The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1782-02-07 00:00:00, page 2

I was born and educated among you; my condn& has
been known to you'frem my infancy; Mhd to you I hand
indebted for an early iutrodu&ion into public life. In
the most dittichlt times, and byon vafidus important oc
casions, I have been honoured with your confidence,
which it has been myendeavour never to abuse from any
felfdh or party motives. To you, therefore, it becomes
neceflary to explain toy' public conduit, or such parts of
it at least as may have been fuipeded or arraigned in the
public papers.
When a charge" is made or implied by any writer against
' any individual in the service of the public, it is too gene
rally prefixed : to be well founded; arid that individual,
whoever he may be, and whatever id rank and former
cdndu& have been, must have a Herculean labour to Rem
the torrent of prejudice necessarily reflating from his
Situation. But the man, cOnfcibus of an ardent love for
his country, a pure and difinttrefted zeal in the defence
of her just rights, and the exertion of his best abilities to
promote these great ends, will heroically despise every
danger and prejudice in the pursuit of such valuable ob
jects, and ought not to be supposed infenfibte or dead to
the feelings of virtue and honour, when his character is
called in question.
General and loose charges are of all others the mod
injurious and difficult either to be obviated or answered.
By such means, a man, in a public Ration, is not only
exposed to the faffcliobs of the moR candid friends of his
country, bill given up as a prey to the whole host of
wanderers and calumniators. In my particular case,
these laR have not scrupled to afl'ert, “ that in my late
department 1 had acquired a Nabob's fortune; and that
while 1 fuffcred the public to be in long and deep arrears
to the industrious farmer for the supply of the army, I was
expending the money committed to my management in
the purchase of estates for myfelf;" amounting, in the
extravagant ideas of some, to a great proportion of the
whole property in the county of Berks.
I think it a duty, therefore, which 1 owe to myfelf and
to my refpe&ed fellow citizens, who called me early into
public life, and long honoured me with a large share of
their confidence and esteem, to lay before them the terms
of my Agency as Quarter Master- General, an account of
the whole pay and emoluments I derived from that office,
the amount of my present ettate, and the means by which
I acquired it.
Before my entrance into military life in 1775, I inhe
rited and had acquired some degree of independence both
of fortune and spirit. The latter I hope is not impaired,
nor the farmer, perhaps, so much increased, as if I had
taken my stand, in the day of danger, behind any of the
lucrative civil offices which lay in my reach. In short,
as I never had a sentiment or view which I wilhed to
conceal from my countrymen during my public walk be
fore them, so neither have I any now in that more private
Ration to which I have confined myfelf.
In the month of June, 1775, I went to Cambridge in
the finite of our worthy General, and there joined the
army, leaving my private business in the hands of my
brother and cousin, with whom I had been connected
in trade. Soon after my departure the affairs of the com
pany were adjusted and fettled. The debts due to us on
bond, note, &c. amounted to a very considerable sum,
exclusive of other property, as will appear by our books
in the hands of my brother.
In the year 1776, many persons who Were indebted to
us difeharged their debts with the paper currency. When
the Loan Office was established, my brother paid to Mr.
Smith, Superintendant of that Office, 13,800 Dollars, for
"which he received Certificates in the names of Thomas
21X1 Jonathan Mifflin, bearing interest payable in France.
The Certificates were dated 1R January, 1777.
A considerable sum lay unemployed in his hands to the
close of the year 1778, when, and not before, he put it
to interest.
I,1 NOI N G myfelf mklerthe difagreeabfc neteffity of
an app al to the impartial tribunal of the public, I
think it my duty to address myfelf to you, my refpe&ed
fellow citizens.
In December, T 777, I received from Col. Palfrey, Pay
master-general, £ 1627 10 0, on account of my' pay in
the line of the army.
In March, 1778, I received from Mr. Matthew Irwin
£ 659 12 6, on account of my Share of the schooner Rat
tlesnake; and from the fame gentleman, in the month of
Auguß the fame year, 42001. for my proportion of the
proceeds of the brig Delaware's second voyage.
