Dunlap's Pennsylvania packet , The general advertiser — Philadelphia, Pa., 1775-11-20 00:00:00, page 4

PHILADELPHIA, November 20.
By last Tuesday's Post from New-Yirk we have the
following important Intelligence, viz.
Extras of a letter from an officer of the Neou York
forces, dated at St. John's, 3d Nov. 1775.
IH AVE the pleasure to inform you that J had
the honour of marching into, and taking poltef
li n of this fortrtf , at the heed of my company, and
about zoo men from the different corps, of which
our army i< compose ', about nine o'clock this morn
in. , w^n the garrison, confiding of about 600 men,
marched out and grounded tb^r arms on the plain,
to the westward of the fort, (agreeable to the terms
of th- inclofed capitulation) and were immediately
embarked in batteaus, for Capt. Mead's encamp
ment, and from thence to be lent under guard, as
speedily as pcffible, for Ticonderoga, Connecticut,
or any other place which the Continental Congress
may direst —I mast fuicerely congratulate you on
this molt fortunate event, which in my opinion will
be a mod fatal stab to the hellith machinations of
the foes to Freedom, as it will facilitate the reducti
on of Canada, and secure the Canadians in our fa
vour, —<,Ve have taken in the fort, a considerable
quantity cf military stores, among which are, seven
teen pieces of excellent brass artillery, two <f them
twenty-four pounders, the rest of them field pieces ;
two royal howitzers; several mortars, cohorns, and
a ccnfiderable number of iron cannon There
were in the garrison, about 500 regular troops, the
rest werecompofed of Canadian volunteers, among
which were many of their noblesse, who I believe
are (from appearance) on the (tool of repentance.
—And as you may be fond of knowing how we
have proceeded, in carrying on the liege of this
place face my latt, I will give you a detail of the
particular operations since that period.
On the 28th ult. the main body of the army de
camped from the south, and marched to the north
fdeof the sot, under the command of General
Wooster: We were joined in the evening by Gen.
Montgomery, and the fame night we began to
throw up a bead work (an an eminence which en.
tirely commanded the enemy's works) ir ordtr to
errata battery of cannon and mortars. This batte
ry thev kept continual!/ pelting at, with grape (hot
and th Ils, but without doing us the lead injury, un
til Wednri'dav mr..ing, when we opened our bat
tery, confiding of three twelve, an 4 one nine pojn
dei, thue m>rtars, and as many cohorns, with
w h;h we kept an almost incessant blaze on them
great part of the day, and likewise from our battery
on the edit fide of the river, which the enemy re
turned with the greatest spirit. Late in the after
noon I received a message from G neral M mtgo
mery, ordering me to cease firing till further orders :
These orders we:e extremely disagreeable to me,
when I law some of my men bleeding before my
eyes, and dying with the wounds which they had
received. On our ceafAg to fire, the General order
ed a parley to be beat, and lent in an officer to de
inand a surrender of the fort ; two officers soon af
ter returned with him, and were led blindfold thro'
the camp to the General's tent, where a pretty long
conference was held, and they promised the Gen.
an answer from the commanding officer next morn
ing, which promise was complied with ; the answer
imported, that if they (hould receive no relief within
four days, he would then fend in some proposals.
The General replied that he must have an explicit
answer next morning, and the garrison mult remain
prisoners of war at all events; and that if they had
any intention to renew hostilities, they need only
Signify it by firing a gun as a signal; this though
very unpalatable, they were at length obliged to di
geft, as you will fee by the capitulation.—You will
readily excuse the incorreAnefs of this scroll, when
I inform you it is now past one o'clock in the morn
in?, having had no time to write before, as I have
been all day at the fort, examining the stores, (and
we are to begin our march for Montreal this morn
],„) and ray fingers and senses so benumbed with
cold, that I can scarcely write at all, owing to a
north easterly wind, and plenty of snow, which is
now falling in abundance.—Vet notwithstanding,
I run not so senseless or ungrateful, as to forget my
friends. I am yours, &c.
p. S. Mv little company has been rather unfor
tunate, as I have had five killed, four by the enemy,
and one by accident ; fix wounded, and one died
by sickness, which is as great a loss as has cen fuf
tanned by the whole army, except in the firft fleir
juuh with the Indians, &c. but this is what we must
naturally expe&, as the post of honour ever is the
pott ofdanger.
