The royal gazette — [Charleston] S.C., 1781-05-26 00:00:00, page 2

NEW-YORK, May g.
Further Contents 0/ the Rebel Mail.
GENERAL WASHINGTON,
On Publish Service.
To the Honourable Beniamin Harrison, Esq; Speaker of
the , House of Delegates, Richmond, Virginia.
Head-barters, New-Windsor, 27th March, 1781.
& Dear sir,
ON my return from Newport, I found your favour ot the
16th, of February, with its inclofures, at Head-Quarters.
I exceedingly regret that I could not have the pleasure of feeing
you, not only from personal motives, but because I could have
entered upon the fubjeft of your mission, in a much more free
and full manner than is proper to be committed to paper.
I very early saw the difficulties and dangers to which the
foutherp dates would be exposed for resources of cloathing,
arms and ammunition, and recommended magazines to be
eftabliihed, as ample as their circumstances would admit. It is
true they are not to full of men as the northern dates, but they
ought for that reason to have been more assiduous in railing a
permanent force, to have been always ready ; because they can
not draw a herd of men together as suddenly as their exigencies
may require. That policy has, unhappily not been pursued
cither here or there, and we are now fuffering from the rem
nant of a British army what they could not, in the beginning,
accomplish with their force at the highest.
As your requisitions go to men, arms; ammunition and
eloathing, I fhail give you a short detail of our situation and
profpeds, as to the firft, arid of our supplies and expectations
to the three last. '- .
MEN. By the expiration of the times of service of the
old troops—by the difeharge of the levies engaged for the
campaign only—and by the unfortunate <jidhlution of the
Pennsylvania line, I was left previous to the march of the de
tachment under the command of the Marquis de la Fayette,
with a garrison barely fufficient for the security of W est-Point ;
and two regiments in Jersey, to support the communication
between the Delaware and North River. The York troops I
had been obliged to fend up for the security of the, frontier of
that state. Weak however as we were, I determined^ to at
tempt the diflodgment of Arnold, in conjunction with the
French fleet and army, and made the detachment to which I
have alluded. w^ '
In my late tour to the eastward, I found the accounts I had
received of the progress of recruiting in those states had been
much exaggerated, and! fear we shall, in the end, be obliged
again to take a great proportion of their quotas in levies for the
campaign, instead of foJdiers for three years, or for the war.
The regiments of New-York having been reduced to two, they
have but few men to raise. Jersey depends upon voluntary in
liftments upon a contrasted bounty, and I cannot therefore
promise myfelf much success from the mode. The Pennsyl
vania line, you know, is ordered to compose part of the south
ern army. Gen. Wayne is so sanguine as to suppose he will
fodn be able to move on with 1100 or 1200 men, but I fancy
he rather over-rates the matter.
You will readily perceive from the foregoing state, that there
is little probability of adding to the force already ordered to
the southward. For should battalions from New-Hampihire
to New Jersey inclusive be compleated (a thing not to be ex
pected) we shall, after the necessary detatchments for the fron
tiers, and other purposes are made, have an army barely fuf
ficient to keep the enemy in checkin New-York. Except this
is done, they wi> have nothing to hinder them from throwing
further reinforcements to the southward; and to be obliged to
follow by land every detachment of their army, which they
always make by sea, will only end in a fruitlefs dissipation of
what may now.be called the northern army. You may be as
sured, that the most powerful diversion that can be made in
favour of the southern states, will be a refpedable force in the
neighbourhood of New-York. I have hitherto been speaking
of our own resources. Should a reinforcement arrive to the
French fleet and army, the face of matters may be entirely
changed.
Arms. Ido not find that we can, at any rate, have more
than 2000 Hand of arms to spare, perhaps not so many: For
should the battalions which are to compose this army be com
pleat or nearly so, they will take all that are in repair or re
pairable. The 2000 stand came in the Alliance from France,
and I have kept them apart for an exigency.
Ammunition. Our stock of ammunition, though competent
to the defenfive, is, by a late estimate of the commanding
officer of Artillery, vastly short of an offenfive operation of
any consequence. ' Should circumstances put it in our power
to attempt such an one, we must depend upon the private
magazines of the States, and upon our Allies.—On the con
trary, should the defenfive plan be determined upon, what
ammunition can be spared, will be undoubtedly sent to the
southward.
Cloathing. Of eloathing we are in a manner exhausted.
We have not enough for the few recruits which may be expect
ed, and except that which has been so long looked for and
talked of from France should arrive, the troops must, next
winter, go naked, unless their states can supply them.,
From the foregoing representation, you will- perceive that
the proportion of the continental army, already allotted to
southern service, is as much as, from present appearances, can
be spared for that purpose, and that a supply of arms, am
munition, or eloathing of any consequence must depend, in
great measure. upon future purchases or importations.
Nothing which is within the compass of my power shall be
wanting to give support to the southern states, but you may rea
dily conceive how irksome a thing it must be to me to be called
upon for assistance, when I have not the means of affording it.
I am, with the greatest regard, dear Sir, your most obedient
and humble servant, G. WASHINGTON.
Extracts from Rebel Papers.
RICHMOND, (Virginia) March 31.
In the Senate, March 17, 1781.
THE House, accordingto the order of the day, resolved itfelf
into a committee of the whole House, on the bill “ for punish
“ ing the counterfeiters of the paper money of this State, or
“ of the United-States, and for making the fame a legal ten
" der ;" and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker re
sumed the chair, and Mr. Harrison reported, that the commit
tee had, according to order, had the said bill under their con
sideration, and had gone through the fame, and made several
amendments thereto, which he read in his place, and after
wards delivered the bill, with the amendments, in at the
clerk's table, where the fame were again twice read, and on
the question put thereupon, agreed to by the House.
