The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1779-08-26 00:00:00, page 2

“ My Lord,
" I mould not have troubled the Court with the exami
nation of witnesses to support the charge against me, had I
not thought that pleading guilty to the indictment, gave
an indication of contemning death, not suitable to my pre
fect condition, and was in some measure being acceffary
toa second peril of my life, and I likewise thought that
the justice of my country ought to be fatisfied, by fuffering
my offences to be proved, and the fad established by evi
dence. „
“ I Hand here this day the most wretched of human
beings, and confefs myfelf criminal in a high degree ; yet,
while I acknowledge with shame and repentance, that my
determination against my own life was formal and complete,
I protest with tnat regard to truth which becomes my situ
ation, the will to deliroy her who was ever dearer to me
than life, was never mine till a momentary phrenzy over
powered me, and induced me to commit the deed I de
plore.—The letter which I meant for my brother-in-law,
after my decease, will have its due weight as to this point,
with good men.
" Before this dreadful aft, I trust nothing will be found
in the tenor of my lite, which the common charity of man
kind will not excuse. I have no wilh to avoid the punish
ment which the laws of my country appoint for my crime ;
but being already toounhappy to feel a punishment in death,
or a fatista&ion in life, I submit myfelf with penitence and
patience to the disposal and judgment of Almighty God,
and to the consequence of this iniquity into my conduct
and intention."
The Judge afterwards summoned up the evidence, and
gave his charge to thejuty in a most excellent speech, in
which he said, that the letter found in his pocket, direct
ed to his brother-in law, was Efficient to conclude he was
not insane/ The Jury, without going out of the room,
found him guilty, when the Deputy- Recorder puffed sen
tence, Bering him to be executed on Monday next, and
his body afterwards to be deffeded and anatomized.
Mr. Hackman is a fine figure of a man, net 25 years of
age. His head was bound up with a white handkerchief,
and he received his sentence with the utmost cowpofure
of mind. The whole Court were in tears, and Judge Black
flone, who tried him, delivered himfelf to the Jury in a
manner that did equal honor to his heart as a man, and
his abilities as a Judge, fitting on so awful an occasion as
that of distinguishing between murther as affeCted in a
momentary phrenzy, and a previous intention to kill with
malice aforethought.
The conviCted prisoner is defeended from a very reput
able family, is a person of great abilities, of a most polite
address, and was well refpeded by all his acquaintance.
He is quite composed, and at present appears perfectly re
signed to meet his approaching fate, with a becoming for
titude.
There was something in the person, manner and figure
©f the unhappy lady, which particularly induced Lord
Sandwich to bestow the most liberal education upon her
that this country could supply. There was scarce any
polite art in which flic was not an adept, nor any part of
mortal, and that the Tick were recovering very taft.
It was to be Cure a disagreeable necessity to be obliged to
fen#brave and gallant troops to an unwholesome climate ;
but when the French pointed their force to the Weft In
dies, which are of the utmost confequ^nce to us, Admi-
Aifttation ought not to be blamed for exposing the braved
men, to preserve invaluable possessions.
The mediation of Spam certainly was at an end ; the
fame friendly disposition towards us, however, apparently
existed at the Court of Madrid ; the fame pacific protesta
tions were still made ; no junction had taken place be
tween France and Spain ; but the fame armaments to which
the King had alluded at the opening of the session existed
still likewise, and consequently it would be proper to look
to them with a jealous eye.
The reports from Ireland were certainty greatly exag
gerated ; associations had indeed taken place, and non-im
portation agreements had been agreed to, but he had heard
of nothing more. As to the complaint relative to the clause
in favor of the Diffenrers, he did net thinkitas well found
ed as gentlemen might imagines it was tacked to the bill
in favor of the Roman Catholics, with a view to destroy
it, anl when it arrived in England, it was a moot point
whether the bill was more likely to pass ®r be rejected by
the Lords and Commons of Ireland, with the clause or
wit out it, and he was really of opinion that if the bill
had returned with the clau e, it would have been rejected,
as the clause tended to repeal the sacramental test, which
was greatly liked in Ireland. Besides, the bill and clause
were upon very different principles ; the former was built
upon the rational ground of toleration ; the latter was
gra ntinga participation in the government: the one was
fort and proper, the other perhaps Imprudent and impo
litic. '..
