to the said Peirce that about the Middle of August he went off as is this deponant was inform'd to Virginia. & lias been absent three times since t eld them such re ss as your Petitioners as in duty bound will constantly ever acknowledge the Favour (Unsigned draft.) No date. Probably between April 5, 1780, and Mar. 22, 1781. To May it please y/r Honors being I have been requested to state the Characters of Edw/d Grizzell & Jn/o Smith Willson who stand are Qiarg'd with Treason, beg leave to repre— -t to inform your Honors, that I have known them both sev- eral years & from their former behaviour am of Opinion it was owing more to youthfull folly & inexperience than from any badness of heart that they were led into the Commission of the Crimes wherewith they stand Charged — Since their return I have taken particular Notice of their conduct & can say with truth that it has been such as show'd 300 their sorrow & abhorrence of the Crimes they had commtted — and as I have reason to believe they brought their Horses Anns & Accoutri- ments off with them, Hope they will meet with all the favour Usualy shewn to others in their Circumstances Col/o Persifor Frazer Addressed Commissioner of Purchases for the count v of Chester May 13. 1780. Philad/a May 13/th 1780 Dear Sir I received your favour this morning by M/r Smith in favour of two persons now confined in the Jail of this City and under sentence of death — I can Just inform yon that their cases considered of this day week and it did not appear to be the opinion of council that they shou'd be executed and accordingly an order was sent to the Sheriff to have them removed from the Dung-eon to an upper chamber and to take off their Irons which I believe has been complyed with. — • No Warrant of execution having Issued consequently no reprieve cou'd take place and we are expresly prohibited from pardoning untill the end of the next session of the General Assembly in the cases of Treason and Murder this you'll see in the twentieth Sect/n of the Con- stitution of this State I make no doubt but that a Pardon will take Place as soon as the Assembly rises which will be in two or three weeks I have yesterday Just heard the disagreeable acc/ts of the murder of Boyd near your neighbourhood a collector of the Publick Taxes I fear the Villains have escaped the Punishment so Justly due Such an attrocious offence. The Marquis Fayette is ar- rived at Head quarters and will be in the City in a few days Various are the Conjectures what his Business may be Some report that he has a Squadron of ships of war with him and I believe it is Certain that he has brought over fifteen thousand Suits of Cloathing for our army and Likewise that he has more than ordinary Business no news from the Southward I am Sir your Very h'ble Serv/t Col : Frazer Jos : Gardner Addressed Col: Persifor Frazer Chester County This note probably refers to Grissell & Wilson, charged with, and apparently convicted of, treason. 3OI M/r Reeds Compliments to Col. Frazer and begs the Favour of his Company to Dinner tomorrow 2 °Clock Sunday Morn Endorsed Col. Frazer Aug. II. 1780. Friend Fred/k Steen Please to pay unto 1 — (torn) — Gilpin Two hundred and Eighty five l'ou (torn) for w/ch Sum 1 will be accountable from your Friend Aug/t 11. 1780 Pers/r Fra (torn) Endorsed Received from Pers. Frazer the full Contents of the within March 1. 1781 — Frederick Steen Fre/d Steen Collector. October 24. 1780 I will be answerable on demand for what Frederick Taylor may purchase to day at your Vendue from y/r Hble Servant Pers/r Frazer To M/r Sam/1 Davis Octo 24/th 1780 In 1 78 1, 1782, and 1784 Persifor Frazer was elected to the Legisla- ture of Pennsylvania. May 20. 1781. This Bill bindeth me Richard Morris of the Town- ship of Willistown, County of Chester and State of Pennsylvania — Yeoman in the just Sum of Fifty Pounds w/th lawful Intrest Gold or Silver Money of the State aforesaid to be paid unto Persifor Frazer of 302 the Township of Thornbury in the County and State aforesaid, his Executors, Administrators or Assigns at or upon the twentieth day of .May next; For the true payment whereof I do hind myself my Heirs Ex- ecutors and Administrators and every of them in the Penal Sum of One Hundred Pounds of like Money as aforesaid accounting a Spanish milled Dollar weighing Seventeen penny t Six grains at Seven Shillings and six pence each and a Gold half Johannes of Portugal weighing nine penny weight at the rate of Three pounds each. And further I do hereby — authorise and impower any Attorney of any Court of Record within the Said State or any of the United States to appear for me the Said Richard Morris and after one or more declarations filed for the above Penalty, thereupon to acknowledge Judgment or Judgments as to any term or time after the date hereof, with Stay of Execution until the Said twentieth day of May next. And I do hereby release all Errors that may happen to he in or about obtaining the said Judgmen or Judgments. Witness my Hand and Seal this Twentieth day of May One Thousand Seven Hundred ami Eighty One. Richard Morris Sign'd, Seald and deliverd in presence of Us his Perry X Howard mark Mary Fallows N B: the words (with Lawfull Intrest were interlin'd before Signing Endorsed Richard Morris Bill Chester, Thursday Evening i Novem/r 29/th, 1 781 .) My D/r I expected to have had the satisfaction of seeing you this Evening, but the Quantity of Money I have receiv'd here makes it necessary I should go to Philad/a with it, I have sent you by Mr. 303 Cheyney some of the Articles you wrote for — the others I shall get if I can. I sent yesterday by Geo. Fryer from Philad/a to be left at Amos Mendenhalls, a Cag of Spirit, another of Mellasses and i 1/2 Bus of Coarse Salt, you will please to send for them if you have not already done it. — I am to have 2 Bus fine Salt from Marcus Hook which I have paid for. — I intend to be home on Saturday Evening. I believe it will be best to send in the grey Horse tomorrow Evening and Bobby and I can ride home in the Chair — as it will be too much for the Horse to go and come in one day — if you should here of any person going to Market and send the Mare it would be still better, give my Love to the Children. I am My D/r polly. Your affectionate Husband Pers/r Frazer. Chester Thursday Evening Novem. 29/th 1781. To Mrs. Mary Frazer P/r fav/r of Col. Cheyney Dec. 7. 1781. Received Decern. 7. 1781 from Thomas Taylor One Hundred and twenty seven pounds nine shillings and ten pence hard money and Ten pounds State money on acct of the Effective Supply Persifor Frazer Endorsed Pers/r Frazer's Treas. acct. (Decem/r 9/th 1781) My D/r Percy I should be glad you Cold make besiness ansure so as to Come home a Fryday for I Shall be a fread to Stay any Longer with out you I beg you may By your Self a Cloak for your Coat is in- tirely Spild please to Send little Polly pair of Shouse and let me know by Bobby wheather or not I had best Send in the grey horse for you to Come home in the Chair we are all well as you Left us Ex- cept my Self I got a bad pain in my Left arme that Renders it all most useless please to give my Complement to M/r and M/rs Henery I am my D/r Percy Your affectionate wife Decem/r 9/th 17R1 Mary Worrall Frazer please to Send the News and a Almanac Col/o Persifor Frazer. 304 (Saturday Feby. 13/th, 2 oClock) My D/r The Convention have got the matter on which the Offices arc to depend in the Constitution as reported by the Committee, it has been expected to come on some days ago, but is yet undertermined I therefore think it best to stay and see the issue which I expect will be favorable — beside this, in Consequence of Mr. Duffield's death Mr. Henry wants me to do some business for him It is therefore likely I shall not see you before Tuesday or Wednesday. My love to the Chil- dren Bobby is well. Your Affect/te Husband. Pers/r Frazer Saturday Feb. 13 2 o'clock Mrs. Mary Frazer, Westown. (Saturday Morning.) My D/r It gives me much pleasure to hear that you are all well, as the Roads are so very bad, and as the Assembly Sit twice every day, it is also almost certain we shall break up on this day week I have con- cluded not to go home to day. Please to send in a Horse for me ag/t Saturday next when I hope to see all. Gideon Malin came to me on Monday last I agreed to let him have the place if (Norgrave (?) ) left i f w/ch I expected he would, but he is come to town yesterday and tells me he cannot leave it and that he will give me security for my Rent what to do with him I do not know. Malin took a line from me to him, but understand he did not see Norgrave, if therefore he is disappointed he cannot justly blame me, as it will take at least three Months to get him out at any rate; which will not answer Malins pur- pose — I intend to get Norgrave to give him information respecting it if you should have any oppertunity send him word. Percy lost the Paper, you sent to me. I am Y/rs affectionately Pers/r Frazer. Mrs. Mary Frazer. In May 25, 1782, Col. Frazer was appointed Brigadier General of the Militia of Pennsylvania. (See page 272.) 305 Philad/a March 27/th, 1782. My D/r Polly It will be unnecessary to send Bobby up this Week, as it is very uncertain whether I can go home or not — The Philad/a County Election is again taken up by the House, w/ch takes of 6 of our Members, and as 3 of the back Countys will return home on Sat- urday, will then leave but barely the Number for a Quorum of the House, therefore the absence of any other, will prevent any business being proceeded on — should the House adjourn from Saturday noon 'till Monday 3 o'Clock, I can get Mr. Henrys Mare and ride home conveniently. Indeed I have dropt the notion of having Bobby here, unless a more desirable place can be had for him to live in — I was at Mrs. Frazer's the day you left town and found her in so disagreeable a situation as in prudence we would not wish our Child should take ex- ample from — Jemmy Thomson is yet in Goal, he is I am inform'd something more sensible of his situation than he was — I have a Petition ready to lay before the Court in his behalf — which is the only Resource he has left to get the matter settled equitably — I shall want some Linnen etc., and my Breeches, if you can find any convenient oppertunity pray send them — pray send 2 C/t of the best flour by Mr. Jones's waggon next week — Frederick must not neglect to have the Meadow in order. — if the weather is moderate next Week Pete must clean out the Ditches in the Meadow — Tommy Grissell must save as much shingle stuff out of the Timber he is cutting as will shingle the house in the Valley — I send you a Paper which contains all the News, except a re- port w/ch prevailed yesterday that the Island of Tortola was taken by 4 of our Privateers, tho, the report is uncertain — My best love to the Children I am Affectionately Yours Pers/r Frazer. For Mrs. Mary Frazer, Thornbury. May 21. 1782. Received May 21/st 1782 from Philip Riffard Col- lector of Coventry, a Certificate for a recruit for Penns/a Line N/o 238. and Two pounds five shillings in Cash on Acc/t of the Tax for filling the Line. Pers/r Frazer Certificate £20 Treas/r Cash 2 — 5 £22 . s 306 September 17. 1782. Order of the Orphans Court of Chester County Justices Benj. Bartholomew, Thomas Lewis, John Pearson, & Adam Grubb on petition of Persifor Frazer in right of his wife Mary for her share of 228 acres of land in Thornbury owned by her Father John Taylor who died intestate. It is ordered that a writ issue for division into four equally valuable parts — two to the eldest son tsaac, one to P. F. in right of his wife Mary and one to James Thompson in right of his wife Sarah. September 16. 1783. In Orphan's Court before Justices Benj. Bartholomew, Robert Smith, Adam Grubb, cc John Bartholomew, John Gardner high Sheriff returns a partition made in conformity with a writ to him of the past 26th of March. ( hi Sept. 1 1 having caused the parties interested to be present with W m Gibbons, C'has. Dil- worth, Hugh Reed, Gideon Gilpin, Sam I Mendenhall, Sam 1 Painter Caleb Brinton, Jos. Dilworth, Edw. Brinton, Titus Taylor, & John Hunt, divided the land as commanded. ( 1 fere follows the divison 1 'art of it "agreeable to a draft made by Anthony Wayne in [769"). Certification of the copy by William Gibbons Clerk of Orph, Court 1782. Plot of Survey endorsed on back "Survey of my tract in the valley near the White Horse when 1 proposed to sell it in Lotts. By Mr Cha/s Dilworth. the whole contains 49 1/2 Acres and 39 perches Survey in 1782. M/r Reeds Compliments to Gen Frazer and begs the Favour of his Company to Dinner tomorrow at 2 o'Clock Saturday Endorsed Gen Frazer Aug. 29. 1782. Promissory note for £1/1 7,/6 to Persifor Frazer from Richard Morris. Feb. 27. 1783. Demand note same to same for £3, , o, , o. (Richard Morris to Persifor Frazer) 3°7 March. 10. 1783. My D/r Polly Addressed I wrote to you on Saturday by Mr Norgrove and intend to be horn on thursday Even- ing, therefore the Sheriff may be ready for I shall at- tend if if I am well — I am uneasy to hear you still continue poorly — I would by all means desire the persons concern'd in the Seizures to drop the matter and give up the goods, if they are injur'd in their acc/ts being dock'd too low they may apply to the Assembly by a Memorial — it has been attended with much trouble here as well as there I expect they will be sent for to day or tomor- row — the Sheriff will be apply'd to and it is expected he will not make any opposition I should be sorry to hear he would as some persons who were concern'd I believe intend to throw an odium upon him there fore desire he give up the goods as otherwise it will certainly be attended will ill consequences to him par ticularly I am yours Monday morning 10/th March 1783 Pers/r Frazer To M/rs Mary Frazer March 3. 1783. The following sheet contains, with a rough draft of an amendment to the Militia act, probably prepared by Gen. Frazer while serving as a member of the Legislature, a disciplinary resolution regarding a member of the finance com. of the House, and loose memoranda which seem to refer to the lands on Canoe Creek and the Frankstown branch of the Juniata which have been frequently mentioned in these papers, and as far back as 1762. An Additional Supplement to an Act entitled "An Act" for the Regu- lation of the Militia of thls the Commonwealth of "Pennsylvania" Whereas by the present Militia Laws of this State now in force, the Supreme Executive Council are not empower'd to call out the Militia cannot be called out un Assembled in less three day notice be given than three days, after notice thereof given ; And whereas the peace & good Order of Government may be inter- 308 rupted by sudden & dangerous tumults & Riots, for the sup- pression of which, the imediate aid of the Militia may be expedient & necessary — Be it therefore enacted & it is hereby enacted ccc/a that from & after the publication of this Act, it shall & may be lawful] for the Supreme Executive Council & they are hereby empowered when it may be necessary & expedient for the support of the Civil authority in preserving peace ec good order ,lf within this Commonwealth to Or- der into actual Service Such part of the Militia by Classes, of the City of Philadelphia, or of any County or Counties as the exigency of the Case may require, &c And be it further enacted &c a That the several & respective Offi- cers and Privates of the Militia so called upon or ordered as afore- said shall be liable to the same lines & penaltys for refusing or neglect- ing to perform the Service required of them by this Act as by the Law to which this is a Supplement they are or may be liable to for neglecting or refusing to perforin a Tour of duty Whereas Samuel Meredith Esq/r a Member of this House & appoint- ed as one of the Committee of Acc/ts has hitherto very greatly misbe- haved himself in not attending to his duty but has from an indolent negligent disposition, refused to do line the Service^ required of him by this House, to the great injury of the public & the other Members who compose the Committee Therefore Resolved that the Said Samuel Meredith Esq/r for & in consequence of his Xeglect as aforesaid is hereby discharged. Asher Clayton ioo Acres on the North side of Franks Town Branch at a large Run above Standing Stone Creek. d/o ioo Acres on North Side of Franks town Branch at the lower end of small Narrows adjoining Adam Torranus improvement. Jn/o Little 200 Acres on Frankstown Branch about two miles above the Canoe Place including the Mouth of a small Run that empties into said Branch March 3/d 1783 Col. Asher Clayton died in 1774. May 3. 1783. Demand note for two dollars from Richard Morris in favor of P. F. 309 Oct. 6. 1783. Lease for 999 years of Philip Stimble snuff maker to Frederick Fairlamb of right to build a dam — across Ridley Creek between the two properties of lessor and lessee with certain conditions for the yearly pay- ment of one ear of Indian corn if demanded. Signed Frederick Fairlamb Witnesses. H. H. Graham and William Graham Oct. 16. 1783 B.Wine Octd/r 16/th 1783 Sir Yours of the 10/th Inst/t Came to hand p/r John Forwood am really Sorry that I have it not in my power to Replace the Money at this time, w/ch you were so kind to Oblige me with I had depended on the Sheriff getting me as much Money as would have been Sufficient to have paid it previous to the last Court but that failed, hope to be able in a Short time, anil will give you anv thing for the Use it when p/d which you may think reasonable. I am Respect- fully Y/rs etc Richard Cheyney March 4. 1784 Note for one year given by Richd Parks to John Kimbler for £22, , o, , o, , Witnesses James Nuell, Jos. Hemphill March 26. 1784. To Cash Paid Owen Thomas as p. order from Gen/1 Frazer 45, , — , , £69, , 6, , 5 40, , — , , — 29. , 6, , 5 Received March 26/th 1784 from Persifor Frazer Twenty Four Pounds, Six Shillings and five pence Endorsed on back Pers/r Frazer Rec/t 310 July 2. 1784. Philad/d July 2/d. 1784 Dear General. Your warrants in my hand have not been surveyed at the place where they were originally de- signed for — the troubles at that place have prevented — as particular an examination of the ground as I could wish hitherto, And from all I can learn the land has been already surveyed to Doctor Smith or others but have not been able U> lay my hand on the drafts However 1 have surveyed them on as good Land 1 believe and further down the River, which 1 have rea- son to believe is vacant now, but will be soon surveyed on new orders if not returned on old ones, Should be glad to see you in town and if satisfied, to endeavor to have them accepted and confirmed. I am with great respect Your Obe/dt Ser/t W/m Montgomery Gen/I Frazier Addressed General Pers/r Frazier Chester County- August. 1784. August term Common Pleas Chester Co. 1784. Richard Fen is charged by John Coxe attorney for John Den to answer accusation of entering with force and arms live acres af land leased to John Den by William Rawle and Elizabeth Burge the terms of the lease not having expired, the following letter is ap- pended. Mr Nathaniel Norgrove I am informed that you are in possession of or claim title to the premises in this declaration men- tioned or to some part thereof and I being such in this action as a casual ejector and having no claim or title to the same do advise you to appear next November term in the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Chester and then and there cause yourself to be made defendant in my stead otherwise I shall suffer judge- ment to be entered against me and you will be turned out of possession. Your loving friend August 31/st 1784. Richard Fen 3" Endorsed on back This ejectment brought by Mr. Rawle on a false information that I claimed within his lines, it was agreed to leave the matter to W/m Beal and Jno Bar- tholomew Esqrs. ; their report to be enter'd as record by Rule of Court who accordingly met Aug. 13. 1785 on the Premises in dispute and without any hesitation made a return that there was no cause of action. Undated plot of Road near the turnpike Chester County left by Mr. Bowen. Mr Weaver Surveyor Sept. 4. 1784. An indenture of Samuel Edenton a negro lad to Persifor Frazer for eleven years in consideration of his food and shelter for six months schooling. Chester. Executed before William Nesbet (or Heslet) Witnesses Charles Dilworth and Mary Fallows Darby September 30/th 1784 Sir/ By these few lines you will be informed that I am in health at present, hoping that this will find you and yours in y/e same state, but several of my family have been very ill with the fever, and a Vomiting and purging, but at present Seem on the mending hand, — I expect Our people will have a meeting before y/e Ellection, to form a Ticket, I should have been very glad to have been at it, but am a fraid I shall not have it in my power to come, as I have Just Begun a a great Job of Work at Mud Island, putting up Several Hundred Rods of Stone wall, which will employ my Whole time for Severall Weeks to Come as I Shall have Eight or Ten hands in employ y/e Whole time. — but if it is in my Power to Come to the meeting I will be there, if I am not. you will please to appologize for my not being there, as I expect you will attend if in health. Indeed I would wish you would make it a point to attend, as it will be very Necessary to make a prudent and wise Choice at the Next Ellection as much So as at any ellection Since the revolution You have no doubt heard that our most Invaluable Constitution is to undergoe no Change for Seven years more, that Tiranical Aristocratick faction in the Council of Censors being at length disapointed, it behooves us to double our diligence to make a good and Wise Choice of Such men as will Stick Close to the principles of the Constitution and endeavour not to Violate it in any one In- 312 stance, If that is done by the different Officers of Government, if the Constitution has deffects they will appear, and it will then be time enough to make Alterations there is no way to know whether a Law is a good and Wholesom Law but by the execution of it, if it has faults it is time a neugh to mend them when they are known — 1 think our House of Assembly for this three years past at least, has done every thing in thare power to Violate the Constitution in Order to render it as Odious as possable to pave the way for the intended Change — how is it possable to know whether a Code of Laws is — good or not, if those who have the execution of them will not execute them agreeable to the Letter and Spirit thereof — but 1 Shall tire you on this Topick — I would not be thought to dictate to the Gentlemen who may meet for y/e purpose already mentioned, but have been of Opinion that it would not perhaps be [mpolitick to Continue Joseph Parke, as in the affair of the Court House he Voted against the removal, and is a easy good kind of a man, by all Means endeavor to make Choice of Such men as are Prety Popular, and have the publick good at heart or, We can not Carry our point, but I am too Tedious, So I Subscribe my Self your friend and Humble Serv, t Benj/n Braman. M r Persifor Frazer November 15. 1784. A bill in equity of 44 pages to His Majesty's Court of Exchequer in Ireland drawn by Anthony Blackburn recites at length the history of the various ownerships divisions and partitions of the lands of Cowan and Clanickney, illegally appropriated through conspiracy of John Graecen and Alex. Montgomery Jr. and kept from possession of the rightful owners among whom were Persifor Frazer inheriting through his Mother Mary (Smith) Frazer. He Prays for an Injunction and Receiver. The following paper was apparently forwarded from Ireland with the complaint in order that Gen. Frazer might sign and return it, which he evidently did not. S d 2/6 The several Answers of Pierce Frazier one of the Defend- Seal I ants to the Bill of Complaint of Robert Greacen of Clanick- 1 ney in the County of Monaghan — Gentleman Complainant. 313 This Defendant saving and reserving to himself both now and at all times hereafter all manner of Benefit and advantage of Exceptions which can or may be had or taken to the many untruths uncertainties and other the Imperfections in the said Bill of Complaint contained or to so much thereof as this Defendant is advised Materially con- cerns him to make answer unto. Answering Saith he does hereby Admit the several Charges and Allegations in the Complainants Bill of Complaint contained as therein particularly Stated, and does Submit to such Decree as this Honorable Court shall be pleased to make for the Complain- ants Relief And this Defendant Denys all and all manner of Combination and Confederacy by the Bill charged against him with- out, this that any other Matter or thing- — whatsoever in the Com- plainants said Bill of Complaint contained material or Effectual in the Law for this Defendant to make Answer unto and not herein and hereby sufficiently answered unto Confessed or avoided Traversed or Denied is true, all which Matters and Things this Defendant is ready and willing to Averr Justify Maintain and prove as this Honorable Court shall award, and therefore He humbly prays to be hence Dis- missed with his reasonable Costs and Charges in this behalf most wrongfully Sustained. — Thomas Johnston Attorney James M/cClelland for the Defendants M/r Frazier signs On a slip of paper pinned his name here and to the parchment a i so M/r Morrison without Swearing No date. Among the papers is a Psalm book 6^ x 3-J and an inch in thick- ness. Bound in brown leather and much worn. The cover has come off and been restitched with white thread. Over all is a coarse muslin chequered cover secured by white thread. Inside of the left hand cover is the word "Mary," and on the last fly leaf "Mary W. Frazer." On the inside of the right hand cover at the top is written "Simon Girty was of the" — and below "Mary W. Fr. Frazer" On the first page & fly leaf is written, apparently not in the hand- writing of Gen. Frazer, "Persifor Frazer book 1784" and on the leather of the last cover are scratched, as if with a pin, "Martha Frazer" and "Eliza Frazer." The book is of 307 pages. The title is 3H "Psalms carefully suited to the Christian Worship in the United States of America being an Improvement of the old Version of the Psalms of David — allowed by the Reverend Synod of New York & Philadel- phia to be used in churches and private families. All things written in the law of Moses and the prophets and the Psalms concerning Me must be fulfilled. — Philadelphia. Printed by- Francis Bailey at Yorick head in Market Street. MDCCLXXXVII. (Second fly leaf). The Synod of New York and Philadelphia did allow Dr. Watt's Imitation of David's Psalms, as revised by Mr. liar- low to be sung in the churches and families under their care" Extract from the records of the Synod by George Duffield I). D. Stated ( 'lerk i if Synod. Alongside this psalm book is a part of a small hook of slightly less size from p. 179 to p. 320 on "the Lord's Supper." January 8. 1785. Assignment by William Henry to I'. F. of his warrant issued August 25. ijK-ito four hundred acres of land in Washington County I'a. con- tiguous to P. F's land there. Witnesses Hannah Taylor & Samuel Kelso January 8. 1785. Similar assignment to P. F. by Hannah Taylor of warrant i-sued Aug. 25. 1784 for four hundred acres of land in Washington Co. I'a. adjoining Henry's land. Witnesses W/m Henry and Sam/1 Kelso (Sunday Morning, Feby. 5/th, 1785.) My Dear 1 have sent you a loaf of Sugar. 1, lb Suchong Tea, 3 Nut- megs and a paper of Pins. 1 have not as yet got the Linnen, 1 have been in many Shops but can meet w/th none wide enough, however shall make further enquiry and bring it with me if any can be got suteable. L have given to Armstrong 2 French Crowns in Town, w/ch please to charge to him. Your Friends in Town are all well, I am Your affectionate Husband Sunday Morning Feb. 5, 1785 Pers/r Frazer. Mrs. Mary Frazer. 315 April 21. 1785 Promissory note Robt. Davis to P. F. for £ 8 , , 6 , , 10. Witnesses Philip Smith, Edvv. Carney. THE COMMISSION OF INVESTIGATION SENT BY THE PENNSYLVANIA ASSEMBLY TO THE WYOMING VALLEY. The following is a diary of the journey of a commission despatched by the Assembly of Pennsylvania to inquire into and find a means of settling the disputes between the residents of the Wyoming Valley which grew out of the rival claims of Connecticut and Pennsylvania to the territory. This diary is contained in a small paper book 4" x 6|" of thirteen leaves with paste board covers under red marbled paper. 1785 (?) On Saturday the 23/d day of April left home for Philad/a On a journey to Wyoming in Company w/th Colonel Bayard and Col/o Smith by order of the Assembly — arrived at philad/a ab/t 12 OClock, on Sun- day went with Col/o Smith home to M/tGomerry 23 Miles and re- main'd there 'till Tuesday morning at w/ch time we set off at arriv'd at Bethlehem that evening, On Wednesday rode to Col/o Strouds, on thursday to Savitzes near the Swamp, on friday morning went as far as Dunchanna the first Creek in the Swamp but the Waters being high return'd again to Savitzes and remained there that night on Sat- urday morning went again to Col/o Strouds, and from thence to M/r Jn/o Vancampens on Delaware where We remain'd a 8 ain till Sunday evening and then return'd to Col/o Strouds waiting for an answer from Wyoming to a Letter sent by express from Dunchanna on Friday, on Tuesday Monday rec/d a Letter from David Meade Esq/r in an- swer to ours — finding the Waters had fell set off that evening to Savitzes Col/o Stroud accompanying us, remained there all night and set off early Wednesday Tuesday morning on our Journey through the Swamp to Wyoming, the Roads very bad, at the Leghy (Lehigh) my mare stumbled on the Rocks and threw into the River and lost my hat, shifted and put on some dry Cloaths, mounted again and rode 12 miles to the next house, in the Evening got into Wyoming ab/t 7 oC'lock Thursday Wednesday morning Col/o Bayard Wrote to M/r Meade and Colonel Butler informing them of our appointm/t to examine into the disturbances existing at Wyoming and appointed them to meet Us at M/r Hollabacks — Col/o Butler and M/r Meade met us accord/g to appointment Col/o Butler 316 proffeses to be inclin'd to have governm/t properly Supported and appears displeased w/th the outrages that have been committed ag/t the Penn/a Claimants, We have discoursed with many others who are of the same Sentiments notice is to be given to the Committee of the Inhabitants appointed to confer with Us to meet to morrow — Thursday .May 5 tb Breakfasted w/th M, r Meade in C/o w/th Col/o Butler and in the afternoon met the Committee at Cap/t Shotts's open'd to them the business for w/ch we were appoint'd and what the Governm/t expected of them in or to the support of Civil Authority. Wyoming, May 6, 1785. GENTLEMEN. IN conformity to our promise made to you in the conference held yesterday afternoon, we now propose to you the following Queries, which we wish you seriously to consider, and favour us with your answer as soon as possible. 