In May, 1778, I fold to Mr. Blair M'Clenachan my
Shares of the schooner Rattlesnake and brig General Lee,
(two of the four vessels in which I had been interested)
My brother has never received any emolument from
the public; nor has he been employed by me in any ser
vice during my agency for the public. On the contrary,
he has supported his family solely by the fortune which
he possessed before the war.
In the autumn of 1776, during my absence from Phi
ladelphia, several of my friends there, believing the fa
crifice I was making of my time to the public, and the
great expence I was obliged to incur in the army as Quar
ter-Matter General, would in the end greatly injure my
private estate, very gencroudy and without solicitation
interefled me, by small Shares, in four vessels then pre
pared for sea. The amount of my proportion of these
vessels was £ 2401 8 2, which was the whole of what I
advanced in trade. One vessel, my Share of which cost
„01. was Stranded on the coast. The other three prov
ed fuccefsful; particularly the brig Delaware, whole firft
voyage to St. Euftatia produced, in June, 1777, to each
owner, the clear profit of £ 3952 6 11, as will appear by
Capt. James Budden's books-- the returned cargoe being
principally fold at vendue, and a dividend made to the
owners on the 16th of June 1777. It is not necessary,
nor indeed in my power at this time, to particularize the
returns made in the fame manner by each of the other
vessels. Col. Joseph Dean and Capt. Budden, who are
well acquainted with these matters, will explain them on
application. It is fufficient to observe, that in the year
1777 I received £ 6107 15 4 for my proportion of those
returns, the Delaware's cargoe being included.
In November, 1777, I fold a farm in Loudon county,
Virginia, for 25C01. and received the money upon Sign
ing the deeds. That farm I purchased in the year 1770
for 9001. specie, the money being paid by me at the time
of purchase.
Ta the CITIZENS or PENNSYLVANIA.
Much has been said of the resignation of my commis
sion of Quartet- Master General in the autumn of 1777.
On this head I have only to observe, that my health,
through incessant fatigue in the service of the public,
being brought into such a precarious Rate as required an
immediate relaxation from business, I was unwilling to
hold offices which I could not vigorously discharge, and
which I never accepted for the lake of their emoluments,
but of the service they might enable me to render to my
country. No sooner was my health re eßablifhed, than
I obeyed the firft call of my country, and accepted a feat
at the Board of War. I have ever since considered my
felf as devoted to the public, and in no one instance have
refufed or declined their service, when called upon by
Congress or my fellow citizens.
Much has been said of my opposition to the Constitu
tion of this State.-- - From the Bill of Rights, as well as
from nature, I derive a right to speak freely upon the
fubjed of the laws and constitution of my country.-- If
this is denied, then Pennsylvania has paid her proportion
•of blood and treasure in the present war in vain.
When I perceived the approach of the enemy towards
this State, I facrificed my private opinions to the emer
gency, and contented to serve under any constitution or
law that could be made in any degree subservient to the
fafety of my country.
With refpclt to ad the other malevolent tales that have
been propagated against my conduct while 1 acted for the
public, I hereby in this public manner declare them to be
falfe and impudent calumnies. I challenge their authors
to Rate and support them. My heart bears me witness,
that I have never cherished one ambitious or interested
wilh, that was incompatible with the freedom and hap
piness of my country.
Friends and Fellow-Citizens,
YOU have entered upon a new political existence, and
it is of consequence to your welfare, that the men who
have served you faithfully should at least be defended a
gainst unmerited reproach.
My pen (when unknown to you) and my voice have
routed many of you into action in the beginning of the
controversy, before you saw the impending danger. I
have facrificed intimate connexions and friendships to
your fafety, at a time when many, who may now with to
mislead you, were unknown to you, or known only for
dißiffeltion to our common cause, or a criminal modera
tion of temper towards the Ministry of Britain. I aft
no recompence, no office, no honour for these Services.
for ,2501. and received the money on the 21st of June
1778.
In the Spring of 1778 I purchased Shares of three ves
sels, which cost 18501. but fold them in June at a small
advance, before they went to sea. The brig Delaware,
after the fourth voyage, was taken by the enemy.
Besides the foregoing, I was interested in two small
adventures in the beginning of 1778, which produced
not more than the firft cost.