St. John's, 2d November, 177 g.
Articles of capitulation proofed by Major Charles Bref
ton, for bis Majesty's fort of St. John's, in the pro
vince ofCanada.
IQ RTICLE I. All afts of lioftilities (hall cease
fl on both sides till the articles of capitulation
(halt be agreed upon and signed.
Answer. Agreed.
Article 11. The garrison (hall be allowed the ho
nours of war, and fuffered to proceed with their bag
gage and effe&s to the most convenient port of Ame
rica, from thence to embark for Great-Britain, as
soon as they (hall be furnifhed with transports and
provisions, by his Excellency General Gage, or the
commander in chief of his Majesty's troops in Ame
rica.
A,fixer. The garrison (hall march out with the
honours of war: This is due to their fortitude and
perseverance. The non-commissioned officers and
privates (hall ground [heir arms on the plain, south
of the fort, and immediately em ark on board such
boats as (hall be provided for that purpose : The
officers (hall keep their fide arms, and their fire
arm: (hail be put up in a box, and delivered to them
when these unhappy disputes are ended, if they do
not choose to dispose of them before.
The garrison must go to Conne&icut government,
or such other province as the Honourable the Con,
tinental Congress (hall direst, there to remain till
our unhappy differences (hall be compromised, or
till they are exchanged—Our prisoners having been
constantly treated with a brotherly affection, the
e^as of the garrison (hall not be 'with-held from
them.
Article lIT. An officer or quarter mailer from
each corps (hall be allowed to paG to Montreal up
on parole of honour, there to tranfaft anr) fettle the
buGnefs of his refyaive c®rps, and to bring up
their baggage, clothing and pay ; for which pur
pose they shall be furnilhed with carts ard batteaus.
Answer. Agreed to in the fulleft latitude.
Article IV. The Canadian gentlemen, and other
perlons refidingin this province, and now at St.
John's, shall he permitted to return unmolested,
to their refpe&ive homes, with their arms and bag
gage, and remain secure in their property and ef
fects.
Answer. Answered in the second article.—The
Canadian gentlemen and others being part of the
garrison.
PHILADELPHIA: Printed by JOHN DUNLAP, at the Newey? PrEitiiig-Crfce in Market-Street, \^er,
Subferiptions at Ten Shillings per &num, Advertisements, &c. are thankfully received for this Parer.
Article V. The lick and wounded shall be taken
proper care of, and permitted to join their refpe&ive
corps, or return to their refpe&ive homes, upon
their recovery.
Answer. The sick and wounded (hall be taken
care of by their own surgeons, and when recovered
follow their refpe&ive corps.
Article VI. As soon as the above articles shall be
signed, Mfer Pierton will deliver up the fort, with
tne ammunition, provisions, &c.
Answer. To-morrow morning at 8 o'clock the
garrison will march out, having fii ft collected their
baggage and effects together in a convenient place
for embarkation, and leaving a guard for its pro
te&ion. The officers anuit be upon honour with
refpe& to their baggage, fcr (hould any Canadian
or others effect his escape, his baggage shall be giv
en as plunder to the troops.—The Quarter Matter
General with proper CommilTaries, will attend at 3
o'clock to receive the artillery, ammunition, naval
stores, &c. The deserters from the Continental
army shall not be included in the ftipulati-n for
the garrison.—The commanding officer to sign and
deliver the articles of capitulation by fun let this
evening. , Signed, &c.
Extract of another letter from Fort St. John's, dated
November 3, 1775.
" The 2 Bth ult. the remainder of our army, on
the south we^ fide of the fort, of which our regi
ment composed a part, marched round St. John's
to the north fide of it, and encamped there with
the main body.
" Ofl. 29. I wentin the evening with 200 men,
and compleated a battery within 250 yards of the
fort—The fort kept a continual fire upon us all
night.,
" OR. go. Four guns and fix mortars were
mounted in the battery.