1st, Is it the wish and determination of the people, you represent, called the Connecticut claimants, to submit to, and support the laws and constitution of this State? 2d, Will they support and countenance the civil officers in the regular administration of justice, and oppose all illegal and uncon- stitutional measures that may be taken by any persons contrary tbereto? 3d, As the Legislature have fully evinced their determination to protect the citizens, in every part of the State, in the full enjoyment of life, liberty, and property; and as you are well acquainted with the measures that have been taken to punish those who, in a lawless man- ner, dispossessed a number of settlers last May, we wish to be informed, by what authority a number of people who were peaceable inhabitants, have, during the course of the Winter and Spring, been dispossessed of their property, and ordered to remove from this place, — and whether the persons, affirming and executing such authority, are sup- ported and countenanced by the people you represent? We sincerely wish for a satisfactory answer to the above Queries, which may tend to the restoration of peace and good order to all the inbabitants of this unhappy settlement. We are, GENTLEMEN, Your very humble Servants, Mess. Zcbulon Butler and others, a Com- JOHN BAYARD. mittee appointed to confer with a Com- l'ERSIFOR FRAZER. mittce of the General Assembly. GEORGE SMITH. No. 11. 317 Loose page printed document. (344) N/o. ii. Wyoming, May 6, 178 s; GENTLEME N, WE received your billet this 6th of May, 1785, and think the prospect of an amicable compromise very near at hand, and likewise hope, gen- tlemen, that you may be used as the happy instruments, under the great Jehovah, of restoring peace and good order to this settlement, according to the Constitution of Pennsylvania — Gentlemen, your first question is as follows, viz. Is it the wish and determination of the peo- ple you represent, called the Connecticut claimants, to submit to, and support the laws and constitution of this State? Answer. Tis the desire and wish of us and the people we represent to support the con- stitutional laws and constitution of the State of Pennsylvania, and has been, ever since the decree at Trenton. Gentlemen, your second question is as follows, vis. Will they support and countenance the civil officers in the regular administration of justice, and oppose all illegal and unconstitutional measures which may be taken by any per- sons contrary thereto? In answer to your second question, we assert, and are able maintain, that there never have been any civil officers, according to the constitution of the State of Pennsylvania, elected in this settlement, since the decree at Trenton. Let us have constitu- tional civil officers, that is, men elected by us, at an open and general election warned according to the laws of this State ; such civil officers we will support, in the full and regular administration of justice, with our lives and fortunes. Gentlemen, in answer to your third ques- tion, or rather requisition, which is as follows, vis. We wish to be in- formed by what authority a number of persons, who were peaceable inhabitants, have during the course of last Winter and Spring, been dispossessed of their property, and ordered to remove from this settle- ment; and whether the persons, assuming and executing such au- thority, are supported and countenanced by the people you represent? Gentlemen, in compliance with your wish of information, bv what au- thority a number of peaceable inhabitants have, during the course of last Winter and Spring, been dispossessed of their property, and ordered to re- move from this settlement. — we answer in the categorical stile, and affirm that no peaceable inhabitants, as you call them, on this settle- ment, have ever been ordered to remove off this settlement or dispossessed of their property in any respect whatsoever, by us or those whom we represent, to our knowledge; — the people whom we represent, and we the committee, never countenanced the order- ing off any of the peaceable inhabitants of this settlement, or any of 318 their property being taken. — Gentlemen, if you have had any com- plaint of such a nature as represent in your billet, we would wish to know the complainants of such a falsehood, and that they should be brought before you and this committee, if this falls under your cog- nizance. Gentlemen, we would wish to ask the following questions, and desire your solution on each question. Quest. I. Whether those person- who came into this settlement under the patronage of Alexander Patterson, a year last fall, and took violent possession of lands and houses, and still retain the same, which was justly held by the Connecticut claimant , and who were in peaceable possession of these lands and houses, can. according to law and the constitution of this State, be called peaceable inhabitants? Quest. End of the pa Sir, Easton (Sunday) June [2 'th 1785 Last night your Letter of ,: e to th instant was handed to us by Sheriff Antis, and we are pi a ed with your present pros- 1 ts respecting the conduct of the Inhabitants in your part of the countv of Northumberland. The Sheriff informs us, that he has arrested four of the persons named in our Precepts without meeting with any resistance, and that seventy seven of the Inhabitants, whose names he has given to us in writing, attended Upon him at the first Summons, and afforded him every necessary aid ; this dutiful behaviour and active obedience to the Laws gives us a singular satisfaction. 1 lenry M/cCormick. who has been accused by M/r Alexander Patterson with being an Accomplice in the murder of Lieutenant Sam 1 Reed, has appeared before us and given such an account of himself and of the places where he was and the company in which he was at the time this fatal deed was perpetrated, that we arc induced to admit him to Bail, and request you will take his recognizance accordingly, himself in £ 500 , , and two sureties in 6250,, each. Yon • ' ecog lizances from any of the other persons, who have been or shall be arrested for crimes charged against them inferior to felony, in £ 100.. each of the parties, and two sureties in £ 50. . each. As to any of the per- sons accused of felony, who may be brought before von. examine the witnesses, and take their own examinations in writing, and if upon the whole matter you shall be of opinion, that it is doubt- ful whether they are guilty or not. we are willing, on this oc- 3 ! 9 casion, that they be bailed in the like manner and sums with Henry M/cCormick. We flatter ourselves, that these misguided and mistaken people will yet return to their duty, and enjoy the blessings attendant on peace, order and legal Government. We sincerely wish you quiet, security and happiness, and are with esteem, Sir, Your most obedient servants Tho/s M : Kean Jacob Rush David Mead Esquire. Addressed David Mead Esquire, One of the Justices of the Peace for North- umberland, At Wioming Favored by Henry Antis Esq/r Sheriff. Wyoming (Friday) June 24/th 1785 Sir We Rec/d yours of this day, have Perus/d the same, in which you desire an explicit and Candid Answer whether we and the people will Support you in the execution of your Office. — Be assured We will and mean to Comply with and Support the Laws of this State and all Constitutional Officers but we cannot Answer for the people — therefore we think it proper if you are Ancious to know their minds for you to call them together and hear them by which means you/1 satisfy yourself We are Sir your/s etc. W/m Hooker Smith Abel Peirce Rob/t M/c Dowl Abel yarington H M Cormick Benj/n Bailey David Mead Esq/r Endorsed their Answer N/o 2 David Mead Esq. Letter from inhabitants of Wyoming to David Mead 24/th June 1785 Wioming (Tuesday) July 4/tli 1785 Gentlemen my address and Request of the -'4, th of June was merit General, which was only answered in part. Therefore I once more request you as before to let me know the sentiments of the People, as your Information will be more satisfactory to me than Otherwise, when we shall Perhaps be able to form an Idea wheather yon and the Inhabitants who Profess allegiance to the State of Pennsylvania are able to support its I aws or not. Mess/rs Abel Pearce John Hagerman Benj. Baly W/m H. Smith Abel Yarington Lord Butler Henry M/cCormick and Robert M/cDole Endorsed Letter N/o 3 I am in the meantime your Hb/1 Serv/t David Mead Copy Acc/t of Expenses to Wyoming Ap/1 26/th 32 9 12 27 28 29 Rec/'d from Col/o Bayard. Paid Expenses at Caron at Savitzes. . . . Ferriage Lehy Bethlehem Received from Col/o Bayard 1 . . 17 . .6 Beth Nazareth Boy at Bethlem Echan to Wind gap Col/o Strouds Savitzes near Ford , Boy at Strouds , To a guide £ 7 . . 15 5 12 2 3 17 3 12 4 5 7 3 3 321 3° May 2 3 at Savitzes again, at Van Campen. . at Col/o Strouds. for shoing at Savitzes again. 7 i i £n 9 4 2 3 3 5 6 May 3/d 9 io io 13 14 15 May i6/th 17 ; r Savitze for going bro/t over £ Paid Chris to Wioming etc Rec/d from Col/o Smith in Cash £i..2.6 Rec/d from Col/o Bayard . .7.6 Expenses at Tobyhanna at Bullocks 11 Rec/d from Col/o Bayard £18 . 15 Paid at Wyoming at Wappollopo at Nescopack at Webbs 8/4. Shoing 1/6 Guide 2/ at Northumberland Paid Boatman for our Passage from Sunbury to Sturgeons. . Expenses at Sturgeons at Harris's Ferry at Hummels town at Col/o Ornd £i3 11 34 Bro/t Over £ at Dunkard Town at the Ball at Little Brandewine at Webbs Shoeing a Gibbons's at Ferry 34 7 2 16 15 1 19 11 12 13 3 15 3 10 £ 36 1 16 6 4 1 1 2 4 3 10 1 1 5 6 10 6 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 6 10 Rec/d from Col/o Bavard i/io Coi/o Smith 8/4 | 30 . . 7 . . 8J I I 6- . 2. . 3^ Paid by Col/o Bayard for a Horse. |£i8 . . Tobacco I . . 5 Shoing the Horse I . . 7 . 6 Stationary j . . 4 . . 6 I 18. . 17. • Loose page printed document. (343) ed to put them to the test, and advised Mr. Meade, in case of any application to him by persons injured, to proceed according to law against the offenders, and we earnestly requested col. Bailer and capt. Schott to assist and support him in the execution of his office. In the mean time, we concluded it best to return by Northumberland, in order to send up the Sheriff, (whose authority they did not dispute) who had sundry precepts issued from the Supreme Court which were not served. On our arrival at Sunbury, we found the Sheriff from home, but had him immediately sent for. with our earnest request, that he would without delay proceed tc Wyoming and serve his precepts. Should they submit to his authority, and be brought to trial, we vet hope they may be reduced to order; but should they refuse submission, government will see the necessity of speedily taking other measures. At Northumberland we received the inclosed letter N/o. VI. from Mr. Meade, and sent him our answer N/o. VII. We have now laid before Council the most material parts of our negotiations with the inhabitants of Wyoming: and should there be any further information that it is in our power to give, we shall be happy in communicating it And are. with due respect, GENTLEMEN, Your most obedient Servants, JOHN BAYARD His Excellency the President and the PERSIFOR FRAZER. Supreme Executive Council. GEORGE SMITH. N/o. 1. End of the pa 323 Journey to properties owned by Gen. Frazer on the Juniata river. Set from home the 27/th Sep/r 1785 for Frankstown — lay the i/st night at Mill Creek — Wednes/y night at Chambers ferry on Susque- hannah, Thursday n/t at G Millers on juniata, Friday n/t at J as Pattesons, Saturd Jn/o Harris's Esq/r Saturday n/t at W/m Brown Esq/r Sunday n/t at the stand/g Stone, Monday n/t at Cha/s Cald- wells near Harts Log. Tuesday n/t at Wolfs near Frankstown Wed- nesday night at Rob Caldwell; near Little Juniata, Thursday n/t Stand/g Stone Friday n/t at one Johnston's on Juniata, Saturday night at Col/o Buchanans Old Town Keshec'/as Sunday night at James Pattersons, Monday night Cross'd Susquehannah and lay at Reeds Ferry. Tuesday night at Middletown, Wednesd/y n/t at Ja/s Clemsons in Leacock Thursday night at Home — from Pattersons to the Mouth of Juniata 20 Miles, to Coxes Town n Miles 5 Miles to Harris s ferry 9 Miles to Middletown. — From Kishecocalus old Town down the River to Jn/o Harris Esq/r 12 Miles to Ja/s Pattersons 4 Miles, to Millers Tavern 11 Miles to Shades mill 1 1/2 Miles to Gillespies 9 to Reeds Ferry 6 Miles to Sturgeons Mills 7 Miles to Harris's Ferry 10 Miles. From Pattersons to Kisl1 M/r Harris's 4 Miles — to Kishacaqualos old town Col/o Buchanans 12 Miles — to W/m Brown Esq/rs 5 Miles to Standing Stone 30 Miles to the mouth of little Juniata 7 Miles to Cha/s Water Street 3 Miles, to the Canoe Narrows 10 Miles, to Gripes the upper end of our Tract 6 Miles, from the Standing Stone to the Springs 6 Miles, from Standing Stone to Bedford : 47 Miles, from Frankstown to the Gap Old gap of Allegeny 5 Miles to the Kittanning town 25 Miles, from franks town to Bedford 35 miles from Stand/g Stone to Sunbury 60 Miles, from Stand/g Stone to Bald Eagle old Town 30 Miles, to the big Island. 20 Miles. Samuel Gripe lives above the tract J"/° Gripe Daniel Gripe part of his on our land Leonard Wolf — lives above the Tract Christian Shively Simon Mason both those live on our Tracts Jn/o White on the South side of Frankstown branch The upper Line of P. Frazers Tract runs thro Daniel Gripes Fields and runs down to the River near a large rocky ripple, then down the River perches and Crosses the River near the upper End of a Bottom on W/ch Jn/o White lives and Corners at a Walnut Tree near a run ; there are a number of mark'd Trees along the Lines of our Several Tracts, The Corner White Oak between D M/cMurtrie and Adam Weaver is a little beyond James M/cDaniels Field, a little below the road that leads up the River — The Corner of Anthony Sniders Land is a Corner of the Canoe Tract and Stands on the Western Side of the River near a Small lick, The following Warrants were issued in 1762 — viz: To \V/m Patterson for 200 As on a Run at the West end of Kis- hecocalus Valley includ g a Spring, from March i/st 1760 — To W/m Patterson 200 A/s upon a Run on the Trading Path to the Ohio March 1760 To W/m Patterson on the Franks town branch of Juniata adjoining the Canoe Place for 100 A/s March 1760 Rob/t Tuckness on both sides of lost Creek Charles Williams on the head of Woods Run. Alex/r Stedman on the south side of Juniata joining Alex/r Lowry and to extend up s/d Creek — Alex/r Stedman on the South Side of Juniata above the large bend joining Thorntons improvem/t — Alex/r Stedman on both sides of Thomas Mitchells improvem/t R nn on the Traders Path about a Mile from Mitchells improvem t including a Mill Seat John Barr 200 A/s oppasite the Canoe Place — Geo. Bridges 300 A/s on little Tuscarora about 3 or 4 miles from the big Crossing of Tuscarora, dated July 10th 1762 Daniel Jones 250 A/s on Muddy Run and on the Traders Path this Side the Shade Mountain dated July 10th 1762 The Land P at Aughwick Patente'd to Foley is bounded on the by Ja/s Galbreath on one side, Daniel Clark on another side, David M/cClure on another and Owens Hill on another Warrant in July or Aug/t 1784. Survey'd by Geo: Woods and patented I think in February last 1785 325 Memo: To enquiri of Col/o W/m M/tGomerry respecting M/r Clay- tons Land on Chilisquakee whether the 100 A/s w/ch were sold for Taxes has been released and if there is any other demand for Taxes ag/t them the names of the Persons who took up the two Tracts, Edward Clayton and Ellis Wright — and to enquire of Cap/t Willson respecting Col/o Claytons Papers, whether any were left in the hands of Col/o Hunter and if he knows of any lands they were jointly con- cern'd in My Expences to Frankstown from | the 27/th of Sep/r to the j 13/th October being 17 | days is | £ 5 . . — . . — The President of Congress presents his compliments to Gen/1 Frazer and requests the favor of his company at dinner on Saturday next at 4 — o'clock precisely Wednesday 27 Nov. Waynesborough 9th Jany 1786. Dear Sir I arrived from Phila. last evening our friends Morris, Clymer, Fitzimons etc. are exceedingly anxious about the Chester Election and requested me to write you on the subject — Frazer is the person who will be run by the Constitutionalists to a man — we must have no division in our ticket your people must make a sacrifice of private prejudice to Public Utility — for rest assured you will not have one man to spare on the third reading of the Law for Modifying the test — I fear that the person who will be returned for Montgomery — will be of a differentComplexion to Recce — Procter is a weather cock ready to turn with any wind that blows — Brown of Northampton has already told us he goes no farther than the publication with us — thus Circumstanced I am Confident that you will exert every influence and argument in your power to return Willing — I shall be in Chester where 1 will endeavour to> keep things right. Interim I am with sincere Esteem Your friend and Hum Sert. Anty Wayne. Wayne to John Hannum, Esq. 326 Jan. 12. 1786 Fragment of a deed conveying land by Adam Weaver to Persifor Frazer. TO MY LOVING FRIENDS The Quakers and Presbyterians of Chester County, Your VOTE and INTEREST is desired for your Friend W LL, at the approaching Election. AND I hope you will think tliis Request reasonable, when 1 tell you, how for above 30 Years together, my Father treated all the Quakers as no Christians, and as unlit to he either Magistrates, Witnesses or Assembly-men; the Presbyterians as Rogues and Rebels, that were not fit to be trusted with any of the Powers of Government; And in this Opinion I his Son was bred, and always shall continue, — except at Elcctioii-Tiines. 1 do assure you. you may safely trust me; for in all things both civil and ecclesiastical that come before the Assembly, 1 take good Advice; nay, of a no worse Man than the chief PARSON of the Province; who, you may be sure, loves you all dearly. We have always for good Reasons refused to chuse a Trustee of the Loan-Office for an Assembly-man ; especially one that will carry about a List of those that are in Arrear in their Payments, on purpose to expose such as are not his Creatures: But, upon this Occasion, I hope you'll change your Mind ; because, Our Trustee is my Friend, and zve have agreed to join Interests. Ill-minded People say any thing; Nay, they report I did not vote against the 6oo£ given for the Relief of our poor People, who were made Prisoners, and must have starved in Prison, if our Government had not taken some Care of them : But in this they do me no great Wrong, for I neither voted for nor against it. I'm sure I've always been careful of the People's Privileges: For when our present Assembly-men, who now appear against me, were so unconscionable as to oppose our Governor's Sitting at the Head of the Court of Chancery; I thought there could be nothing better done for you than to allow a Governor, with a Council of his own ehusing, to have the sole Power of disposing both of your Liberties and Proper- ties: Which I hope you will not forget. I could say much more of my self; but Modesty won't allow me: and therefore I depend upon your making good Use of these few Hints. Endorsed Upon — W 11 at an Election 327 Neither the date nor the purpose of this broadside is known. The satire is the the kind very common in the Province and State of Penn- sylvania during the greater part of the XVIIIth Century. Thomas Cheney in his letter to Lt Col Frazer dated Sept i. 1778 says "Dunlap informs us nothing about you, his paper 3 sides advertisements and ye 4th contain Dispa/es from Constantinople or some fine addresses to ye Quakers — insignificant stuff." It may be that the author of those ad- dresses in Dunlap's "Pennsylvania Packet" (which became a daily in 1784 and was the precursor of the North American and United States Gazette) wrote the above cynical skit." r. -) L: Appointment of General Frazer by David Rittenhouse as inspector of the paper be- ing manufactured for tbe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The entire note is in the handwriting of the signed. Six-tenths, lineal measurement, of the original. Addressed erals Office this track is prime first Reate land and is u i irth any tow of the others. 1 have been in So had aState of health for some time past that I hardly Ever Expect to Se youre County ageane I Should he glad to here from you by the Re- turn of M, r Smiley if there is any thing I Can Sarve you in it will give me aplisure to do it I am glad to hear oure members from the hack Countys Discharge there trust so well hut we heave Confidance in the men we Send 1 hope this County will never loos ther Sences So far as to prefar any one to M/r Smiley, I heave not hard who is gone from this State to Con- gress this yeare, tell me how the Chester members Conduct thos I Can gess at that and whether there are like to he another Expidition to the new Court house you will be good anuf to Remember me to Co/1 Cheney and his family Major Harper and his, I am Scarce ahel to Set up to Scrawl this So Conclude with Reale Esteem February y/e 17/th 1786 W/m Whiteside Persifor Frazer Esq/r N B M r Redock lives in the town of Washington is alawer (a lawyer?) and and will be very Redy to give you any assistance you may stand in need of W. W. Persifor Frazer Esq/r Chester County to the Care of Jn/o Smiley Esq/r pr favour of James Finley Esq/r M/r Smiley will be good anuf to Send this to M/r Frazer from W/m Whiteside March 1. 1786 D/r Sir Philadelphia March 1. 1786 We have occasion to employ M r Wilcocks for making a considerable quantity of paper for public use. and as it will be abso lutely necessary to have some person in whom we can confide to over- see the workmen 1 shall he very happy if it will suit you to undertake that Business, on such terms as you may think agreeable. If you 329 should, it will be necessary for you first to come up to Philadelphia, and I shall expect to see you in a few days, and if not I beg you will let me hear from you as speedily as possible I am D/r Sir, with the greatest esteem your very humble Servant Dav/d Rittenhouse General Frazer To Persifor Frazer Esquire favor/d by Col Cheyney (In the handwriting of David Rittenhouse.) Feb. 26. 1786. Letter of Sarah Kennedy to "General Persifor Frazer Esq." asking him to scrutinize the a/c of Sam/1 Culbert who owes her money the payment of which she accuses him of seeking to avoid. April 16. 1786 April 16/th 1786 D/r Madam having an opertunity of writing By John — I Could not Refrain Sonday as it is to Congratulate you on the Opaint- ment of the Gena/1 to the Rigisters office — The Opintment Gives me infinate Pleasure — and the Maner If Possable More — I long to see you- — I wish you Could Come up — People say you will Come to Live at the wight Horse now — but I fear the News is two Good to be trew — how Rejoicd would I be — but I must not Give way to Such Pleasing Expatations with out a better founda- tion — do Send me a few Lines by John — and Give me some In- coragement if you Can with truth — but dont Flatter — or the dis- opintment will be dubly hard to Bare — if you send for your Sons things from M/r Andersons- — and Coul Bring Johns with them to your house it would Greatly Oblidg me as I was disopinted in Giting a littel Carage for him to bring them up — Give my Love to M/rs Thompson tell her I Expect to see her hear this sumer — with Love to you and family I Remain your affectionate friend Mary Cloyd Addressed M/rs Mary Frazer On the division of the County three years later he did move his residence to Westtown in order to remain a citizen of Chester County, as his Thornbury home was included in the territory of the new County of Delaware. See Appendix. 330 ft a v III u a J « '~.$ g »■! .V w o u »-. OJ ' OJ C o rt c "So u i- „ o it a> o o o a I- •- 1> ^ a a O ° o O . May 20. 17S1 Account of loan made by 1'. F. to Richard to Morris with offsets from May 20. 1781 to Aug. 1. Aug. 1. [786 1786. Mav 17. 1786. Letter of attorney from Mary Norris to Persifor Frazer Recorder of deeds to acknowledge satisfac- tion on a mortgage given by Janus M clllhaney to Joseph Parker Dec. 22. 1750 for a loan of £ uxi , , Principal and interest having been paid by Lydia M/cIllvaine to Mary Norris Administrator of Jos. Parker dee'd. Witnesses Phebe Chandler and Mary \\'ells(?) June 16. 1786 Certificate of "assignment" of Persifor Frazier Esq. of the County of Cluster as Justice of the Peace of Chester County. Signed by the Hon. Charles Biddle Esq. President of the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Penna. under seal of the State. Recorded in Commission Book A. page 16. Aug. 20. 1786. Attest. James Trimble for John Armstrong, Secy. July 3. 1786. Letter of atty. Mary Preston widow, to P. F. Esq. Recorder of Deeds to enter satisfaction for principal and interest of a mortgage by Thomas Smedley to secure the loan of £iov Jonas Preston Simes and Mary his wife. Witnesses Thos. Lea. Jonas Preston. Aug. 16. 1786. Let. of atty. Adam Grubb to P. F. Recorder of Deeds to enter satisfaction on Mortgage of Geo. Peirce and Mary his wife given to (irul>l> to secure the payment of £ 200 , , — , , — , , — , , Witnesses H. H. Graham la Dilworth Tun. Sept. 20. 1786. Promissory note for £43,, 12,, 3 1/2 to Wil- liam Gibbons for 71 days. Witnesses. Chas. Dilworth Fras Gardner Endorsement. This bond was given as security for 331 Dec. 22 1 78 1 to Aug. I. 1786 half of a Debt due to Jno Gardner and for which he was arrested by W/m Gibbons Sheriff the money was put into my hands by J. Gardner to discharge the same etc etc. Signed Persifor Frazer R. Morris's Bond £50 1781 Dec. 22 To Cash 1 1782 Ap/1 ditto Aug/t 29 ditto 1 1783 Feb/y 27 . .ditto 3 May 3 ditto 1786 Aug/t 1 Int/t 6, y/rs 2 M/o 1 1 days 18 Int/t on £ 4/. 5/. 3 y/rs 5 mo . £76 By Build/g Chimney and wal/g well. . 3 10, , 7.. ° 17.. ° is.. — 11 ,, 17.. 10 5 19. . 5.. Ball/a due Aug/t 1st 1786 £ 73 , , 14 , , 3 wall before the door to be Credited to him Sept. 25. 1786 Bond £43 • J2 • 3 2 £ 64 . 12 . 6 In/t from 25/th Sept 1786 to December 44 . 2.9 8/th 2 m/o and 1 3 Dy/s — 10. 6 20. Nov. 4. 1786. Nov. 4. 1786. £44 Bond and Warrant of Jas. Newell to Jno. Kimbler for £ 55. Endorsed. Reed by P. F. a part from Jno Hunter £ 30 Witnesses Robt. Frazer and Jona/t Smith Also Bnd. and War. for £ 60. same date and parties with four endorsements. 2,y- Nov. 6. [786. Power of Atty. John Kimler to I'. F. for recovery of all debts etc. Witnesses Mary Fallows. Jona/t Smith Nov. 6. 1786. A list of Bonds and Penal Bills deposited with P. F. by Jno. Kimler amounting to £ 235 , , 2 , , — , , Nov. 7. 1786. Receipt to P. F. Recor. for Deed of Conveyance from Jos Parker to Thos. Karnased(?) for 137 acres in Marlborough "which I left to be recorded." Thomas Karnased Nov. 8. 1786. Receipt to P. F. for Deeds Joshua Johnson and wife to \\\ in Wood; Thos. Lamborn and wife to Jos. Wilkeson; and Thos Lamborn and wife to Robert Lamborn Signed Rob/t Lamborn. Nov. 8. 1786. Sir As Aaron Musgrave have to go to Baltimore for a horse theif and Col.n Gibbons thinks he Should have My Commission Upon Such a Matter Shall be oblige to you if you Will Let him have it these from your fr/d &c Ezekiel Leonard November the 8/th 1786 for General Piersofor Frazer Dec. 26. 1786. Rec'p't to P. F. Recor. for Deeds from James Brinton. Feb. 2. 1787. Letter of atty Fliz. Wilson (by her atty H. H. Graham) to P. F. Witnesses Adam Grubb and James Dilworth. Endorsed fees paid 3/ satisfaction entered May 22. 1787 Feb. 21. 1787. Letter of Atty to same from same. Same endorse- ment. 333 March 8. 1787. Letter of atty Joseph Larkin to P. F. Recor. for entering satisfaction on a loan of Edw. Minshall and Witnesses Adam Grubb and H. H. Graham. wife paid with interest by Frederick Engle. .March 13. 1787. Borough of Belfast Robert M/cMillan of in the County of Antrim Belfast in the County and Kingdom of Ireland of Antrim and Kingdom of Ireland Linen Weaver, aged Seventy years, comes this Day before me the Rev/d William Bristow, Clerk. — Sovereign of the Borough of Belfast in the said County of Antrim, and one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the said County, and on the Holy Evangelists made Oath, and on his Oath deposeth and Saith, That he this Deponent well knew John Mor- rison late of the Parish of Donaghclony nigh Waringstown in the County of Down in the said Kingdom of Ireland Farmer, and Jane his wife, who are both dead many years ago -~ And Deponent Saith, That the said John Morrison and Jane his Wife had several Children, all of whom this Deponent well knew, — namely. — James Morrison, Elizabeth Morrison, John Morrison, Joseph Morrison, Benjamin Morrison and David Morrison, and all of whom are now dead as Deponent believes, save only the said Benjamin Morrison — And Deponent further de- poseth, That the said Elizabeth Morrison intermarried with one Thomas Gichan, who was a Mason to Trade, and he and his said wife — Elizabeth, upwards of fifty years ago, went to and resided in America, where this Deponent hath been credibly informed and verily believes the said Thomas Gichan died, and that his Widow the said Elizabeth Gichan otherwise Morrison afterwards intermarried with one Thomas M/cCall — And that the said Thomas M/cCall and his said wife Elizabeth are both since dead — And this Deponent Saith that the said Benjamin Morrison is still living, and resides in the Town of Belfast aforesaid, and is now here present at the time of making this Affidavit. Cause of Deponent's Knowledge is, that this Deponent's Father Hugh M/cMillan lived Tenant to and under the said John Morrison the Father, and was his next door Neighbour, and Deponent at the same time lived with his said Father Hugh M/cMillan, and thereby became well acquainted and intimate with the Said John Morrison and Jane his Wife, and all their Children and Family — In Testimony whereof I the said Sovereign have hereunto Subscribed my name, and caused the Corporation Seal of the Said Borough of 334 Belfast to be hereunto affixed this thirteenth day of March in t ho year of our Lord ( )ne thousand seven hundred and Eighty Seven. William Bristow Robert M/ccMillen [seal] Sov/n of Belfast March 13. 