Letter from Cortland Skinner to Philip Kearny, detailing the proceedings of the Legislature, in relation to the Treasurer.

[From the Skinner Papers among Manuscripts of W. A. Whitehead, Vol. II, No. 32.]

Dr. Sir

BURLING, 19th Dec, 1773.

For these three days past, we have had under consideration the tremendous report of the committee, which has been preparing since the 30th of last month. It consists of 75 pages in Mr. K's hand writing. It is now before the Governor and Council. The committee thought it an artful measure to make it only a report to the house, and not a message to the Governor; not considering that their daily minutes were laid before him. He has now got it, and it is a vindication of Saml. Ford against the aspersions cast on him by the Governor;—an argument in answer to the Governor, that the treasury was robbed;-reflections upon the conduct of the Gov. and Council, touching the examinations of the convicts:-a censure upon the officers of government at Morris Court:-and yet a salvo for their mistaken zeal:-a declaration that Ford did not rob the treasury:-insinuates that it was not robbed and yet that it was robbed; with at least a dozen barefaced lies, that the journals of the House, will show with many more contradictions and absurdities than I have time at present to enumerate. To contend was in vain: an absurdity pointed out was reconciled by the question, and the report carried by a great majority. I have never had more occasion for temper, and I think I have had a share of Job's on this trying occasion. During these debates, the treasurer presented two memorials praying and entreating to be tried; all are disregarded as yet, and

* * *

by this report the Gov. is to turn him out for his misfortune, while the assembly descend to plead the cause of Sam Ford, who they confess to be an arch villian.

* * *

To-morrow the House will determine on these memorials. How, you will easily guess, from the account I have given of their report. In short, right or wrong, the opinion of the House is to be followed, and dance as we will the people are to pay the fidler. The report was certainly framed to prevent any favorable impression on the people, with regard to the treasurer, from the Governor's message. Its length and falsehood will take time to confute.

* * *

I am, dear Sir Your affect
CORT SKINNER.

Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth to Governor Franklin, informing him that the Boundary Line between New York and New Jersey had been approved by the King, and that the Lottery Act was under consideration.

Sir,

[From P. R. O. America and West Indies, Vol. 177 (195).]

WHITEHALL 8th January 1774.

Governor Franklin.

I have received and laid before The King your Letter of the 18th October.

You have already been acquainted that one of the Three Acts transmitted in your Dispatch of the 28th of November 1772, which you are anxious to know the fate of, has received His Majesty's Royal Allowance & Approbation, and I have now the satisfaction to inform you that the Act for establishing a Boundary between New York and New Jersey has likewise been

approved of by His Majesty in Council; But as I understand it is considered at the Council Office as a business upon which Fees are to be paid the Order of Confirmation will not be issued until the Agent for the Affairs of the Province makes application for that purpose.

With respect to the Lottery Act, I am informed it remains for Consideration at the Board of Trade, & I will not fail to apprize their Lordships of what you say in favor of it.

I am &ca
DARTMOUTH.

Draft of instructions to the Representatives in Assembly from Burlington County, relative to the dis charge of the Eastern Treasurer from his liabil ities.

[From New Jersey Historical Society Manuscripts, W. J., No. 17.]

1

To T. B & R. B.1 Representatives in Assembly

for the County of B[urlington]

Gentlemen

Wee ye Board of Justices and Freeholders of the sa County think it Incumbant on us to signify to you the aprobation of the Good people of this county and the Greatfull sence they Entertain of the Justice & Integrity of a Majority of the House of Assembly at the last Sessions at Amboy, In Relation to the Eastern Treasurer, and to Return you our Most Sincere thanks for the part you acted on that ocasion.

It is so uncommon for Men to possess a sufficient Share of Integrity and Firmness to suport them In a

1So in the MS. The representative for Burlington county in the twenty-second and last Provincial Assembly, elected in 1771, was Henry Paxson and Anthony Sykes.

Faithfull Discharge of Duty, in oposition to the Vices and Interest of their superiors in stations of Government, that when any do thus Distinguish themselves, they are Justly Intitled to the warmest Returns of Love and Esteme, and to be regarded Friends and Fathers of the People.

We allso think it Expediant at this Time to Give you our Instructions with regard to your Future Conduct, on that and some other ocasions, Which, so Far as you adhere to, shall wee Consider you Regardfull of our property and Interest.

1st That you do not by any Law, Resolution, or vote whatsoever, Discharge the Eastern Treasurer from the money sa to be stolen out of the Treasury untill such Robery is Positively and Clearly Proved.

2 That you Continue to Insist on the Treasurer being Displaced, and untill that is Done you Raise no money on any ocasion to be put Into his hands, Let the Consequences be what they may.

3 That you Give no Money to Carry on a Tryal, Except to a Comity of your own appointment, as wee think those who are the Most Interested in the Event, the Properest to conduct it.

4th That you no ways Countinance any Tryal wilst the sa Treasurer is in posision of the publick money to Defend himself with, unless the Nessesity of the Case Require it, and that if he is not Displaced you Discontinue his Salary.

5th That you Streaniously oppose passing any Excise Laws in this Province.

6th That you opose passing a Money Bill on any other Footing, than as our Money hath Heretofore Issued, nor even then unless you are Convinced that Circulating Cash is wanting, and that a Greater stock would be of Publick utility.

By order of the Board

J. S. Clrk.

Minutes of Council referring to the representations against Thomas Kinney, High Sheriff of Morris County, for allowing Samuel Ford to escape from jail.

[From Skinner Papers among Manuscripts of W. A. Whitehead, Vol. 2, No. 35.]

At a Council held at Burlington on the 14th Day of February 1774

. His Excellency was pleased to acquaint the Board that he had some Time ago received from John King late the Under Sheriff of Morris County a Representation in writing containing sundry Charges against Thomas Kinney Esq, High Sheriff of the said County relative to the Escape of Samuel Ford who was committed to the Goal of the said County in July last on Suspicion of having Counterfeited the Bills of Credit of this Province That His Excellency had caused a Copy of the said Representation to be delivered to the said Tho Kinney Esqr in order that he might have an Opportunity of answering the said Charges-That His Excellency had lately received from the said Thomas Kinney an answer in writing to the said Charges together with sundry Affidavits in support of the s Answer, which Papers His Excellency was pleased to lay before the Board and to ask the Advice of the Council thereon.

The Council having taken the same into Consideration were of opinion that the Charges contained in