The above, to the best of my recollection, is a fair and
candid Rate of my trade and commerce to the time of
my resignation. If I have omitted any circwmftance, it
cannot be a material one, and the omission mult have
arisen from the want of my books and papers, which are
in the country. What I have Rated above has been ex
tracted from accounts current, Signed by the gentlemen
with whom I was connected.
In January, 1779, I advanced the sum of 400 I. specie
towards the outfit of three small vessels. Two of these
I have Since fold, which reduces my present Rock in
trade to a small share of the Ship Flora.
My pay and emoluments as an officer in the line and as
Quartermaßer-general were as follow, viz.
From the 15th of August, 1775, to May, 1776, Eighty
Dollars per month. Exclusive of that pay, I was intilled
to a comm ffion of five per cent, on 60,000 1. value of
Nothing and other necessaries, fold to the troops by or
der of Congress at the original cost and charges.
From May 1776 to February 1777, the pay of a Bri
gadier.
From February 1777 to May 1777, the pay of a Major-
General.
From May 1777 to November 1777, the additional pay
of 133 Dollars per month.
In May 1779, —I received from the Board of War
£ 560 12 6, being the ballance of pay due to me.
Having Rated my principal receipts of money, I Shall
now give a particular account of my estate.
ill.—A dwelling-house in Philadelphia, at the corner
of Front and Chertnut-Streets.—A patrimony.
2d.— 1230 acres of land in Cumberland county, Penn
sylvania, purchased in 1769.
3d. —Two small lots in New-Jersey, opp<fite this city,
purchased the 17th April, 1773.
4th. —A country feat, five miles from this city. This
place was conveyed to me after the enemy left Philadel
phia by a near relation, fubjelt to an annuity of 601.
during her natural life. No purchase money was or is to
be paid for it.
5ti —One third part of three dwelling-houses, a lot
of ground and some ground-rents ip Philadelphia, in
right of my wife, and her proportion of the residuary
eßate of her deceased grandfather.
6th.—A tract of 620 acres in Cumru townflrip, Berks
county. This trail was divided into several parts before
I purchased. The payments were made at the following
times, viz.
lo Valentine Eckert June 24th, 1777 £4OOO * in full.
James Benezet September 1777 1000 in full.
George Rheim October 1777 400 in full.
Thomas Atkinson November 1777 1020 on acc.
Mary Weidner December 1777 500 on acc.
Thomas Atkinson, February 1778 949 10 on acc.
Ditto July 1778 745 in full.
Mary Weidner December 1778 895 in full.
Continental currency £ 9,09 10
j n And ,th. —400 acres in the fame township, purchased
b January, 1779, one half of the purchase money only
eing paid, amounting to 50C0I. Continental money, or
6251 . specie; as much more is yet due for this place.'
The foregoing is the whole of my real estate. I have
not purchased any other since the commencement of the
present war, nor have I any money lodged in Europe or
elfcwhere.
* One Hundred Pounds of this sum was paid in gold.
If the above prizes arrive fafe in port, as they are
said to be the riches lfhips sent from their fettlemeuts
for some years, it is supposed the commodore's share of
them will be worth 200,000 pounds.
CO. 15. The Dutch Eaß Indiamen, captured by
commodore Johufione, mentioned in the gazette ex
traordinary, w<re fafe arrived at St. Helena, when the
Eafl-India fleet left that place.
Commodore Johnflone is soon expelled in the chan
nel. He was to leave St. Helena with his prizes about
the end of Auguß, on bis way tome It now appears
that it never was intended lie should go to India. His
inftruaions were to take the cape of flood Hope, but
if that was iinpraHicable, to fend forward the line of
battle ships and troops to Madrafs. Finding Suffrein's
fleet had reached the cape before him, which rendered
its capture impossible, he sent forward the line of bat
tle ships and troops to India, agreeable to his infrac
tions.
From the Antigua Chronicle, of December if, we have
fakenthe following articles under the London head^
as late' as October 25, viz.
LONDO N.
The taking of New-Providence by the Spaniards,
as published in some of the papers, wants confirmation.
All the Weft-India islands, even the British, resound
with the praises of the general Bouille, and the brave
ry and generosity of the French in the recapture of St.
Fuftatia, and restoring it to its original proprietors.
