Dunlap's Pennsylvania packet , The general advertiser — Philadelphia, Pa., 1775-11-06 00:00:00, page 4

That their late attempt to extend therafekes
westward at lead 50 miles from Wyoming to the
weft branch of Sulquehannah, was attended with
the molt provoking circumstances of treachery, as
well as want of fympithy for the distresses of their
country, or regard for public union. —Because in
M^y lait, after actual hostilities had commenced
between Great-Britain and the Colonies, the As
sembly of Connecticut made a new law, extending
their jurifdi&ion to the said welt branch of Sufaue
h nnah, and thereby exciting their people to make
further intrusions upon us, which was most unge
ruufly attempted by them in an hostile manner the
latter end of September last, in open disregard of
the injunctions of the Continental Congress, at a
time when they thought our people were least ex
pefting them) and least prepared to receive them ;
many of the belt men of the county being absent in
the public service as Riflemen.
That upon this state of the matter, and in the
present temper of the frontier inhabitants of this
province, whose minds ave so justly inflamed against
those intruders, as a set of men who have made re
peated attacks on their property, and to whose fu
ture engagements nofaitb can be due, your Me
morialists took the liberty to suggest to the worthy
Committee of Congrefi their apprehensions that the
said frontier inhabitants, now considering theni
feives under the necessity of repelling force by force,
can be no way quieted, or the public peace pre
served, " but by those Conne&icut people yielding
" up the lands of which they have taken forcible
'' possession, and retiring within their old bounds
'' €&, ofNew-York, there patiently to wait the
" decision ofthe controversy by that authority to
" which both tides have submitted, and which may
“ soon be expected.”
The reply made to these arguments appeared to
us too evasive and inconclusive to trouble vour Ho
nourable House with a recital of them. Upon the
whole, initead of acquiescing in our propofil to
withdraw these Intruders, the Connecticut Dele
gates gave in the following written proposal, cal
culated underthe fan&ipn ofthe Congress if it could
be had, to obtain for their people a still stronger
eftabhlhment in a tra& ofland aimoft as large as all
Connecticut ; thereby delivering them the quiet
poss. Aon and use of land's, honestly purchased, and
paid for to an immense value, by multitudes of
good people belonging to all parts of our province.
FORM of a RESOLUTIO N of Congress
proofed by the Connecticut Delegates.
" WHEREAS it is feprefented to this Congress
that some disturbances have lately happenedamong
the people inhabiting the lands in controversy be
tween the Colony of Conne&icut and the Proprie
tors ofthe Colony of Pennsylvania, which, unless
fpedily quieted, may interrupt the harmony and
weaken the union of the confederated Colonies,
when their united efforts are necessary for the de
fence of their common rights and liberties ; and that
the peace of said inhabitants cannot be preserved
nor offenders duly punilhed there by the civil au
thority ofthe Colonies of Conne&icut and Pennsyl
vania, or either ofthem, by reafun of their inter
fering claims of jurifdi&ion, and the Aflembly of
the Colony of Pennsylvania and the Delegates of
the Colony of Connecticut have requested the inter
position and advice of the Congress in the premises.
“ Resolved, that in the opinion of the Congress,
it is expedient for preserving the peace of said Co
lonies, that a temporary line of jurifdiaion be fixed
between them, and therefore recommend for the
present, and until there Shall be a legal Settlement
of said controversy or some other regulation estab
lished, that the Colony of Connecticut confine the
exerciie of its jurifdiaion (at the place in contro
ve fi ) to tbat part of a townfllip incorporated by
the Adembly or that CAony by the name of Weft
moreland, that lieth east of a meredian line begin
ning at latitude 41° north at the distance of 15
English miles weft of the east branch of Sufquehan
nah river, and from thence running north to the
north line ofthe lands in controversy. And that
the Colony of Pennsylvania forbear to exercise ju
rtSdiCtion within those limits, unless the South limit
offaid town include any of the inhabitants who fet
tled and hold under the claim of the Proprietors of
Pennsylvania, that then those inhabitants remain
under the jurifdiaion of Pennsylvania, and that all
the inhabitants on said controverted l?nds be fuffer
ed peaceably to occupy the lands now in their actu
al possession.
“ Provided nevertheless, that nothing contained
in this temporary provision Shall any way eft'e& or
prejudice the legal claim or title of either party to
anv ofthe said lands. And it is further recom
menced, that all persons who have been arretted
only for attempting to enter upon and take poss, ffi
on of any of the vacant or uncultivated lands in
controversy, be forthwith released, and that all
their effe&s be restored to them. And that for the
future all concerned carefully avoid whatever may
tend to disturb the peace, or interrupt the harmony
and friendship that ought at all times, and more
especially the present, to subsist among all true lo
vers of their country."