Mt. Dempfter role just to aik if all idea of negociation
with America Was over >
Mr. Fox rose to the fame point. When the Minister
(said he) brought his conciliatory bills into Parliament
fourteen months ago, it was reasonable to infer, that he
had done so because the King had not fufficient powers to
f^at without them. The Parliament was now going to rife;
the com^ffion for treating with America would expire in
a month, and tuen, though America ILould be inclined to
treat, ,it will not be in the power of the Minister, accord
ing to his own doctrine, to treat.
Lord George Gordon and Mr. Burke entered into a long
digression on the religious affairs of Scotland.
The House at last got back to the motion on the table,
which, after some further debate, was carried without a
division.
LONDO N, April 17.
YESTE RDAY morn ng about nine o'clock the
Rev. Mr. Hickman was brought from Newgate to
the bar of the session house in the Old Bailey, where he was
arraigned for firing a pistol at Miss Ray, as she was com
ing out of Covent Garden Play-house, on Wedhefday the
7th inftaut, which killed her on the spot, to which indict
ment he pleaded not guilty ; when the feverd witnesses
were examined, and they had gave the fame evidences as
they had given before Sir John Fielding. As soon as t. ey
were gone thro', Judge Blackftohe, who tried him, called
on Mr. Hackman to make his defence, or if ho chose it,
he might leave it to his council. After Mr. Hackman had
wiped a flood of tears fromhis eyes, he pulled out a sheet
of paper from his pocket, and read, the fubftanceof which
was nearly to this purport.
female literature in which the was not ebeverfant. Antee
world are acquainted with the unrival'd sweetness of her
vocal powers ; but it was the peculiar pleasure of a few on
ly to know that her conversation, her feelings, nd indeed
her general deportment, all participated of an unparallel
ed delicacy, which had characterised her through life.
The following are some particulars of the unhappy mur
der: Miss Ray, the unfortunate victim, was coming out
of the play-house, accompanied by a gentleman and a la
dy, between whom she walked, when the was met by the
man who committed the sass. He then flepped up to her
without the smallest previous menace or address, put a pi
flol to her head, and shot her a|moft instantly dead. He
then fired it himfelf, which, however, did not prove equal
ly effectual. The ball grazed the upper part of his head,
butdid not penetrate fufficiently to produce any fatal ef
fects; he fell however, and so firmly bent was he on his
own deftrufticn, that he was found by Mr Mahon, Apo
thecary, of Russel-Greet, beating his head with the but
end of the pistol. He was carried to the Shakefpear tavern,
where his woand was dressed. In his pockets were found
two letters; oge a copy of what he had written to Miss
Ray, Knd the other to his brother-in-law, Mr. Booth, of
Craven-Greet. The firft of these epifiles is replete with
warm expreflions of affeCtion to the unfortunate object of
his love, and an earnest recommendation of his passion.
The other contains a pathetic relation of the melancholy
resolution he had taken, and a confeffion of the cause that
produced it. He said he could not live without her per
foß which he had so long admired , and since he found, by
repeated application, that he was Glut out of every hope
of possessing her, he had conceived this design as the only
refuge from a misery he could not support. He heartily
willed his brother-in-law that felicity which fate denied
him, and requeued that the few de.ts he owed might be
difeharged from the disposal of his effects. When he had
so far recovered his faculties as to be capable of speech, he
enquired of Mr. Bond, with great anxiety, concerning
Miss Ray; being told she was dead, he desired that her
poor remains might not be exposed to the observation of
the prying multitude. About five o'clock Sir John Field
ing (being previously sent fcr) arrived from Brompton,
who finding the assassin's wounds not to be cf a dangerous
nature, ordered him to be conveyed by Mr Bend to Tot
hill fields Bridewell, where he seems to be in a fair way of
recovery, and proper precautions are taken, in order to
prevent any future attempts upon his life.
In h ; s way to prison he exclaimed, " What a change
has a few hours made in me—had her friends done as I
wished them to do, this would never have happened."
At nine o'clock the Coroners inque fi, after having g@ne
through all the evidences, brought in the verdiCt wilful
taurder.
After a re-examination the next day before Sir John
Fielding, he was conducted in a coach to Newgate, in
order for trial tit the ensuing Old Bailey sessions.
(The Conclusion in our next,)
PHILADELPHIA, August 26.
Extraa of a letter to the Preji lent of Congress, dated
Weft-Point, August 16, 1779.