This fuccefsful enterprize affords a frefh proof in fa
vour oi the national character of our allies. The Brit
ish in those islands loudly complain of the behavior of
the commander of St. Euftatia, and of the heavy
and encreafing burdens upon their industry and trade.
A large Spanish ship, with a considerable quantity
of specie, about 60 pieces of brass cannon, and some
ordnance stores, &c. on board, w s lately taken by a
British frigate, and ordered for New York ; but a
letter of marque brig belonging to New-London, fall
ing in with her on h<r passage thither, re captured
her without much opposition. The commander of
the frigae thought proper to break bulk upon the
cash, which he fleeced her entirely of, but left the
cannon,Bores,&c on board (little fufpe&ing,that should
the, by c ance, be retaken, either by the Americans,
French, or even her own countrymen, the cannon,
&c. would be of more service to them, than all the
money flic possibly could have on board when taken)
With which she is a-rived in a fafe port.
Capt. Elwell, in a cartel from Antigua, in lat, 26,
long. 66, weft, spoke with captain Keeler, in a brig
from Amflerdam, bound for Philadelphia, but meet
ing with contrary winds and bad weather, after beat
ing off the capes a considerable time, being short of
provifors was obliged to put away for the Weft-
Indies.
Any person, who wiffies to know the Rate of Genera!
Mifflin's public accounts, may have the fulleft informa
tion on that fubjelt from Mr. Govet and Mr. Mercier
Commissioners of the Chamber of Accounts.
Jan. 17. This town at a very full meting, on Mon
day last unanimously voted, that the representatives
be inßruaed to use their ntmoft influence to procure a
repeal of tie late aft of the general court of this comment
wealth, eftabliftling an excise on various articles.
Since our last a cartel arrived from Halifax, with
upwardsof too prif ners, many of them in a very ema
ciated, Sickly condition. Five of the number which
come out, died on the passage.
SALE M, January to.
Extras of a letter from a gentleman at Martinico, da
ted Dec. 5, 1781.
“ The private brig of war Holker arrived this day
from a cruize. She has been cut a month, during
which time She has captured one brig from Cork, a
Sloop f om Barbadoes, 2 Schooners from Demarara, and
one from Antigua. The prizes it is supposed, will
amount to upwards of 300,000 livres."
We hear that the brig Sally, capt. Woarth, is ar
rived at Providence, in fifty days from Nantz (in
France) who brings an account that two or three days
before he failed, a frigate arrived there express from
count de Graffe, at Chefapeak, with the account of the
capture of lord Cornwallis and his whole army. The
news was received there with great expressions of joy ;
and a frigate was immediately dispatched to Spain
with the important intelligence.
The Cicero, captain - , has arrived at Beverly
from Bilboa; in her came passengers John Trumbull,
esquire, son to his excellency Jonathan Trumbull,
esquire, governor of Connecticut, as also master John
Adams, junior, son of his excellency John Adams,
esquire.
Monday last capt. Elwell, in the ship Robbin Hood,
arrived fafe in port, in 40 days from Gottenburgh.
The private aimed ship Grand Turk, belonging to
Salem, has taken 6 valuable prizes, two of which, one
laden with 500 hogsheads sugar, the other with dry
fifh, have fafe arrived at Bilboa,
BOSTO N, January 24.
We hear that the Britiffi fleet from New'- York, bound
to the Weft I dies, left two capital Ships, viz. the Roy
a Oak and the Russel, the former arrived at St. Kitts
in so bad a condition that She was condemned as unfit
for service, the la ter was drove on the rocks at Anti
gua, and entirely lofl. Admiral Graves in the London
failed for Jamaica. At Antigua and St. Kitts they
were under great apprehensions of an invasion by an
armament from Martinico. It is also said, that at Ja
maica they are in daily expectation of an attack from
the Spaniards.
Happy, supremely happy in retirement, I with pleafare
behold the present glorious issue of the war. I wiffi only
to enjoy, in obscurity, the Freedom we have contended
for, and the inestimable blefing to be governed well
THOMAS MIFFLIN.
Philad. Feb. 5, 1782.
The continental frigate Alliance, which failed from
this port the 25th ult. has taken a large ship from Ja
maica bound to New-York, laden with sugars, which
has fafe arrived in port.