17S7. Whereas Elizabeth M/cCall otherwise Gichan, other- wise Morrison late of Chester County in the State of Pennsylvania, Widow, deceased, duly made and published her last Will and Testa- ment in Writing, and did thereby give and bequeath unto her Brother Benjamin Morrison now of Belfast in the County of Antrim and King- dom of Ireland, the Sum of fifty pounds that Currency to be paid twelve months next after her Decease — And she appointed M/r James Lindsay of Chester County aforesaid, Executor of her said Will — Nozv Know all Men by the Presents, That 1 the Said Benjamin Morri- son have made, ordained, constituted and appointed, and by these 1'rescnts do make, ordain, constitute and appoint Stephen Wilson of Baltimore in Maryland. Esquire my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my Name, and to my use, to ask, demand, sue for, recover and receive of and from the said James Lindsay, or whom else it doth or may concern, the said Legacy of fifty pounds so given and bequeathed to me the said Benjamin Morrison in and by the last Will Testa ment of my said late Sister Elizabeth M cCall. deceased, and to have u-e and take all lawful Ways and Means in my Xante, or otherwise, for Recovery thereof — and upon Receipt thereof for me and in my Name or in the Name of him my Said Attorney, to give such Release and discharge for the same as shall be sufficient — And one Attorney or more under him my said Attorney for the Purposes aforesaid, to make and substitute, and at his Pleasure to revoke — Ratifying and allowing all and whatsoever my said Attorney shall lawfully do or cause to be done in or about the Premisses by Virtue of these ('res- ents. In Witness wdicreof 1 the said Benjamin Morrison have here- unto set my Hand and Seal at Belfast aforesaid this thirteenth Day of March one thousand and seven hundred and Eighty Seven.. — Signed Sealed and delivered In the Presence of Dav/d Henderson Benj Morrison [seal] Henry Joy. 335 Borough of Belfast David Henderson of Belfast in the in the County of Antrim County of Antrim and Kingdom of Ire- and Kingdom of Ireland land, Gentleman, came this day before me The Reverend William Bristow, Clerk, Sovereign of the Borough of Belfast, One of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the said County of Antrim, and on the Holy Evan- gelists made Oath, and on his Oath deposeth and Saith that he this Deponent is a Subscribing Witness to the Within Written Power of Attorney and saw the same duly Signed, Sealed, Delivered and Ex- ecuted by the therein Named Benjamin Morrison; and that the Name David Henderson subscribed as a Witness to said Power of attorney is of this Deponent's own proper Hand Writing. In Testimony whereof I the said Sovereign have hereunto Subscribed my Name and caused the Corporation Seal of the Said Borough of Belfast to be hereunto affixed this thirteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty Seven. — Dav/d Henderson. William Bristow [seal] Sov/n of Belfast March 29. 1787. Agreement between Josiah Haines and P. F. by the terms of which the latter is to take the farm of the former in Goshen twp Chester Co. containing 170 acres for £ 5. per acre, and Haines to take his choice of sundry tracts of land in Wash/n Co. owned by P. F. for which he is to pay 15s per acre with additional stipulations as to manner of payment. Witnesses Jas. Hemphill and Jona. Smith. Signed P. F. March 29. 1787. Duplicate of above and same witnesses Signed Josiah Hains (Note. The two papers are in differ- ent hands and Hain is spelled without an "e" in the above and with an "e" in this.) April 1. 1787. Unfavorable Opinion by H. H. Graham to P. F. on validity of titles to lands offered P. F. by Josiah Haines. 336 April in. 1787. Letter of I'. F. to J. Haines accompanying above opinion. April 30. 1787. Letter of atty to I*. F. to enter satisfaction of debt of 6323,, — ,, — ,, owed and paid by Joshua Vaughan to J. Peirce. Witnesses William Haslewood and Rachel Hasle- wood. May 19. 1787. Power of att'y. Sarah Clark to P. F. to acknowl- edge satisfaction on mortgage to secure debt of £ 227 Witnesses Robert Buffington and Stephen Harlan May 19. 1787 Princeton May th/19 — 1787 — D/r Madam I have for some time intended to write and acquaint you of my being setled at Princeton, where I shall be very happy to see you and Gcn/1 Frazier, accompanied by the young Ladies. 1 am much at a loss for such a person as I conceive Polly Pollus to be; can you recommend me one, that I can put implicet con- fidence in; the person 1 want must be perfect mistress of the dairy understand Washing, Ironing, spining, knitting and plain sew- ing, and be strictly honest and sober — if you can recommend such a person to me what ever wages you think reasonable and agree for, shall be punctually paid by me, your immediate answer will much Oblidge Your sincere Friend. Ann Henry P S. M/r Henry Joins me in Love and Comp/ts to you and and your good Family — Addressed M/rs Percifer Frazer Chester county. May 2$. 1787 Baltimore 23 May 1787 Inclosed is a power of Attorney sent to me by Benjamin Morrison to recover the legacy of £ 50 left him by Elizabeth M/cCall, now in the hands of her Executor M/r James Lindsay. 337 As it is out of my power to apply in person T must request of you to receive it for me and remit the money to my friend M/r Thomas Lea Merch/t in Philadelphia to hold subject to my order. I suppose that this letter will be a sufficient voucher for Mr. Lind- say to pay the money to you; if not, I shall send any other he may require. I should be sorry to trouble you with such dis- agreeable business, but I know it must afford you pleasure to serve a poor old man to whom this trifling legacy will be a great relief. — Morrison sends an Affidavit to prove the identity of his person. If he is entitled to Interest, I beg you may get it for him I am with much esteem Fr Addressed General Pers/r Frazer at Thornbury Chester County Pennsylvania p/r fav/r M/r Wethy Your most obed S/t Stephen Wilson May 1787. P. F. dr to — Goodwin for coffin for 1788 his child £ — ,, 17,, 6 To corner cupboard 6 , , o , , o To hanging five maps 4 , , 2 7.. 1 >> 8 3,, 1,, 8 4; . Receipted for my Father Enoch Goodwin May 26. 1787. Letter of att'y. to P. F. Recor. from Eleanor Graham widow to ack. satis, on debt of £ 50 and int. owed to her by Mary Williams widow. Witnesses. Sarah Smith. Jas. Dilworth Jun/r June 20. 1787. Receipt by James Wilson to Joshua Vaughan blacksmith for £41 , 16, — in full for debt to Thos. 338 Dutton's Executors from Caleb Peirce in satisfaction of a mortgage on a tract of land in Chester Co. Pa. Endorsed by let. of att'y to P. F. by Thos. and Hannah Wilson Aug. 3. 17N7. Letter of att'y. to P. F. Recor. from Joseph Dicks to ack. satis, for debt of £ 230 , , — , , — . , owed and paid with int. by Philip and Nicholas Stimmel tobac- conists of I'hila. Witnesses II. 11. Graham and Jam/s Dilworth Jun/r August 13. 1787 My D/r Madam Princeton August th/13. 1787 — Your kind letter was handed me by Betsy JetTers who you where so kind as to get for me she is 1 believe very capable of doing the business 1 wanted her to do, but she is in so bad a state of health that she is not able to use any exercise without suffering so much pain that it has been disagreeable to me to ask her to do any thing but just what she chose to do her- self, she tells me she had a very severe fit of illness before she came to me, and brought Medicine with her to take 1 gave her a bottle of port Wine to infuse it in as l was j n hopes before now that she would have been perfectly recovered, as this is a remark- able healthy country, and that she would undertake the cat of the dairy which at present is very small as we milk but 5 cow--, in a week we shall have it increased in •' week to 7. our negro woman should have helped her to milk but Petsy sh e tells me she has not milkd a cow for some years and that she expected I would have the cows milked and Brought to her. and then she would make cheese, finding every kind of work that requird exercise dis- agreeable to her. it would not suit me to keep her any longer, her passage was paid here and we shall pay it to Philad a where I hope she will get a safe come passage home, I have told her to go to Daddy and stay till she gets a passage, I have done every thing in my power to try to make her happy -ince she has been with me, I brought her to eat at table table with M r Henry and myself except when we had company, and it not being the custom of this place could not bring her at that time, which she allwavs was dissatisfied with — so paid her in hard money this morning, she told me on her arrival that you and Gen/1 Frasier intended to visit us in Sep/t let me assure you it will give mc us much pleasure 339 to see you, bring sally with you. M/r Henry joins me in wishing you and family every happiness and believe me to be your sincere Freind Ann Henry Tomorrow Betsy jeffers will have been six weeks with me and I paid her an English guinea — she goes in the stage tomorrow. Addressed M/rs Percifer Frazer Chester County August 15. 1787 Bond & Warrant W/m Henry to P. F. for * 393 . , — » . — Witnesses Thos. Wright, Alexander Mackee. Sept. 7. 1787. Agreement between Sam/1 Mendenhall at present in residing in the County of Berkley Va and Jos Pennell of Chester Co. Pa. Guardian of Abner and one of the Guardians of Beulah Mendenhall. regard- ing the division of the estate of Sam/1 Mendenhall dec'd. Witnessed by Persifor Frazer and Amos Mendenhall signed Jos. Pennell. Oct. 4. 1787. Balto, Oct. 4. 1787. Letter to P. F. from Stephen Wilson asking former to request Lindsay to pay amt of Eliz M/cCall's estate to Thomas Lea for Benj Morrison. Addressed General Frazer. Thornbury, Chester Co. Nov. 7. 1787. Fr/d John Kimler I Received your Letter by Moses James and have paid him on your Account Forty pounds for which I have taken his Common Bond payable to you, it is likely our method of taking Judgments and yours may differ — in some places they are con- trary to Law, I therefore thought it best take the Common Bond and you and him can make what other Bargain you please — I 340 have receiv'd the whole of John M 'cMins Money Am tg. to £56,, 12,. 9. and would have sent it all to you, had I had a few days more notice but Had lent the -Money to 2 or 3 good hands in the,.Neighborhood, as I was under apprehension it might he taken from me, as a great Number of People have been Robbed lately and was very glad to tret it out of my Hands — I have nut seen Xewell lately, he has sold the Lott and has re- moved up to the Valley Forge where they have built a New Slit- ting .Mill, he got near as much as he gave for it — 1 will inform him that you expect the Money against Spring and make no doubt he will have it ready. M/cMin behaved very honestly and gave me no trouble. Should any of your acquaintance be com- ing this way at any time 1 will Semi the Ball/a due you at this time — We remain in our Usual health and join in our good wishes to you all. I Remain your Sincere Friend and Hble Ser- vant Pers/r Frazer Novem/r 7/th 1787. Addressed M/r John Kinder Loudon County Virginia fav/d by Mr Moses James November 26. 1787 Received Novem/r 26th 17N7 a Mortgage Deed from Sampson Wickersham to William Phillips which I have Received from 1'ersifor Frazer the same hav- ing been Recorded John Philips December 28. 1787 Acknowledgment of Deed Poll by Ezekiel Hoopes be- fore P. F. Recorder. March 17. 1788. Bond of John Brown to deliver possession of tract of land in Westtown by April 1. 1788 Witnesses Tims Cheney Ezekiel Leonard. March 22. 1788. Art. of agreement between Jno Bowen and Jno Davidson in regard to a sale of land of the former to 34 1 the latter for £ 250 , , — , , — , , . P. F. witnesses the transfer of £ 150 of the purchase money on Jan. 14. 1790. March 24. 1788. Let. of att'y to P. F. from H. H. Graham Exec: of Rees Peters who was Execn of Rob/t Wilson, dec'd. tc ack. satis, of mt'ge for debt of £ 120 , , — , , Witnesses W/m Baldwin and James Dilworth Jun/r June 12. 1788. Release of Mary Junkin by Israel and Mary Moore attested by P. F. Justice. July 26. 1788. Letter of Jno. Hoge to P. F. relating to lands about the mouth of Raccoon Creek and in Washn. Co. July 28. 1788 Letter of Reading Howell to P. F. asking latter to make a new ace and get the approbation of the other Gentlemen. June 1788. Acct. between David M/cMurtrie Ad. Exts. v. P. F. to Sept. 10. 1789. Sept. 30. 1788. Let. of attorney John and Mary Dickinson to P. F. to ack. satis, of Mtge from Benj. Weatherly to Chas. Norris Witnesses Sally Norris Dickinson, and Thos. Tiluson. s d William Yarnall 20 Cord Wood at 5 / 9 Benjamin Chance to 2 new Shoes Abraham Sharpless his acomp/t John Kimlers acompt against it young Ben/j Jones Cash lent 34; t s 5- - 15— 0. 2 , 6 21 . 6. 16. 12. 10 4- i3- 2 £ d 3- 9 Abraham Sharpless Dr To a Cole Basket o — 5 . o To a Mortisen ax o. 2. 6 To WD too,, — Harry WD 100 , , — Silvea 5 1 ■ . • 75 , , — Jack Jack 100,, — Isaac 1 p.R 100 , , — Dick D 85,, — Seaser EV 75 , , — Rachel and Child . . . P F 85 , , — Sam P.F 25 , , — Charley EV 65 , , — , , — D Mell 185 D M. 185 I V and WD 200 due to him 10 . , 5 I V and WD 191 V and D 391 140 I P F 205 in debt , , 10 £701 P F 205 340 781 in debt 9 , , 15 6 '95:5 Feb. 9. 1789 Brother/ As the Right Worshipful the Grand Officers have visited Lodge N/o 8. since our last stated meeting — and granted their war- rant, which supersedes our Old one — business is to commence under the new warrant on the 3/cl Tuesday of this month (the regular stated meeting of the Lodge) at 10 oclock A M in Norristown, at the House of Jas: Page — at which time and place you are desired to attend, on business of importance respecting the craft and our particular Lodge — By special order of the Worshipful Master Jn/o Cadwallader Sec/y Persifer Frazer Esq/r 343 March 2. 1789. Note from Moses Hoopes to P. F. asking the lat- ter for £7 , , 5 , , o . A line appended is a recep't by Moses Hoopes for £ 6, , . in part of claim. March 24. 1789. Note from P. F. to Levi Matson offering to pay latter £ 30 , , — , , — , , on a/c of Rent due by Sarah Vernon if he will wait for the remainder. April 1 1. 1789. SECRETARY'S OFFICE, PHILADELPHIA, April 11/th 1789. SIR, BY direction of Council, I transmit to you two Commissions for John Worth Esquire to be entered upon record in your County — Previous to the delivery of which, you will administer to him the oaths required by the Constitution and Laws of the State. I am, Sir, Your most obedient and very humble Servant, James Trimble for Charles Biddle Sec/ry. To Percifer Frazier Esquire, Recorder of Deeds in the County of Chester Addressed on public service Percifer Frazier Esquire Recorder of the County of Chester May 30. 1789. Let of atty H. H. Graham to P. F. to ack. satis, of Mtge of Jno. Pennell and wife to Graham for £ 250 , , Witnesses Jno Price and Jos Pennell. Oct. 10. 1789. SECRETARY'S OFFICE, PHILADELPHIA, October 10/th 1789. SIR, BY direction of Council, I transmit to you the Commissions for the Sheriff and Coroner — and Writ of Assistance to be entered 344 upon record in your County Previous to the delivery of which, you will administer to the Sheriff and Coroner the oaths required li\ the Constitution and Lws of the State, and also take from the Sheriff the Security which the Law requires 1 am, Sir, Your must obedient and very humble Servant, James Trimble for Charles Biddle To I'ercifer Frazier Esquire, Sec/ry. Recorder of Deeds in the County of Chester PS John Ilannum and Kzekie! Leonard arc approved by Coun- cil as sureties for the Sheriff James Trimble I > -to/r 20/th 1789 The Sheriff and Coroner Were duly affirmed agreably to the above directions, before me Pers r Frazer Addressed On public service I 'ercifer Frazier Esquire Recorder of Deeds in the County of Chester Oct. ig. 1789. 19. Oct. 1789 Sir, The cause of M/cMurtrie against you is marked for trial on Saturday the 31 ins/t — 1 will endeavor to reach Philad/a if possible on that day, being obliged on some public and important business to attend at Easton Oyer and Terminer which com- mences on the 26/th But if 1 should be disappointed, M r [nger- sol will attend to the business. 1 will pay him the fee you gave me last, and will instruct him in the cause before 1 set out. The paper the young Gentlemen will give you. They are in the U: pidgeon hole of the Com. pleas. — 1 hope 1 shall be in time, if not I have to regret that I cannot serve you in person, — but if a good cause and my wishes can avail you, I think you will succeed. I am Dear Sir Your hum ser. \Y. Bradford Jun. (Turn over) P. Frazer Esq. 345 P.S. Upon examining the pidgeon hole I do not find the papers, and if I recollect right I gave them to you when you went to take M/r Caldwell's deposition Addressed Persifor Frazier Esquire M/cMurtrie Recorder, vs. West Chester. Frazer Nov. 9. 1789. Received from Gen. Frazier three bonds for twenty five pounds each given by me to him which with the int. due thereon Amount to the sum of Sev- enty five pounds fifteen shillings and five pence, for which sum together with the Costs of Suit against me he is to have credit on the Judg/t against him at the suit of the Exers of David M/cMurtrie decsd. Philad. Nov. 9. 1789 David M/cMurtrie £ 95 . 2 . 6 am/t of Jud. £Z7>> 15 >. 5 2,, 13. . 1 95. , 2, , b 6, , 8, 9> . 5 1 101 , ,18, , 11 80, , 8, , 6 £21 , ,11. . 5 1 , 1 , , 20 , , 11 , . 5 1 , , 0, . 80,, 8 ,,6 deduced being Error in Cost- added for 10 M/os Interest 21 ,, 11 ,, 5 24. Sep/t 1790 rec/d of Persifor Frazer Esq/r the above twenty one pounds 11/5. — the Costs of the Ac- tion of Frazer v M/cMurtrie to be p/d by Gen/1 Frazer, as it is allowed in the Acc/t £21 , , 11 , , 5. M/cMurtrie Frazier Jona D. Sargeant 34b November 30. 1789. Fr/d Joseph Hoskins As I have understood that you are one of the overseers of Chester Meeting of which Meeting Abigail Swasfer (late Abigail Worrall) is a member — 1 take the Liberty to complain to you of her Conduct — Sarah YVorral the widow of John Worrall the older late of Edgmont deed by her last Will and Testament bequeathed to my wife the Grandaughter of the s/d Sarah £ 100. to be paid to her at her Mothers decease, and left her son Peter Worrall the Ex- ecutor of the said Will — Peter Worrall tlw<\ in the year 1772 and left his Wife Abigail and Joseph Talbot jun r Kxicutors of his Will — In the Year 1780 my wiles Mother died (viz. Sarah the wife of Jn/o Peirce) at whose decease as afors/d the Legacy be- came payable — Peter worralls estate was very large and ample to satisfy all debts and several large pecuniary legacys to his Children — We have made repeated applications to Abigail Swasfer for the payment of the legacy, which hitherto has not had the desired effect ( except a small sum paid ab/t 3 years ago at w/ch time she promised punctually to discharge the ballance in a short time, in Consequence of w/ch promise and to remove any Cause for complaint 1 engaged to strike off 2 years Inter- est — Still by affected delays we are kept out of the money — We had reason many years ago to make complaint of her conduct in this business, but being loath to have any dispute of this nature with any of my wifes relations, has been the occasion of its being so long deferred — Indeed I had intended to have taken this matter into the Supreme Court, but having been advised that this mode may be as effectual — less expensive and more friendly, I gladly embrace it, and would be happy to have the business ter- minated soon as I am under engagements to pay a sum of Money soon for the place I now live on which I some time ago purchased - — I have informed her that she has no just right to expect me to forgive the two years Interest — as that was made with the ex- press Proviso that I should have no more trouble about it and on her promise that the remainder should be paid soon, which is now about 3 years — I am sorry Sir to have Occasion to give you or the meeting the trouble that this complaint may introduce, but have found every method we have taken hitherto ineffectual I am y/r sincere Fr/d etc/a Westown Novem/r 30/th 1789 Pers/r Frazer Endorsed Copy of Letter to Joseph Hoskins Overseer of Chester Meeting 347 December 7. 1789 Affidavit of Joshua Ashbridge before P. F jus- tice, that the signature of his Father was genuine as a Witness to a deed of land by John Todhunter of Goshen to Stephen Hoopes of Westtown dated Oct. 7- l 7& Although foreign to this memoir the following brief from Gen. Frazer's papers is printed as a sample of the legal acumen of that day, and because one of the greatest of the public charities of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Hospital, was in- volved in the case. Jan. 4. 1790. Finley v Covenant Rustons Ex/rs Case This is an action brought for damages upon a breach of contract made by y/e defendants. It will appear in support of it that on y/e 19/th day of March 17S3 Job Ruston did in behalf of himself, his Ex/r and adm/r in consideration of £ 420 covenant to make a good and sufficient deed of consideration to Plff for a specified tract of land consisting of 218 1/4 acres, being the one half of a tract of land of 430 1/4 acres w/c said Ruston had mortgaged to the managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital for y/e sum of £ 600. The penalty for non-performance of agreement £ 1200. Circumstances. These are complex. M/r Job Ruston owned two plantations or tracts of land, the one in Faggs-manor containing about 450 acres on w/c he lived — the other in Penns-manor and about two miles distant from this, containing 436 1/4 acres, the one half of w/c said Ruston sold to Plff as will appear from the articles of agreement w/c shall be laid before you. This contract is abided to and confirmed by said Rustons will in the following words "I do hereby empower my Ex/rs and those within named to comply with the articles of agreement made between me and my son in law John Evans Finley." But you will remember that the whole tract of 436 1/4 acres was mortgaged to y/e managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital for y/e sum of £ 600 principle for the payment of one half of which Plff. stood answerable to said Ruston or his ex/r — The managers of the P. H. demanded the whole money first from Thomas Ruston, afterwards from the Ex/r of Job Rustons estate ; but receiving no satisfaction from either, put the bond in suit and sold the whole tract of 436 acres on account of the mortgage. And William Fisher influenced by his daughter and the unwearied application of 348 his son in law Thomas Ruston purchases the farm* The consequence is Plff is left to seek redress of grievances in this way. The circumstances which led on to this are as follow. M/r Job Ruston or his Ex/rs were under obligation to discharge one half of said Mortgage; but they did not pay any part of it. and if we con- sider their resources were rendered unable: for the monies arising from the sale of the personal estate were chiefly absorbed in the pay- ment of small debts in the neighborhood as 1 am informed and have good reason to believe; but am under no obligation to prove it; for whether the Ex/rs could not or would not my argument is the same. Their next and only resource then was from monies arising from the sale of y/e real estate. Let us attend a little to this. M/r Job Ruston will all his real estate (carefully excepting that part w/c he had sold to Plff) to his son Thomas Ruston on the ex- press condition of paying to his Ex ; rs the sum of £ 3.000 by the in- stalments of £400 a year. Then follows a provisional clause that if his son Thomas sh/d fail in making y/e first or any following payment, then in that case he empowers his Ex rs etc to sell a specified lot of 44 acres of land — and if he should fail in making the second or any fol- lowing payment, then in that case he orders and empowers his Kx/rs etc to sell a specified lot of 100 acres — and if he sh/d fail in making the fourth or any following payment then in that case y/e Ex/rs etc are empowered to sell a lot of 218 l 4 acres bing the one half of the tract of 436 1-/4 acres w/c was mortgaged to y/e managers of y/e P. H.— Accordmgly the i/t and 2/d lots were sold and Thomas Ruston is the purchaser, but suffers himself to be sued for the greatest part of y/e money. Here we may observe as we go along that Thomas Rus- ton publickly discharged any person from purchasing this second lot, as he was he was determined if they did to enter an action against them in law: therefore Ihe Ex/rs were under the necessity of dealing with Thomas Ruston for the land on his own terms, yet an action lies against him in y/e supreme court for part of the purchase. And with respect to the 3/d lot w/c is specified in y/e will and ex- pressly ordered to be sold by y/e Ex/rs — it was sold by the Sheriff before the time y/e will directed the ex/rs to sell it. Now tho' Thomas Ruston had the whole of his fathers estate in his possession and was greatly in debt to y/e Ex rs but knew that by the tediousness of law he could detain y/e money for some time so would not give £ 100 to y/e managers of y/e P. H.. to stop the process. This will be made appear by a voucher which shall be laid before you as well as from D/r F. Alison's evidence. *Wm. Fisher informed Plff that he would not have bought but for his daughter. 349 Thus thro' the failure of Thomas Ruston the Ex/rs were disabled from discharging their part of the mortgage — and did not indeed pay any part principal or interest. PlfT paid part of the money to M/r Job Ruston and part to the managers of y/e P. H. as will appear from the vouchers which shall be laid before you, and continued still to pay untill forbid by his at- torney. Not only has Plff laid out money to a considerable amount ; but at great trouble and expence did build a large stone dwelling house and kitchen, barn, and made other valuable improvements on y/e premises. You cannot expect in matters of this sort such vouchers as if one man had undertaken it for another, and so expected to require satis- faction for the same in a future day. Such receipts, bills etc as Plff. has been able to procure shall be laid before you. Upon this state of facts it is amicably agreed by the parties to refer the whole matters in debate to you gentlemen chosen by y/e court and acceeded to by us. All that shall be farther added is some pecu- liarly aggravating circumstances w/c tho' not immediately to the point in a legal sense yet certainly is connected with it in equity and no doubt will come into the account in a future reckoning. From whose hand comes all this loss, trouble and uneasiness of mind to Plff. Tis from the hand of a brother — a brother too who either has or professes to have wealth in abundance, yet covets a sis- ters little portion. When Thomas Ruston came first from England, he once and again makes his home with this sister for days together and is treated with all that civility and courtesy his sister or the fam- ily were capable of: Yet never once does he acknowledge y/e favor — No but the moment he has it in his power unmanlike indeed, he puts on all y/e majesty of self importance to his sister in the absence of her husband, discharges her at her peril (they are his own words) from touching a single peach w/c grew in y/e orchard. As soon as a crop of wheat was put in y/e ground w/t M/r Fishers leave, Thomas Ruston proud of exercising his authority, orders his sister by virtue of a power of attorney from W/m Fisher, to quit the premises immediately — and even robs her of the whole crop. When Plff. a little before harvest applied to W/m Fisher for y/e crop according to compact, he replied he had committed that business to his son in law; and when pressed on the subject could only say, that he was taken at a disadvantage. How true this is will appear from the nature of y/e bargain.* Plff. then applied to Thomas Ruston who also refused y/e crop and said he had swapt it away.f ♦It was a verbal agreement that the incumbrance and rent sh /d be determined by two of y/e neighbours accordingly W/m. Sterrit and R. Smith Esq/s adjudged Plff. to pay £20. This was offered. fl mark'd him well, he used y/e Jockey word Swap. 35° Do you ask for what purpose was this tract of land mortgaged: The ans/r is short, it was for money to give Thomas Ruston when lie went to England and was wholly applied to his use. This his father repeatedly told to y/e neighbours. But this is not all. M/rs Eliz. Ruston aunt to M/rs Finley had £ ioo Sterling in the hank in England and in y/e late war put a power of at- torney to Thomas Ruston to draw it out and send it over to her in America. M rs Eliz. Ruston on her deatli Led expressed her desire to two respectable women yet living that this £ ioo Sterling sh d be divided between M 'rs Finley and her sister M/rs S Bell. This money Thomas Ruston holds and refuses to give any account of it either to y/e ex/rs or heirs of M/r Job Rustons estate. If this noncupative will had been properly attended to this complaint had 1 n'en made in another form. Now gentlemen whin you consider the particulars above enumer- ated with these aggravating circumstances as — the trouble and ex- pence Plff. is at in obtaining Justice. When you consider the im- portance of contracts in general and their effects between man and man and on the community at large, you will I trust award to Plff. high and examplary damages. Jn/o E. Finley. read Jany 4/th 1790. March 26. 1790. Letter from Geo. Patterson of Patterson's Mills Juniata to P. F. requesting him to appear and testify in a suit brought by David M c.Murtrie on land near the mouth of the Little luniata. Addressed Percifer Frazer Esq. April 7. 1790. Prom. Note. Wm Harris to Geo. Marstellor for £ 15.. 12,, 7 Witnesses Th. R. Kennedy, Thos. Bones Mem. of amts pd. April 24. 1790. Letter from W m Bradford Jim. "on the part of the Commonwealth" to Gen] Frazer requesting a search for records of two deeds, each of a part of Hog Island to Jo* Galloway from John Read and John Hughes respectively. 351 March i. 1790 Lease by P. F. to Isaac Bolton of farm in East Whiteland for £ 18 — gold or silver and the taxes. June 13. Addressed 1790. Letter P. F. to George Peirce regarding obstruc- tions to the road leading from Edgmont toward Con- cord by Jon/a Hunter, Geo. Hunter, and Edward Cheney. Geo. Peirce Esq December 21. Sir 1790 Please to pay to Persifor Frazer or order One pound Seven Shillings Six pence & Charge the same to Your Hble Serv/t William Harris Decem/r 21/th 1790 To Charles Dilworth Esq/r March 1. 