“ I intended in my last, for the fatisfaftion of Congress
to have transmitted to your Excellency the inclofed copies
of a letter from Capt. Hopkins of Moylan's dragoons, of
the 30th tilt, and from Major-General Howe, of the 6th
inst. but was prevented thro' hurry.
“ I have the honor to be,
" With the greatest refpeQ,
" Your Excellency's most obedient servant,
G. WASHINGTON."
SIR, Crompond, July 30, 1779.
YESTERDAY being joined by 22 men from our regi
ment, and hearing Baromore was out, I resolved to wait
for him a little above the plains. This morning at light I
difcoveied the enemy advancing; the report was that it
was Baromore. I made a disposition to charge him. In
the charge we difeovered them to be Colonel Emmerick's
corps. It was conducted by such vigor, that we had in
a little time near half his corps prisoners, when we disco
vered a large b)dy of infantry, which iflued on us from
behind a flone wall. Upon this we were obliged to re
treat; in which, being pushed by the regiment of yagers,
we were under the necessity to leave all of the prisoners
but g men and 4 horses. I left 1 man and 3 horses, and
1 in the weeds his horse giving out. The enemy were
about 500 Grong. It was their intention to cut off my re
treat. However they got nothing by it. We left 6 dead on
the field, and a great number wounded. I had only 2
wounded. I am, with great refpea,
Your's, &c.
D. HOPKINS, Capt. L. D.
To Major Cartwright, Aid de Camp
to Major-General Heath.
Camp at Keeler's Hill, Lower Sale„ Aug. 6, 1779.
Dear Sir,
INTELLIGENCE making it probable that a party of
the enemy might be furprized within their lines, 35 of
Moylan's and 10 of Sheldon's light dragoons, with 40 in
fantry and about 50 militia horse were appointed for this
command, with orders to carry the enterprise into Execu
tion, if, ®n approaching the eneiby, it was found pra&ica
ble—Lieut. Col. White, of Moylan's, conducted this af
fair with a conduct and (pirit much to his honor. He got
within the enemy's lines by midnight, and proceeded near
two miles beyond Delaney's bridge without difeovery;
and tho' he did not meet with the party he was sent to fur
prize, he brought off 16 prisoners, 2 or 3 negroes, up
wards of 30 horses, a few arms, some accoutrements, and
many other things of value. He had got on this fide of
New Rochelle on his return, when about day-break he
was charged with spirit by a strong body of horse, who
fell on our rear; they were received and opposed with a
resolution truly commendable ; but superior numbers
made it necessary for our cavalry to retire a little, that the
fire of the infantry might operate. The sudden attack of
the enemy, and the nature of the ground, gave this corps
no time to take a fituatiqn very favorable; but they sus
tained the attack with firmnefs, and by a well-directed
fire checked the enemy until the cavalry was again got in
order. The engagement then recommenced between the
horse, while the infantry took a more defenfible position.
Though our cavalry exerted themselves as much as poffi
tyle, they were again obliged to retire—when the infantry
gave the enemy another severe check. But their numbers
every moment increasing, it was thought proper to or
der the infantry to retire to a wood, where they could
defend themselves with efftH, and their retreat be made
good. Our horse retired by the road which led to Horfe
neck ; the enemy hung for some time upon their rear, and
(mart encounters between small parties frequently happen
ed, in which we conflantly had the advantage. The ene
my gave over the contest about four miles from Byram
bridge, and our cavalry proceeded to Horfeneck. Some
time after they appeared on Sniffin's Hill, where, for par
ticular reasons, I with they had continued a little longer.
I think Lieut. Col. White a valuable officer, and take
pleasure in again expressing how highly I approve his
conduct. The officers and men of the cavalry behaved
with a gallantry and spirit truly laudable. Capt. Pope of
the infantry, and the officers and men of his command,
are mentioned by those of the cavalry in a manner demon
strative of their merit, and expressive of the gratitude of
the horse for the support they afforded them.
The enemy without doubt (offered a good deal. Lieut.
Gill counted 14 men lying on the field at ope place of ac
tion—and more must have fallen at other places The
officers of the parties I sent out after the enemy, when I
found them retiring, learnt of the inhabitants that they
acknowledged their loss (in proportion to the numbers en
gaged) considerable. Ot the horse on our fide 3 men on
ly are wounded, and they so slightly that they are now on
duty Of the infantry f have as yet had no return, but
underfiand from Capt. Pope that 2 only are Killen. We
did not lose an horse, and had but 3or 4 wounded— 4 of
the enemy's were taken in the action. Proper returns
shall be transmitted your Excellency, the moment I re
ceive them.