On the foregoing proposal it was observed firft
by your Memorialists, that the bounds pointed out
would extend the jurisdiction of Connecticut not
only over the Wyoming lands and 15 miles weft of
Sufquehannah, but allo eaflward to Delaware over
the Minifink and other lands fettled and governed
under Pennsylvania for 50 years past. They fur
ther observed an affeCted obfeurity and the use of
ambiguous words in the proposal, where it ought
to have been explicit and clear—As for example—
a temporary line of jurifdiaion is prepofed "until
there Shall be a legal Settlement of the controversy"
—But when they were asked what they meant by a
legal Settlement, and whether the expe&ed deter
mination by the King in Council would be acqUief
ced in by them as Such, no decisive reply was ob
tained, but rather a suggestion that they would
not confider Such determination as final in their
case. The like ambiguity was observed with re
fpe& to the words—“ aCtual poffeffion"—they af
fe&ing to consider all lands on which no persons live
as vacant and free for their people to fit down up
on ; and we considering all lands for which we have
paid and which have been Surveyed off to us as our
a&ual possession, which no man has a right to enter
upon without our leave, whether we occupy them
or not. And as to a temporary line of jurisdiction
your Memorialifts declared it to be a matter which
they could neither consent to nor have any concern
in advising, for the following reasons:
Firs, Because the Legislature of this Province did
extend its jurisdiction over the whole lands in con
troversy long before the Colony of Connecticut
made any aft for the so purpose, nnd therefore
that jurisdiction can neither be fufpehded or limit
ed but by the legislature of this province itfelf, or
by the general consent of those inferelted.
Secondly, Because Such general consent can never
be expected. For whereever such temporary line
? JOHN DUNLAP, ^^N^^frofafofr
bublcnpuons at len shillings per &, <m , Advertisements, &c. are thankfully received for this I>a|
may be fix^d, it must give diffatisfa&ion to multi-I
tudes, and Sacrifice (at least for a time) the proper
ty of one part of the country for the peace or con
venience of the other.
Thirdly, Becaufc application being heretofore
made on the part of Connecticut, to the Honoura
ble Proprietaries of Pennsylvania for such temporary
line, they refuted to consent to the fame, consider
ing that it would be injurious to tbeir cause, and an
admission that the lines of Connecticut, fettled more
than an hundred years ago east es New York, could
now extend weft of the fame, and approach those of
Pennsylvania. ,
Fourthly, Because it seems evidently intended by
the proposing such temporary lines to give those
Connecticut intruders ah opportunity of introdu
cing still greater numbers of their people, and ren
ing themselves so Strong as to be able to dispute the
possession, whatever may be determined respecting
the merits of the controversy.—And that on the
whole, a temporary line, being involved in such
difficulty, attesting not only the rights and estates
of the Honourable Proprietaries of this province,
but of multitudes within it, and which however de
termined must ruin and give diffatisfaCtion to many.
—Your Memorialifts could not bat think it a mat
ter, in which it would be wrong even to wish the
interposition of Congress, all whose recommends
tions Should be received with reverence and with
out murmuring, and that therefore some other
mode Should be agreed upon, in order to e Strength
ened by the recommendation of Congress—Either
First, That those intruders who have so justly alarm
ed their neighbours, Should withdraw, as original
ly proposed to the Committee of Congress by your
Memorialifts ; or Secondly, that a plan Should be
devised for preventing their further extension of
Settlements, the introducing any more oftheir peo
ple, or any way moleftihg the inhabitants of this
province in their persons or property, till a deter
mination of the controversy by the King in Council,
with some proper Security that they will abide by
that determination, and in the mean time Submit
to the laws of Pennsylvania. But on a matter ot
so great weight and concern to t e province in ge
neral, we declared further, that we wished to take
the advice of your Honourable House.
Being therefore convinced that any accommoda
tion by means ®f a temporary line is an idea .never
entertained by the late or present House, we pray
you would take the premises under your wife consi
deration, and advise us whether the peace of this
province can be heft preserved by the firft or Second
of the above propositions, or whether any other
plan might be more agreeable to you ; and as the
Settlement as well as execution of my plm of this
kind may. be attended with diffi ulties and delays,
of which the e intruders may wish to take advan
tage, as usual, we further,ray, that the inhabitants
of the said two Counties of Northumberland and
Northampton may in the mean time beduly (Length
ened and Supported for the defence of their property
against all such invasions and infidicus attempts as
that lately made upon them—And your Memorial
ifts Shall pray, & c
Oflober 25, 1775.
