To GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON.

Dear Governor,-I have this moment received intelligence by one who may be depended on, that the enemy have this day gone down from New York to Prince's Bay, with their flat bottomed boats, got there about 2 o'clock, and their armed vessels was coming down also; the whole of the troop has marching orders on Staten Island, to have 2 pair of stockings, 2 shirts and blanket, with three days provision, a few Hessians and part of Barton's Corps is to be left, the whole supposed to go to land at South Amboy, tho' some conjecture they will land lower down shore. The enemy is much rejoiced at the unhappy news we have in the Pennsylvania camp, they have received intelligence this morning, on the island, by a man who went over from Woodbridge, that the new commandant of the Pennsylvania line would join them if he could have an opportunity. This affair has stopped the last fleet's proceeding. This from your friend and humble servant,

MOSES JACQUES, Col. Commandant.

Head-quarters Elizabethtown,
January 5, 1781-6 o'clock P. M.

Elizabethtown, January 5, 1781. Dear Sir-I set out from this place yesterday about 11 o'clock, and proceeded immediately to New York, and arrived at that place about 5 o'clock P. M. I again left it about half after eleven o'clock at night. During my stay there, I took particular care to get the best intelligence I possibly could collect, both from my own observation and our friends. I never saw the British exert themselves so much in all my life. Notwithstanding the rain, which poured down like torrents, they did not slacken their proceedings-they were constantly employed in embarking on board vessels of about 60 or 70 tons burden, and smaller, on board of which there goes 4 or 5000 troops, their destination is for Amboy-I think they will be there to day or to night-They are in great hopes that the Pennsylvania line, will join them, in consequence of which they will use every means in their power to get them to repair to their standard, they take with them twenty pieces of cannon, 18 of which are heavy, 54 engineers carpenters go with them. I am with great respect,

Col. Dayton.

A STRANGER.

When Gen. Wayne is assured that the terms offered by him on the 4th instant will be complied with on the part of the non-commissioned officers and privates of the Penns'a. Line, he will take the proper measures to procure an immediate and full supply of shirts, shoes, socks, and overalls.

Bristol, January 6, 1781.

Sir-The Committee of Congress being informed that the troops are about to march to Trenton this night have concluded to remain at this place until they receive some intelligence from your Excellency; should you think it best we will set off immediately on the return of this express, or should it appear most adviseable we will remain here till we receive further information from his Excellency.

I have the honour to be most respectfully
Your Excellency's most obed. serv.
By order of the Committee,

JNO. SULLIVAN.
His Excellency President Reed.

Letter prepared for Genl. Wayne, but not sent, he meeting me on the road.

Trenton, Jany. 7, 1781. 7 o'clock, A. M.

Dear General-I received your favour of yesterday by Messrs. M'Clenachan and Nesbitt, and finding from circumstances it was impracticable to see you last night or any of the persons I expected, I returned to this place for the sake of accommodation-Upon considering our affairs I have thought it adviseable to get the troops to march to this place as soon as circumstances will admit-My reasons are these-first, The commiss'rs. informs me the provisions are nearly exhausted, and the men have hitherto behaved so well to the inhabitants,