Upon the whole, I think this a clever litt'e affair ; and
flatter myfelf it will meet, Sir, with your approbation.
I have the honor to be,
With the greatest refpe&,
Your Excellency's m^f lobedient servant,
ROBERT HOWE.
P.S. I have ordered the things taken to be fold for the
benefit of the captors. So sensible ars the horse of the good
behaviour of the infantry in this affair; that they have
unanimously voted them half a share extraordinary, in re
ward of their merit.
SI R, Weft-Point, August 10, 1779.
YOUR very polite favor of the 17th ult. with the ex
traft of an a— of Congress, I nave just now received.
The honorable manner in which that <efpeßable Body
have been pleased to express their approbation of my con
dud in the enterprize on Stony-Point, must be very flat
tering t® a young soldier; but wl;, e 1 experience every
sensation arising from a confeioufnefs of having used my
belt endeavours to carry the orders of my General into ex
ecution, I feel much hurt that I did not in my letter to
him of the 17th of July, mention (among other brave
and worthy officers) the names of Lieut. Col. Sherman,
Majors Hull, Murphy and Pofey, whose good con*'u&
and intrepidity justly entitled them to that attention.
Permit me, therefore, thro ' your Excellency, to do them
that justice now which the state of my wound diverted me
from in the firft inftmnce: And whilA I pay this tribute
to real merit, I must n®t omit Major Koirmont de Laneu
<uille, a French gentleman, who (in the character of a vo
lunteer) ftept amongst the firft for glory.
I will only beg leave to add, that every officer and sol
dier, belonging to the light corps, difeovered a zeal and
intrepidity that did and ever will secure success.
I am,
With every sentiment of efleem,
Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant,
ANTHONY WAYNE.
His Excellency John Jay, Esq;
President of Congress.
Published by Order of Congress,
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.
In CONGRESS, August 18, 1779.
Resolved, That until the further order of Congress, the
Officers of the Army be entitled to receive monthly for
their subsistence money, the sums following, to wit, Each
Colonel and Brigade Chaplain, Five Hundred Dollars ;
every Lieutenant-Colonel, Four Hundred Dollars; every
Major and regimental Surgeon, Three Hundred Dollars ;
every Captain, Two Hundred Dollars; every Lieutenant,
Ensign and Surgeon's Mate, One Hundred Dollars.
Resolved, That until the further order of Congress, the
sum of Ten Dollars be paid to every Non-commissioned
Officer and Soldier monthly for their subsistence, in lieu of
those articles of food originally intended for them and n@t
furniflied. Extras from the Minutes,
CHARLES THOMSON, Sec.
In CONGRESS, August 23, 1779.
Resolved unanimously, That a Committee, confining of
one Member from each State, be appointed to congratu
late the Minister of France on the arniverfary of the birth
of his Most Chriflian Majefly; and to assure him that the
pleasure which we feel on this occasion, can be estimated
by those only who have a just sense of the extensive bless
ings which many nations have already derived from his
wisdom, justice and magnanimity, and of the profpea of
general happiness to mankind, thro' the influence of his
Majesty's virtuous exertions and glorious example.
The Members chosen, Mr. Scudder, Mr. Whipple,
Mr. Marchant, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Morris, Mr. Armstrong,
Mr. Paca, Mr. Smith, Mr. Laurens, Mr. Harnet, Mr.
Bickinfon and Mr. Huntington.
Mr. Scudder reported, that the Committe appointed to
congratulate the Minister of France on the Anniversary
of the birth of his Most Chriflian Majefly, had obeyed
the order of the House, and delivered to tire Minister a
copy of the resolution of Congress; to which they re
ceived the following answer, viz.
Gentlemen,
THE manner in which Congress have been pleased to
express their sentiments on the Anniversary of the King
toy Matter's nativity, characterizes their friendfhip and
regard for his Majefly. Your expreflions are truly be
coming a faithful and affectionate ally; and I dare assure
you, Gentlemen, that the account I shall render to hfc
Majefly, will be infinitely agreeable to him.
GERARD.
Extract from the Minutes,
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.