William Smith, Franis Allison,
Henry Keppele, jun. John Cox,
Tench Francis, Samuel Meredith,
William £itgkeaves, Reuben Haines."
Robert Harris,
Thursday, Oaober 26, 1775. A. M.
The House met, pursuant to adjournment; and,
upon motion, refitmd the consider tion ofthe Me
mo ial f om the Committee chosen by the Counties
of Northumberland and Northampton, to Solicit as
sistance, and devise means, for keeping the peace of
the f id Counties, and defending them again* the
Conne&cut Intruders, and after some time Spent
therein,
Ordered, That Mr. Dickinson, Mr. Morris, Mr.
Rodman, Mr. Bartholomew, Mr. Ross, Mr.
Ewing, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Chreift, Mr. Tay
lor and Mr. Dougherty be a Committee to confi
der the contents of the said Memorial, and report
thereon to the House.
Friday, Oillober 27, 1775. ^^
The Home met pursuant to adjournments
The Committee appointed to consider the Me
morial of the Committee chosen by the Freehold
ers of the Counties of Northumberland and North
ampton, to Solicit aflilanc, and devise means, for
keeping the peace ot the laid counties, and defend
ing them against the Conntifticut Inti uders, report
ed, " That t ey Ind taken the said Memorial into'
“ their serious consideration, and are Satisfied that
" the matters and things therein represented, are
“ justly Stated, and deServe the attention of the
" House."
Ordered, That the above report be taken into
consideration in the afterncon.
Oflober 27, 177 g, P. M.
The House, pursuant to the order of the fore
noon, taking into consideration the Report oftheir
Committee on the Memorial of the Northumber
land and Northampton Committee, together with
certain Resolution's of a former House of Assembly,
passed on the 13th of January, 1774, concerning
certain Intruders from the Colony of Connecticut
“ who in a riotous and tumultuous manner have
“ taken p<>fl ffion of a tra& of country within the
“ known limits and boundaries of this Province
“ and retain their possession in an hostile manner'
“ to the gre t disturbance of the p .ace of the fame'
“ confederating in defiance es the Laws and execu
" tive Powers of this Government, with a number
“ of ill-disposed persons, and affording protection
“ to offenders of the most atrocious kind
<< Whereupon the said House resolved, that'thev
“ would concur with the Governor in every reason.
" able measure, to Strengthen the hands of Go
“ vernment in preserving the peace, and fuppref
“ sing all riots tumults and illegal attempts to
" disturb the Inhabitants of this Province in their
“ peaceable possessions." And whereas it appears
that the said Connecticut Intruders, in contempt
of the authority of this Province, and to the great
annoyance ofits peaceable inhabitants, do still con
tinue their intrufi ms and invasions of private pro
perty, and particularly in the latter end of Sep
tember last, regardless of the public union, and tak
ing an ungenerous advantage of the calamities of
the times, did attempt to extend thir Settlements
to the weft branch of Sufqueharinah, near fifty miles
from Wyoming :— Wherefore
Resolved, That the Inhabitants of the @ountv of
Northumberland, fettled under the jurisdiction of
this Province, were justifiable, and did their duty
in repelling the said intruders, and preventing the
further extension of their settlements. °
And whereas the jurifdiaion of the Counties of
Northampton and Northumberland is extended by
A&s of Assembly to the north bounds of this Pro
vince, and the matter in controversy between Con
nefticut and this Province is submitted to the deter
mination of the King in Council—Wherefore
Resolved, That to admit or agree to any tempo-I
rary line of jurifdiaion between the inhabitants of 1
this Province and the said Intruders would be fa
crificing the just rights and powers of this Govern
ment, would prejudice the cause in question, and
be injurious not only to the Proprietaries of this
Province, who have already refuted to agree to any
such temporary line, but likewise to all those who
have purchased and hold lands in those parts under
the faith and function of our laws.
Refolded, That those jConnefticut Intruders, hav
ing in a forcible and hostile manner obtained their
polfeffions in this Province, ought, for the preser
vation of the peace thereof, to surrender up those
possessions, and wait for a proper and legal decision
oftheir claim.
Refolded, nevertheless, That this House will ac
quielce in any plan tint mail be recommended by
the Honon able Continental Cons refs, agreeable to
the request of the late House, whereby th<>f Intrud
ers mly be permitted to enjoy their pref nt settle
ment till a determination of the controversy by the
King in Council; provided affurarce e given that
they will abide bv that determination, and in the
mean time introduce no more settlers upon the
controverted lands, and submit to the laws of this
Province.