" Oft. 31. The army busily employed in prepar
ing for a cannonade, and an affauit if necessary.
This day we received news that 700 of our men,
near Longue Geel, about 18 miles from hence, had
repulsed Governor Carlton, who intended to raise
the siege of St. John's with 800 men. Our green
mountain boys did this business—The Governor
had 25 men killed, and 50 wounded, befidet several
prisoners, among whom are two Indians.—Carlton
retreated to Montreal.
" Nov. i. Our gun and mortar battery on this
fide, and the 4. gun batteries on the east fide, kept
an incessant fire ail day on the garrison ; the garri
son kept up a very brilk fire. In the evening Ge
neral Montgomery sent a flag into the fort, with a
letter to Major Preston, by one of the prisoners ta
ken at Longue Geel, informing him of Carleton's
defeat, and that he had now no longer any reason
to fl.tter himfelf with relief from that quarter, and
that therefore to prevent the farther effuficn of
blood, which a fruitless and obstinate defence would
cause, he recommended to him a surrender of the
fort. Major Preston in return to General Montgo
mery's letter, lent Capt. Stuart of the 26th, with a
drum into our camp, that the General fljould have
a full answer to his letter in the morning—that
in the mean time hoftiliti@s should cease on both
sides.•
" Nov. 2. Capt Stewart and Capt. Williams, of
the train, came about 8 o'clock in the morning,
with a flag into our camp, wi<h an answer from Ma
jor Preston, to General Montgomery's letter of yes
terday, requesting of the General to wait four days,
to fee whether no relief could come to the garrison
in that time, if not, that then they would make
proposals for a surrender. The General returned
in answer, that from the advanced season of the
year, he could not give the garrison the time it re
quelted, and that that they must immediately sur
render prisoners of war, otherwise that if any fatal
conftquences (hould ensue, from their needless de
fence in the weak Rate they were in, they mult
charge themselves with it.
" The General also referred them for the truth
of Carleton's defeat, to another prisoner on board
of our (loop, whom they might have access to exa
mine ; and that whenever they chose to renew hos
tilities, they fhowid give a signal, by firing a cannon
without ball. In the evening the above gentlemen
returned into our camp from the fort, with articles
of capitulation, some of which were agreed te by
us, others reje&ed, which, as amended, were sent
back to the fort, and agreed to, the sum of which
were. That the garrison (hould march cut of the
fort to-morrow morning, with the honours of war,
and then lay down their arms, be prisoners of war,
and be sent to Conne&icut. A great quantity of
military stores are taken," the detail of which not
yet ascertained ; about 600 men made prisoners.
This day detachments from every regiment in our
army took possession of the fort, and the prisoners
are embarked for the place of their destination."
ACCOUNT of the Stores taken at St. John's, as
far as had been examined vsben the Express came
away, viz.
17 brass ordnance, from 3 to 24. pounders.
2 eight inch brass howitzers.
22 iron ordnance, from 3 to 9 pounders.
3 five and half inch mortars.
4. four and two-fitths inch ditto.
With a quantity of naval stores, and a suit of fails
for the fchocner Royal Savage.
We hear that the garrison of St. John's were at
half allowance of provisions when they furrsndered.
L ft Tuesday morning the three battalions of this
city and liberties, together witli the three artillery
companies, troop 0! light horse, &c. marched out
to the commons, and having joined in brigade, were
reviewed by the Honourable Speaker and General
Ass mbly of this province. After which they went
through their manoeuvres with great dexterity, in
presence of many thuufand fpe&ators, among whom
were a great number of the molt refpe&able inhabi
tants ofthis city.
In COMMITTEE of SAFETY.
Philadelphia, Nov. 11, 1775.
Refolded, That Capt. Shee, Capt. Wilcocks, and
Capt. Cadwalader, be authorifed to contrast for and
provide any number of firelocks and bayonets, not
exceeding 1000, to be made agreeable to a pattern
which this Board will deliver to them, and for a
price which (hall not exceed what is given by the
Commissioners and Affttfors of the county where
they shall make such contrast: That the said fire
locks, before they are accepted, shall be proved by
Robert Towers, Commifl'ary. And this Board do
agree to advance such sums of money, as npy tie
necessary to expedite and complete the said bu
siness."