1791. Received this first of March 1791 of Persifor Frazier Esq/r fifty pounds which with the same sum received some time since is in full for the Fee on ac- count of his Son. Jared Ingersoll Probably for reading law in Mr. Ingersoll's office. Aug. 17. 1 79 1 Letter of lawyers James Ross and Alex. Addison of Washington, to Persifor Frazer Esquire concern- ing a suit instituted against Shasbarger Bentley and his wife Bezabul(?) and Amos House upon their bond given in P. F.'s office for the faithful admin, of the es- tate of Jas. Baldwin. Aug- i3-!79(?)- Chester Aug/s 13/th i79(?) My dear Sir Since I had the pleasure of seeing you last I have received the catalogue of my Offence de- livered in by the Censor General of our Country as the list is to be sure a curious one — but such as may with 352 the utmost facility be answered — The only point which 1 cannot myself obviate is the practice in the registers office as to Wills, and that too 1 can safely declare according to the Directions of M/r Graham — but whether the declaration of the interested party will be taken or not is the question — Some of my friends have requested my obtaining a Certificate from you Sir — stating the practice in your time — whether such a demand would be improper, or would lead to further Enquiries or not you shall be the judge if you deem it improper or incautious in you to fur- nish me with such Certificate — 1 beg you may not send it- — we cannot tell what may follow — you may meet a Bevan in your own County — and altho' your Conduct has been such as places you above the Threat- or power of any person, yet to be called upon even where capable of justifying — is a thing not much to be wish'd for. You, if my memory serves me, inform'd me the practice in the time of M/r Graham and yourself has uniformly been to take fifteen shill- ings for each Codicil, unless when you choose to for- give etc. — whether this is the practice or not is mater- ial to me — on this Occasion — My Instructions in a Case of this kind from that Gentleman are in these words Viz: "Probate of each Codicil according to size, and if Witnesses are different from Will it is discretionary in the ( Ifficer — full fees have been taken"— Alluding to the circumstances of the parties and the Trouble attending the Business — Now Sir, if this has been the practice 1 am right in what I have done, if not t'is an Error — and whether it will fall on my shoulders or not is to be determined — A willful Error 1 never did commit — and to be censured for a fault of the kind is hard. — you will judge Sir whether it may be proper and necessary to grant a line cm the occasion — (Torn) — shall do th — (Torn) — ritv or — (Torn) — (Torn) — ing arc the — (Torn) — may sugge ' 1 am Sir, with the Utmost Sinceritv and Esteem Your I hi Tie Sev/t W/m R/n Atlee Pers/r Frazer Esq/r If by the Act of Assembly you can make out a Bill 353 of particulars and send by the Bearer you will oblige me, in the Care of Wills — Addressed W/m R/u Atlee Persifer Frazer Esq/r West Town Chester County Year and date Estimate of Thos. and of Hannah Lindley's not given securities and order for eight tons bar Iron etc. Endorsed Wm Plumsted's order for iron and a/c of Lindley Securities and their Ad/ms This may be part of the transaction of 1751 (mentioned on page 12) out of its place In the papers. Year not given Aug. the 5/th Note of Richard Morris to Mr Pear- sifer Frasier S/r requesting Mr Jno Whitecer (Whit- aker( ?) ) be informed of certain Det and interests and that P. F. would think of his work on the chimley and Drawell. Year and date wanting Copy of testimony in trial of Eleazer Smith for passing a counterfeit of the currency of Massachu- setts, with sentence of the court to thirty nine lashes on the bare back well laid on. September 7(?) 1791. & September 17. 1791 Subpaenas to Elisha Price by Edw Burd prothon. to testify in case of Jona. Hunter vs Patrick Shirkey, at West .Chester. Thos. M/cKean Chief Justice, Edw. Burd Prothon. December 2. 1791. Receipt by Wm. Irwin (his mark) to P. F. auditor of J. Gardner late Sheriff for £ 5 , , 14 , , 6 . Witness Ephr/m Allen. Fees charged etc. Mem of payment to Gardner's creditors 354 December 16. 1791. Receipt Jas Baggs to P. F. and of J. Gardner late Sheriff for 13 shillings & twopence. December i<>. [791. Promissory note Jas Baggs to P. F. for £5 , , 5 , , — Witness Sally Frazer April 14. 1792 Pers/r Frazer Esq/r to Nathan Scholfield D/r To 8 Weeks hoarding at 8, 4 P/r Week £ 3 , , 6 , , 8 To 3 Cord of Wood 1 , , 17 , , 6 To a Bottle & Brandy & 6 quarts of ( >ats &c/ ,, 8,, 4 Credit By 15/ lent M/rs Scholfield. . . By Zachariah Lewis's Deed Recorded. £ 5. , 12, 15. , 6 * y £4 . . 17, 7. , 6 . 3 £4,, 10,, 3 Received April 14/th 1792 of Persifor Frazer by the hand of George Worrall the Sum of three pounds in part of the within acco/t Rec/d P Nathan Scholfield The following Almanac and note hook of 1773 was evidently used by General Frazer during many years i. e. probably before, during and after the Revolution. The date and significance of most of the entries can only be sur- mised. Thus the list of Captains was doubtless made early in 177(1 and re- ferred to those in the division with Wayne's Battalion which ren- dezvoused at Chester and afterwards went to Long Island and Ticon- deroga. The account of expenditures for Col. Wayne were probably for the benefit of Company A of the 4 th (or Wayne's) Batl'n of which frazer was the Captain. The expenses of the journey of Dr Kennedy and himself t<> Albany were perhaps those of their return from Ticonderoga to White Plains. 3 5 5 The itinerary and expense account on p. 10 from "Iturly(?) town" to Phila. is most likely connected with one of the General's journeys after the war as commissioner of the State ; and the account on p. 22 may be part of his record as Justice of the Peace or Register of wills. The notes on the boom (p. 30) are very interesting. They refer in all probability to the latter end of 1775 and the early part of 1776 when the Committee of Safety were obstructing the channel of the Delaware to prevent the advent of a hostile fleet. The measurements p. 104 may indicate the depth of the water at different distances along the boom from the shore. Page 160 shows that at that time lotteries were considered legitimate sources of excitement and profit ; and the notes on p. 27 about negroes reminds us that traffic in human beings was considered lawful and proper by the most conscientious church members : both of which facts are well known. It is not entirely clear to what epoch the list of Colonels and Lt. Colonels refers, nor what the numbers opposite their names may mean. Possibly these numbers represent votes at a raffle for a sword or sash to be presented to one of them, but this is pure and not un- likely poor conjecture. AITKEN'S GENERAL AMERICAN REGISTER, AND THE GENTLEMAN'S And TRADESMAN'S COMPLETE ANNUAL ACCOUNT BOOK, AND CALENDAR, For The POCKET or DESK; For The YEAR of Our LORD, 1773 PHILADELPHIA: Printed by Joseph Ckukshank.* For R. Aitken, Bookseller, opposite the London- Coffee-House, Front-Street. (Inside of the front cover in ink.) *Spelled Ckukshank. 356 Mem. for Doct/r Morris ab/t 30 feet Iron 4 1/2 inches wide less less than 1/2 inch thick this is the middle Major Parry 14 1 [ousaker 19 Beaty 11 Nagel 20 Henry Bicker 16 Wood [6 M/cPhereson 5 Ross 5 1 Back of the title pane in ink.) Mary Wiley Mary Way at Wilminton one Sellers a Brick maker near Wilmington brother in law to Wiley Captains Sam/1 Wattson Jn/o Beaty Tho/s Church Tho/s Craig Jn/o Hillings P. Frazer Fred : Vernon Jn/o Miller Dav/d Lenox \\ in West Walter Steward Jn/o Brisbane Tho/s Boyle Sam/1 Benezet Jn/o Reese Tho/s Robinson Jn/o Spoon Rudolph Bonner Nath/1 Van/ant Stephen Bayard Ja/s Moore Jn/o Lacy Henry Ellis Peter Skull Ja/s Taylor Caleb North 1'cter Decker. Chris. Stewart Jo/s Hubley Alex. Graydon W/m Butler Dunken (Page 2) 467 Cords Wood (Page 4) Doctor Kennedy (Page 5) £ 7.. 17. David Register John Register 1 . . 10 357 (Page 6) 1776 Jany. 22/nd Received from Col/o Wayne Put into the hands of M/r Bartholomew. Paid at Dilworths Paid Buckley Jan/y 27/th Paid at Hills.. ..th Paid Buckley Jan/y 31 , Paid at Martins received from Col Wayne , Paid at Half way House at Andersons Paid at Bells Kennett Square , at Welshs and Davis's at Chester turn at Dilworths , Paid Blackwood y/e Drummer , P/d M/r Bartholomw in Chester Received from Col Wayne Feb/y 12/th P/d Buckley Receiv'd 54-. I— ■ 54 10. 20. 5-- 8.. 1 . . 3- 13- 7- £70.. 5- 7- 7- 17- 10. 10. 9- 1 . 3- 19. 6. 10. 10. 19- .1 6] 61 61 8 6 10 (Page 8 in pencil) Docto/r Kennedy p/d for his gloves his Share of Expences to Albany . Decem/r 1776, Journey from Paid Portage up. . . Bread and Beef a Jugg Wine Fowls Butter Porterage down Expences to Albany. 3 mile house Van Eyks mill 3-- I . . IS-- 2 3-- 8 19.. 1 . . 4 8.. 6 3- 2. . 8 [O 35S at Cookhagen at Van Vachtens at Catskill at Kirchland at Sopus Doct/r p/d 8/ 5-- ••1 9.. O 3-- IO [2. . 1 (Page 10) (written in ink) 2709 M T _7 10 R F — 6 2717 PF 6 2718 SF (pencil) Vanduzen 8. . 2 7- > 8 8 8 7 ■ ■ 4.. 6 (in pencil) at lturlv Town* at Rochester Shoemakers at Ncwkirchs at Philip Swartwoods at \\ est Brooks at Deckers at \\ alpack (Page 12 continued in pencil) at Tomkins Wind Gap. . . at Nazareth Bethlehem at Bryans at Kacklein rlorse Hire Horse Hire to M Gom/y Expences there Horse hire to philad/a. . [O 6 6 3 6 (, l 6 6 (Page 14 in ink) U States Expences from Ty — . . Forage to i/st June 161 days — . 8.. 18.. 6 'Hurlytown (?) 359 (Page 16 in ink) 2 8 10 Feb/y i/st Borrow'd of Isaac Taylor to Pay Alex/r Thomson £ Paid Isaac Taylor receiv'd from John Flowerson flour Account Paid alex Dick for fish Expences to hook and Wilmin/n I . . . . — £i.. i . . 2. . 4.. — 14.. 8.. 9 4 . (Page 17 in ink) Went to Hook and Wilmington. on Acc/t of the Estate (Page 22 in ink) 8 Re/d from Job fallows Paid M/r Glen for Greens Estate. Paid Expences Arbitration at neals. Greens Estate Paid Nehemiah Baker d/o Paid Nath/a Baker Paid Black Tone* (Green) lent Dan/1 Calvert Expences at Hills Paid Dan/1 Bromall my Poor Tax. Paid Mathew Clarke Lent Jn/o Christopher wife 10. 17. 10 10 8 15 5 7 j 2 6. 19. 1* -I (Page 27 in ink) a likely negroe man county born 27 y. age had Small pox and measles and bred enquire magdalene morgan Rad- nor Gazette 24/th march -I March 20 A hearty Negroe fellow ab/t 22 y/s age enquire Hall and Sellers Gazette 24/th March *Tom(?) 360 Northampton Bucks C/o Sundry negroes to be sold by I [elena l)u Bois d/o (Page 30 written cro wise of the page in pencil) from end of the Boom to the eastern point of the Jersey Redoubt to the end of the B»,, in the course N 55 West — distance 52 perches the gen/1 course of y/e boom X 62 East t Page 102 in pencil) the deptli at the bit;. 6 feet Bridge at perches. 7 u 8 18 17 ->4 20 3° 22 3 6 2I 42 22 48 22 54 22 60 22 66 22 72 21 78 21 84 11 18 8 (Page 104 in pencil) at 6 perches from 6 the East Side Boom 12 6 18 6 24 14 30 14 36 15 42 18 48 18 54 19 60 19 66 19 72 20 36i 7 8. 84. 9 o. 96. 102. 108. 114. 120. 126. 132. 138. 144. 152. .21 .22 •23 .24 .18 . 10 ■ 9 . 8 (Page 106 in ink) Mary Rodgers Ticket in the Pickering Lottery 915 — Mary Anne Frazer 916 Persifor Frazer 917 Sally Frazer 918 Bobby Frazer 919 Mary Frazer 920 Nancy Frazer 913 914 General Frazer probably purchased lottery tickets for Mary Rodgers, five of his children, and his sister Anne (Nancy). The omission of the naimes of Martha and Eliza suggest that the tickets were bought "before the birth of the former and elder, or at least before she had become old enough to be thought of for a gift of that kind. (Page 108 in pencil) Decem/r 28/th Gave to M/rs Harper by Directions from her Husband. 30 Doll/rs my own money he is to repay me II. . 5-- (On the back of the second title page (p. 112 of book) written in ink) Rec/d 28/th Mar/h 1776 of Cap: Frazer the Sum of three pounds ii/ii in full of his Ac/t James Glenn 362 Rec/d 28/th Mar/h 1776 of Cap t Frazer the Sum oi one ])ound 16/11 in full of Loudhead and Glenns Ac/t James Glenn (Written in ink on the inside oi the back cover) Colo/s Wayne 23 S/tClair 23 Shee 23 M cGaw 20 Attlee 17 Lambert Cadwalader 15 Broadhead 14 Johnston 10 Lieut. Colonels Cadwalader 21 Allen 20 Johnston 20 Penrose 20 Hartley 17 Erwin 15 Broadhead 11 Wood 12 Friends It seems to me as if the time was nearly aproaching in which I must Seek a Reconciliation, not from a motive of outward, or worldly Views, but a real apprehention of duty, not finding true peace of mind without it: may you deeply feel, weigh and Consider and when your minds are tilled w/th Heavenly Wisdom and Divinely Influenc'd, Remember, and pray for, one, who, however tin worthy Heartily desireth Truths prosperity, I'm persuaded it will be readily Confess'd that in taking a View of the times, and of the Shatterd Con- dition of our Society it will aford Real Matter of Lamentation, mourn- ing, and Deep Sorrow of Heart, one falling on the one hand and an- other Droping off on the other, was there ever more need, to weep be- tween the poarch and the -alter, and Say, i ord Spare thy People and give not thy Heritage to Reproach: with a mind tmpress'd w/th Strong desires that the faithful and Honest hearted Labourers may be preserved, and the Number Increas'd, I Rest, and Venture to Sub scribe my Self your ffr/d and well wisher To ffrd/s at Concord I. P. 3(>3 The preceding address without name or date has been introduced among the papers of Persifor Frazer XVI-i because of his connection through his wife with the Society of Friends. There was no such con- nection in the generations XIV and XV. It was folded nearly square and enclosed in an envelope rudely cut out of a parchment deed on which the following words appear, but there is not the slightest reason to believe that the deed had any relation whatever with the avowal to which it was simply a cover. The missing words were cut off in shaping the envelope. 1726 the one part and Georg lawful Money of Pennsylva they have for their said Son and for his actual Seizin now being by Virtue of between the same parties as the These Present ndred and forty eight Perches to a black by the Land of Nathaniel Newlin Eigh Oak in the Line of Moses Key's Laud Thence West by the same fifty perches fo fores/d Weaver In Fee As by Indenture i Price In Fee by Indenture of the twenty One thousand seven hundred and twenty Day of January Anno Dni. One thousand seven hundred and twenty six whatsoever thereunto belonging and the Reversions and Remainders thereof And all the Estate Ri to hold the said messuage Plantation two Tracts of Land and Premises hereby granted with forever Under the yearly Quit rent accruing for the hereby granted Premises to the Chief Lord Premises hereby granted or mentioned to be granted With the Appurtenances unto the said Georg all and every other person and persons lawfully claiming or to claim by from or under him these Presents have interchangeably set their Hands and Seals here- unto Dated the Day and Y Sealed and Delivered Joseph Gillpin and Ux/r to George Gillpin A sketch map of a road Survey from the White Horse Road to Rowland's Mill road with title Draught of Geo. Veslers road Survey August 21/st 1779 p/r Jno. Beaton. 364 Endorsed Return of a Survey of a Road from Geo. Vesler's Saw mill to thyar (sic). The President presents his Compliments to M/r Frazer and begs the Favor of his Company at Dinner, on Thursday next, at Four 3 o'CIock. A subscription book, 6\" X 4", for a map of Philadelphia with agreement between James Smither Engraver and John Reed, the names of Subscribers, and other memoranda. Proposals for Publishing by Subscription a Plan of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia laid down from Original Surveys made by Thomas Holmes Surveyor General of tlu province of Penn a and others, in consequence of Warrants from W/m l\nn Esquire, true and absolute proprietor of the said province. This plan will contain i/mo A draught of the City of Philadelphia divided into Lots, and numbred according to the Original Plan which Thomas Holmes sent to Philip Ford to be engraved. 2/do. A List of the names of all the ( )riginal purch/rs with the num- ber of acres of Land they purchas/d Opposite to each Name will be the Number of the Lot appurtenant to such purchase. In another column will be the Names of the person who took up each Purchasers Liberty Lands, and the quantity he received. 3/no A draught of all the Liberty Lands, with the Owners Name; Or the name of the person who took up each purchasers Liberty Land, inserted in the Survey, a few Instances excepted, where the surveys are very small; In which. Case there will be Letters of Reference, and a List annex'd The whole to be neatly engraved on a Copper-plate Five Feet three Inches long, and about two Feet five Inches Wide. With each plan will be delivered a printed Book, containing the Returns of Survey, on which the Plan is founded and an alphabetical List of the first pur- chasers, with their places of abode, Titles of Distinction etc., to many of them, as they stand in the Original Catalogue of Purchasers signed by William Penn Two Lots of numbers will be annexed to this List, One refering to 3"5 the Township, according to the catalogues of Purchasers, the other to the page of the Book where the survey is to be found. The price to Subscribers will be Forty Shillings: ten shillings to be paid at the time of Sub- scribing ; and the residue on the delivery of the plan. We the Subscribers do respectively promise to pay to John Reed, or his Order, the sum of ten shillings on demand, for every plan by us respectively subscribed for, according to the number we affix against our Names, and the further Sum of Thirty Shillings for each plan, to be paid on the delivery thereof. Witness our Hands Michael Hillegass (i), John Jacobs jun (i), Israel Jacobs (i), Joseph Fox (i), David Rittenhouse (i), William Masters (i), Tho. Whar- ton (i), Jerem: Warder (i), John Bamhill (i), Benjamin Armitage (i), John Cox jun (i), William Dewees (i), Isaac Howell (i), Thomas Tilbury (i), Dan/1 Clymer ( i ), Reuben Haines (i), John Lueken (i), T. Luekens (i), Joseph King (i), W/m Wishart (i), James Stroud (i), Townsend Speakman (]), Thomas Shoemaker (i), Jacob Hiltzheimer (i), William Coffine (i), John Bissell (i), Fred. Kuril (i), Jon/n Lane Jun (i), James Pearson (i). Thomas Harrison (i), Stephen Reeves (i), Geo. Glentworth (i), William Shute (i), John Wood (i), Jos. Howell Jun (i), John Wright (i), Tho. Nevill (i), Philip Price (i), W/m West (i), Peter Dehaven (i), Elijah Weed (i), James Suttor (8), John Britton (i), Fergus Purden (i), Thomas Felton (i), Henry Rob- inson (i), Evan peters (2), W/m Robinson (1), Sam/1 Griscom (1), Robert Tatnall (1), Davis Bassett (1), Stephen Paschall (1), W/m Jenkins (1), W/m Woodron.(i), Benjamin Loxley (1), Jerem. Cresson (i), John Thomson (1), James Dickinson (1), Benjamin Morgan (1), James Worrall (1), Abel Evans (1), W/m Robinson (1), Peter Howard (2), Tho. Renshaw (1), John Moody (1), W/m Maulsby (1), Cha. Law- rence (9), W/m Williams (1), David Rose (1), Sam/1 Crispin (1), Tho. Vaughan (1), Tho. Crafts (1), Dan 1 Topham (1), Tho. Proctor (1), John Little (1), Benjamin Austin (1), John Tombs (1), Whiteh/d Humphreys (1), Sam/1 Richards (1), Aaron Phipps (1), Jos. Govett (1), John Chandler (1), James Bernard (1), John Fox (1), Stephen Cronin (1), Tho. Hale (1), Cha. W/m Nassau (1), John Johnson (1), Tho. Middleton (1), Isaac Coren (1), Lawrence Mann (1), John Jervis Jun/r (1), Jos. Jenkins (1), John Hart (1), Michael M/cGannon (1), Matthew Potter Jun (1), The honble John Barron Esq (1), Dan/1 Evans for B. Rittenhouse (1), James Gillingham (1), John Elmslie (1), Jos. Watkins jun (1), Rowl/d Evans (1), James Massey (1), James Claypoole (1), Benj. Griffith (1), David Kinsey (1), Jos. Rush (1), Saml Garrigues (1), Jn/o Cunningham (1), Rich/d Robinson (1), Henry 366 Hubbs (i), Abram Tuley (i), William Ball (i). Alex/r Rutherford (i), John Sparks (i), James Brown (i), Henry Robinson (i), Sam 1 Wallis (i), Hugh Hughes (i), Benjamin Humphreys (i), Branson Van Leer (i), T. Lukens (i), John Thornhill (i), Tho. Cliffton (i), Henry Kep- pele jun (1), Adam Zantzanger I i ), Tho. Waters i i ). John Palmer (i). Benjamin Allison (i), Isaac Baker (i), Dan. King (i), John 1 Iannis (] ), \\ in Craig (i), Rich d Humphreys (i), W/m Milnoi (i), Sam/1 Masse) I i i. \\ m Seller- (r), William ] )rewry (i), John Shearman (i), Jerem. Baker (i), John Forst (i), Cha. Moore (i), Tho. Reese (i), Silas Waits. Sun (i), Thos. Austin (i), John Hunt (i), Jon n Smith (i), Rohert Harris (1), Joseph Thornhill (i), John Young, jun ( i ). Nath/1 Tilsbee jun ( i ). W/m Coates (i), W/m Potts (i), Jacob Souder ( i), James Watkins (i), John Goodwin (i), Cha. Lyon jun (i), Sam/1 Pryor (i). Tho. Turner ( i ). Jasper Carpinter (i), John Jarman (i), P. Sonmans (i), Joseph Saul! (i), W m Robinson (i), W/m Pearson (i), Israel Morris, (Landjobber) (i). David Gumrie (i), John Dunn (i), Sam 1 Robinson (i). Tho. Buckman (i), Fred. I'liile (i), W/m Smith (Broker) ( i ). James Hartley ( l ), James Cassell (i I, John Mit- chell (i). Eden Haydock (i), Hump v Williams (i), John Roberts, G. M. (i), John Reighter, Merien, (i), W m Koster (i), Joseph Thatcher (i), Tho. Jones (i), Geo. Fetterman (i), John Renshaw (i), Lindsey Coates (i), W. G. for Peter Gaskill Esq (2), John Rich (1). Jacob Godshalk (1). Alex/r Stuart (1), John Perkins (1), Jacob Thomas (1), John Clark (1), T. M. for R. L. Hooper ( 1 ). Ephraim Anderson ( 1 ). Edw/d Bonsall (1), John Flynn ( 1), James Morrell d), \liram Howell (1), John Eastburn (1), John June- jun (1). Christ/r Marshall (1). John Dunlap (1), William Lawrence (i), Benjamin Sheets (1), Tho". Pryor (1), Tho. Mifflin ( 1). B. Austin for John '.Muss and Lancast (1), Jud Lukens for Cha. Lukens (1), Rob t Eyre (1), Rich d Mason (1), Matthew Ingram (1), Matthiers Lukens 1 1 I, Rob/t M'Minn (1). Jos. Lowncs (1), Isaac Hughes ( 1 ). Jos. Richardson ( 1). Morris Maulsby (1). Cadw/r Dickinson 1 1 ). Emanuel Rouse (1). James Chapman (1), Thomas Clifford (r). John Roberts . Miller. (1), Geo. Isherwood (1), Jos. Austin (1). Tos. Alston jun (1), W m Ibison (1). Rob. Dove (1), W/m Ball (1), W/m Goddard (i), W m Coates jun (1). Benjamin George (1). Ant. Jam. Morris (1), Tho. Savary (0, John Williams ( 1 ). Jacob Comley 1 1 I, John Thomson 1 1 I, John Brown (1), James Smither (1). Laughlin Martin ( 1). Sam I Bullis ( 1). Aaron Musgrave (1). Tho. Canby (1). W m Morrell (1), Stephen ('oats (i), John Winters (1), Jos. Wetherell (i), Jos. Wharton Sen (1), David Pancoast (1), Hawkins Boon 1 1). Philip Schrachter 1 [), Ludwig Sing- heiser (1). Thomas Lucas (1), Joseph Penrose (i), Isaac Lewis fi), Humphrey Marshall (1). Nath/1 Vernon 1 1 ), Ant y Wa] ne 1 1 I, Rich- ard Thomas (1), Benj/'a Reynolds (1), Hugh Lloyd n). Elijha Jones 367 (i), Jo' Gibbons jun/r (i), Jn/o Crosby jun/r (i), Persifor Frazer (i), Isaac Taylor (i), Thomas Potts (i), Thomas Hockley (i), Nath/1 Newlin (i), Caleb Parry (i), Benj/a Jacobs (i), Randle Malin (i), Samuel Havard (i), James Hunter (i), Nathan Lewis (i), Jn/o Dick- enson Esq/r (2), Nath/1 Newlin (1). Rough draft of a letter to somie person unknown regarding desirable changes in the law governing the Register's and Recorder's Offices, in the handwriting of Gen. Frazer, very probably to a member of the Assembly who had asked for his views on proposed legislation touching this subject. It is not unlikely that the request for information had some connection with the complaints of Wm. Atlee's administra- tion of his office as intimated in the letter dated Chester August 13, 179 — See ante. As I have for a considerable time been in a very bad state of health, which has prevented me from paying that strict attention to your you requisitions contained in your w hich otherwise I should have done, I take this opportunity Liberty at this time of stating to you such matters relative to the Register and Recorders Offices, which in my opinion require the aid of the Legislature — And first in tlle when application is made to the Register in cases where the Wills of de- ceased persons are witheld by the persons those in whose custody they may be — when Witnesses to Wills either refuse or neglect to come forward and prove the same And when Executors or Administrators neglect to return an Inventory or to settle their Accounts — In all those cases it has been customary and agreable to law to issue a cita- tion under the Seal of Office but here the Registers power seems to be at an end, as there never has been an attachment issued in this County, to compel obedience, — and as far as I can be informed Seldom or never in any other part of the State — whether such power would be better in the hands of the Register or under the authority of the Registers Court I am not competent to determine — but cer- tainly the power should be in one or the other, as it may happen that an estate may be materially injured when dis a dishonest persons are re- factory may have possession thereof, anf j f or this reason It is in my opinion requisite that, a time should be limitted, for the Executors when present to a PP ] y prove the Will, and for those that have a right to Administration, to apply for the same It 't has some times happened that an Executor brings forward the Will but refuse to will not qualify for the present and refuses to renounce, and where there are more than one, under these circumstances, Letters Testa- mentary cannot be granted, untill he determines; this has frequently some times caused embarrassment — It has been customary in many counties in the State for the Orphans 368 Courts to settle Accounts of Administration and as the Registers have undoubted authority to do the same, it |lis very frequently caused much confusion — when the Register has has a moderate share of abil- ities to qualify him for the duties of his ( M'lice, he must certainly be more competent for the Settlement of Accounts which almost daily occur and which by so constant practice will become familiar to him, than <-"— a Court composed of Gentlemen whose attention have not been so much engaged in that business; and as three can form a Court and a rotation in the Service is attended to. they Cant mav p ro upon different principles and for want of constant experience may in- advertantly commit errors of Serious consequence, which this may very readily be done in admitting Vouchers and Charges which on strict scrutiny ought to he rejected. This part of the business Sir is by far the most troublesome dis- agreable and least profitable part of the duty of a Register but for the sake of regularity 1 think ought to he alto-ether in the his hands. Subject to Appeal in case of error, when the Ace ts are finally settled it seems to be the business of the l (rphans Court to at- tent to the distribution — One other reason for Ace t^ being wholly Settled by the Register is that it will scarcely ever cosl a third of the expence incurred by the other mode — These are the matters Sir of most importance which have occurred to me d — at present, relative to the Registers Office — As to the Recorded ( M'tice 1 have little to say, only, that, a person who will faithfully attend to his duty, and not demand more than the law requires, allows cannot be — recompensed for his time and attention to an < Iffice a business of so much importance ; especially since the Counties generally, are s<> small. and three or four hundred deeds at a time may lay on his hands the fees of which unpaid ail( ] the difficulty of recovering the collecting the fees so frequently remain unpaid 11 ii t i II the deeds are taken up. hundreds .if which arc now upon my hands which I understand is likewise 240 Deeds 81 Mortg/s 44 Wills' 53 Adm/ns Broken off abruptly. Dear S — I flatter my Self 1 may take the Liberty to \sk your ad- vice In Regard to this farm as a friend — the Case is this I have for this Som years Past bean a blige to Live In a very Disagreable manner Intirely to Depend On the Honesty of Hirelings wich you well no is a very Poor way to mannage So Large a farm as 369 this- — so for that Reson and many Others I have a mind to Put it ( )ut to the Shar (torn) advantage and for the ha (torn) of — (torn) famaly — I hope it will mee (torn) with all my frien (torn) aprobation' — thare is S/r a man of the Name of John Brown that Once Oned the Place you Now Live On has a Plied to me as a tenent and Refrrs me to you for his Carricktor wich pleased me to hav it in my Power to Inquire from So Good a friend — as I am Sartain a few Lines from Gen/1 Frazire Giveing him a Good Name if he is Worthy of it will have Great wait with Gen Wayne — M/r Browns famaly I think will Sute me as to the Number if you think Other matters will ancer as well but this I Shall Leve to your Better jugement — Pleas to Give my kind Love to your Good Lady and tell her I hope to have it in my Power to Pay her many (torn) this Insuing Summer if helth (torn) Wayne joins In Complements to th — (torn) Ladys and wou/d be very happy to Se them — your friend Molly Wayne Thursday morning Addressed Gener/1 Frazier Memoranda in another hand (torn) Lewis (torn) Jno/y for (torn) U Davis (torn) py of Joseph M/c ilduff will for Major Haris (torn) March 3. 1792 D/r Sir Colonel Van Home wants to be in town next tues- dav, I cannot venture him in my chair, if you can Spare your cov- er'd carriage conveniently he and I will be very thankfull for it, thursday or friday it will certainly be returned, best compliments to your good familly from mine I am Sincerely yours Stephen Moylan Saturday March 3/d 1792 I wish you woud dine with me tomorrow Addressed General Frazer 370 April 7. 1792 Philad/a April 7. 1792 Dear Sir As you propose going- to the Virginia Springs as soon as weather will permit, 1 suppose you mean to quit taking Medicine almost entirely, and perhaps you are right in that; But was that not the Case. I would lake the Liberty to suggest to the Gentlemen who attended you, the use of small Moses of Calomel, (or Mercury) as an alterature 1 understand you have a Swelling in the left side in the Region of the Spleen, probably an obstruction of that Part- Mercurial Ointment rubbed on the Part might probably be used with ad- vantage: However as you propose setting out on your Journey soon, I would be cautious in these applications, in those Circum- stances — nothing more particularly occurs to me respecting your Case at present 1 wish you a pleasant Journey : and most sincerely wish it may be the Means of restoring your Health, and am Dear Sir Y/s Sincerely Sam/1 Duffield Addressed Percifor Frazer Esq/r Death of General Frazer. * (Statement of Elizabeth Smith May 13. 