that it would be a pity to drive the troops to the neces- duct by asking unreasonable things or those which are sity of distressing them, when at this place they may be impracticable. Their honorable and patriotic conduct otherwise supplied. Secondly, they will find this town this morning will be ever remembered and suitably remore convenient to receive the cloathing, which is pre-warded if nothing unfavorable to their country should pared in Philada. and will come up by water. Thirdly, happen. Should they refuse to serve their country at They will be nearer to Congress to whom it may be ne- this time, it will be an eternal reproach to the state to cessary to apply in the course of the business, as the which they belong and to which they have done so much whole continental army will be affected by the mea- honor by their bravery; and they must acknowledge sures which may be taken in consequence of this un- that when they compare the conduct of the state to them happy event. Fourthly, I am persuaded the Penns'a. with that of most other states, they have been better Line have the honour of the state too much at heart to provided than others. Those who after being dischargrequest their President to attend them, when conveni- ed choose to re-enlist will be kindly received, but they ence and propriety will make it better on all other ac- will be at their liberty to do it or not. If they choose to counts, they should come here, and in this case I should engage again, they will be allowed furlows to see their be able to be nearer to them than at present-I have friends when the circumstances of the army will admit. received a letter from Mr. Bouzar who signs as secreta- The arrear of pay, depreciation, clothing, &c. I mentary but does not say to whom, but as it is probable you tioned in my former letter, these will be taken care of can convey my sentiments to him I would wish you to immediately. Should they take any rash step after this, inform him and the persons with whom he acts in con- all the world will condemn them and they will condemn junction, that it is rather a regard to my own station themselves; for America will not be lost, if they decline which prevents my going into Princeton than any dis- their assistance to save her. trust of them either on the score of safety or good I am, Dear Sir, treatment. But as it is certain that however just their Your ob't hbbl. serv't. complaints may be,the power now assumed is in opposition to the authority of the country, it would I fear give offence to the people of the state if I should even pass their guards. To prevent any doubt on my part I have only brought up a few of the Pennsylvania Light Horse to serve as expresses and for intelligence, but far be it from me but in the last necessity to ask their service against these our brethren-if they were a more effective force than they are. You know my Dear General, that I have ever been a soldier's friend, that I have used all my influence to procure them comforts of all kinds, and that they really have been more attended to than the troops of any other state, which I am sure they will acknowledge-if we have not done better it is owing to a want of means. We hourly expect great supplies from Europe, which would make them easy on the score of clothing, and which I do not think they will ever want again-Tho' I must lament the unfortunate occasion, I shall with great pleasure hearken to well founded complaints, and concur in any reasonable plan to accommodate matters to general satisfaction. I am, dear sir,

Your obedient, humble servant,

JOS. REED.

P. S. You will be so good as to communicate to the Troops my desire that they would proceed to Trenton as soon as circumstances will admit.

January 7, 1780 [81] Daniel Hunt.
Prepared but not sent as
Gen. Wayne come before it.

Dear General-I received your letter last evening giving our expectations of meeting you this day. But not hearing from you, I have sent again to know whether I may expect you and when and whether any persons on the part of the troops will make known their complaints, which will most certainly be redressed on every reasonable point: and when any doubt arises the construction to be in favor of the soldier. The proposals made by them on the 4th inst. seem to form a reasonable ground of accommodation. The 4th article has been hastily drawn, their own experience will convince them, of the necessity of some alteration. It will be necessary also to distinguish those who have freely enlisted for the war, otherwise all contract is at an end, and where they are requesting an allowance for depreciation agree able to contract, they certainly will not vindicate a breach of contract. We will also agree, upon some equitable mode of determining who are so enlisted, which may be done by three persons agreed for that purpose. But this will not exclude those from a gratuity proportioned to their services. They may depend upon every just and reasonable allowance, and I hope they have too much honor and spirit to tarnish their former good con

JOS. REED.

Copy of the Propositions sent to the Pennsylvania Line by General Clinton, Jan. 7, 1781.

It having been reported at New York that the Pennsylvania troops and others having been defrauded by Congress of their pay, clothing and provisions, and assembled for a redress of their grievances, and also that notwithstanding the terms of their enlistments are expired they have been forceably detained in the service where they have suffered every kind of misery and oppression-They are now offered to be taken under the protection of the British government to have their rights restored, a free pardon for all former offences and that pay due to them from Congress faithfully paid to them without any expectation of military service except it may be voluntary upon laying down their arms and returning to their allegiance, for if they will send commissioners to Amboy,they will there be met by people empowered to treat with them and faith shall be pledged for their security.