IN PURSUANCE of the above resolve of the
Committee of Safety, we hereby give notice to all
perlons in this and the neighbouring provinces,
who can execute any of the branches in said busi
ness, to apply immediately to the subscribers, who
will afford them the best encouragement. Makers
of gun-locks will be more particularly wanted.
JOHN SHEE.
JOHN WILCOCKS,
LAMBERT CADWALADER.
We also crave the patience of all the inhabitants
of this country,—what they think to fee clearer in
the doffrine of the blessed Jesus Christ, we will leave
to them and God, finding ourselves very poor; for
faith is to proceed out of the word of G.>d, which is
lite and spirit, and a power of God, and our confei
ences are to be inftru&ed by the fame, therefore we
beg for patience.
Our small gift, which we have given, we gave to
those who have power over us, that we may not of
fend them, as Christ taught us by the tribute penny.
We heartily pray, that God would govern all
hearts of our rulers, be they high sr low, to medi
tate those good tilings which will pertain to our
and their happiness."
Orderedto lie on the Table.
The House again resolved itfelf intoa Committee
of the whole Houle, to consider the state of the pro
vince, and after some time spent therein, the Speak
er relumed the Chair, and Mr. Pearson reported
from the Committee, that they had concluded their
deliberations on the matters referred to them and
having come to some resolutions thereon, he was
dire&ed to -eport the fame whenever the House shall
be pleased to receive them.
Ordered, I hat the resolutions of the Committee
be received immediately.
Mr: Pearson then (according to order) reported
the said lefolutions, which he firft read in his place,
and afterwards delivered at the table, where the
fame being again read by order, and in part consi
dered by the House, they adjourned to ten o'clock
to-morrow morning.
Wednesday, November 8, 1775. ^ M.
The Houle resumed the consideration of the re
solves of the Committee of the whole Houie, which
being severally read, and approved, were adopted
by the House, and follow in these words, viz.
Resolved, 1. That it is the opinion of this Com
mittee, that all reasonable charges hitherto incur
red by the Associators for the defence of this pro
vince, in procuring drums and colours, and paying
adjutants, frugal-men, drummers and fifers, ought
to be allowed, and repaid them.
Refined, %. That it is the opinion of this Com
mittee, tliat the military Association entered into
for the defence of this province, ought to be con
tinued, encouraged and supported.
Resolved, 3. That it is the opinion of this Com
mittee, that it be recommended to all male white
persons within this province, between the ages of
sixteen and fifty years, who have not already associ
ated, and are not conscientiously scrupulous of tear
ing arms, to join the said Association immediately.
Resolved, 4. That it is the opinion of this Com
mittee, that certain rules and regulations for the
government of the said Associators arc necessary.
Resolved, 5. That it is the opinion of this Com
mittee, that all male white persons between the ages
aforefaid, capabe of bearing arms, who shall not as
sociate for the defence of this province, ought to
contribute an equivalent to the time spent by the
Associators in acquiring the military difciplme, mi
nisters of the gospel of all denominations, and fer
wants pirchacd bona fide, and tor valuable confede
ration, 0 1, , xccpted.
Resolved, 6. That it is the opinion of this Com
mittee, that it be recommended to the Committee
of S f-ty to give orders for erecting a magazine er
magazines in different places as soon as the season
This testimony we lay down before our worthy
Assembly, and all other persons in government, let
ting them know that we are thankful as above-men
tioned, and that we are not at liberty in conscience
to tike up arms to conquer our enemies, but rather
to pray to God, who has power in Heaven and
Earth, for us and them.
Tuesday, November 7, 1775. P. M.
An Address or Declaration signed by divers per
sons in behalf of the Societies of Menonifts and
German Baptists in this Province, was presented to
the House, and follows in these words, viz.
IN the firft place we acknowledge us indebt
ed to the most high God, who created Heaven
and Earth, the only good Being, to thank him for
all his great goodness a,nd manifold mercies and
love through our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is come
to save the Souls of Men, having all power in
Heaven and on Earth.