1884) General Frazer was in very bad health and bad been suffering some time when the family determined on a trip for his health to the Virginia Springs. His wife bad already completed the prelimin- ary arrangements of baking, preparing cold meats etc.. for the jour- ney, which were necessary in those days, and all were in readiness to start in the family carriage with two house servants (slaves), when Sallie Matson (cousin of bis wife, a Quaker preacher and a descendant of John Taylor) came to see him. She said she bad a "concern." After assembling the family and remaining in silent prayer for a while she said that she bad a conviction thai tbis journey would result in no good to Persifor. It was accordingly given up and they came to Philadelphia instead, and stayed at the bouse of Dr Duffield, an in- timate friend. While there Gen. Frazer became very ill and Dr. Duffield, his physician, called in the services of Dr. Rush, who first recognized the malady as heart disease and declared that a journey to Virginia would have resulted most disastrously. 1 \ote. Sam Rush *See Appendix hh. 371 told Gen. Frazer's daughter Sally that his Father was the first to recognize the nature of her Father's malady). On Tuesday April 24 1792 at about 10.30 P. M. General Frazer died. He was intenred in the cemetery of Middletown Presbyterian Church, Delaware County, Penna. ; but his grave was unmarked, and its location is unknown to his descendants. In Dunlap's American Advertiser Monday April 30/th 1792 appeared the following notice written by Dr. Benjamin Rush : "On Tuesday evening the 24/th inst. departed this life in this city, in the 56/th year of his age. Col. Persifor Frazer, late Register & Re- corder of the county of Chester, and formerly a Colonel in the Con- tinental army ; and yesterday his corpse was removed to his late dwell- ing near West Chester, for interment." "This respectable citizen served his country as an officer in the con- tinental army with zeal and activity, and though an active and decided friend to the revolution in every stage of it, yet such was his candour and moderation, that he acquired the general esteem and confidence of those who were not perhaps entirely of his political opinions." "Since the revolution, he has been honoured with several public ap- pointments ; all of which he discharged with such fidelity as will reflect honour of his memory." "By his death society is deprived of one of its most useful and or- namental members: and a respectable family have suffered an irre- parable loss." "He was an elder in the Middletown Presbyterian Church of Middle- town for some years before his death." "He was tall and though slender was very active and had great endur- ance. He was of a genial and lovable disposition." 37? APPENDIX. May 13. 1755. This curious release of William Henry found among Persifor Frazer's papers is referred to on page 12. KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that I Jean Read of Lan- caster County Spinster Singh-woman As well for and in Consid- eration of the sum of Fifty Nine founds, lawful money of Penn- sylvania unto me well and truly paid by William Henry of the City of Philad/a Shopkeeper at and before the Sealing and de- livery hereof the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge As for divers other good Causes and Considerations me especially moving have remised released and for ever discharged And by these presents for me my Heirs Executors and Administrators do remise release and for ever discharge the said William Henry his Heirs Executors and Administrators of and for all and all man- ner of Actions, Cause and Causes of Action and Actions, Suits, debts, dues, duties, sum and sums of money. Accounts. Reckon- ings, Bonds, Bills, Specialities, Covenants, Contracts, Controver- sies, Agreements, promises, Variances, Assaults, Batteries, In- juries, damages Expences, judgments. Extents, Executions, Claims and demands whatsoever in Law and Equity; which against the said William Henry I ever had, now have, or which I my Heirs Executors or Ad (obliterated) hereafter can shall or may have for upon or by reason of a certain (obliterated) child aged about Five years born of my Body, whereof I (obliterated) William Henry to be the reputed Father, or for upon or by rea- son (obliterated) respect of the finding keeping educating in- structing bringing up and providing for such Male Child or for upon or by reason of any other Matter Cause or Thing whatso- ever from the beginning of the World to the day of the date of these presents In Witness whereof I the said Jean Read have hereunto set my hand and Seal the Thirteenth day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and fifty five her Jane X Read Mark 373 Sealed & delivered in the presence of Us Robert Thompson William Thompson Endorsed Release Jean Read to W/m Henry Left in Care of P. Frazer by Wm Henry a. p. 14. In the receipt book of Edmund Physick a merchant of Philadelphia, last Receiver General under the Penn Proprietary interest and Father of Philip Syng and Henry White Physick; now (1906) in possession of John Douglass Brown, Esq., are the following notes: Received September 12/th 1758 of Mr Edmond Physick One Pound Six Shillings & 3d for 1500 Needles. £1,, 6,, 3 Pers/r Frazer Rec'd 22/d May 1759 of Edmund Physick the sum of seventeen shillings & 6d for 1000 needles 17/6 Pers/r Frazer Needles therefore sold at about the rate of two for a cent or ha'penny. b. p. 16. July 10. 1762 ("2d year of reign of Geo. Ill") Bond of Robert Finney of Co. of Dorchester Md. to P. F. for £ 117 , , 18 , , 7. Witnesses Jonathan Vaughn & David M/cMurtrie. "Duty Paid" H. Y. Johnson Clerk c. p. 16. Memorandum. Geo. Bridges 300 A/s on little Tuscarora about three or four miles from the big Crossing of Tuscarora dated July 10/th 1762 — Dan/1 Jones 250 A/s on Muddy run & on the Traders path this side the Shade Mountain, July 10/th 1762 — 374 Jn/o Rollins 300 A/s on both sides of Shavers Creek adjoin/g Geo: Aliens Land to the Smith West — James Newell, 300 A/s on the North side of Rays Hill upon a small branch of Standing Stone Creek, including a small parcel] of deadned Saplins — Jn/o Johnston 300 A/s adjoining James Newell upon a small branch of Standing Stone Creek, on the North Side of Rays Hill to the Eastward of Newell. Geo: Kemly 200 A/s on both Sides of a large Run which leads into the East Branch of little Juniata, including a Swamp ab/t a mile from Jn/o Woods improvement. W/m Baker 150 Acres, on a large Run, running Westward into the Middle branch of little Juniata including a White Oak mark'd E W East of said Branch a Warr/t to W/m Patterson for 200 on a run on the west end of Kish/a Valley includ/g a Spring from March i/st 1760. d/o 209 upon a Run on the trad, g path to the Ohio — D/o on the Frankstown Branch Juniata adj/g the Canon place Rob/t Tuckness on both sides of last Creek Cha/s Williams on the Lead of Woods Run Jn/o Barr opp/t Canoe place Alex Stedman joins Thorton d/o Mitchell improvmnt d/o joing A Lowry Canoe place & opposite Jn/o Barr opp/t Canoe place Alex/r Stedman on the South side of Juniata join/g Alex/r Lowry, & to extend up s/d Creek — Alex/r Stedman on the South side of Juniata above the large bent joining Thortons improvm/t D/o on both Sides of Tho/s Mitchells run on Traders path ab/t a mile from Mitchels improvem/t includ/g a mill Seat The date at which these notes were made, their author, and their significance arc all unknown. a Tract of 200 Acres including a large Bottom on the South Side of Juniata nearly opposite Carmichaels Land about two Miles from Auchwick falls this Land Lies Where James Carmichael Lived and Sold to one Gibson a Tract of 100 Acres on the South Side of Frankstown Branch about a mile above Standing Stone Creek Doctor Smith has this Land 1 was on it the 15/th Instant 375 a Tract adjoining Adam Terances improvement on the North Side of Franktown Branch this Land Joyns Land of John Gemmil Below water Street the warrant of Gemmils Land was in Sam/I Wil sons name a Tract on both sides of a large Run which leads into the East Branch of Little Juniata about a Mile from Jn/o Woods improvement this Land Lies up Spruce Creek Where the Warrior Mark Run Emptys into Spruce Creek A Tract on a large Run running Westward into the Middle Branch of Little Juniata including a White Oak mark'd E W Eastward of said Branch this Land I Cannot Get any acct of August I. 1766 John Barr Esq/r 100 acres of land in Cumberland Co. Pa. including his runs the westernmost heads of Mahantung's Creek and adjoining lands surveyed to Joseph Sterret August 1, 1766. d. p. 16. Sept. 10. 1762 Land warrant by the Proprietaries to Alexander Stedman of Phila- delphia for 100 acres of land in Cumberland Co. Penna. To John Lukens Surveyor General. Signed James Hamilton Endorsed as having been surveyed by W/m Maclay D. S. Nov 7. 1767. e. p. 17. Probably about 1763. Monday afternoon M/r Frazer I should not have troubled you with a letter at this time was I not so uneasy. I hear almost every day of something or other that Captain Miles says of me which I think if he does he useJ uses me very ill for I think 1 should not have expected any such thing from a person that had acted as he has done I desire and intreat of you. if ever you heard him say any thing about me you would let me know for I think that if it is true as people say that we had better break off at once and not for him to kee P me or make a fool of me, 1 have just heard that he told Major Clayton that he would never have me without my Parents consent for I was never brought up to work 376 and without that he could never maintain me without my Father gave him part of his estate, I desire that you would ask Clayton whether lie ever said any thing to George Hitner for it was he told my Brother 1 desire that you will excuse this unintelligible scrall as 1 am every mo ment interrupted 1 desire an answer as soon as possible 1 remain C. Wist IT Major Asher Clayton and Capt. Samuel Miles were Officers of the Pennsylvania Regiments in 1760. Major Clayton died in 1774 in New Jersey. Capt. Miles sub 1 quently became Colonel of the Henna. Battalion in 1775. This letter was written probably between 1760 & 1770. f. p. 39. Persifor Frazer signed the Non Importation Resolutions adopted by the merchants of Philadelphia Oct. 25, 1765, and now in the pos- session of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. g- P- 39- Itemized charge of Joshua Bean against W/m Noblitt for collec- tions by the latter (including £ 5 — from Pers/r Frazer May 10. 1766) for Bean, and advances by Bean in all £ 0.0 , , 12 , , 6. h. p. 41. November term 1766. Summons by H. H. Graham to Jesse Maris Sheriff of Chester Co. to bring Joshua Bean into Court to show cause why a writ of execu- tion should not issue against him for his debt to W/m Noblitt of £ 159 , , 14 , , — and J2 shillings for Damages and costs adjudged due to Noblitt but not yet paid. January 1767. Memorandum of payment between the same, and receipt for fee by H. H. Graham February 26. 1767 Receipt for fee P. Price 1 p. 41. Persifor Frazer was married to Mary Worrall Taylor by the Rev. John Ewing the eminent Presbyterian Minister, Provost of Univer- sity of Pennsylvania, Astronomer, and Geodesist, who in 1784 was 377 commissioned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to continue Mason and Dixon's line to the Ohio river and "complete the boundary between this State and Virginia." J- P- 42. Extracts from account books of Nathan Edwards formerly a shoe- maker, and afterwards proprietor of the Black Horse tavern near Media and Middletown Meeting House. These books contained current accounts with his customers from 17.29, when he was a shoemaker, and later when a tavern keeper. Mr. Edgar Miller of Media loaned them several years ago to Mr. Joseph Willcox. They are now the property of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. At the period which the dates in them indicate small change was scarce, and running accounts were necessary in conducting a retail busi- ness. April 5 1767 October 2/d Peirce Frasor Dr to Entertainmt in company Vernon & Nathaniel Calvert pair Purcifer Frazor left unpaid Feb. ye 9. 1769 to expenses o . 10 3. 9 k. p. 42. January 1767 William Noblitt v Joshua Bean Bond dated 21/st May 1764 for £ 79 Interest due January 8/th 1767 was paid 23 , , 12 , , — Jany 27/th 1767 more paid 13 , , — , , — . 17. • ° 36, , 12, , o Feb 26 1767 Reed 20 Shillings W. H. Feb. 26 1767 Reced Thirty Shillings P/r 378 Graham Price I. p. 45. August 1. [768. Cadwall/r Evans v Fi fa Josh/a Bean to Aug. 1 1 768 debt . . . .£ 19, , 4 , , B/d dated 25/th mar 170J Int for 16M/0 1 , , 4 , , Pton/y 1 , . , Attoy 1 . . 10 , , Viz fees — . , 13 , , Ser of Ex/n mileage & poundage 1 , , 12 , , £25., to, . In/t for one month add 1 , , Rece/d the 25/th Aug/t 1768 of M/r Persifor Frazer twenty-five pounds twelve Shillings and Eight pence in full of the debt & Costs in this Action for Josh/a Bean the defend/t John Morton Sheriff 25. 12 o 3 o 1 1 10 IO 6 half Jo/s 18-0 — memorandum 2 Eng Guineas 3 — ^ — ° on tlie back 2 pistoles 2 — I 4 — O French pistole 1 — 6 — 6 25— 8 — 6 Small Charge 4 — ~ £25 : 12 : 8 m. p. 45. December 31. 1768. Deed of Persifor Frazer and Mary Frazer to Richard Parks of the one fourth which was their share of the band left by John Taylor in 379 Ashton twp. Chester Co. before John Hannum one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace Jan. 7, 1769. (The seal opposite the signatures of Persifor Frazer and Justice Hannum is still very perfect and from a well engraved die represent- ing the head of a man in armor. The seal opposite Mary Frazer's name represents a swan also from a well engraved die.) Jan. 2. 1769. Similar dwd of same tract by Richard Parks to P. F. before Justice Hannum. ( the same armored-head Seal opposite names of P. F. & Hannum & the Swan opposite that of Rich/d Parks.) August 28. 1769 Settlement with Persifor Frazer by Joshua Bean. Witness Abel Roberts. October 9. 1769. Receipt of Joshua Bean to Persifor Frazer for £ 26 , , 10 , ,0 n. p. 58. April 15. 1 77 1. Power of Attorney Joshua Bean to P. F. April 30. 1 77 1 Sight draft of P. F. on Alex. Robinson of East Whiteland in favor of Dr. Sam/1 Kennedy. o. p. 64 February 21. 1774. Receipt for a deed executed by Jesse Maris Sheriff to William Noblitt for a house & lot late the estate of Joshua Bean by H. H. Graham. Belonging to this period is a book of 32 pages including title 6J"X7§" bound in boards with marble cover entitled "An ||Explanation|| of the |jMAP of the CITY and LIBERTIES|| of ||PH1LADELPHIA|| by John Reed. ||Philadelphia|| Printed for the AUTHOR, and Sold by Mr NICHOLAS BROOKS in SECOND-STREET between MAR- KET and CHESTNUT STREET ||M. DCC. LXXIV.|| TH E CONTENTS. I. A Copy of a release from Mr. Penn to one of the first adven- turers 380 II. Air tract of the concessions of Mr. Penn to the fust adven- turers and purchasers in Pennsylvania. III. Ditto Mr. Perm's order to his commissioners. IV. A description of the fust great town, (when divided) then called the city and liberties. V. Abstract of Mr. Penn's letter to the free society of traders in London. VI. Thomas Holme's description of the city of Philadelphia. VII. Abstract of a letter from Philip Ford in London, to Thomas Holme in Philadelphia concerning the map of the city. \ III. A Copy of sundry original papers, to prove the bounds of the city according to Holme's plan. 1 X. Abstract of the charter of the city. X. The reasons why the plan of the city was altered by Benjamin Eastburn, S. G. XI. The liberties granted to the fust purchaser, and the courses of the same. XII. Copies of sundry original papers, to prove the bounds of the liberties. XIII. Abstract of complaint entered in the minutes of the Assem- bly. XIV. The author's opinion of land said to have been concealed in the liberties; and the reasons why he gave it. XV. An alphabetical list of the first purchasers, referring to the map by way of numbers; where every purchaser may see the quantity he purchased, and the lots appurtenant to the same, etc. XVI. The courses and distances of all the surveys in the liberties; by which the map was made. XVII. The date of surveys cf all the lots in the city of Philadelphia, as far as Eighth Street from Delaware. p. p. 70. March 2. 1775. Memorandum of patent of tract of land of 150 Acres Jan. 9. 1738 to Clement Plumsted (dee'd) which tract was taken up in Trust for John Taylor &c. An opinion by John Dickinson is endorsed on the ')ack of this mem- orandum in the following words : The tracts within mentioned being proved, I am of opinion, that the Heirs of John Taylor have a good title to the Lands within men- tioned John Dickinson March 2/d 1775 381 q. p. 148. Smith's Clove (Orange Co. N. Y.) is a level plain of rich land at the foot of the high mountains on the west side of the Hudson river fourteen miles from West Point. It was called "the Clove" or "the Cloves." (Thacher's military journal quoted by Baker.) r. p. 151. Howell's Ferry is now called Stockton three miles above Lambert- ville (then Coryell's Ferry) N. J. s. p. 151. "Cross Roads" is now Hartsville near the Neshaminy Creek, War- minister township, Bucks County Penna., about fourteen miles N W of Philadelphia. t. p. 152. Graeme Park which still exists, was the mansion house of Sir Wil- liam Keith. It is in Horsham township, Montgomery County, Penna., nineteen miles from Philadelphia near the Bucks County line and the Doylestown Willow Grove turnpike. Later it was purchased by Dr. Thomas Graeme from whom it derives its name. u. p. 157. One of the perplexing subjects connected with these papers is the loca- tion of the Blue Ball tavern which plays an important part in the story of the capture of Captain Frazer a few days after the battle of Brandywine. As this tavern is frequently mentioned in connection with the Seven Stars tavern and hamlet (now called Village Green) of which the loca- tion in Ashton (Aston) township is very well known, it may be worth while to begin with the latter. Village Green lies about li miles due north from the Delaware river on the western side of South Chester, and about f mile west of Chester Creek at its first bend to the westward north of Dutton's Mill. The Frazer house at Thornbury (of which illustrations will be found elsewhere in this book) is still standing in Thornbury township about J mile N by W of Glen Mills Station (which was close by the site of the Sarum Forge) and § of a mile west of Chester Creek. The distance between this house and Village Green (formerly Seven 382 Stars) in a straight line is very closely five miles, but liy the road some- thing over six miles. In going by the road from Village < ireen to the Thornbury House the general direction is slightly west of the destination until Ivy Mills is reached where one turns to the right (east) as far as Glen Mills, thence left along the right bank of Chester Creek to the first road, and again left to the house, which is close by. Dilworthtown lies a little less than four miles a little north of west from Thornbury house. In the narrative of the Battle of Brandywine Gen Frazer's daughter, then eight years old and at school, says her Father remained with his command on the field till night and then mounting a wounded soldier on his horse walked by his side from Chadd's Ford to the Seven Stars ( Vil- lage Green) and then "rode home 5 or 6 miles," i. e. rode from Village Green to the Thornbury house, which is, as she says, actually five miles in an air line, or six miles by road a little west of north, (p. 135 ) . Mary Worrall Frazer confirms this (p. 157) and states further to her grand-daughter Elizabeth Smith: "On Saturday" (two days after the bat- tic.) "quite early your grandfather rode over to the Blue Ball tavern on the Chester road two or three mites from home" &c. That is, the distance was about half that to the Seven Stars; but the sentence quoted gives no information as to the direction. The indication that the Blue Ball tavern was on the "Chester road" is not very helpful, for one end of almost every road in that locality runs to Chester, and would be called the "ChesU r road" by the neighbors. Elizabeth Smith gives the following account which she evidently had from her Grandmother Mary Worrall Frazer, her mother, or her aunts: "A few days after the battle of Brandywine Major Frazer and Major Harper being on reconnoitering duty a few mites from home went into the Blue Ball tavern on the Chester road" * * &c * "a number of horsemen coming up the road * * * proved to be a considerable body of the British coming up from the Seven Stars to join Cornwallis who lay encamped on the South Valley llili." From this account we learn that on the route from Seven Stars to Cornwallis's camp on Sept. 16, 1777 lav tins elusive Blue Ball tavern. The South Valley Hill extends for many miles and therefore is not dis- tinctive enough to enable one to get the compass direction of the route of the soldiers, but a little further on tin- narrator says of a conversation which occurred " * * * "this occurred as they were passing Goshen Quaker meeting House." Now the Goshen Meeting House is a well known place of worship which exists at tl e present time in East Goshen township to the east of West Chester. The general line taken by the British in reaching Cornwallis's camp from the Seven Stars was about N. N. W. and the situation of the camp on the South Valley Hill must 383 have been somewhere near "Frazer" the junction of the main line and West Chester branch of the Pennsylvania R. R. Elizabeth Smith further on describes the situation of the camp as on the "back fields of our valley home" which corroborates the above loca- tion. Wherever the Blue Ball tavern was, therefore, it must have been somewhere on a line between the present Village Green and a point on the South Valley Hill not far from "Frazer"' station on the Pennsylvania railway; and on this line, which passes not far to the east of Thornbury House, about three miles from the latter. There is a Blue Ball tavern within a mile or so of Wilmington, Del. but that location is out of the question here. It is hardly necessary to say that the Blue Bell near Darby is equally unacceptable both because the name is different and because its location would not fit the stories in which the "Blue Ball on the Chester Road" appear. Mr Joseph S. Harris in his sketch which will be found in the Appen- dix locates the Blue Ball tavern as "about half way between his" (Col. Frazer's) "house and Village Green," which agrees, with reasonable cer- tainty, with the location I have deduced from the papers above cited at least so far as distance is concerned. I am indebted to Mr. Gilbert Cope for the following information : "From what is said of the location of the Blue Ball tavern 1 am in- clined to think it was in Edgemont at the present residence of James Thorp, where a tavern was started in 1701 by Isaac Yarnall. In his petition he represented "that your Petitioner's House is very conveniently Situated for a publick House of Entertainment on Edgemont Great Road leading to the great Valley, &c, about eight miles nearer Chester than the Sign of the Boot, where Jonathan Davis lately kept publick House, and about four Miles above Talbot's Tavern." After the death of Isaac Yarnall. in 1765, his widow, Mary Yarnall, continued the business till her death, about the 1st of Nov. 1766. John Hoopes rented the property and kept tavern till 1 771 , when John Neal succeeded him for six years at least. In none of his petitions is any name assigned to the house. No record of licenses can be found for 1777. This place is certainly on the "Chester Road" and on the most direct road from Village Green to Goshen Meet- ing and the Valley ; also about three miles from the Thornbury house. Probably discontinued as a tavern 1778 or '9." "There was a Blue Ball Tavern in Chichester (Lower), where Archi- bald Dick kept tavern for several years before the Revolution. Another Blue Ball was in Tredyffrin, established about 1730." Gilbert Cope. The following is a copy of the petition of Wm. McCoy to the Chester Court of which Mr. Cope has sent me a copy: To the Honourable Justices of the Court of General Quarter Sessions to 384 be held at Chester for the County of Chester on the twenty Seventh day of August 1765 — The Petition of William McCoy of the Township of Lower-Cliichester in the said County I lumbly Sheweth That your Petitioner now dwells in the I louse commonly called and known by the name of the Blue Ball Inn situate in the said Town ship, which hath been kept as a publick House of Entertainment these many years last past by Thomas Stroud, James Stroud and Thomas Howell; That your Petitioner hath an inclination to follow that business in the same place, and hath provided every thing necessary to carry on the same in a reputable manner; lie your said Petitioner therefore prays that your Honours will he pleased to Grant him a recommendation to his Honour the Governor for his License to keep a publick House of Entertainment in the place afore- said for the selling of Wine Brandy Rum Beer Cyder and other Liquors, And your said Petitioner shall pray &c. William Met !oy. We whose names are herewith Subscribed, being well Acquainted with the above Petitioner, do believe him to he a Sober and lit person to keep a publick House of Entertainment, and therefore desire that your Honours will be pleased to grant the prayer of his Petition. Joseph Cribble John Dutton Edward Whitaker Joseph Askew Jacob Howell Samuel Riddile Joseph Clayton Jno. Crawford Arch'd Dick Richard Clayton Thomas Barnard John Drewet Tno. Marshall Thomas Perkins v. p. 162. The Mrs Jenkins referred to in the middle of the page is the same as the "Mary Jenkins" mentioned elsewhere in the memoirs. w. p. 1 jr. On the third line from the top Col Frazer writes "30th of October" for "3d of October." 'This is evident from the statement on the third line below which is "We were kept in this manner till the 7th October." The date then had a 3 in it and was before the 7th. In fact the o of 30 is connected with the stem of the small "t" above the line so that it would have been read "d" but for the following small "h." 385 x. p. 175. Mrs. Jenkins' departure from the city, spoken of in the second sen- tence of the letter, was probably by order of the British Commander on account of her activity in behalf of her captive countrymen. y. p. 181. Extract from a letter of Col. Francis Johnston to Gen. Wayne dated Cross Roads (Bucks Co. Penna.) March 31. 1778 "I congratulate you on the arrival of my worthy friend Col. Frazer, I long to hear the particulars of his escape. Poor Hannum too, I learn has been equally fortunate." z. p. 182. In the couple of sentences from the middle of the page to the sixth line from the foot, is modestly described the hardest and most im- portant struggle during the battle of Monmouth. Wayne's Troops were given the post of honor. See on this subject "Battles of the American Revolution 1775-1781" by Henry B. Carrington, Col. U. S. A., Barnes & Co., 1876, p. 433 (where in the first sentence he declares the battle to have been fought "during the afternoon of June 29. 1777." but on p. 445, in the statement of the finding of the General Court Martial, the correct date is given.) See also the work of the late Adjutant General S. S. Stryker of N. J. II. p. 184. General Gates was with his division at White Plains on July 24. 1778. d'Estaing's fleet was off Sandy Hook July n. 1778. Wash- ington with the army was in the neighbourhood of White Plains on July 20. 1778. aa. p. 185. In the second paragraph of page 185. Col. Frazer says "Col. John- son has been unwell and absent since the battle of Monmouth" &c. This language implies Col. Johnson was present at that battle and if so probably commanded a brigade. It is a "family tradition" that dur- ing a part of this battle Col. Frazer himself commanded a brigade, which in case of any disability to Col. Johnson would naturally follow as Col. Frazer was next to him in rank. 386 !)l>. p. i Si). The marc spoken of in the postscript to Mrs Frazer's letter may be the weak and sickly animal alluded to in Col Frazer's letter to her of July 13. 1777. (p. 151.) cc. pages mi & [93. "Fitz." The history of this marauder, or bushwhacker as he would have been called in the Civil War of 1861 65, is very interesting. From Watson's Annals Vol. II. p. 83, — 4 the following account is somewhat condensed : Capt. Fitz. (James Fitzpatrick) roamed the Country by stealth as a "British refugee" attacking the goods of stanch whigs and delight- ing in peril, lie was likened to Roy Roy. Public Journal of Phila. of August [778 This celebrated bandit of Chester Co. was taken and bro't to Phila. in Aug. 1778. lie was made prisoner by Robert McPhee (McAfee) and a girl. Fitz entered Mcl'hee's house armed with rifle sword and a case of pistols while the family was at tea ; greeting them as friends. Upon their saying they did not recognise him. he said the}' would soon be better acquainted as Capt. Fitz came to levy his dues on the cursed rebels! He demanded his (McPhee's) watch and buckles, and soon ordered them upstairs before him while he should search for money. When he had got up stairs he, thinking he was safe, began to arrange his shoe buckle on the edge of the bed. when McPhee, signaling to Rachel Walker a young woman, sprang upon him and so held him that he could not escape. The reward was $1000. which was divided between them, and Fitz was hanged. While in Philada. be broke his hand cuffs twice in one night. In Chester afterwards he filed oil his irons and got out of bis dungeon and would have escaped but for the extraordinary vigilance of the jailer. His real name was James Fitz- patrick: he was a blacksmith; and he was hanged in Chester (P- 330-) He kept the whole of Chester County in peril. Many parties of armed men were in pursuit of him. He would often encounter them in the most daring way. Some he would subdue, then tie to a tree, and flog them. Mr. Lewis (Watson's friend) has written a very interesting memoir of him. A more fearless spirit never lived, and be was generous and humane on occasions. He had been an American soldier but having received some lashes he deserted with a hatred which lasted till his death. On an occasion he appeared in disguise at a public meeting where measures were concerted for his capture. A young military 387 Capt. volunteered to take him and boasted much. This annoyed Fitz who whispered to his accomplice that he would rob him of his watch before the company should separate, and that he would do it with an iron candlestick then standing on the shelf. He took it down, and in- vited the Captain a little from the house saying he would show him how he might take Fitz. Then he demanded his watch telling him he was Fitz and snapped the spring of the candlestick at him as li it were a pistol — then tied his hands behind his back and sent him back to the company. The following entries are from the Minutes of the Supreme Execu- tive Council Phila. Friday Nov. 6. 