Resolved, That if such an agreement cannot be
obtained, this House will concur with the Gover
nor in every reasonable measure for protesting and
supporting the inhabitants of the said Counties of
Northampton and Northumberland in the defence
of their property and just rights.
^^^^^•^^^^^^
By Capt. Vickary, from Bristol, and Capt. Harr,
from Poole, lafl from Cowes, arrived here, cue
have the folio-wing intelligence, viz.
L O N D O N, Juguft 19.
MOST of the printers of the London papers
have been served with notices, that the At
torney General has filed informations ex officio
against them. The Subject matter of these prose
cutions is not yet known, but it is imagined the
foundation of them is the advertisement from the
Constitutional Society.
/lug. 20. It is reported that when Sir Jeffery
Amherl tgoes to America firft in command, he will
have troops to make up those that are already
I there 20,000 men.
It is laid there are no less than 200 officers of
the army struck off' the half-pay lift, for not re
pairing to the War-Office in consequence of the
public advertisements, and for not offering their
services in the American civil war.
Administration have employed two or three ca
pital houses in the city of London to keep the
stocks up (if they can) but the sensible part of
mankind are riot to be deceived be such ministerial
artifice.
Last week arrived in Clyde from America, the
Hunter, Robinson, from North-Carolina, with
tobacco; the Brifco, M'Millen; the Jeany, Kirk
wood; the Brothers, Walter; the Nestor, Harri
Ion; all from Virginia, with tobacco.
Eight thousand tons of tranfpo ts are already
taken up in the river and more are expeded to of
fer daily : Twenty-five flat-bottomed boats are
nearly conftruded for the debarkation of troops:
Each ship is to carry one; andevery boat will row
with i6oars.
dug. 22. Letters from New-York, brought by
the Sea Nymph,, Captain Hitchinham, who is ar
rived at Plymouth in qz days, bring in account
that the principal families have left New-York,
and are retired into the mountainous part of that
province, where they live in tents and huts, till
1 me convenient houses can be erefled for them;
and tha they are fuppiied with all the necessaries
of life, and that in great plenty, from the back let
tiers, who enjoy the fruits of their labours, being
out of the reach of any ships ®f war.
On Saturday in the afternoon Lord North ar
rivedin town from Cheltenham in Gloucefterfhire ;
his Lordship flopped at Kew, and had a conference
with his Majesty.
We can give it to the public on some degree of
authority, that if there will not be a speedy change
in the ministry, it is expefted there will be in that
ofa Premier; as a great personage and Lord
North have had several conferences on two points
relative to America, which they could not agree
in ; in consequence of which the latter was not
summoned to the last Cabinet Council Lon. Ev
Post.
Letters from Paris advise, that orders are given
there to fill all the magazines with the necessary
provisions for 50,000 mem
Aug' 2 4* It is "id that Governor Dunmore had
sent to the people of Norfolk (Virginia) to supply
the Dipping with provisions, for which they were
to be paid ; but if this was not complied with, or
ders would be issued to burn the town.
It was reported yesterday that his Majesty in
Council signed a proclamation for calling the Par
liament in O&ober for the dispatch of business.
An order in Council was yesterday issued, pro
hibiting the exportation of gunpowder, and of
arms and ammunition, for three months ; and also
revoking all licences which have been hitherto
granted for the exportation of gunpowder, &c.
during the fame time.
A great personage, it is said, has lately received
a tetter from Berlin, wrote by the King's own
hand, on matters of the greatest importance.
ft is now said, that Sir Jeffery Amherst will
not be sent to America, but he is consulted on all
points that arise concerning that continent.
It is now said that the Congress petition will be
presented on Wednesday, and that on Friday i:
will belaid before the Privy Council.
Governor Penn is said to have declined the
visits of several emineot persons both in the minis
terial and popular interest, being determined to
aft conformable to the resolutions of the Congress,
without giving room for a fuppoGtion of his be
ing influenced by the advocates of either party on
this fide the Atlantic.•
Several officers belonging to the regiments on
the Irish establishment, have thrown up their com
missions, being apprehensive of being ordered for
America.
It is ret)rted that no answer Irsb+cn ret river
nor will any be given, to the petition of the C.^ti
nental Congress, as it is thought beneath the dig
nity of Government to treat wth or bekdowhef e
an assembly which has no conftilution.;! or legal ex
igence,
Yesterday some Stands of final! arms and powder
and ball, were (hipped on board the Mary transport
at the Tower, for Quebec, and this moraine flig
failed on her voyage.
By the KI «G,
A PROCLAMATION,
For foppreffing Rebellion and Sedition.
•GEORGE R.