Further we find ourselves indebted to be thank
ful to eur late worthy Assembly, for their giving so
good an advice in these trouble some times to all
ranks of people in Pennsylvania, particularly in al
lowing those, who, by the do&rine of our Saviour
Jesus Christ, are persuaded in their consciences to
love their enemies, and not to refill evil, toenjoy
the liberty of their consciences, for which, as also for
all the good things we enjoyed under their care, we
heartily thank that worthy body of Assembly, and
all high and low in office, who have advised to such
a peaceful measure, hoping and confiding that they,
and all others entrusted with power in this hitherto
blessed province, may be moved by the fame spirit
f grace, which animated the firft Founder of this
Province, our late worthy Proprietor William Penn,
to grant Liberty of Conscience to all its inhabitants,
s hat they may in the great and memorable Day of
Judgment be put on the right hand of that just
Judge, who judgeth without refpe& of person, and
hear of him these blessed words, " Come, ye bluffed
" of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for
" you, &c. What ye have done unto one ofthe least
" of these my Brethren, ye have done unto me,"
among which number (i, e. the least of Christ's
brethren) we by his grace hope to be ranked ; and
every lenity and favour (hewn to such tender con
(cienced, although weak, followers of this our bles
sed Saviour, will not be forgotten by him in that
great day.
The advice to those who do not find freedom of
conscience to take up arms, that they ought to be
helpful to those who are in need and distressed cir
cumstances, we receive with chearfulhefs towards
all men of what Nation they may be—it being our
principle to feed the hungry and give the thirsty
drink ; —we have dedicated ourselves to serve all
men in every thing that can be helpful to the pre
'erYation of mens lives, but we find no freedom in
giving, or doing, or assisting in any thing by which
mens lives are destroyed or hurt.—We beg the
patience of all those who believe we err in this
point.
We are always ready, according to Christ's com
mand to Peter, to pay the tribute that we may offend
no man, and so we are willing to pay taxes, and to
render unto Csefir those things that are Ceefar's, and
to God those things that are God's, altho' we think
ourselves very weak to give God his due honour, he
being a spirit and life, and-we only dust and ashes.
Weare also willing to be fubjed to the higher
powers, and to give in the manner Paul directs us;
—Jor he beareth the sword not in vain, for he is the
minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon
him that doeth evil.
Extra's from the Fetes of the Nondurable House of
Representatives.
WHEREAS the fubferiber, John
Sparing, of Eafton, in the county of
Northampton, proposes to ride post, and to go the
following courses, viz. to leave Philadelphia every
Wednesday evening from this date to the firft of
January next ; and from the firit of January to the
firft of April, once every fortnight ; and from the
said firft of April to the firft of January, every week ;
to g® by the way of German-town, Buffidtown,
Fourlane-end, Newtown, Durham, Eaften, Beth
lehem, and the town of Northampton. All Ladies
and Gentlemen who are pleased to encourage this
undertaking may depend upon being punAually
fervid, and that the greatest care will be taken of
such letters, or other things, as dull be delivered to
Their humble servant,
0^.2,, 1775. JOHN SPEKING.
WE the subscribers do hereby recommend the
within-named John Spering, as a Rider, as we
believe he will perform his duty therein faithfully
and honeftiy, he having been a resident in Eafton
for upwards of thirteen yerrs, where he has, during
that time, behaved himfelf very well. Dated at
Eafton, the 23d day of October, 1775. Signed,
Lewis Gordon, Esq; Henry Fallert, Elq; Do&or
Andrew Ledlie, Jacob Orndt, Esq; Harman Sebny
der, Alam Jobe, Myer Hart, Cbriftian Streight,
(faac Sidman.
TW'O DOLLARS REWARD.