1778. Agreeable to the order of the day Capt M/cFee & Rachel Walker at- tended the Council & put in their claim to the reward of $1000 offered by this Council on the 13/th of July last to the person or persons who should take & secure Jas. Fitzpatrick, Blacksmith a noted Robber, and the claimants being heard and their claims considered ; thereupon Ordered That the sum of Five Hundred Dollars be paid to Rachel Walker and Five Hundred Dollars be paid to Capt Robert McAffee being in the whole the sum of One Thousand Dollars offered by this Council as a reward for seizing James Fitzpatrick, Blacksmith, the Robber lately executed at Chester & an order was drawn on the treas- urer for the said sum accocrdingly. — Examination of the claims of Capt. M.Afree & Mrs Walker to the Reward for taking Capt Fitzpatrick Aug. 23. 1778. Rachel Walker. She was up stairs; heard screaming; came down; a boy told her Capt Fitz was there; Capt Fitz asked her how she did, & expressed sorrow at the disturbance ; Fitz told McAffee to prepare for a march ; laid down his sword and Pistol & raising his foot to the Bedstead in order to put up at heels a pair of Pumps taken from Capt McFee; she winked at McFee to seize Fitz; he seemed to decline; she winked again and on seeing M/cFee's motion as if to seize Fitz she also sprang forward and seized Fitz; but whether before or at the same time that M/cFee seized him is not certain but there could scarcely have been a moment difference; Fits seized a Pistol which she griped in his hand and prevented him from firing it ; that she afterwards took the Pistol and stood Centry at the door. — Capt. M/cFee says he is not certain at what time the Young Woman seized Fitz but that the persons present said he had seized him first & had several turns with him on the floor before any persons interfered: Since the time has had two Oat stacks burned and that 388 the same time destroyed the Tans &ca in the Milk House, "Cut the manes and tails of his Horses but not wounded". Withdrew Council ordered the Secretary to ask (apt. M/cFee if he had ob- tained from his Father and Mother a renunciation of claim to any part of the reward for apprehending ("apt. Fitz. And the Secretary having proposed to him the said Question Capt M/cFee replied "there is no occasion they have made no claim & there can be no reason for their renouncing a claim which they have not made, no more than that every other person should make a renun- ciation. dd. p. i»)_\ The hope expressed in the postscript of Mrs. Frazer to her husband that he would be in New York upon his return home meant that she hoped the British troops would he driven out of the city by that time. ee. p. 213. "Ronzallic Trumble" 8th line from bottom is almost certainly intended for "Row gallie 'Trumbull'." That is it was one of the familiar small war boats of the Revolution called Row galleys, and this one was named after John Trumbull, Deputy Adjutant ( ieneral of the Northern Department. ff. p. 238. In corroboration of Col. Harrison's judgment in applying to Col. Frazer for information as to the condition of the prisoners, 1 have the following extract which the Hon. Win. 1 'otter made for me in Rich- mond, Va., May 1 ith, 1905, from a letter of Oliver Lowles. Mr. Potter endorsed on it "Extract from letter dated Middlebrook, Nov. 12. 1800, from Col. Oliver Lowles to Dr. Robert Wellford shown me this day by Mr. Phillip A. Wellford, grandson of the last named, describing the treatment of the American prisoners of War in Phila. during 1777." * * * "it became necessary to scrutinize into and possess my- "self of the best information I could in my restricted state, obtain of "the situation of all the prisoners in the custody of the enemy at Phila- delphia, in which I was aided by several, but more materially by Col. P. "Frazier of the Pennsylvania Line than any other, he having been a resi- dent of the City and well acquainted with the principle characters that re- gained therein and who were friendly to the American cause'" etc 339 gg- P- 355- May 16. 1791 Bond of Persifor Frazer of Westtown twp to Joshua Vernon of Concord twp. for £ 60 gold or silver money. John Harper and Jno Vaughn witnesses. hh. p. 371. Robert Frazer's diary of events at the time of the death of Gen. Frazer his father. On Tuesday the 24/th of April 1702 at about 1/2 after 10 o Clock at at night my father died. Wednesday 25 Procured a Woman to lay him out; for which I paid her 37/6 for muslin and other articles procured, and 35/. for her own expenses charge, Engaged M/r lsburne of Arch Street to th make the Coffin, which he finished about 5 o Clock in the afternoon. Purchased 7.13 lb Loafsugar and 6 lb Coffee of M/r Tod, for which an account was permitted me in the name of D/r Duffield, having sent for it by his man. Hired a Coachee and horses to carry the Corps for which I en- gaged to pay 45/. Set off from Philadelphia about 6 o Clock in the Evening and reached Gibbons' that night about 10 o Clock between which place and Darby we met Caleb James Jos Williams and William Kennedy and at Gibbons M/r Pross who had come to meet us. Thursday 26/th Started at 1/2 after o Clock and went by the Way of Bishops Mill, arrived at home about 9 o Clock. Left the house at about n o Clock and reached the burying ground at about 2 Friday 27/th In the morning called at Gen/1 Moylans, M/r Shippen's and M/r James' to procure their interest in favor of an application which I had made on Wednesday for a succession to the offices which my father held. Found Gen/1 Moylan had gone to Philad/a to make applica- tion for himself — that M/r Shippen had gone to Lancaster and that M/r James had already recommended M/r Delworth and Col Han- num. Wrote to M/r Boyd by Geo Worrall for the same purpose. In the afternoon M/r James read the Will to the family: after which 1 set off for Philad/a met M/r Porter on the Road by whom I was informed that Gen/1 Moylan was appointed to the offices of Register and Recorder, arrived about 10 oClock — Saturday 28/th Purchased a pair of Shoe and knee buckles 7/6 — a Stock buckle 11/3 silk stocks 6/6 — asked M/r Ingersoll's opinion respecting my fathers 390 nuncupative Will, which was, that il was void. Purchased a pair of black silk Stockings of W/m Wood for which 1 am to pay him 21/ Monday 30, th Purchased a pair of black silk gloves 7 6- paid the hire of the Coachee tor which purpose f or which purpose 1 borrowed money of D/r Dutiield 45/ Tuesday i/st May Left town about 11 Clock in the Light Waggon with Col 11 annum and Moley Stille — Staid all night at M r Gibbons's — Wednesday Arrived at home about noon and after dinner went to West Chester to deliver the public Papers to Gen/1 Moylan but found him not there — took a List of those Writings which were — recorded and signed, and compared part of those which were still uncompared on Thurs day 3/d— Friday 4. Paid Margaret Henthorn [2/ — for spinning and took a Receipt — Took a List of my fathers books etc — April 25. 1792 Doct/r Duffield 1 Loaf Sugar 7.13 2/1 — ,, 16 ,, 3 6 lb Coffee 1/6 — , , 9 , , — 1 ,. 5.- 3 Received the above in full for Alex/r Tod William A Tod Funeral Expences M r Tods Bill of Receipt Alex Tod April 25/th 1792 April 30. 1792 Rec/d of Robert Frazer the sum two pounds five shillings in full for the hire of a Waggon and horses to carry the Corps of his fathei from Philadelphia to the Country. — Michal Strieker April 30/th 1792 £2,, 5 Endorsed Funeral Expences Mick/1 Strieker 591 Michael Strieker's Receipt April 30/th 1792 April 25. 1792. The Estate of Persifor Frazer Escj/r to Eastburn & Lesley april 25/th 1792 april 25/th 1792 for a mehogany coffin with £ s d plates for him self 8 — 10 — o Received payment in full Eastburn & Lesley £ 8 — 10 — o Funeral Expences Mr Eastburn M/r Eastburn acc/ts & Receipt June 13/th 1792 April — June 13. 1792 The Estate of Gen/1 P. Frazer To J. H. Gibbons D/r April — To advice & attendance with D/rs Duffield & Rush or himself Doll/s 8. June 13/th Rec/d the am/t in full J. H. Gibbons D/r Gibbons' Acc/t & Receipt June 13/th 1792 1792 The Estate of Perfison Frazer D/r to Benj/n Rush May To attendance to himself in consultation with D/r Duffield & D/r gibbons. £ 3—0—0 1792 June 25 Rec/d of M/r Rob/t Frazer the above sum in full — Benj/n Rush September 25. 1792 Ap/1 25/th 1792 The Estate of M/r Percifer Frazier to Ann Carswell D/r To 6 yards muslin att 5/6 £ 1 : 13: o To one pair white Gloves o: 3:0 To one pound Saltpetre to put in Coffin o: 1:6 To Making a Shroud & Dressing his Corpes. 1 : 15:0 3: 12: 6 392 Ap/1 25/th Sep/tr 25 1792 Rec/d the above Account in full from M/r Rob t Frazier Ann Cai swell Endorsed Funeral expences Mrs Carsvvell M/rs Carswell's account & Receipt April 25 1792 £3.. 12,, 6 General Frazer's Will. I Persifor Frazer of West Town Township in the county <>f Chester in the State of Pennsyvania being of sound and perfect mind and memory blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my last will and Testament in manner and form — following, that is to say — First — I do empower order and direct my executors or the survivor or survivors of them as soon as conveniently may be, after my de- cease to sell at either public or private sale, for the best price or prices that can be had, and convey by Deed to the purchaser or purchasers in fee simple the following plantations or tracts of Land, to wit — The plantation and tract of Land whereon 1 now live, situate in West Town Township, in said county of Chester, containing about one hundred and twenty seven acres of Land — One other tract situate in East Whiteland Township, containing about forty nine acres of Land — One other tract of Land, called "Bucks Forrest", situate on a branch of Harman's Run in Washington County in the State afore- said, containing Three Hundred and four acres and a half and .allow- ance of six acres p/r cent for Roads — one other tract of Land called "Smyrna", situate on a branch of Harman's Run, in Washington County aforesaid, containing Three hundred and fifty three acres and three quarters of an acre, and allowance of six acres p r cent for Roads — and one other tract for which 1 have a Warrant Right, situate on Tomlinson Run in Washington County aforesaid containing Three hundred acres of Land be the same more or less. — I do give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Worrell Frazer two hundred pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania, also the term of service of my negro boy Sam, and my mulatto Roy Mark and it is my will, if my negro and mulatto boys shall behave themselves soberly and be obedient to their mistress, that then Sam. shall be free, two years before the expiration of the term mentioned in his Indenture: and Mark shall be free two years and a half before the expiration of the term mentioned in his Indenture. — Also 1 give unto my said wife 393 all the goods and household furniture, which were given to her by her Grand Mother Sarah Worrall, and also the Silver or plate which I have, and which formerly belonged to the Taylor family. The residue of my silver or plate, I give to my daughters, to be distributed amongst them at the discretion of my wife — I give and bequeath to my son Robert Frazer two hundred pounds, lawful money aforesaid, to be paid unto him, when he arrives at the age of Twenty one years — Also 1 give to my son Robert my case of pistols and hanger, with their furniture And further I do give him, all the books, which he has collected from among my books, and laid up for his use. — I give and devise to my son Persifor Frazer one messuage, saw mill and tract of Land eighteen acres of Land be the same more or less situate on Chester Creek in Delaware County, bounded by Lands of John Edwards, lands late of Abel Green Richard Cheyney and by the Road leading from said Cheyney's saw mill, until it intersects the line of John Edwards' land, to hold the same land to him my said son Persifor Frazer his heirs and assigns. I also give and bequeath to my son Persifor four hundred pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania, to be paid to him within two years after my decease: Also I give him all my wearing apparel, my family Bible, and my fusee, and fur- niture. I give and bequeath to my daughters Sarah Frazer and Mary Ann Frazer Two hundred pounds each, lawful money of Pennsylvania to be paid unto each of them within two years after my decease. — ■ I give and bequeath to my daughters Mary Frazer, Martha Frazer and Eliza Frazer two hundred pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania eaih to be paid unto each of them within two years after my decease. 1 give to my sisters Sarah Hughes and Ann Vernon, one dozen of China plates, formerly belonging to their mother, to be equally divided between them. It is my will, and 1 do order and direct, that the necessary support of my sons Robert and Persifor shall be paid out of my estate. I Give and devise to my beloved wife Mary Frazer one messuage and tract of Land situate in Thornbury Township, in Delaware County, containing about one hundred and sixty acres, and bounded by the land aforesaid devised to my son Persifor, by lands late of Rich- ard Cheyney deceased, lands late of John Hannum deceased and others, to hold the same to her my said wife during her natural life, subject to the maintenance and education of my three daughters Mary, Martha and Eliza. — And I do empower and direct that as soon as conveniently can be after the m y decease of my said wife, that the Lands devised, to her as aforesaid, shall be sold, by my executors or the survivor or survivors of them, either by public or by private sale for the best price, that can 394 be had for the same, and I do empower my executors, or the survivor or survivors of them, to convey the same by deed to the purchaser or purchasers in fee simple. And 1 do give and bequeath the money aris- ing from the sale of said Tract of iand to be equally divided, amongst all my children, or their representath are and share alike: and the shares that shall happen to my daughters or their representatives, in such maimer and at such time as my beloved wife shall by her last will and Testament order and direct. — And it is my will thai the gifts aforesaid to my beloved wife, shall he in lieu of and full satisfaction of her dower, or right to dower of my Estate. — Further I do order and direct that my wife shall have the interest arising from the Legacies to my three daughters .Mary Martha and Eliza untill they shall severally arrive at the age of eighteen years, or marriage towards educating and maintaining them. — All the rest and residue of my estate of what kind or nature soever I give and bequeath the same to be equally divided among all my chil- dren, or their representatives, share and share alike. — And further it is my will and intention, and desire that till my daughters live on the plantation devised to my wife with her. and that the services of the aforesaid negro and mulatto Boys, bequeathed to my wife, may go toward their mutual support whilst my said daugh- ters remain unmarried. — And lastly — I do hereby appoint my beloved wife Mary Worrall Frazer and my son Robert Frazer, executors of this my last will and testament and my son Pcrsifor Frazer executor of this will, with my aforesaid executors, when and immediately after, he arrives to the age of twenty one years. — Hereby revoking all former wills by me made. — In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety two. Pers/r Frazer [l. s] Signed Sealed published and declared by the above named Persifor Frazer to be his last will and Testament in the presence of us Caleb James Mary James Abner Hoopes. Died 24/th April A.D. 1792 Will proved 5/t May A.D. 1792 Endorsed Persifor Frazer Philad/a 395 West Town May the 5/th 1792 Then personally appeared Caleb James and Abnor Hoopes, and on their solemn Affirmations accord- ing to law, did Affirm, declare, and say, that they were present and did sec and hear Persifor Frazer Esquire, the Testator above named, Sign, Seal, publish, pronounce and declare the above and foregoing instrument of writing as and for his last Will and Testament and that at the doing thereof he was of sound and well disposing Mind and Memory to the best of their Understandings — Affirmed Coram Ge : Worrall Regis/r On Tuesday Evening 24/th April 1702. M/r Frazer by a nuncu- pative will made in the presence of D/r Duffield, Isaac Taylor and George Dufiield J/r bequeathed his light Waggon and pair of bay Horses, together with the side saddles to M/rs Frazer for the use of herself and daughters — And also his Gold Studs to George Worrall — And desired that the same might be taken notice of as his Will Apr/1 24/th 1792 — Endorsed Copy and letters Testam/y. Persifor Frazer Esquires Will Chester County, Ss. By the tenor of these Presents, I Stephen Moylan Esq. Register for the Probate of Wills and granting Letters of Administration, in and for the County of Chester, in the Common- wealth of Pennsylvania, DO MAKE KNOWN unto all Men, That on the day of the date hereof, at West-Chester, was proved and approved the last Will and Testament of Persifor Frazer Esquire late of West Town deceased (a true copy whereof is to these presents annexed) having whilst he lived, and at the time of his death, divers goods, chattels, rights and credits within the said Commonwealth; by reason whereof the appro- bation and insinuation in the said last Will and Testament, and the committing the administration of all and singular the goods, chattels, rights and credits, which were of the said deceased, and also the audit- ing the accounts, calculations and reckonings of the said administra- tion, and a final dismission from the same, to me are manifestly known to belong; and that administration of all and singular the goods, chat- tels, rights and credits of the said deceased, any way concerning his last Will and Testament, was committed to Mary Worrall Frazer and 396 Robert Frazer /the other, to wit, Persifor Frazer being under the age of twenty one years/ whole Executors in the said Tes- tament named; they having first been duly Affirmed and Sworn well and truly to administer the goods, chattels, rights and credits of the said deceased, and make a true and perfect Inventory thereof, and ex- hibit the same into the Register's < )ffice, at West Chester, on or before the fifth— —day of June next, and to render a true and just account, calculation and reckoning of the said administration, on or before the fifth day of .May l 79Z> or when thereunto law fully required. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have caused the Seal of said Office to he hereunto affixed, at West-Chester, the Fifth day of May— in the year of our Lord, one thousand Seven hundred and ninety- two — Stephen Moylan Reg/r Received O 1 -' 1 January 22/nd 1793 of Mary Worrall Frazer one of the executors of the last Will of my deceased Brother Persifor Frazer six china plates bequeathed to me in his Will Sarah Huese Received March 22 1793 of Mary Worrall Frazer one of the execu- tors of the last will of my deceased brother Pers/r Frazer, six China plates bequeathed to me by his Will Ann Vernon The silver snuff box. which i- interesting as specimen of the silver- smith's work in Philadelphia in the latter part of the XVIII/th Cen- turv, was owned by Sarah Frazer, daughter of General Frazer, and hears her initials. Whether or not she ever made of it the use for which it was designed is not known. It came into the writer's possession through Samuel Frazer Hewes, a grand nephew of Gen. Frazer who, as a young hoy. was a favorite of his second cousin the owner, who gave it to him with the remark thai he had only to add the letter "II" to the initials mi the lid to make them ap- plicable to himself. It weighs a little less than .:h ounces and is represented in its actual size in the illustration. 397 Notes of families connected with Persifor Frazer's Descendants, from various papers in the possession of Dr. I. W. Riley. The authors of these notes are not known but the notes were evidently made very long ago, as Wary James, living in 1708, is said to have a daughter now surviving. About the year 170S Thomas and Elizabeth Goodwin arrived in Pennsylvania from North Wales with their four Children, to wit. Mary their eldest Daughter afterwards Mary James who it is believed had one Daughter, namely Elizabeth Batten, living in Redstone settlement near the Ohio River — Their second Daughter Elizabeth afterwards Eliza Thomas had one Son James Thomas living in York County Pennsyl- vania. Their Daughter Sarah Goodwin (afterwards Worrell) Deceased in Cork in Ireland, had one son Thomas Worrall in Middletown Dela- ware County Pennsylvania. Their Son Thomas Goodwin had three Children, to wit: Richard Goodwin, Jane Massey a Widow, and Isaac Goodwin, all formerly living in Chester County and near Goshen— 30th of 9 mo 1696 At a meeting at John Edggs Daniel Hoops & Jean Worralow received permission to be married, — 25th of 2nd mo 1709 Joseph Baker & Mary Worralow recivd permis- sion to marry — 1713 Ann Worralow's name appears as oversears of Middletown Meet- ing 1714 x John Worrell & Sarah Goodwin were marred at Middletown Meeting Peter Yarnell & Alice Worralow were marred in 171 5 do 1726 Jean Worralow married a Whip o (sic) not by meeting, [Possi- bly Whips. Ed.] 1 73 1 John Salkeld marred Eliza Worrell 1 73 1 John Worrell marred Priscilla Lewis 1743 Sarah Worrell Marrid Taylor 1764 Mary Worralow marrid James Reed 1765 Mary Worrell mared Robert Thompson 1765 Eliza Worrell marred Abram Hoops 1753 Sarah Worrell wife of John went to England on a religious visit and died while there This Sarah Worrell if born Sarah Goodwin was the grandmother of Mary Wor- rall Frazer, and according to notes in the Editor's possession died in Cork 1755. 398 Extracts from an unpublished memoir of Gen. Frazer, printed here by permission of its author, Mr. Joseph S. Harris. "The provincial authorities (at the close of 1775) were very active in pushing forward military organizations as General Washington kept urging Congress to fill his army then besieging Boston with fri h men to take the place of such of his troops as were nearing the end of their period of enlistment. December 9, 1775. Congress directed that four battalions should be raised in Pennsylvania, and December 15, asked the Committee of Safety to recommend proper persons as field officers. January 5. 1770, the Committee having previously recommended Antony Wayne as Colonel, Francis Johnston as Lieu- tenant-Colonel, and Nicholas Hausecker, of Lancaster County, as Major of the Fourth Battalion, which recommendations were prob- ably confirmed by Congress, proceeded to appoint eight Captains foi the several companies, of which Persifor Frazer was named first. On the list of 31 Captains appointed at that time, he stood 8th. lie was in April assigned to the command of the 1st company of the 4th Regi- ment, liis company had 86 privates on the roll, and numbered in all 104 persons." "The battalion rendezvoused at Chester, Delaware County, on Feb- ruary 9, and on February 17, C< il. \\ a\ ne rep >rtecl thai lie had in camp five hundred and sixty men and officers, and that the officers who were absent on recruiting service had secure. I support, as he believed, to make the battalion complete. Three companies reported at Mew York under Major Hausecker on January 28. Col. Wayne took com- mand of the regiment April -'(>. and despatched Major Hausecker to Philadelphia to bring up the remaining live companies of which Cap- tain Frazer's was one. lie went t'> Long Island in May. 1770. and was transferred with his command to General Gates' army of the North in July, before the battle of Long Island, which occurred Aug- ust 27, as wc find letters addressed to him "near Albany" as early as August 6. He remained in this vicinity till the latter part of Novem- ber, taking an active part in the campaign. He was appointed Major by General Gates at Ticonderoga, September 1. 1770. vice Hausecker promoted. This appointment was made subject to the approval of Congress, as the regimenl was in the Continental sevrice. His com- mission as Major is dated October 1 or 3, 1776. Tn October, 1770, the Pennsylvania Battalions near New York were notified that two of them would be taken into the Continental service i" serve till Jan- uary 1, 1778, unless sooner discharged. Persifor Frazer doubtless en- listed under this call, though he was not at New York, but at Sarati [Ticonderoga. P. F.] "at that time." * * * "He enclosed a very good topographical military sketch showing the 399 fortifications at that point, and describes what has been done to make them strong. - ' [in a letter dated Ticonderoga, July 31st, 1776. P. F.] "He had a sharp spell of illness in August, but had quite recovered by the end of September. His wife tells him in October — "No per- son can be in greater esteem than you are, both with Whig and Tory. Your letters are often called for to decide disputes." " "He was on recruiting service during the winter of 1776-7, and Feb- ruary 6, 1777, $1,000 was appropriated for that service and put in his hands." "He was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the Fifth Pennsylvania Battalion [Regiment. P. F.] March 12, 1777, which was organized with Francis Johnston as Colonel. This appointment was not con- firmed till November 12, 1777, when Congress, sitting at York, Penn- sylvania, authorized it to date from October 1, 1776. He was with the army in New Jersey during the summer of 1777. He was at Morristown, New Jersey, as late as the beginning of July, but the con- centration of troops for the defense of Philadelphia against an attack by General Howe brought him back to Pennsylvania about the end in August." "In the movements preliminary to the battle of Brandywine, the en- tire baggage belonging to the officers of Wayne's division was sent back from the advanced position held by the Americans on the South side of the Brandywine, and stored at Colonel Frazer's house, where it was taken September." "The Brandywine battle consisted of two separate engagements, the first one about Birmingham meeting house, where Lord Cornwallis defeated Generals Stirling and Sullivan, and the other near Chadds Ford on the Brandywine, where General Knyphausen defeated Gen- eral Wayne. The former conflict was about five miles west of Col. Frazer's house, and the latter, in which he was an actor, was about the same distance southwest of his home. The firing which was heard by his daughter Sarah Frazer's school teacher on the morning of Sep- tember 11, and by Mrs. Frazer herself, must have been that between Knyphausen, who was making a strong feint at Chadds Ford to oc- cupy the Americans and direct their attention from the movement of the main body of the army under Cornwallis. * * * He seems to have been on special duty and not acting with his regiment." "The American army after the defeat, retreated on Chester, twelve miles distant, which they reached that night. The most considerable portions of General Howe's army remained for five days at Dilworth- town, about two miles northeast of Chadds Ford, his own headquar- ters remaining there. This was only about four miles from Col. Frazer's house, and it is doubtless from this position that the body of British troops was detached which plundered Colonel Frazer's house on Saturday, September 13." 