WH EREAS many of our fidjeas in diveri
parts of our colonies and plantations id
North-America, milled by dangerous and ill-dr
signing men, and forgetting the°allegiance which
they owe to the power that has prqte&d'and tuf
tained them, aftervarious diforeerk a &s committed
in dilturhance of the public peace, to the obstruc
tion of lawful commerce, and to the oppression of
our loyal fubjeds carrying on the fame, have at
length proceeded to an open and avowed rebellion,
by arraying tbmfelves in hostile manner to with-
Itami the execution of the law, and traiteroudy
preparing, ordering, and levying war against us :
And whereas there is reason to apprehend that such
rebellion hath been much prompted and encou
raged by the traiterous correspondence, counsels
and comfort of divers wicked and desperate persons
within this realm.. To the end therefore that none
of our fubjedts may neglect or violate their duty
through ignorance thereof, or through any doubt:
of the protection which the law will afford to their
loyalty and zeal, we have thought fit, by and with
the advice of our Privy Council, to issue this our
royal Proclamation, hereby declaring that not on
ly all our officers civil and military are obliged to
exert their utmost endeavours to suppress such re
bellion, and to bring the traitors to justice; but
that all our fubje&s of this realm, and the domini
ons thereunto belonging, are bound by law to be
aiding and assisting in the suppression of such rebel
lion, and to disclose and make known all traiterous
conspiracies and attempts against us, our crown
and dignity ; and we do accordingly ftri&ly charge
and command all our officers as well civil as mili
tary, and ail other our obedient and loyal fubje&s,
to use their utmost endeavours to withstand and
suppress fueh rebellion, and to disclose and make
known all trealons and traiterous conspiracies which
they (hall know to be against us, our crown and
dignity, and for that purpose, that they tranfinit
to one of our principal Secretaries of State; or
other proper officer, due and full information of
all persons who shall be found carrying on corre
spondence with, orin any manner or degree aiding
or abetting the persons now in open aims and re
bellion against our government, within anv ofour
colonies and plantations in North-America, in or
der to bring to condign punishment the authors,
perpetrators, and abettors of such traiterous de
signs.
Given at our Court, at St. James's, the twenty
third day of August, one thousand seven hun
dred and feventy-five, in the fifteenth year of
our reign.
GOD save the KING./
Aug. 26. The Sphynx, a snow, Capt. Sparks,
from Ireland, with fait provisions for Boston, is
said to be loft in her passage, and all oa board pe
rished.
A number of 40 and 50 gun ships are getting
ready for America, to replace those ships which
must necessarily soon come home.
The artificers at Woolwich warren are at this
time particularly employed in casting setts of can
non of a heavier weight of metal, for the service
of government.
Monday 300 chaldron of coals and 300 quarters
of flour were (hipped on board a transport lying off
the Tower, going with the troops to America ; and
on Thursday the like quantity of coals were (hipped,
and the transport fell down the river to Gravetend.
Wednesday a council was held on special affairs
at St. James's, relative to the taking more foreign
troops into pay in his Majefy'sdominions.
Orders have been given to the officers cfthe seve
ral regiments to keep with their men, and be al
wavs in readiness to march on the shortest notice.
Orders are lent to the vidualling office to get
ready as faft as possible beef and perk, Sufficient for
ten fliips of the line for fix months, and the bakers
were set to work last Monday to have ready in ten
days a fufficient quantity of bifeuit for the above
(hips,
PII I LADELP II lA, November i.••
Tn CONGRESS, Saturday, 'July 19, 17,75.
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 Apply
ing us.
Refolded, That for the better Applying these co
lonies with the necessary means of defending their
rights, every vessel 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
dores aforefaid, the Non-Exportation Agreement
notwithstanding ; and it is recommended to the
Committees of the several provinces to infye& the
military stores so imported, and to estimate a gene
rous price for the fame, according to their good
nels, and permittbe importer of such powder and
other Military Stores aforefaid, to export the va<
lue thereof and no more, in produce of any kind,
d true Cfy from the Minutes.
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary,
In CONGRESS, October 18, 1775.
Resolved, That a just and well authenticated ac<
count of the hostilities committed by the Mnitte
rial Troops and Navy in America, since last March
be collected, with proper evidence of the truth of
the fa&, related, the number and value of the bull?
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 ascertained ; aifo
the stock taken by them from different parts of the
continent. That Mr. Deane, Mr. J. Adams,
and Mr. Wythf be a Committee for this purpose.
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.
N. B. The above Committee requefl the Printers of
the several public papers inthe United Colonies to inject
the above for three or four weeks successively, aril al!
persons possessed of any jacks relative to, or that may
throw Ight on the above. fukje&, to tranjmit the Jame
to them as early as possible.