STOLEN on the gift of October last, a blue
BED QUILT, quilted in flowers, with pale
blue round the edges ; and a dark coloured linen
one, home spun, marked M. T. Supposed to be
stolen by one Matthias Amos, as be calls himfelf;
a coach harness maker, about five feet ten inches
high, well set, daTk curled hair, dark eyes, brown
complexion ; had on a blue ccat, brown waistcoat,
and leather breeches. Any perlon delivering the
said Goods, shall have the above Reward, or
THREE DOLLARS for the Thief and
Goods by applying to the Printer hereof.|
We therefore, in general, direct, that you, or any
four of you, meet in Congress the Delegates of the
several colonies now,frembled in this city, and any
such Delegates as may meet in Congress next year ;
that you consult together on the present critical and
alarming state of public affairs ; that you exert your
utmost endeavours to agree upon, and recommend,
such measures as you shall judge to afford the belt
profpeft of obtaining redress of American grievan
ces, and restoring thit union and harmony between
Great-Britain and the Colonies so essential to the
welfare and happiness of both countries.
Though the oppreffire measures of the British
Parliament and Administration have compelled us
to resist their violence by force of arms, yet we
ftri&ly enjoin you, that you, in behalf of this colo
ny, dissent from, and utterly reject, any propositi
ons, (hould such be made, that may cause, or lead
to, a separation from our Mother Country, or a
change of the form of this government.
You are directed to make report of your proceed
ings to this House.
Signed by order of the House.
Nov. 9. 1775. John Morton, Speaker."
In CONGRESS, Saturday, July 19, 1775.
WHEREAS the government of Great-Britain
hath prohibited the exportation of ARMS and
AMMUNITION to any of the plantations, and en
deavoured to prevent other nations from supply
ing us.
Rejolved, That for the better Applying these co
lonies with the necessary means of defending the*
rights, every veffcl importing Gun-Powder, Salt-
Petre, Sulphur, provided they bring with the Sul
phur four times as much Salt-Petre, Brass Field
Pieces, or good muskets fitted with bayonets, with
in nine months from the date of this Resolution,
shall be permitted to load and export the produce
of these Colonies, to the value of such powder and
stores aforefaid, the Non- Exportation Agreement
notwithstanding; and it is recommended to the
Committees of the several provinces to infpe& the
military stores so imported, and to estimate a gene
rous price for the fame, according to their good
ness, and permit the importer of such powder and
other Military Stores aforefaid, to export the va
lue thereof and no more, in produce of any kind.
fl true Copy from the Minutes.
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.
In CONGRESS, Oflober 18, 1775.
Resolved, That a just and well authenticated ac
count of the hostilities committed by the Ministe
rial Troops and Navy in America, since last March
be collided, with proper evidence of the truth of
the faft, related, the number and value of the buil
dings destroyed by them ; also the number and va
lue of the vessels inward and outward bound, which
have been seized by them since that period, as near
as the number and value can be afeertained ; also
the (tock taken by them from different parts of the
continent. That Mr. Deane, Mr. J. Adams,
and Mr. Wythe be a Committee fir this purpose.
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.
N. B. The above Committee request the Printers of
the several public papers in the United Colonies to inferf
the above for three or four weeks successively, and ak
persons possessed of any fads relative to, or that may
throw light on the above fubje&, to tranjmit the fame
to them as early as pofible.
^^i^^^^^^o^^^
will allow, for the greater security of the ammuni
tion belonging to the province.
Resolved, 7. That it is the opinion of this Com
mittee, that the fam of Eighty 1 boufand Pounds be
immediately struck in bills w credit for answering
the present exigencies of the province.
Upon motion, Ordered, That Mr. Dickinson,
Mr. Parker, Mr. Morris, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Red
man, Mr. Bartholomew, Mr. Pearson, Mr. Slough,
Mr. Swoope, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Taylor, and
Mr. Dougherty, be a Committee to prepare a sett
of rules and regulations for the Letter government
of the Military Association in this province; and
that the said Committee do also essay a draught of
resolutions, directing the manner of levying taxes
on Non-Associators, determining their mode of ap
peal, and how the said taxes shall be collected and
applied.
Thursday, November 9, 1775. ^ "'•
The Committee appointed to prepare and bring
in a draught of inftru&ions for the Delegates of
this province in Congress, reported an essay for that
purpose, which being read, and considered, was
agreed to by the House, and is as follows:
“ Gentlemen,
THE trust reposed in you is of such a nature,
and the modes of executing it may be so di
yerfified in the course of your deliberations, that it
is scarcely possible to give you particular inftru&i
ons refpe&ing it.