400 "He had I icon ordered to observe the movements of the enemy, and left home early that morning to go to the Blue Ball tavern on the Chester road for that purpose." "We can trace Colonel Frazer's movements for several days about this time by his wife's narrative of the plundering of their home, and by his own statements. She says that he staid on the field of battle till evening, and then moved, probably with the rear guard, to the Seven Stars tavern, now the hamlet known as Village Green, about nine miles East of Chadds Ford, and four miles Northwest of Chester, to which point the American army had retreated, l.ate that night, having apparently been selected as familiar with the ground, he re- turned to his home, about live miles from Village Green. The next clay a party of American Riflemen, who were also apparently on duty as a corps of observation, called at his house and advised him to keep away from his home, as the baggage of ten regiments was stored there, of which fact some of his Tory neighbors would probably in- form the British, who would come to -ei/e it. and might take him prisoner. He made light of the danger, and started the next mom ing early to the Blue Hall tavern on the Chester road, about half way between his house i inquiry though it is inherently likely. The judgment of the Commander-in-Chief is sufficiently evident by his as- signing Col Frazer immediately to duty with his rank, P- F. 403 1 777~&> J aH fever broke out among the American prisoners, and the prisoners were taken out of the jail and lodged in different parts of the City. Col. Frazer, Major Harper and Col. Hannum, who was a neighbor, and a friend of the other two, a civilian, a zealous whig, a relative of Squire Cheyney who lived in West Bradford township, where the town of Marshallton now is, were lodged at the fWhite Swan tavern on Third street above Market street. Notwithstanding the promises of liberty within City limits in return for their paroles, the doors of their sitting room and bed rooms were kept locked, their win- dows were barred, and a guard was placed over them. They considered these restrictions indefensible by military law, and felt themselves, therefore, released from their parole, and at liberty to escape if they could. On St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1778, when the Guard, who were Irishmen, got patriotically drunk, they escaped from their rooms and clambering over a stone wall in the rear of the house went, some, to the house of a Mr. Frazer,* who was a distant relative of Col. Frazer, living in Front street near Pine street, and others to the house of Mr. Blackstone, who lived in the same neighborhood." "Vigorous efforts were made to find the escaped prisoners; all the avenues leading from the City were closely watched, and many of the houses searched. On one occasion when some of the party were hid- den in a deep closet behind shelves, on which china was so arranged as to conceal them, the house was entered and the closet searched without discovering the fugitives." "Their escape was aided by the indiscretion of some young British officers, who, calling on a lady of their acquaintance immediately after the jail delivery, told them of it, which news they received with apparent surprise. The officers said that while the prisoners had dis- appeared for the moment they could not get out of the City, and pro- ceeded to speak of the plans for their recapture. Being encouraged, they talked freely, and as the escaped prisoners knew what traps were set for them, they took good care not to spring them." "They remained in the City several days till the ardor of the chase had somewhat abated, when Mr. Blackstone procured a boat on which they crossed the Delaware, passing through the British fleet, and landed in New Jersey, and in a short time rejoined the army." tWm Serrett, Asst Comimissary of prisoners of the British Army, calls this the "Swan tavern." and W. H. Ferguson the "Golden Swan'' in his affidavit. Col Frazer in his statement calls it the "Golden Swan." (See pp. 177 & 178 which have been newly verified by an inspection of the original papers. P. F. *The editor cannot ascertain who this Mr. Frazer was. Probably a relation of the "Mr Frazer" whom the original Persifor in the letter to his son John of Jan 3, 1737. prays God may reward for his kindness to the original immigrant. (See Vol. I. P. 31.) 404 "The British (at first) thought the officers had broken their parole, and General Howe demanded their return from General Washing- ton, but on investigation of the circumstances, the court of inquiry - ) 1 held that they were justified, and the demand was withdrawn." "The prisoners, while doubtless suffering many inconveniences, some privations and some annoyances, do not seem, on the whole, to have been badly treated. Mrs. Frazer having credentials from General Washington was allowed several times to see her husband, and .Mis. Gibbons, who was a sister to Col. llannum. and a neighbor of Mrs. Frazer, sometimes accompanied her. They were allowed, sometimes, to supply them and their friends with food and other necessaries, and though those, at times, failed to reach their proper destination, they did much to ameliorate their condition." "He was at Valley Forge for a time, his name being signed June 4, 1778, as Lieutenant-Colonel. Fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, to an address from the officers to the Supreme Executive Council on the want of clothing for their troops." "His command took part in the operations in New Jersey and New York in the summer of 1778, and he is said to have commanded his regiment at the battle of Monmouth Court House, June 28, 1778, Col. Johnston being absent from some cause." "There had been much dissatisfaction in the army on account of the action of Congress in promoting junior officers over the heads of those who had suffered imprisonment, who held that their sacrifices entitled them to continue to hold their relative ranks. It was, per- haps, in recognition of this claim, that Congress had confirmed Col- onel Frazer as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fifth Pennsylvania Regi- ment, but for some reason he was not wholly satisfied. He and his wife had made many pecuniary sacrifices for the army, had sold a con- siderable part of their property to aid it, and his affairs had fallen into some disorder at home, the iron works were not running satisfactorily, and his wife, whose health had not recovered from the trials and exer- tions of the fall and winter of 1777, (which were responsible for the loss of the child who was born in May, 1778, and who died before it reached the age of two months), and whose brave spirit was temporarily broken, was greatly mourning his absence. At this time, the ap- pointment of his junior, Walter Stewart to the command of the Regiment, seems to have made his cup overflow, and he resigned from the service on the 9th of October, probably about the time he received the letter from his wife which has been quoted." "A number of officers who felt that Congress was not acting to them in good faith, or in accordance with the promises made to them, left the service about this time." tSee a preceding note. 405 "After his resignation from the army, Col. Frazer returned to his farm at Thornbury, and took up again the work which had suffered from the absence of the master's hand for two years." "He was not allowed, however, to lay down his army duties. In the summer of 1779, from January 8 till October 22, 1779, he was Com- missary General accompanying General James Sullivan in his cam- paign against the Seneca Indians in Western New York." [Dep. Com. Gen. This is not certain. See discussion in preface. P. F.] "April 1, 1780, he was elected by the General Assembly Commis- sioner of Purchases for Chester County, and on April 5, 1780, he was appointed by Quartermaster General Nathaniel Greene as his deputy, but on April 29 he declined to serve further in that capacity, thinking the pay inadequate and the service unattractive." "March 22, 1781, he was appointed County Treasurer, but was not reappointed the next year, probably, because he had then been elected to the Legislature." "He was elected to represent Chester County in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, October 15 1781, and October 12, 1782, and again October 21, 1784. At this time, and until the adoption of a new constitution in 1790, the Legislature consisted of but one House." "May 25, 1782, he was elected Brigadier General of Pennsylvania Militia, to rank second among the Brigadiers." "January, 1783, he was on a committee of the Assembly to meet President Dickinson, and was appointed January 21 in the same month on a committee to make representation to Congress about certain seizures of property. Persifor Frazer, John Ilannum and Joseph Gardner reported to Congress that great abuses had been attempted in smuggling British goods from the ship Amazon under cover of a pass to bring in clothing for British and German prisoners, and Con- gress resolved, January 24, to have the goods which had not been de- livered to the prisoners examined." "In an account which was made up June 1, 1784, the Comptroller General of the State of Pennsylvania admits that it is indebted to Persifor Frazer, Lieutenant-Colonel Fifth Regiment in a sum which, with interest, amounted to £ 240 5s. 8d. and March 15, 1786, the same authority reports that there is a balance due him as Treasurer amount- ing, with interest, to f 364 16s. 5d." "In 1785 Colonels Bayard, Smith and Frazer were appointed by the Supreme Executive Council, under a resolution of the General As- sembly of April 8, 1785, Commissioners to Wyoming where serious disturbances had been caused by the conflicting claims to jurisdiction made by the States of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, each claiming it as a part of its own territory." "They left Philadelphia going by way of Bethlehem, and following probably what is now the Wilkesbarre and Easton turnpike, which for 406 Silver snuff box (of actual size) belonging to Sarali Frazer, daughter of General Frazer. Probably made bj .1 Philadelphia silversmith in the latter part of the XYIIIth century. many years was the principal avenue of approach to Wyoming Valley from the southward, avoiding the deep defile of the Lehigh and cross- ing the streams near their heads." "They started on April 23rd, but were delayed by high water in the streams, and in awaiting the return oi an expressman win mi they bad sent from Stroudsburg into the enemy's country. Notwithstanding they waited till the waters bad fallen. Col. Frazer's horse stumbled at the crossing of the Lehigh, and threw him into the stream from which he emerged with a wetting and the loss of his hat. They reached Wyoming May 3rd. They bad a conference with Colonel Butler and Mr. Meade, who represented the Connecticut claimants, but it does not appear from Col, Frazer's diary what progress they made toward a settlement." "After remaining there about a week they returned down the Sus- quehanna River, reaching home May 17th." "Col. Frazer was treasurer of the party whose expenses amounted to £36 10s. besides L 1S 17s. which Colonel Bayard spent mostly for the purchase of a horse. They seem to have advanced the money them- selves, and May 18, 1785, the Comptroller General having approved their accounts, an order was drawn on the Treasurer for C ?y to ic imburse them." "April 7, 1786, the General Assembly elected I'ersifor Frazer Regis- ter of Wills and Recorder of Deeds for the County of Chester, to which offices he was reappointed September 4, 1790. He held these offices till his death." "lie was appointed by the Supreme Executive Council June 16, 1786, a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the term of seven years, which term he did not live to complete." "lie was also Prothonotary of Chester County, probably from 1786 till the division of the County in [789, that office being frequently held by the same person who held the offices of Register and Recorder." "It was noted that in 1784 the State acknowledged its indebtedness to Col. Frazer in the sum of £ 240 5s. 8d. for services during the Revo- lution. As the State was rich in lands but poor in money it prop to discharge such indebtedness a- this by permitting its creditors to take up unseated lands." "In September — October 1785 he made a journey to Frankstown on the Little Juniata on this business, and probably took up lands there which his granddaughter, Anna Smith (XVIII), had p in of half a century later." [lie owned lands there before the war. See his early papers. P. F.] "In 1787 he appears as the owner of several tracts of land, each con- taining about 400 acres, on the waters of Harman's River in Wash- ington County. These, or some of them, were the lands which his granddaughter Sarah Smith (XVIII) lived on near Kittaning." 407 "It is said that certain of these lands were forfeited as so many lands located on Revolutionary warrants were, his son allowing them to be sold for taxes, but the lands which went to these two granddaughters were rescued by Jonathan Smith, who was their father, and Persifor Frazer'.s son-in-law, the husband of his daughter Mary Anne ( XVII 3. )" "In 1782 he was possessed of 49 1/2 acres of land in East Whiteland township in the northwest angle formed by the roads leading to Lan- caster (the old Colonial road) and to Yellow Springs. This tract Robert Frazer (XVII 2) who was his father's executor, sold to Joseph Smith who had married Robert's sister Mary (XVII 6.)" "In 1789, upon the division of Chester County. Col. Frazer's home in Thornbury township being left in Delaware County, he removed to Westtown to a farm which he purchased there from Josiah Haines, that he might remain in Chester County, as he wished to continue to hold his offices of Justice and Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds." "Later, the family tradition states, that he removed to Goshen town- ship, near Sugartown. where his last years were spent." "He followed a fashion of the time among military men— George Washington being the most illustrious example — in that he became a member of the Society of Free Masons. There is among his papers a call to a meeting at Norristown February 9, 1789." "Persifor Frazer was one of the twelve charter members to whom, December 6, 1790, the Grand Lodge granted a charter to hold a lodge at the sign of the "White Horse", in East Whiteland, or at any place within five miles of it". It was Lodge No. 50, the first Lodge char- tered in Chester County." "Probably the last official paper in the collection which remains is a draft of a communication which he addressed to some person in authority, probably Governor Mifflin, containing a number of sugges- tions as to changes desirable in the laws relating to the registering of wills, and recording of deeds." "It is of interest as it refers to the bad state of his health which for a considerable time had interfered with the discharge of the duties of his offices. It has no date nor address, and there is nothing to show that it was ever completed and sent." [It is like most of his letters to others, a rough draft kept for file, and very probably was sent to its destination. P. R] "Persifor Frazer had in his early life been a man of great endurance, though the record shows that he contracted ague while at Deep Creek Furnace. After his Revolutionary service, say from the age of forty years, he had, occasionally, attacks of sickness, of whose nature there is no record. No permanent menace to his health was known to exist till after May 13, 1788, when his youngest child Elizabeth, a baby of two years old, was drowned by falling into a well 6 feet deep, whose 408 water flowed over the top. Her father was several miles from home when word of the accident was brought to him. The day was a hot one. He made great haste to return, and the exertion, his grief at her loss, and self-reproach at not having better secured the well brought on a heart attack from which he never fully recovered." "In April, 1792, he had occasion to go South — one account says to the Virginia Springs for his health, which, perhaps, is the correct ac- count, though another account says to Deep Creek Furnace on busi- ness. His baggage was packed for the journey, as he intended to start the next day, when Sally Mattson, a cousin of his wife, a "public Friend," or Quaker preacher, visited the house for the purpose of dis- suading him from the journey. She read to him the thirty-first chap- ter of the book of Isaiah, which begins — "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help", and warned him that the journey would not be lor his health, would be attended with great inconvenience and privation of many comforts, and that it was deeply impressed on her mind that he should not go." "He and his wife were accustomed to think highly of "Cousin Sally's" counsel, and spiritual discernment and the journey was given up." "Soon after Col. Frazer went to Philadelphia to consult Dr. Duffield, who was a relative, and died there within a few days." "Whether his death had any effect on Sally Mattson is not known, but she soon after fell into a melancholy, and terminated her own life by cutting her throat." "In Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser, published in Philadelphia, appeared a notice of his career, which was written by Dr. Benjamin Rush." * * * 409 GENEALOGICAL TABLES reprinted with some additions and emendations from pages 73, 74, 75, 80, 85 and 88, Vol. I of these memoirs. Frazer Family. Generation XIV. In- dex No. Name Date of Birth Date of Marriage Name of Spouse Date of Death Residence and Remarks 1 Persitor Frazer about 1667 about 1700 Margaret Clayton or Cailton about 1740 Tonvhannigin, County Monaghan, Ireland. Generation XV. The children of Fersifor Frazer XIV- 1 and Margaret Carlton. I fclizabeth Frazer .about 1 701 about 1718 Alexander Smith After 1766 Clanickny, County Monaghan, Ireland. Persifor (?) about — bet. See footnote. 1703 (?) 1737 and 1755? Rebecca about unmarri'd ? 3 1705 ■ 4 a daughter about 1707 ? — Speer ? Chester, now Delaware Co., Pa. 5 6 7 John Margaret Sarah Aug. 8 1709 about 1711 about 1712 June 16 1735 about 1729 about '735 Mary Smith John Geiger John Price Sep. 7 1765 ? Newtown, Del. Co., Pa. County Monaghan, Ireland. Later in America (?) County Monaghan, Ireland. * There is some doubt about the existence of this son though it seems natural that the original Persifor should give his own name to his first son. 410 Smith Family. Generation XIV. Ill dex No. Name 1) ite of Birth Date .it Marriage ? Name of Spouse Mary 1 louglass Date of Death 1756 Residence and Remarks i Kobert Smith Sept. 5, 1678 near ( il Countv Ireland. isslough, Monaghan, Generation XV. The children of Robert Smith and Maw Douglass. Andrew ? Not Married County Monaghan, Ireland. 2 Jane ? •1744 John Armstrong 1767 County Monaghan, Ireland- Had one son Andrew. 1 Elizabeth ? *I744 John Greacen after Clanickney, Tynan. 1784 Had one son Kobert. 4 Eleanor (called also Ellen) ? ? John Morison 1783 Co. Monaghan, Ireland. Had issue. 5 Mary Feb. 10 '7'5 June 16 1/35 John Frazer July 5 Pennsylvania. 1764 Had issue. 6 Margaret ? ? Alen Cooke 11780 Had no issue. 7 Sarah (called also Salle) ? ? William Crook- shanks after- wards Judge •1783 County Monaghan, Ireland. Had one son William. 8 Martha ? ? Andrew Wilson ? Co. Monaghan, Ireland. Had no issue * Anthony Blackburn's brief dated 1784, (mentioned page 313). Year specified. I >• " " " " " "several years ago." 411 /^ Frazer Family. Generation XVI. The children of John Frazer XV-5 and Mary Smith XV-5. In- dex No. 10 Name Persifor Robert John John (2d) Mary Elizabeth Thomas Sarah Mary Anne Date of Birth Date of Marriage Aug. 9 1736 Oct. 2 1766 July 21 ■ 758 — Oct. 9 1740 — July 3' 1742 Oct. 4 1744 — July 9 1747 Sep. 23 1748 ~~ Oct. 18 1750 about 1772 about 1790 May 3° 1753 Sep. 4 1755 Oct. 2 (?) 1776 Name of Spouse Mary W01r.1l Taylor I Jacob Vernon II Samuel Hewes Joshua Vernon Date of Death Apr. 24 1792 1763 Aug. 3° 1741 Sep. 7 1742 July 1746 Oct. 9 1747 Dec. 12 1749 June 17 1825 Oct. 8 1754 Aug. 18 1825 Residence and Remarks Pennsylvania Aston township, Ches- ter, now Del., Co., Pa. 412 Frazei Family. Generation XVII. ie children of Persifor Frazer iWI-i i and Mary VVorrall Taylor (XVI-l). Date Date Name Date of of of of Name Birth Marriage Spouse heath Residence and Remarks Sarah Jan. never Mar. I 1 1 married 3 17") 1841 2 Robert Aug. May 5 Mary Ball 1 in Mary B. Jit J ?" 1798 b. Apl. 23, 1778 2" June 21, 1800 • 77" Oct. 15 1803 Feb. 1 1 1818 Elizab. Fries b. June [6, 1778 Alice Yarnall b. Aug. 28, 1778 1821 Eliz. F. JieJ - June 19, 1815 Alice Y. died— March 23, 1830 } Mary Ann Feb. Oa. 16 Jon"' Feb. '7 1794 Smith "9 '774 1845 Persifor Feb. never Sept. 4 26 married 29 1776 1798 Martha May •• July 5 22 21) 1778 1778 6 Mary Jan. .4 1780 Feb. 27 l8>«> Jos. Smith May 23 1862 John 1 >!\ . never Aug. 7 27 married 3 I78l 1783 8 Martha 1 let. 14 178} Oct. 15 1818 VV" Morris Jan. 27 1867 Elizabeth May — May 9 17 13 1786 1788 IO Elizabeth Dec. "7 Jan 9 1812 Henry Myers Apl. 25 1788 1857 413 Frazer Family. Generation XVIII. The children of Robert Frazer XVII-2 By his first wife Mary Ball he had no children. By his second wife Elizabeth Fries he had: Name Date of Birth Date of Marriage Name of Spouse Date of Death Mch. 14 1805 Residence and Remarks I John Persifor Dec. 20 1804 never married Jacob Taylor Apl. 8 1806 Apl. 10 1806 3 Anne Fries July 7 1S07 Dec. 28 1825 Dr. John Rhea Barton Nov. '8)7 Philadelphia. 4 Persifor June 1809 never married Apl. 1 1 18S0 Died in Rome, Italy. 5 John Fries July 8 1812 Sept. 1 1838 Charlotte (Jeffers) Cave Oct. 12 1872 6 Mary Worrall Jan. 15 1814 never married June 11 1814 By his third wife Alice (Pennell) Yarnall he had: Dec. Joseph Pennell Afterwards named Robert 29 1818 May 26 1846 Jane Biddle Wood May 4 1878 Philadelphia. 414 Frazer Family. Generation XIX. The children of John Fries Frazer (XVIII-5) and Charlotte (JefTers) Cave (XVIII-i). Name Anne Date of Birth July 24 1839 1 )ate of Marriage May i<> i8S2 Name of Spouse Rev. Thos. K. Conrad 1 late of 1 leath Residence and Remarks 1 Dr. Conrad b. Jan. iq, 1836. d. May 28, 1893. z Sarah Feb. 17 1841 Mav 30 1861 Richard lewis Ashhurst 3 Persifor July 24 1844 Sept. 2 187. Isabella Nevins Whelen Generation XX. The children of Persifor Frazer (XIX-3) and Isabella Nevins Whelen (XIX-2). I Charlotte Sept. '4 1872 2 Persifor July 3 1874 April 12 1898 Mary Newbold Welsh Si e footnote. 3 Laurence Feb. 1 1 1878 June 29 1881 Died at Buffalo Ridge Springs, Va. 4 John Feb. 5 18S2 Born 202 Rue de Rivoll, Paris, France. * Children— Maria Newbold, b. Tunbridge Wells, Engl., Nov. 5, 1898; Persifor, b. Philadelphia, April 8, 1900 ; Isabel, b- Philadelphia, Dec 7, 1902. 415 INDEX Abercrombie, Gcnl., 98, 183. Bannister, Charles, -14. U>ington, 36. Barbadoes, 13, 14.47. Abstracl <.i Receipts, 277. Barbarities of British, 143, [45 Addison, Alex., ,552. Barbraim, 36 Admiral Warren tavern, 401. Barnard, L'hos., 285. Aguecheek, And., 3. 20. Barr, Jno., 325, 375, 376; Mr., 34. Aireys, Mrs., 205. Barron, Hon. Jno., 366 Aitken's Gen. Am. Reg., 356. Barry, (apt.. 240. 250. Alamance Co., N. C, 22. Bartholomew, 133; Benj., 104. 307. 1 Albert, Jacob, 44. Benj., 195, 233, 236, 260, 262, 273. -77; Albright, lac, 44; Joe, 45. Cath'r., 41; Col. Jno., 292; Jno., -7-'. "Alert", The, --50. .!";. .)i-'; I.t . 01, 02, !is; Maj., 148; Alexander, Win., 216. Mr., 27, [04, ll8, 358; rhos., 40. Allen. -'4; And., 51; Capt., 33, (wife) 34; Bartlers. Jno.. 25s; I.t., 2 .• t. 277; Patrick, Eph., 54; Lt. Col., 94- 363; Win., Si. 215. Allison, Benj., 367; Win., 272. Barton, Dr. John Rhea, -'84. Almanac, Univ'l. Am., 20, 32. Bassett, Davis, 366 Aloe tree, 101. Bayard, Col., 316, 321, 322, 333. !""• Jas. Alston, Jos., Jr., 367. ^ 82; Jno., 317; Steph., 357. Am. Iron & Steel Ass', 9. Bayliff, Edward, 43. Anderson, 118, 3S8; Capt.. 85; Eph., 367; Beal, Wm., 312. Lt., J-7; l'at. K.. 07; (Pill.s) 100. Bean, Josh., 43, 44, 377, 378, 379. 5 s " Annagola, Ireland, 30. Beaton, Jno.. 364. Antil. Col.. to8. Beaty, Jno.. Capt. & Maj . 357. Antis, Hen. (Sheriff) 319, 320. Beauset, 126. Archers, -•-'. Beckwith, Mr.. 288 Armitage, Benj., 366. Bedford, 324; \tty Gen., -78; Cil ^rms, Description .>f, .'83 to 290. Col., 108; Cl 11 . -•-•. 25; Gunning, 280. Armstrong, 31, 315; Jno., 40, [34, 331; Bedkins. Capt., 194 Nealey, 40; Win . 49, Beedle, Col., 103 Arnold, Genl. Benedict, 87, 89. 103, 109, Beasley, 18. -■_■. .-3. 36; Geo., 31; [saac, 24; 119. mj. U4. 207. Maj., 21, -'4. 3'; Wm.. 31. Wh. Josh.. (Oath) 292 B. I 1 , (O ith). 292. Ashbridge, Geo.. 5; fosh, 348. B< Ifa I Sovereign of, 334 Askew. Parker, 294; Saml., 585. Belford, Major, r6g, 170. Atkin, I110., 49. Bell, Mr., 248: Pattei on, 60, 258 Attire. 'Win. R.. 353; Col., 363 Bells, Kennett Sq., 358 \u mi Benj . 366, 367; los., 367. Benderman, Serj . 233; rhos., 225. Thos., i'7. Benezet, Saml. Capt., 357. Aughwitk, 325; (Falls), 37s. Bennett, Edw., W. Jas., 66. Bensted, Uex . 34; Capt., 154; Mr.. 153. Baggs, Ins.. 355. Bentley. Shasbarger, Bezabul, 352. Bailey] Benj. '320, 321; Joel, 67. Bernard. James, 366 Baker, Aaron, 217; David, 112; Isaac, 361; Berry, James (recpt), 274 Iciciii.. (67; fos., 44, 398; Mary Wins- Bethlehem, 316. 321. !.;o. li w, Nath., 297; Xeli , 44, 360; Richd . Bettle, Edw . 48. 194; Wm.. 375. Bevan. Dayis . 60. Bald Eagle. ?_>4. Bible-in-Heart, Phila., 20, 33 Baldwin, jas., 352; Wm., 342. Bicker, Hen.. Major. 357. Ball Col. Thos.,294; Win., 367. Biddle, Chas., 331. 334. 345: Clement. 253; Bamhill, John, 366. Mr., 69, 165; Owen, 68. I'7 Biggar, Thos. (Oath), 293. Biggam, Corp. Ct. Mar., 206. Billingsport, 249. Birmingham, Mt., H., 173, 400. Bishop. Jos., Jr.; Thos., 07; Mills, 390. Bisscll. John. 366. Black Capt. 209; Jos. (Oath), 293. Blackburn, Anth., 313. Black-Horse Alley Phila.. 20. Blackstone, Mr.. 162, 199, 404. Blackwood (drum'r), 358. Blair, Mr., 222; Saml., 84. Blewor George, 278. Blue Ball tavern, 157, 161, 383, 385,401, 402. Blue Ridge, 31. Bolton, Isaac, 352. Bombay Hook (Del. Riv.), 137. Bonner, Capt. Rudolph, 357. Boom across, Delw'r riv., 361. Boyd, Andw., 27; murdered, 301; Mr. 390. Boon, And., (Oath), 293; Hawkins, 367; Jos., (Oath), 293; Peter, (Oath), 294. Bones, Thos., 351. Bonsall, Edwd., 367; Jesse, 66. Botetourt Co., Va., 18. Bottomry, 18. Boucher, Mr., 15. Boude, Capt.. 258; Lt., 215, 232; Mr., 224, 233- Boudinot, Elias, 168, (letter), 246, 247. Bougher, Jno., 297. Bound Brook, N. J., 140, 224, 226. Bowen, Jno., 341; Mr., 312. Boy, Mr., 22. Boyce. Joseph, 44. Boyd, Andw., 27; murdered, 301; Mr., 387. Bowyers, Va., 22, 24; Jno., 25. Boyle, Thos.. Capt., 357- Braeden, Jas.. 328. Braithwaite, Mr., 15. Braman, Ben]., (letter). 312. Bradford, Cornelius, 84; Wm„ Jr.. 35, 345, 351- Brandywine (Battle of), 155; Little, 322. Brannan, Benjamin, 67. Brannon. Mich!., 232. Brickett, Genl., 132. Bridges. Geo., 325, 374. Brig. Gen. Com's'n, 305. Briggs, Jno., 44, 297. Brinton, Mr., 134, 146, 197; Caleb, 70, 81, 129, 188. 307; Dr. D. G., 285; Edw.. 307: Geo., 285, 296; Jas., 233; Jno., 283; J. H., 283; Lewis, 285. Brisbane, Jno., Capt., 357. Bristol. Penna., 254. Bristow, Rev. Wm., 334. Britton, John, 366. Broadhead, 257; Col., Lt. Col., 363. Broadside. 64, 327. Brogden, Mr., 22. Bromall, Danl., 360. Brooks, Mr., 125; Nich., 380; Win, 30. "Brothers Agreement," 10. Brown, 326; Jas., 225, 367; Jno., 367, 370; Jos., 67; Wm., 324. Browning, Thomas, 28. Bruell, Henry, D. Q. M. G., 237. Brunswick, 229. Bryan's, Pa., 359. "Buchanan's," Va., 19, 21, 26; Col., 25, 324; Mr.. 255. Buckley, 358. Buck-man, Thos., 367. "Bucks Forest," 390. Buffington, Robt, 337; Thos.. 66. Bugurt, John, 31. Bullis, Saml., 367. Bullock, 322; Isaac, 126. Buncombe. Col., 243. Bunting, Saml., 5. Burd, Edw., 354; (Oath), 292. Burge, Eliz.. 311. Burgoyne, Gen., 92, 96, 108, 109, 133, 148, 152. Burlington. N. J., 250. Butler, Col. R., 261; Col., 216, 323, 407; Lord, 321; Rchd, 297; Won., 261; Zebu- Ion. 317. Busteed, Morgan, 37. Butterrield, Major. 103. Cadwalader, Lt. Col., 363; Mr. Lambert, 69: Jno., 343. Caige, Parson, 112. Caldwell, 34, 36, 233; Mr., 36, 346; Chas., 324; Robt., 324; Saml., 50, 52, 56. Calkeld, Egnis (Agnes?), 7. Callay. John M., 30. Calvert, 70; Danl. & Dvd, 49; Danl.. 59, 60, 72. 73, 360; Isaac, 46; Nath., 378; Saml., 43. Carney. Edw., 316. Campbell. Col., 97; Q. M. G., 98. Canby, Thos., 360. Canoe Creek, 308. Capt'n's Commission. 78, 79. Carleton. Gen., 109, 134, 135. Carlin, 199; Jno., 193. Carlton. Col., 130. Carmichael, Jas.. 375. Carolines, 21. Caron, 321. Carpenter, Jasper, 367; Thos., 30. Carr. Persifor. 45. Carrington, Col., 386. Carson, Wm., 30. Cassell, Jas., 367. Carswell. Ann, 392, 393. Caster. Edward, (Oath), 292. Catskill, 259. Chadd's Ford, 155. 234, 236. 400. Chalmers, Jas., 251. Chambers, Col., 254, 259; Ferry, 324. Il8 i Chamberlain, 2X. 46; Jno., <). 10, 16, 31. Chamblee, 207. Chandler, Jno, 366; Phcebe, 331; Thos., 5. Chance, Benj.. 342. v_iiapman, .las., 307. Charleston, ?: S. C, 17. Chasson, Mr., 1S7, 189. Chatson, Mr., 141. Cheeseman, Mr., 47. Chester Co., Blues, 287; Meeting, .547. Chest. Military, 287. Chew., Benj.. 58, 61. Cheney, Col., .104; Edw., 352; (letter), i<> 1 . Mr.. 83, 117, 132. 149. 186, 189, 196, 107. [99; Mrs., 134; Rich'd, 67, 310. 394; Thos., 44. 61, 63, 94, 105, 106, 115, [27, 135- 155. 195- 210, 27-'. 291, 295, 297, 341. Child. Capt.. 37. Childsburg, 25. Chilisquakee, 326 Christie, 140; Capt, 195. 219. 221. 254. 27S; Lt., 215; Maj., 157. 158; Mr.. 119. Christopher. .1.. wile. 360. Church, Capt., 82, 95. 146. 148. .^57\ Thos . 78. Ckukshank. Joseph. 356 Claims ag't U. S. from raid, 276. Clarks, 25; DanL, 34, 325; Jno, 367; Saml., XV- Clarke. Matthew, 360. Clanickney, 313. Claypoole, .las., 366. Clayton. Col. Asher, 16, 2g, 309; Jos., 385; Maj., 376; Mr., 325; Richd., 385. Clements, 22, 25. Clemson, las.. 324. Clifford, thos.. 367- ClifTton. Thos.. 367. Clime. Philip (Oath), 293. Cline. William, 274. Clinton. 209; Gen.. 184. Cloathier, General, 265. "Cloves. The." (N. J.), 148. Cloyd, Mary, 330; David (Oath), 292. Clymer, 326; Dan'l, 366. Coates, Lindsey, Steph., Win., Jr., 367. Coffine. Wm, 366. Coleman. Capt.. 268. Cornley. Job., 367. Commission. Brig. Gen., 272; Capt., 78; Lt. Col.. 244. Com'nr of Purchases, 269. Com. of Safety. 77. "Company's Lott," 10. Complaints of bad beef. 216. Complete Quota Act Assem., 27. Concord. 11: Mt. H.. 4 Congr. Resol. recruitment. 79. Conn, claimants. 318; demands. 319. Connelly. Bryan. 12; Jno., 225, 233; Lawr., 202. Conner, blind, 112. Connor, Col., 227. Convention Scheme, 87. 91. Conway. Le\ m ; Wm . 44 Cook, Allen. 40; Fred'k, 205. 1 1 !• iks Creek, 24. k ikhagen, 359. 1 ope, Gilbert, 378, 384. ( loren, Isaac. 366. 1 1 1] k, Ireland, 4. ( '.ini' ig, Jno., (< '.'tli>. 293. ( lorry, 35 Coryell's Ferry, 151, 234, Cornwallis, 161, 174. 400 Cottringer, 47. Court of Inq., (oo Couteau dc Chasse. .'So. Cowan. 313; Jos., 66. Cowey. Saml.. 21. Cowpland, David, 66, '17. f>8, 141. 293, 295; Mr.. I2(j, [38, Cox. John, Jr., 366; Moses, 196. Coxe, Daniel. 177; Jno.. 311. Craig. Thos., Capt.. 357; Wm., 367. Cramps. 31. Crafts. Thos., 366. Crawford. 22. 31; Jno . 07. 385. ( Crispin, Saml.. 366. Cresman, Fhilip Baltzar, 28. Cresson, Jerem., 366. Crockitt, Richd., 44. Cronin, Steph.. 366. Crookshank, Chas.. 194: Wm., 40 Crosby, John. 66; Jno., Jr., 65, 368 Cross Roads, Pa., 151. 230. 251, 382 Crown Point, 98, 101, no. 123, 130, 131. Crows. Wm., 21; in Stanton, 24. Crozier, Gen.. 288. Cuckolds Town. 148. Culbert, Saml , 330. Cunningham. ]»■<.. 366 Curtis. Thomas. 28. Cuthbert, Jno, 36, 63 Dan 23. Davidson. Dr. 252; Jno,. 341; Wm., 203. Davis. 358; Ben. 31, ,\2 . Caleb. 71; Col. CTb . (Oath), 292; .las.. (Oath), 292; Jno., (Oath). 293: Jon.. 3S4: Josh., 93; Lewis. Sr,. 07; Mvruk. 13. 27; Robt . 316; Sampson, 17; Saml.. 302. Davison. Dr.. 236. Dayton, Jno. Cant.. 265 Deal. Nicholas, 66. Death of Gen. Frazer, 371. Decker, Peter. Capt., 357. Declin'n, (Com. Purch). 270-1. Deckers. 359. Deep Creek. Furnace, 9. 10, }X 42. 72. 7.1 '■ Iron wks . 9, 11. De Haas. 100. 217: Gen., 138. Dehaven, Peter, 366. de Kalb, Baron, 253. 419 Delany, Col., 251. Delaware Iron industr. in 9; and Md. land claim. 1 -, a Delwortli, Mr.. 390. De Mauregnault, J no., 49. Dement, Com'y prisoners. 171. Den. Jno., 31 1. Denny. Dvd; Win., 295-6. d'Estaing, 25b, 386. Devil Dunmore, 209. Dew, Joseph, 228. Dewees, Col., 81; Wm.. 366. De West, Capt., 159. 160, 276. Diary, death of Gen. Frazer, 390. Dicas, Thos., [6. Dick. Alex., 300; Arch'd, (Oath), 269, 294, 384, 385. Maj., 142, 190. 