It is recommended to them for their own safety to move behind South River, and whenever they request it, a body of British troops shall protect them. It is needless to point out the inability as well as want of inclination in Congress to relieve them or to tell them the severities that will be used by the rebel leaders towards them. Should they think of returning to their former servitude, it will be proved to the commisssioners they choose to send that the authority from whence this comes is sufficient to insure the performance of the above proposals.

To the person appointed by the Pennsylvania Line to lead them in the present struggle for their liberty and rights.

(Copy.)

Dear Sir-I have just time to inform you, that the troops have rejected with disdain the proposition made by Sir Harry Clinton to join his army-that I came here this morning and have had the pleasure of meeting Gen. Wayne, Col. Stewart and Col. Moylan who have been permitted freely to come to me at this place and make such a report of the temper of the men as induces me to go among them. They express great anxiety for it and requested the gentlemen in case I consented to come to let them know, that they might turn out the line and shew all possible respect. These circumstances have changed my resolution of not trusting them, but I think they will warrant the risque--the consequences of their defection to the enemy are so great and alarming that I think nothing ought be left unattempted to improve a a good disposition. I have but one life and my country

has the first claim for it. I therefore go with the chear-cordingly the same are hereby declared void: wherefulness which attends performing a necessary though not upon the said William Penn did commissionate his kinsa pleasant duty. With my best regards to the gentle- man, William Markham, governor under him, with dimen of the council and respectful compliments to the rections to act according to the known laws and usages President of Congress with whom I doubt not you com- of this government. municate. I remain, Dear Sir,

Your ob't & very hbbl. serv't.

D. Hunts-Maidenhead,

four miles from Princeton,

Jan. 7, 1781.

JOS. REED.

Now, forasmuch as the former frame of government, modelled by act of settlement, and charter of liberties, is not deemed in all respects suitably accommodated to our present circumstances, therefore it is unanimously desired that it may be enacted. And be it enacted by the governor aforesaid, with the advice and consent of

P. S. I propose to come out of town again this eve- the representatives of the freemen of the said province ning.

(To be Continued.)

THE THIRD FRAME OF GOVERNMENT.

For the reasons which rendered it necessary and bro't it into existence, see Ebeling's history. Register, vol. i. p. 373.

The Frame of Government of the Province of Pennsyl vania, and the Territories thereunto belonging; passed by Gov. Markham, Nov. 7, 1696.

place.