191. Dickinson, Cadwldr., 367; Jas., 62, 366; Jno. 342, 368, 381; Mary, 542; Mr., ^4; Sally N., 34-'. Dicks, Jos., 339; Maj. Arch., 142. Diehl. Capt. Nich. (Oath), 292 Dillingham, Mr., 284. Dilworth, 358; A. II.. 174. C. 57; Chas., 57, 66, 174 307. 312. 331, 352; Jas.. 174, X^,.\; Jas.. Jr.. 331, 338, 339, 342; Jos., 307; -town, 397. Dodrill, James. 44. Donevan, Wolman, 44 Douglas, 52. 53, 54, yy, Wm., 29, 72. Douglass, Jno., 44; Wm., 9, 10, 43, 44, SO, 56. Dove, Rob., 367. Down, Jacob, 119. Du Bois, Helena, 361. Dubre, 27. Drewet, Jno., 385. Drewry, W., 367. Drunkenness in army. 202. Duffield. Dr., 390, 391, 392. 396; Geo.. Rev., 315; Jr., 396; Mr., 305; Saml., 371. Dun. J. Ct. Mar.. 215. Dunbar. 58; Mr., 18; Thos., 45. Diinchanna, 316. Dunkard Town, ^22. Dunken, Wm. Butler, Capt., 357. Dunlap, 194; Am., Adv., 372; jno., 81, 367. Dunn, Jno.. 367. Dunwoody, Wm. (Oath). 292. Duryee, Trucof. 31. Dutton, Jno., 385; Thos., 339. Eastburn. 392; Jno., 367. 388; S. G., 381. Eddy, 37; Jas., 36. Edenton, Saml., 312. Edward. Jno., 297. Edwards, 43; Jemima, 10, 46; Jno., 116, .178. 394: Nath.. 44; Wm., 67. "Effingham" (frigate), 250. Eldridge. Saml., 50, Eliott, Mr.. 15. Elizabeth, N. J., 147. Elk. Md.. 239. Elligood, 30. Elliot, Peter, 38. Ellis, Capt. Hen., 357; Paul, 82. Elmslie, Jno., 366. Elzey, Jno.. 44 Emmett, Mr., 37. Emott, Jas., 31. Engle. Fredk, 334. Englishtown, N. J., 182. Epaulette. 288. Erwin, Lt. Col., 363. Escape from Prison, 176. Essington, 35; Jno., 44. Evans, 58; Abel, 366; Cadwaldr.379; Danl. 366; Ensn.. 2^i, 277; Evan, 66: Jas., 67 Jno. 295, 296; Josua, 67; Rowl'd, 366 Saml.. 279; Thos., 66, 67, 83, 145 Wm. (Oath), 292. Evanson, Richd., 297. Everly's Banks Schuylkill, 251. Ewing, Rev. John, 74, 377. Eyre, Naac, 06; Robt., 367. Fagg's-manor, 348. Fairlamb, Fredk., 12(1, 310; Nicholas, Saml.. 66. Fallows, Job, 74, 111, 120, 360; Mary, 303, 312, 328. 3.«: Polly, 157, 158. Fen, Richd., 31 1. Fergison, Robt., (Oath), 293. Ferguson, Mr., 171, 176, 179, 180, 181, 220, 245, 246, 248; W. H., (Com'y Prisnrs), 177. 178. Ferry, (Haw Riv.), 25. Felton, Thos., 366. Fetterman, Geo., y^y. Field, Wm., (Oath), 293. Finegan, B., 248. Finley, 23; .lav. 329; Jno. E.. 348. 351; Saml.. 27, 348-49-50-51. Finney, Robt., 374; Walter, 66. Fishkill, N. V.. 203. Fisher, Wm.. 348. Fishbourne, Ben., A.D.C.. 259. Fitch, 193. Fitzimons, 326. Fitz, Capt., 191, 387. Fitzpatrick, Jas., 387, 388. Flanagan, 30. Flat Lands, L. I., 264. Florida. 17. Flower. Richd., (Oath), 293. Flowerson, Jno., 360. "Flush," 217. Flying Camp, 227. Fly Markett, .^7- Flynn, Jno., 367. Foley. 325. Forbes. Lt., 197, 198, 221, 233, 257, 261; Lt. Jas., 277; Mr., 142. Ford, Philip. 365, 381. 420 Forester, Ralph, (Oath), 2<)2. Forst, Jno., 367. Fort, Edward. 148; Fort George, 96, 107, 211, 218; 1 Ynn, 250; Pitt, 1111 William Henry, 04. Forvvood, Jim.. 310. Foulke, Caleb, 10; Jim . 66. Fourier, Jim.. 44. Fourth Batallion Penna. line. 78. Fox, Jno., Jos., .?<><> Francis, Bailey. 315; Jno., 295, 296 Frank, Isaae, 112; Sarah. [8. Franklin. Dr. Benj., 66, 170; Deborah, 66; Mr., no; Saml., Walter, n ; Thos., 246. Frankstown, 324, 407; branch Juniata, 308. Frazer, Anne, 113, 123, 128; Eliza., 287; Jno.. 33, 35, 37; Jim. F.. 283, 285; J. G . _• 1 4 ; M ' v An. 157. 262; Mr.. 404; Mr-. 306; M'v. (Iij; M'v (Smith). 313; M'v W., (25, 304; Nancy, .?"-'; 1'. R-, 362; Robt., 17. 31, 157, 332. .!''-'■ 39°: Sarah. _.S^. 284; Sally, .(55. 362; Pers., 1 57- Frederick, Jno., 4*. Lau., (Oath). 293; Md., 19. Fredericksburg, N. Y., 200. Frederick Town, 23. 26. Freehold. 173. Free Masons, 405. Fryer, George, 63, 296, 304. Funck-Ens'n., 215. Funks, 21, 23, 26. Galbreath, Jas., 325. Galloway, Ins., 251; Mr., 28, 48. Gardner, Fras.. 331; J.. 354. 355; J 11 - , 332; Jos., 301, 406. Garnet, Robt., 233. Garret, Ro'bt.. Ct. Martial, 232. Garrigues, Saml., 366. Gaskill. Peter, 367. Gates. Maj. Gen., 9°. 101. 121, 122, 131, 135, 184. 207. 223. 256. 386, 399 Gath, George, 258. Gemmil, Jno., 376. General Hospital, 21 1. Geneva, 30. George, Benj.. 367; (Wheelwright), 30 Germain. Lord George, 167. Gibb, Jos., 58. Gibbons, 322, 387; Col. 333; Jas., 5. Jos.. 122; Jr., 67, 368; J. H . 392; 126. 174. 134. 39i; Mr - • l6 -'- l(y 9- 405 (search), 164; W„ 36; Wm, 279. 307. 331. 332. Gichnn. Thus.. .134- Girard. iqi. Gill. Michl.. (Oath). 294. Gillespie, 324; Mr., 22. Gilliland. Jno., (.7. Gillingham. Jas . 366. Gilmore. Paul. 225; Serj., 233 Gilpin. Gideon. 307; Jos., Geoi ;e, 364 307. [32 1 21 1 : Mr.. 175. 126, I \ Mill. 146. ( lirty, Simon, 314. ( lien, Mr., ;5o 1 .1. mi, 363; Jas . 362; Rob . .'ii ( il< ntwi ii tli. < hi 1., 366. ( ioddard, Win , 267. Godshalk. Jcb.. 367. Golden Swan, 171). ( loodw 111. Mi.- . 398; E ii' 11 h, . 38; 1 -aac, (98; Jas . 398; Jno., 367; Ri( hd . I hos., Sarah (later \\ orrell), 398. 1 Ii irdon, < len . [1 9, (20; Mr., 1 77- 1 lo Inn. Pa . [69, ( i< iverm ir's 1 sland, S7 ( iovett, Ji s., 366 ('.race, Robt., 13 1 Iraecen, Jim.. Robt., 313. Graeme, Dr. Thos., 382; Park, 152. 382 ( Iraham, Eleanor, 338; 11.. 61; 11. 11.. 4'). .iin. 331. 333. 334. 336, 339. 342, 344. 377. 380; Mrs., 46, 126, .V-..V. Squire, 58; Win , 203. 310; W. II . 378. ( Irani. I ien . 161, 167, 402; Jno . 44. ( .1 a\ e's, 21 , 25. Gray, Mrs., 175. -'47. 282. Graydon, Alex., (apt.. 357 Giay\ Ferry. Hula., [63, [64, 248. Grayson, Wm . Col., 263. ( Ireason, Jim., Betty, 40 Gregg, Robt., 203. Green Abel, 31)4: Black Tom, 360; Edw., 58, 01, 63; Estate, 360; Kel.ec, 44; Thos., 46 Greene. Gen. Nalh.. 85, 87, i."7. 406. "Greyhound," II M. S. [67. Gril. hie. Jos., 385- ( line, Francis, 27S Griffin, life of Barry, 250. Griffith, Benj. 366; Li . 1S7. 2.^. 277, (recpt); Lt. Levi, 261, 274 (recpt); Mr, 1 iS. 141. 144. 211. Griffithe, Mi . 81. Grit'fy. Jno., 225. ( Iripe, Saml., Haul . 3 4. Gri-.ci.ni, Saml . 3<>o i ,, issell, Edw., 44. 300; Tom., 306. 1 ir. mow . 1 e\\ is, 67. Gross, Lt., 2ii, 212. Grubb, Adam, 126, 104. 3°7. 33L 333. 334. Grub er. Geo., 293; Jno . 291 (< lath). 1 luineas, 21 Limine. Dvd . .!<>7 Gwyn. Maj., 249 1 fagi rman, [no . 321. Haines, 24; [osiah, 336, 3371 l ' rul " ' llalbert. Serj.. 230. Hale. Tim.. 366- Halecart. Hen., [94 Half Wav Hon e, 358. Halifax. N. C, 19; Ct. H., 22. 2S 421 Hall, 22; 360; Mr., 29; Jno., 44; Saml., 32, 35- Halliday, Mr., 18; Win., 45- Halloway, Jno., 36. Hambright, Capt., 29. Hamel, Mr., 219. Hamilton, Alexander, 232; Jas., 376. Hamipton, Benj, 44; Sam., 36. Hamstead, L. I., 87. Hancock, John, 79. Hand, Col., 83. "Hanger," 286. Hannis, Jno, 367. Hannum, 46; Col., 141, 161, 176, 177, 181, 196, 197, 264, 282, 390. 391, 404, 406; Jno., 180: Jno., 49, 01, 66, 73, 279, 294, 326, (Oath), 345, 380, 403. Harbour, 21; Thos, 30. Harbows, Thomas, 24. Harding, 30. Harlan, Stephen, 337. Harman's Run. 393. Harmar, Jos., 214. Harmer, Col., 260. Harper, J. (letter), 203, 264; Maj., 157, 161, 162, 169, 170, 176, 235, 236, 273 (recpt). 281, 329, 398, 401, 402, 403, 404; Maj. J., 155; Jno., 17, 86, 127, 390; Mr., 107, no, 127, 130. 134, 141, 147, 210, 215; Mrs., 362; Q. M., 115; 's Ferry, 19, 26. Harris, Capt., 195; Jas., 14; Jno., 324; Jos. S., 4. 7'. 399; Maj., 370; Mr., 29, 30, 39; Robt., 367; Thos., 295, 296, 402; Wm, 351, 352; Ferry, 322. Harrison, Col., 386; Lt. Col. R. H, 172; Robt., 239; Thos., 366. Hart, Jno., 66, 366. Hartley, Jas., 367; Lt. Col., 363; Mr, 68. Hartman, John, 66. Harvey, Jos., 5: Mr., 29. Haslam, Richd., 17. Haslep, Thos.. 66. Haslewood, Wm, Rachel, 337. Haston, Wm. (Oath), 292. Hauley, Jno, 5. Hausegger, Col, 118, 120, 121, 129, 132; Maj, 88, 96, no, 212, 296. 357: Nich, 82, 399; (deserted in 1777.) Havard, Saml, 368. Havel, jcb, 5. Haw River, 24. Hawfields, 21. Hawley, Wm, 272. Hay, Col , 259. Haydock, Eden, 367. Haye, Henry, 194. Hayes. 22; Henry (Oath), 291. Hazen, Col, 103, 107, 108, 207. Hemphies, 157. Hemphill, Jas, (Oath), 292, 336; Jos, 44. 310. Henderson, David, 335, 336; Jno, 36; Mr. 142; Wm, 328. Hendry, Dr., 264. Hening, Capt, 15. Henry, Ann, 337, 340; Geo, 266; M. 223 Mr, 42, 97, 120, 138, 305, 306; Mrs. 304; Wm, 12. 298, 315, 340, 373. Henthorn, Margaret, 391. Herbert, Major, 197. Hessians, 229; Soldiers, 163. Hewes, S. F, 397. Hickman, Thos, 44; Fran, 57. Hill, Jno, 44; Owens, 325, 358, 360. Hillegass, Michael, 366. Milliard, EHzth, 70. Hillsboro, 146. Hiltzheimer, J'cb, 366. Hinds, 30. llitner, Geo, 377. Hockley, Mr, 67; Thos, 66, 368. Hodgsons, Mrs, 283. Hoffnagle, Mr, no. Hogan, Jno, (Oath), 293. Hoge, Jno, 342. Holmes, Thos, 365, 381. Hollabacks, Mr, 316. Holliday. 58. Holston, 44. Holtons, 26. Hook, Jno, 27. Hooper, R. L, 367. Hoopes, Abner, 392, 396; Maj. Adam, 265 Ez, 341; Geo, 66; Jno, 384; Moses 344: Steph, 348. Hoops, Abram, 70, 398; Danl, 398. Horse & Unicorn 'White). 26. Horstmann, W. H. Co, 286. Horver's Works, 30. Hoskins, Jos, 347. House, Amos. 352. Houston, Va, 19. Howard, Perry, 303; Peter, 366. Howe, Gen, 92, 109, 148, 152, 161, 162, 163 167, 168, 169, 170, 172, 173, 246. 247, 397 400, 401; Lord, 119, 132, 174; Mr, 209 Howell, Abr, 367; Isaac, 366, J'cb, 385 Jos, Jr., 278, 366; Maj, 270; Reading 260, 142; Thos, 185; Ferry, N. J, 151 382. Hower, Richd, 66. Hubbs, Hen, 63, 367. Hubley, Jos , Capt, 357. Huffington. Wm, Jr., n. Hughes, Edw., 40; Hugh, Isaac, 367; Jno, 351; Sarah, 394, 397; Thos, 5. Hulings. Jno, Capt, 357. Hummels town, 322. Humphreys, Benj, 367; Edw, 66; Jas, Jr., 65; Richd, 66; Whitehd, 366. Humphries, Chas, 126, 194. Hunt. Mr, 15, 27; Jno, 307, 367; Isaac, 28. 422 Hunter, Col., 326; Geo., 352; Jas., 368; Junth.. 296, 297, 352, 354; Jno., 332. Hurley I own, .359. Hutchinson, Dr., 257. Huwarry Creek, 31. Ibison, Wm., 367. Isle au Noix, 109. He of Mutt, 120. Independence Hall (State House), 165. Ingersoll, Jared, 252; Mr.. 345, 390. Ingrain. Isaac. 44; Mall., 307. Inquisition. 295. Isburne, Mr.. 390. Isherwood, Geo., .567. Ireland, Edward, Mr., 47. Iron Enterprises in Del., 9. Irvine, Col., 140. Irwin, Wm., 354. Jackman, Dr., 14, 15, 29, 47. Jackson, 25. Jacobs, Ben., 296, 368; Jno., 275, 296, 366; Is., 366. Jacoby, Benj.. 295. Jamaica. L. I., 87. Janus, Caleb, 48, 126, 279, 390, 395; ('apt., 194; Mary, 395, 398; Mr.. 390; Moses, 340; River. Va., 19; Win.. (Oath). 293. Jarman. Jm>., 307. Jay. Jno.. 265. Jefferis, Emor, 126. Jeffers, Betsy, 339. 340. Jenkins, 27, 37; Capt., 105-6-8; Geo., 35; Jos., 366; Mrs.. 53, 63, (4. 05, 75. 82, 85, 95. 98. 108, 162, 281; Wm., 33, 36. 366. Jeremiah, 24. Jerman, Jno., 28. Jersey. Redoubt, 361. Jervis, Jno., Jr., 366. Jester, Mr.. 174. Johnson, Billy, 134; II. V.. 374; Jas.. 31; Jno.. 1(1, 366; Josh., 333; Tommy, [29; Wm. 116. 186, 191. Johnston, Capt., 233; Col., 81, 83. 85. 87. 133. 137. 151, i"5. 186, 187. 188, [89, 101. [96, 215, 2l6, 219, 221, 233, 245. - ,( >-'. -74. 277, 363, 400, 405; !•'.. 220. 222, 22(1, 227, 229. 230, 234, 236, 237, 251, 253, 254, 255. 256, 257, 258, 260, 386. 399; Francis, 66. 67, 68, 71; Lt., 201. 202, 203; Lt. Col.. 202. 204. 212. 363; Mr., 195; Jno, 375: Thos., 314. Jolly. Mary, 17. Jones. Abedingo, 192; Benj. ,342; Chaplain. Parson, Rev. Mr.. 103, [II, 128, 14c). 150, 210; Datil., 325. 374: Dr.. ig.s. 230; Edw., 67; I'.lij . 307; Francis, 81; 1 29. Jno, [26; jr. 3(7; fos., 44. 207; Mr., 106, 109, 116, 117. 118. [21, 127, 130, [41,149, 154,306; Mi , [87, [89 Thos., 367 ; Win (( lath 1. 293. Journal. Sullivan's Campaign, 20s. Joy, Hen . xv-,. |oyi e, 21 ; I Ims . 24; -ville, 19 Juniata river, 32 1 Jumkin, Mary, 342. J ust oi Peace 1 ■ im'sn, 331. Kacklein, 359. Karnasi d, I hos . ,\.\3. Keith, Sir Win . 382. Kelly, Danl., Geo., 44; J. is.. 2,^3: Jn.i 249; \1 1 , .(53; I im . !02 Kelso. Saml., 315, 328. Kemly, ( !eo., 375. Kemmell, Michl., 233. Kencher, Jno. G/t., Lt., 232. Kenersly, Mr.. 10 Kennedy, Saml . Dr. Saml., 12, 13, 43, 71, 72. 84, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 04. in.), no, 113. lid. 117. 121, I30, 132, 134, l.lS. 211. 212, 218, 219, 247, 357. 358, j8o; Mrs . 86, 88, 107. 193; Sarah, 8 . Wm , 39°. Keppele, 1 [en., Jr.. 367. Kerlin, Jno , (17; Win . 1 26. Kerr, las, (( lath), 292. Kershaw, Mitchell, io Key. Alien. 272; Moses, 364 Kilpatrick, Ct. Martial, 201; Hugh (< lath) 203. Kimbler, Jno., 310. 112. Kimmell, Lt., (recpt), 277; Michl., 228; Mr., 187, 221, 275; I'ayin.. 233 KiiiK. Dan. 367; Jos., 38, 366; Peter, 21, 24; 's Ferry, [84. Kinsey, Dvd., 41, 366; Mr. 29. Kippo, I'lnlip. 217. Kirchland, 350 Kischacaqualos, 324. Kittanning town, 324. Kitty, 350 Kuan-, Stophal, 204. Knox. Col., 295. Knyphausen, Gen., 400. Kostcr, Wm.. 31.7 Kulil. Fred., 366. Larry, Capt., 212, 215; Jno., "8. 357. Lackey. Jim . - Lafayette, 174; Genl., [65; Marquis. 301. I .ake, < ieorge, 93, 1 17- I ambi 11 11. Robl . ["ho . 333 Lancaster, 26 Landers, Saml 1 < lath I, 292. Lane, Jonthn., Jr.. 366. Lang, Capt . 200. I.arkin. Jos., 334 Latham. 35. Lausens, Hi nrj . Pi e < long . -'.14 Lawrence, rii.is.366; Henry, 66; Wm., 367. 423 Laws, Capt. Thos., 21. Lea, Thos., 331, 338. Leader, Jas., 204. Le Clerc, Clairwood, 174. Lee, Gen., 114, 14c;, 1O8, [82, 208; Maj., 200; Mr. Jno., 27, 28; Squire, 22, 25. Lefevre, Lt., 172. Leonaid, Ezekiel, 272, 333. 341, uq. Lemens, 26. Lenox, Dvd. Capt. ,357. Lesley & Eastburn, 392. Letter; of C. Wister, 376; on Reg. & Rec. Of., 368, 369; tu Gen. Washington, 169, 170. Letts, Ens'n, 203. 200. Levis, I., Jno., Tho . (Oath), 292. Levy, Saml., 5. Lewis, D., 34, 44; Henry, 13; Isaac, 367; Josi., 297; Mr., 3S7; Nath., 368; Pris- eilla, 398; Thos., 307; -town, 36; Win., 21. 67; Zach., 353. Lezt, Mr.. 213. Lightfoot, Benj.. 3; Thos., Win.. 11. Lincoln, Maj. Gen., 138; Gen.. 2211. Lindley, Thos., Hannah, 354. Lindsay, Jas. (Oath), 204, 335, 337. Linsey, Wm. (Oath), 291. Lispier, Cornelius, 17. Little Pipe Creek (Md.), 23. Little, x?; Jno., ioq. 566. Littler, Mr., 88. Lodge No. 8. Fr. Msn., 343; "No. 50," 408 Lloyd, Hugh, 66, 194, 367; Mr., 67. London-Coffee-House, 356. Long, Jas. (recpt), 373; Mill, 25. Lord, Jno., 44. Lottery, Pickering, 362. Lovell, Jas., 168. Lowe, Richd., 144. Lowles, Col., Oliver, 389. Lownes, Jos.. 367. Lowry, A., 375. Loxley. Benj., 366. Lucas, Mr., 132; Thos., 367. Lueken, Jno., 366. Lukens, Jno. (Surv. Genl.), 9. 376 Chas., Jud., 367; Matthias, 17, 367; T., 366, 367. Luney's Ferry, Va., 19, 21, 22. 24. 25. Lyon, Cha., Jr., 367. Mabon's. 19, 22. Maty. Jno., (recpt), 275. Mackee, Alex., 340. Mackenzie. Robt., 249. Maclay, Wm., 376. Magee, Capt, Jno., 21, 24. Malin. Gideon, 305; Randle. 368. Manalian Twp., Fayette Co., 328. Mann, Lawr., 366. Mantua Cr., 349. Map, Phila., 380. Marbury, Col., 1S0, 198. Mai < us Hook, [92. Alaiis. Jesse, 377, 380. Marshall, Christopher, 9, 43, 367; Humph- rey, #17; Jno., 385; Thos., 44, 112. Marstellor, Geo., 351. Martin, 358, 367; Patk. (recpt), 273, 275. Martinique, 15, 209. Aid , & Del. land claims, 9. Masery, Leve, 44. Mason, Richd., 367; Simon, 324. Massey, Jas., 366; Mr., 23; Mordecai (Oath), 292; Saml., 3(17; Wm., 41. Masters, Win., 3(10. Matlack, T. Sec. Supr. Ex. C, 273. Matson, Levi, 344; Sallie. 371, 400. Matthews, Hugh, 46; Jno.. (Reg.), 8. Maulsby, Morris, 367; Wm., 366. Maurignolt, Mr., 69. Mauss, Matthw., 200, 207, 212, 213. Maxfield (Maxwell), Gen., 143. 146. Mayben, Col., 25. Mayhu River, Va., 19. 24. McAffee (McFee), Capt., 193; Robt., 387. 388, 389. McCall. Archd., 38; Eliz., 335, 337; Thos., 334- McCallister, 23, 26. McClanaghan, Mr., 2s. MeCleland, Col., 189. McClelland, Jas., 314. McClenneghan, Mr., 222. McClintock, 152; Lt., 151, 203, 206, 220, 221, 22K, 233, (recpt), 277. McCormick, Henry, 319, 320, 321. McClure, Capt., 227; David. 325. M'Coy, D.nis, 44. Wm., 384. 385. McCulloch, Capt.. 220; Lt. (recpt), 257, 277; Jas. (Oath), 292. McCulloughs, 23; Lt., 187, 233; Jas., 232: Jno. (recpt). 274, McCully, Caleb, (Oath). 293. McDaniel. Danl.. 30. 324. McDole, Robt.. 321. McDonnald, Wm., 225. McDowl, Robt., 320. McElhatton, 225. Mcfarland, Jno. ((lath). 292. McGannon, Michl., 366. McGaw, Col.. 363. McGee, 22; Ens'n, 233; Lt. (recpt), 277. McGill, Sarj. N., 225. McGowan. Ct. Martial, 206. McHatton, Alex., 22^. McHenry. Chas., 260; Lt., 223, 224. 22('\ 233 (recpt). 277. Melllhaney. Jas., Lydia. 331. McKean, Thos., 320, 354, McKinly, Jno. Dr., 279. 280; Jno., 281. McKnifiht, Paul, 295, 296. McMichell, Jas. (Oath), 292. McMillan, Hugh, 334; Robt., 334, 355. 424 Mi-Minn, Andrw (Oath), 292; Jno., 341; Robt., (67: Saml. (( >ath), 291. Me Murray, 228. McMurtrie, 22, 27, 3Q, 53, 54. 55. 7°. 73,345; ( has . 50, 56; David, 9, 16, 37, 4-'. 43. 50, 56, 58, 63, 7-- 324, 3+2, 35L 374; \l 1 . 33, 3 |, 36 69, 1 lo; \ s, I- razer, 346. McPhereson, Maj., 357. Meade, Dvd., 316, 320, 321, 323 Mr., 407. Mease, 233. Mebanesville, 22. Memorial to Congre >s, 265. Mendenhal, 21; Abner, 340; Amos, 304, 340; Beulah, 340; Jane, 44; Jos., s; Phillip, 44; Richd., Mordecai, 24; Robt., 44, 66, [26; Saml., u_\ 272, 307, 340. Merchnt's Coffee House, N. V . 84. Meredith, Saml., 309- Mermaid, 250. Massey, Billy, 35- Mexico, Gulf of, 17. Middleford, 10. Middleton, Monaghan Co., [reland, 40; Thos., 366. Midletown, 19, 22. 324; Meeting, 398. Mifflin, Gen., 223; J.. 234; Mr., 69; Thos., 234, 367- Miles, C'apt.. ,i7''. Saml.. 16, 29. Militia, Act. regul., 308. Miller, 21, 324, 367; Capt. Jm>., 357; Wm, 66; Town, 2.]. Milligan, 21. Milner, Edw., 12 M ilnor, Win, 367. Mini hall, Edw., 334; J 11 " •> '-''' Mire, Geo., 44. Mitchell, Abraham, 11; Andrew, 66; Jno., 1 1, 367; I hos., 325, 375. Modderrells, 22. Monaghan, County. 313. Monkton, Col., 183. Monmouth, Battle, 182; Ct. II.. 173, '4-'. 386. Monocasin, 23. Montgomery, Alex., Jr., 313; Col., Wm.. 227, 326; Wm . 66, 71, 311. Moody, John, 366. Moore, Capt., 140. 201, 233; Jas. (recpt), 277. .157; Cha., 367; I- • 342; Jas,, 66, 71, 224, 236, -MS; [no., jo; Mary, 342; Mr., (17; Win Pres Supr Ex. ('.. 272. Morgan, Benj., 366; Col. [82; Magda- lene, 360; Thos.. 5. M or, ,11. Jas , Wm.. 367. Morris. J26; Ant . .7: \nt Jam . .11,7; Is., ^17: Dr. Ton., (il), 357; Maj.. 206; Mr- Martha. 1(10; Richd., 302, .lo.i. 3°7. 309. 331. 332, 354: Sam . 38. Morrison, Benj., 334, 335. 337. 34°: Dvd., F.liz.. Jas., Jane., Jno , Jo, . 334; Mr., 314; Wm., 28. Morristown, X. J.. 145. '4 s . -'-■?■ Morton, Jn.... 34, 48, 5 s . 6i, 100; Hon., 125, 209, J79; Mr.. 117. 118, 126, 129; M01 ton i< lathi. 293; Sketchly, 65, 66, 102; Maj. Sketchly (Oath). 292 Mote, Jno.. 272. Mount Bird, 21, 23 Moydores Pi tol(i Is, 21. Moylan, Gen., Stephen, 370, 391, 396, 397 Mullen, 204. Murtland, Jno. (recpt), -74. (Oath) 291. Musgrave, Aaron, 333, 367; Jo- . 66. Musgi ove, \o 1 '" 79 M 1 . 280 Mils-, Jno,. .1(17 Musser, [no., 36 Myers, Col. Henry, 287; Mary. 48; Mrs II.. [66; - . H , 286. Xaanian's (reek. [38, 229. [el, Maj . 357. Nanticoke Forge, 4.i; -Hundred, 9. Nathan, Moses, 44 au, Chas . Win . 366. Nazareth, 321, 359. Ncal., Jno.. 384 Nealej . 24, 40 Nealy, James, Joseph, 21 ; Mr.. 22. 25. Nelson, las,. 233. Nesbet (or Heslet), Win, 312 Nesbit, Mr., 233. Nescopack, 3-'-'. Nevill, Thos., 366. Newark Camp, 253. Newell. Jas.. 332, 375 New Englanders, 116, [27; IVoops, 85, 96, or, 99, io|. io6, io8, 1 19. Newfoe, Christian, 44. New garden, -'4. New ••'.oal," 239, J40. 241, 242, 243: Ja'l. Phila., 163 Newkirchs, 359. Newlin, Nath , 364, 368 Noble, Wm., 225. Nofoblit, \6 tr, 85, 89, 92, 93, 97. 99. "3L [41; Wm., 295, 377, 370. 380; Jr. 11 >ath), 294 Non-Assi K latioii. 209 Ni m Imp Res . 377. 1 ave, 305. Norgrove, Mr., 308; Nath., 311. North. Caleb, 7' v . Capt . 203, 204, 278, 357: Maj.. 220; Col., (6o; l.t . 190, 228, -'-'0. 277; Mr., 105 Norris, 101 . Chas . 342; Mary, 331. Northumberland, 322. Nuell, Jas., 310. ird, \.ii"ii 67 ( (ccupations of Persifor Frazer, 8 n'l rrel 1 larret, Ct. Martial. 232, 1 )ld Halls. 26. Oldham, Capt.. 151, 222; Lt., 218. 425 Old man tea, 189. "Old Meadow," 10. Oliver, Mr., 85; Saml., 47, 93, 297. Ontario, Lake, 105. Orange (or St. Eustatius), 17: N. C, 19. 21, 22. Ornd, Col., 322. Osborne, Capt., 66: Saml., 3, 13, 16, 28. Otter River, Va., 25. Outfit (Officers). 216. Owen, Jno., 5; Mr., 15; Saml., 44. Page, Jas., 343. Paks, Richd, 113. Painter, Lew. (Oath), 294; Saml., 307. Palmer, Jno., 367. Pancoast, David, 367. Paranius, N. J., 253. Parker, Jos., 331, 333; Win., 194. Parks, Richd., 127, 272, 310, 379. Parole, 234. Parry, 118; Col., 44, 368; Maj., 357. Parsons, 15; Dr., 14. "Partnership" (furnace), II. Paschall, Steph., 366. Patterson, Alex., 319; Ar., 225; Geo., 357; Capt. Jas., 16; Jas., 324; Wm., 325, 375. Pauls adley, 25. Paulus Hook. 87. Paxton's (Va.), 22, 24, 25. Peaks of Otter, Va., 19, 22." Pearce, Abel, 321; Geo., 12. 14. Pearson, Jas., 366; Jno. (Oath), 292, 307; Wm., 367. Peekskill, 144. Peirce 57; Abel. 320; Caby. 112: Caleb. 44, 48, 339; Capt., 198; Geo., 66. 298, 299, 331. 352; Jno., 45, 48, 56. 58. 61, 70, 189, 272. XV, 347: Mary, 331. Penn, William, 62, 365; Mr., 380, 381. Pennell, Jno., 344; Jos., 66, 340, 344; M., 46; Thos., 5. Pennock, Jos., 5. 126. Penn's-manor.348. Pennsylvania Hospital, 348. Penna. Packet (boat), 66. Perkins, Jno., Jose., 367; Lt. Col., 363; Thos.. 385. Person. Isaac, 194. Peter, Michael, 44. Peters, Evan, 366; Rees, 342. Petition to Ex. Counc, 299. Pettit, Chas., 258. Pettyjohn. Saml., 44. Phile, Fred.. 367. Philips, Jno., 341. Phillips, Dvd., 32; Gen, 130, 133; Wm., 346. Phipps, Aaron, 295, 296. 366. Physick, Edm., Philip Syng., Hen. White, 374- Pierce, Jno., 75, 155, 294; Mr., 187; Wm., 265. Pigeon Isl(and), 15. Pine Grove Furnace, 10. Pipe Creek, 26. Pistols, Gen. Frazer's, 286. Pitts (widow of), 31. Plumsted, 3, 12; Clem., 381; (lands), 63; Mr., 65; Wm., 354. Plunderers in pub. serv., 149. Pocomoke, 29; Riv., 73. Pokes, 24; Jacob, 44. Pole Cat, 21. 31. Pollus. Polly, 337. Popp, Jacob, 44. Porter, Wm., 44; Mr., 390. Potomac, Ferry, 23. Potter, Matt., 366. Potts, 230; Dvd., 31; Dr., 94. 98, 106, 210; Capt., 233. 337; Jno., 59, 60, 70, 74; Capt. Jos., Mr. Jos., 94, 95, 96, 98. 102. in, 219, 273, (recpt), 274, 277; Lt., 201, 202, 203, 206; Mr., 116, 120, 125; Thos., 368; Wm., 367. Prescot, Maj. Gen., 149. President. The (invitation), 365. Preston. Jonas. Mary, 331. Price, 378; Elisha. 354; Jno., 344; Phil., 366, 377; Sam!.. 67; Thos. (Oath), 293. Prisoners in New "Goal," 239 to 243. Procter, 326; Maj., 403. Pross, Mr.. 300. Proctor, Thos., 366. Provincial and Provis. Conven., 76. Pryor. Saml.. Thos., 367. Pulaskey. Gen.. 195. Purcells. 23. Purden, Fergus. 366. Pusey. Josh.. 5. Putnam's Creek, 131 ; Gen., 87, 144. Pyle, Jos., 126; Wm., 296. Quandrill. Jno. (Oath), 292. Quebec, 84, 105. Quibble town, 143. Quin, W. (Oath), 293. Raccoon Cr., 249, 342. Rachel (black). 157, 159. Ragg, Hezekiah, 82. Ramage, Jas. (Oath), 292. Ranfrows, Jos., 24. Rang, Torrans, Co., 3. Ranger, brigantine, 3. Rathbun. Dr., 288. Rawle, Mr, 311, 312. Read, Jean, 12, (Jane) 373; Jno., 3^1 ; Richd., 22. Red Bank. 2W. Reddock. Mr., 328. Reece, 326. Reed, 28; Chas., 295, 296; Gen., 253; Hugh, 296, 297, 307; Jas., 269, 395; Jno.. 22, 36, 62, 63, 173, 365, 380; Jos., 268; Mr, 426 23. 302, ,lo;; Richd., 25; Saml., 319; St. Clair, 100. 148; Col., 3&3- 's Ferry, w-t- St. Eustatius (Eustace), j, 17. Rees, Dvd., 258; Mr, 268. St. John's, 105, 228. Reese, Jno., Capt., 357; rho., 367 St. Ruts. 17. Reeth, Mr., 258. St. Lawrence, 105 Reeve, Capt., 282, 366. Si Martin'-, 17. Register, Dvd., Jno., ,157; .las. 297. Salem, N J . 249. Reighter, Jno., 367. Salkeld, 61; Elizabeth, 6; Jno., 38s. Reily (lands), 65. Sandy Hook, 14a Renshaw, Jno., 3G7; Thos., 62, 366. Sargeant, Jona D., m<' Reply to charge of violating parole, 178 Sarum and Deep Creek, Enterprises at, . 260; Alex., 367; Christ., 259, 2O0, 2O2; Maj. 213. Sturgeon 322; Mills 324. Sullivan, Gen., 90, 142, 196; Maj. Gen., 265, 400, 406. Sunbury, 322, 324. Sutton, Bart'w. (Oath), 291. Suttor, Jas., 366. Swaford, Wm., 126. Swain. Wm., 44. Swartwoods, Phil., 359. Swartz's, 23. 26. Swasfer, Abigail Worrall, 347. Swede's Ford (Schuylkill), 165, 402. Talbot, Jas., 126, 127. 347; Jno., 67, 96. Tanner, Jno.. 82, (It. Martial), 202. Tatnall, Robt., 3(10. Taylor. 23; Abra'm, 126; Capt., 206, 228, 233, 235. 238, 277, 357; Col. .2S3; Eli-lia (Oath), 292; Eliza , 49, 59, 60, 72; Fred., 44, 193, 197, 302; Hannah, 315, 328; Isaac. 4. 44. 49. 73. n6. 295, 307, 360, 3O8, 396; Jas., 78, 221. 225; Jno., Dr. J.. 4, 11. 41. 59. 60, 63, 65, 67, 72, 127, (Oath). 292, 307, 371, 379, 381; Jr., 57; Alary Worrall. 72; Mr., 67, 68; Sarah (Worrall) 41; Thos.. 44, 66, 71. 80, 83, 94, 105. IIS, 188, 210, (Oath) 291, 344; I itus, 174. 307; Win. H., 328. Tea.. Richd., 36. Templeton, 187. Terance. Adam, 376. Terry. Col., 22, 25. Thatcher, Jos., 367. Thomas, 31. 36; Dvd., 215; J'cb., 32, 367; Mr., 148; Owen, 310; Richd., 66, 71, 279, 367; Robt., 32; Wm., 35. Thompson, 73; Chas., 50, 52; Gen.. 01; Jas., 49. 59, 60, 307; Jno., 44, 72; Robt., 12. 225, (Oath). 292. 374, 398; Wm, 12, 374- Thomson, Alex., 360; Col. Arch., 195; Chas., 56. 72, 244. 265; Dan., 112; Gen., 92; Isaac, 105; Jas., 74, III, 297; Jemmy, 94, 95, 105, 146, 148. 197, 306; Jno., 33, 35. 43, 46, 366, 367; Col. Mark, 151 ; Mr., 62; Sarah, 114. Thorn'bury. Mr., 70. I hornhill, Jno.. Jos., 367. Ticonderoga, 94, 102, 103, 108, 117 123, 132, 148, 152, 200, 205, 207, 211, 212, 215, 216, 217. 222, 224, 359. Tilbury. Thomas, 366. Tilghman, Tench, 244. 252, 263. Tilsbee, Nath., Jr., 367. 428 hi' m, < 'apt., 206 Tiluson, Thos., 342. I mkI.iI, Elijah, Jno., +4. Tobyhanna, ,u~. I od, Alex., Wm A , 391; Mr., 390. 1 odhunter, Jno., 348. ["olbert, Jno . [26. Tombs, Jno., 366. Tomkins Wind ( iap, 359. Tomlinson Run. 393. 1 opham, Danl., 366. Torrans Rang iV Co., 3. Torranus, Adm., 309. Tortola Isld . 31 6 "Trap," 235. Trelawney, Col., [83 I 1 ibbetts, Satnl., 29. rrimble, Jas., 331, 344, 345! Lew. (Oath), 294; Saml ,66 Trumble, Francis, 294; J.. 213; Row gal., 389 I 1 ump, Levi, 12; C apt., [5. ["ryi m, < li iv., 87. I m kness, Ri ibl . 325, ,175. ruley, Abram, 367. Turk's I lead 1 inn I, 401. I in nei . 34; 1 hos., 367; Wm., 36. Turpin, Mr., 34. Tuscarora, 325, ,t;.i. Tynan, Co. Armagh, Ireland, 40. Urian, Andw., (» )ath), 293. Valentine, Jno., 296. Valley Forge, [82, 405, Vancampen, Mr.. 316, 322. Van Cortland, Nich., 265. Vandergrift, Mr.. 138; Jos., i|<>. '45. <5°- Vanderslice, Hen., ,i-' Vanderspiegle, Wm., 38. Vanduzen, 359 Van Eyks Mill, .158. Vanhorn, 137; Bei nard, 196; 1 "1 370 Vanleer, Bernh'd, (Oath), 293; Dr. Bran- son, 66; Bransi >n, 367, Van Rensselaer, Jas., 227. Van Vachten, ,15'). Van/ant. Capt. Nathanl., 357. Vaughan, 28, -'4; Jno. (Oath), 293, 39°; fona., 9, 10, r2, [3, 14, 16, 41. 43. 44- 46. 50. 56, 7-'. 73, 374; Josh, (Oath), 293, 337, 338; Mr.. 29, 34, 52, 53; rhos., 366 Varick, Richd., 21 5 "Venture" (tract), 10. Verney, Edw (recpt), 274. Vernon, 230, ,17 s : Ann, 394. 397 Capt, [15. 204. 206. 228, 2,32, 233; (recpt). -77. 357; Ens., 201; Fred.. 7S; Gen., '142. f'cb., 129, i,34- i57. '5 s - ""■ 188, [99, 272 296. 297. .102; Je., 192; Lt. fob, 232, 233 (recpt), 274; Jona., Jr.. 67: Josh., 390; fos., 272: Nath . 126, 367; Sally. 129; Sarah, 12H, 344; Serj. pt), 273. Vi er, 364; Saw Mill. 165. \ illagc ' ireen, prcl , 401. \ in. .mi. Alex., 11 >athl 294. \ ||" '. 33. Virginia I'roop [53 \ ondaci moncj 1'ho . I... 37 er, 1 Wag i.i" I 1 ,28, 38 Wales, Danl. 44 Walker, fohn (recpt), 273; Lew., 27;Rachl, 184, )88; Saml., 272. \\ ail 10 1 '. .. 206; Robt., 29 Thos., 32. \\ alii . Saml., 367, \\ alnul Street Pri ion, 240,241, 242, 243, 329, Walpack, 359. \\ alters, Elinor, 297 Wappolopo, .!-'-'. \\ .11.1. ( ieorge, 51, 56; Mr. 21 1 \\ ardi 1 . Jercm., 366. \V.ii rants, 325. Washington, 83, 9'. '32, '35. '43. (trust ill) 144, 151, 156, I'M. [62, I'M. [65, [67, 168 (let. to P. F I, 172, 17.*. 177. ' 8 '- 205, 208, 21 j, 226, (Gi n ' >rd I, 231 : 246, 248, -'5.!. (Gen I Ird I, 255, 268,386,399, 401, 4"-'. 403, 405,(County), l"7 Waters. Tho., Watkins, Jas., 367; F° ■ h \\ at on's Vnnals, 387; Jno., 93. Watt. Jno., 20] Waits. Silas, 367. Wattson, Saml. < ant . 357. Way, Josh., 272, (Oath), 294; Mary. 357; Mr., 150. Wayne, Anth . 66, 67, 68, 7> (l »rdi 1 I, 80, H ,, n. Orel). 81, 83, 84, 91, 94. '»''■ HO, 1 m. lis, 1 16, 127, 132, 133, 134. 135. 1 ;8. 141. 14-'. 156, 1"). 18-'. 183, (| of Pa.), [86, 202, 205, 206, 210, 21 1. 21 i. 215, 216, 218, 222, 223, 233, 235. 2 45 I''- -'4'). 250, 252, 256, 257. -'5 s - -''"'■ -''-'■ (letter of), 263, 270, 275. .'"7. 326, .V'7- 586, 399, 400; Molly, ■ Weaver, Adam, 324, .U7 : Jno., 16; Mr . .ii.' Weatherly, Benj., .M- Web!.. ?-'-•: I hos . 18. Weed, I'.lij.. 366 Weiss. I. \ . 63. Wellford. Dr.. 252; Robt , Phillip A . 389 Wells. Mary, 33'. Welsh, 358. W.-t. Capt., .157: Lew. 11. Point, 266; Saml., 28; Wm . 126, 366. West Brooks, 359. West Indie Duti h, 17: Merchant, 3. Wetherell, !•> Wethy, Mr.. 338; Mrs., 103. 222 429 Whelen, Dennis, 12, 13, 4.5, 72; Townsend, -79- Wherry. David, 67. Whitaker, Kdw., 385. VVhitecer (Whitaker) Jno., 354. White, 34; -Horse, 34; -Road, 364; -tavern, 71, 401; Jos., 115; Jno., 324; -Marsh, 164, 165, 403; -Plains, 186, 195, 200, 386; -Swan tavern, 162. 404. Whiteside. Wm., 329. Whitlow, Lt., 120. Wiggins, Thos., 16, 17. Wickersham, Sampson. 341. Wilcocks, 17; Capt.. is; Jno.. Jr., 18; Mark. 281; M. Jr.. 18; Mr., 320' Wiilcox, Mark, 191, 279, (Oath), 292; Wm., 30. Willcoxe, 46. VViley, Mary, 357. Will, Gen, Frazer's, 393 to 397; Henry, 206; Mr., 212. Williams, Jos., 390. Williamson, Lt.. 201. 202, 222; Mr., 223. Willing, ?26, Thos., 44. 4s. Willis, Wm. (Oath), 292/ Willson, Capt., 109, 32b; Jno., 300; Martha, 39; Mr., 68, 69. Wilmington, Del., 153, 234. Wilson, 26: Dvd.. 219; Dr., 284; Edw., 29; Eliz.. 333: Hannah. 339; Jas., 338; Mr., 49: Robt., 342; Saml., 376; Steph., 335, .W8, 340; Thos., 339. Winchester. 19, 21, 23, 26, 31. Wind, Lt.. 227. Winey. Jct>., 38. Winters. Jno., 367. Wishart, Wm.. 10. 43. 4(1, 47, 366. Wistar, Jno., 10. Wistcr. C, 377. Wolf, Leonard, 324. Woods, Geo.. 325; Jno.. 93. no, 366, 375; Lt., 200. Col., 363; Maj., 357; Wm., 333. -'54- ;()6. , 204. Surv. Md., 44. .'55. 396; Jas. Sarah, 5, 347; 366; Jno., Thos., 398; Woodford, Gen Woodron, Wm. Woodstock, 20. Woodward, Jas Worcester. &c, Worrall, Geo., Peter. 347; Uncle, 42. Worralow, Alice, Ann. Jean, Mary. ,;oX Worrell, Eliza., Jno.. Mary, Sarah, 398. Worrilow, held. 294; Mary. 4. Worth, Jno., 344 Wos., Nathan. 5. Wright, Ellis, 326; ferry, 26; Jno., (Oath), 2')3, 366; Thos., 340; -sville, 19. Wyoming, Pub. doc. of Com'sn to, 316, 318; Rpt. of Com.. 317, 320; Expen. of Corns /n., 321,322, 323, 406; Valley, 407. Yarington, Abel, 320, 321. Yarnail, David, Dank, 297; Francis, 5; Hannah, 297, 298; Isaac, 384; J'cb., 44; Peter, 398; Wm., 342. Yorick Head Phila., 315. York, Pa., 19, 23. 26. Young, Daniel. Eliza., 92; Jem., Jr., 367; Lizzy, 93; Saml., 27; & Co., 3-'. Younger, Capt. Jno., 203. 85; Jno., Torrans Zantzinger, Adam, 367. 430 T ! P -1 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS UNiilililHiiliifiiliii O 018 458 932 1