and territories, in assembly met, and by the authority of the same, that this government shall, from time to time, consist of the Governor, or his Deputy or Deputies, and the freemen of the said province, and territories thereof, in form of a council, and assembly; which council, and assembly, shall be men of most note for virtue, wisdom and ability; and shall, from and after the tenth day of the first month next, consist of two persons out of each of the counties of this government, to serve as the people's representatives in council; and of four persons out of each of the said counties, to serve as their representatives in assembly; for the electing of which represenWhereas, the late King Charles the II. in the three tatives it shall and may be lawful to and for all the freeand thirtieth year of his reign, by letters patent under men of this province, and territories aforesaid, to meet the great seal of England, did, for the considerations together on the tenth day of the first month, yearly therein mentioned, grant unto William Penn, his heirs hereafter, in the most convenient and usual place for and assigns, forever, this colony or tract of land, thereby election within the respective counties, then and there erecting the same into a province, called Pennsylvania, to choose their said representatives as aforesaid, who and constituting him, the said William Penn, absolute shall meet on the tenth day of the third month yearly, proprietary thereof, vesting him, his deputies and lieu- in the capital town of the said province, unless the gov tenants, with divers great powers, pre-eminences, roy-ernor and council shall think fit to appoint another alties, jurisdictions, and authorities, necessary for the well-being and good government of the said province. And, to the end it may known who those are, that, in And whereas the late Duke of York and Albany, &c. this province or territories, have right of, or be deemed for valuable considerations, did grant unto the said Wil- freemen, to choose or be chosen, to serve in council and liam Penn, his heirs and assigns, all that tract of land, assembly as aforesaid, Be it enacted, by the authority which hath been cast or divided into three counties, now aforesaid, that no inhabitant of this province or territocalled New Castle, Kent, and Sussex, together with all ries, shall have right of electing, or being elected as royalties, franchises, duties, jurisdictions, liberties and aforesaid, unless they be free denizens of this govern privileges thereto belonging; which last mentioned tractment, and are of the age of twenty one years or upbeing intended as a beneficial and requisite addition towards, and have fifty acres of land, ten acres whereof the territory of the said proprietary, he the said proprietary and governor, at the request of the freemen of the said three counties, by their deputies, in assembly met, with the representatives of the freemen of the said province, at Chester, alias Upland, on the sixth day of the tenth month, 1682, did (with the advice and consent of the members of the said assembly) enact, That the said three counties should be annexed to the province of Pennsylvania, as the proper territories thereof: and whereas King William, and the late Queen Mary, over England, &c. by their letters patent, and commission, under the great seal of England, dated the twenty first day of October, in the fourth year of their reign, having (for the reasons therein mentioned) taken the government of this said province, and territories, into their hands, and under their care and protection, did think fit to constitute Benjamin Fletcher, Governor of New York, to be their captain general and governor-in-chief, over this province and country. And whereas, also the said King and Queen afterwards, by their letters patent, under the great seal of England, dated the 20th day of August, in the sixth year of their reign, have thoughtful and corrupt perjury. fit, upon the humble application of the said William And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, Penn, to restore him to the administration of the gov- that all persons who shall be hereafter either elected to ernment of the said province and territories, and that serve in council, and assembly, or commissionated or apso much of their said commission as did constitute the pointed to be judges, justices, masters of the rolls, shesaid Benjamin Fletcher, their captain general, and gov- riffs, coroners, and all other officers of state and trust, ernor-in-chief of the said province of Pennsylvania, within this government, who shall conscienciously scrucounty of New Castle, and the territories and tracts of ple to take an oath, but, when lawfully required, will land depending thereupon, in America, together with all make and subscribe the declaration and profession of the powers and authorities thereby granted for the ru- their Christian belief, according to the late act of parling and governing their said province and country, liament, made in the first year of King William, and the should, from the publication of the said last recited let-late Queen Mary, entitled, An act for exempting their ters patent, cease, determine, and become void; and ac- majesties Protestant subjects, dissenting from the Church

being seated and cleared, or be otherwise worth fifty pounds, lawful money of this government, clear estate, and have been resident within this government for the space of two years next before such election.

And whereas, divers persons within this government, cannot, for conscience sake, take an oath, upon any account whatsoever, Be it therefore enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all and every such person and persons, being at any time hereafter required upon any lawful occasion to give evidence, or take an oath, in any case whatsoever, shall, instead of swearing, be permit ted to make his or their solemn affirmation, attest, or declaration, which shall be adjudged, and is hereby enacted and declared to be of the same force and effect, to all intents and purposes whatsoever, as if they had taken an oath; and in case any such person or persons shall be lawfully convicted of having wilfully and corruptly affirmed or declared any matter or thing, upon such solemn affirmation or attest, shall incur the same penalties and forfeitures, as by the laws and statutes of England are provided, against persons convicted of wil

And that the people may be accommodated with such food and sustenance as God in his providence hath freely afforded, Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the inhabitants of this Province, and Territories thereof, shall have liberty to fish, and hunt, upon the lands they in all waters in the said lands, and in all rivers and rivuhold, or all other lands therein, not inclosed, and to fish lets, in and belonging to this Province, and Territories thereof, with liberty to draw his or their fish upon any man's lands, so as it be not to the detriment or annoyance Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That of the owner thereof, except such lands as do lie upon the Governor and Council shall erect and order all pub-inland rivulets, that are not boatable, or which hereaflic houses, and encourage and reward the authors of useter may be erected into manors. ful sciences, and laudable inventions in the said Province, and Territories thereof.