Ordered, That the bill, with the amendments, be read a
third, time.
The bill " for punifhingthe counterfeiters of the paper mo
" ney of this state, or the United States, and for making the
" fame a legal tender," with the amendments, was read the
third time, and the question being put that the fame do pass,
It paired in the affirmative. Ayes 7. Noes 4.
The members that voted in the affirmative, are Mr. Jones
of Brunswick, Mr. Basset, Mr. Rutherford, Mr. Jones OfDin
widdie, Mr. Cabell, Mr, Winston, and Mr. John Carey.
American Intelligence.
,The members that voted in the negative, are Mr. Adams,
Mr. 11. Lee, Mr. Harrison, and Venable.
° PR 6TEST PRESENTED^
BECAUSE making treasury notes a tender for debts former
ly contrasted, without a due allowance for depreciation, is
enabling debtors to defraud their creditors of as much of what
they fairly owe, as the real value of the notes, at the time of
tender, between the value of the money tendered and that for
which the. Contract was made.
Because such a law is authorizing and even enforcing fraud,
corrupting the morals of the people, destroying all confidence
between man and man, and perverting the end of legislation,
which is to repress wrong and enjoin right ; and being directly
deftruftive ofjuftice, subverts one ofthe most sacred articles
of our bill of rights, which declares that no free government
or the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people, but
by a firm adherence to justice.
Because it is confeffed, that a law to oblige a man to take
one pound for a just debt of one hundred and fifty pounds, is
such an outrage upon honesty, that it would be scandalous for
any member of the community to avail himfelf of it. The con
tinuing to pass laws for such a purpose, is as difgraceful to
the legislature, as it is pernicious to the people.
Because by authorizing a fraudulent payment of debts among
our citizens, we fhail give just cause of complaint to the fub
jedts of our illustrious ally, the King of France, and to all 0-
ther foreigners who trade among us ; by which the commerce
of this state must be essentially injured.
Because we cannot assent to what is asserted, that the gene
ral voice of the people calls for this Mw ; as it would be the
highest reflexion upon those we represent, to suppose that they
desire that which is apparently unjust ; and we are happy to
find ourselves confirmed in this good opinion of our country
men, by the present practice of the Juries, who, actuated by
a spirit different from that which prevails in this law, do make
allowance for depreciation. But if the people could possibly
possess such a depravity of dtfpofition, it would be the indis
pensable dity of the legislature to restrain and correct it.
Because it is not enabling people to pay their debts as is pre
tended, but evidently empowering a shameless debtor to de
fraud bis just creditor, by not paying his.debts..
'Becaufe a law, evidently tending to corrupt the morals of
the people, and exp^ orphans, widows, and other nelp
lefs perfans. ^ho fubfife upon the interest of their money, to
be.reduced to abibhue beggary, for the benefits of those who
.are pofl^ffed of their property, is a crying; fin that may call
down the vengeance of a justly offended Deity upon this un
happy country.
Because the ambiguity of the tender will beget an infinity of
law-suits, and disturb the peace of the whole community.
Because two amendments were offered to the bill, by which
the treasury notes to be admitted might have been a tender for
their just and real value, or the interest flopped on refufal, as
;the former laws more equitably directed ; which amendments
were rejected, and the full blown evils of the law let loose.
Because we cannot comprehend how making this money a
legal tender ; n difeharge of all debts, can give it any additional
credit; since it is confeffed that in its depreciated state, no
man can tender it without forfeiting all claim to honour and
honesty. A quality, which ifufed, would occasion a total loss
' of character, cannot be of any value.
(Signed)
Richard Adams, Nathaniel Harrison,
Francis Lightfoot Lee, Henry Lee.
A copy from the Journal,
William Drew, C. S.
Thefollowing Queries are taken from a Philadelphia Paper of
April 2.
Is it not wafting the funds of the state to part with its foil,
and just debts for depreciated money?
Will not our present rulers be in danger of the fate of the
De Witts, if they trifle any longer with the prosperity of
their constituents, or trample any longer upon the principles
of the constitution? or,
Will not the people be in danger of reverting to the govern
ment of Britain, if they are betrayed, plundered and insulted
any longer by their new masters?
• Will the army bear a second time the frauds and deceptions
of a depreciating currency?
Can we expert a blessing from Heaven upon our counsels
or arms, while we disregard, by our tender laws, the most
sacred precepts of the moral law, and the whole genius and
spirit of Christianity?
Is it not incumbent upon the Council, immediately to call
the Assembly, in order to repeal the late wicked tender law,
and thereby restore credit both publick and private, and avert
the evils which threaten the state from the rage of the people,
the disappointments of the army, and, above all, from the
vengeance of Heaven? An ALARM GUN.
Baltimore, April 17. The following was received just as
this paper was going to press.
Alexandria (in Virginia) April 15, 1781. “ Enemy's ves
sels twelve miles below Alexandria:
Ship Savage, Captain Graves, )
Ship Hope, Captain Thomas, [of 16 guns and 125 men each.
Ship Monk, Captain Rogers, )
Two brigs of 12 guns and 60 men each.
Schooner Jack in the Box, cartying one 18 pounder, three
9 pounders, and 65 men.
One schooner of 10 guns and 46 men, with three tenders.
“ On Thursday a flag was sent from the above squadron to
Maior Lyles, for a supply of vegetables and frefh provisions,
and advising the militia to lay down their arms, offering to
pay for every thing that should be supplied them ; but that if
their boats were fired upon, and their application flighted,
they would burn and destroy. On being assured by the Ma
jor, that no part of their requisition could be granted, and
that the militia were armed, and would defend themselves,
nine barges were sent from the squadron with 200 men, who
landed under a heavy cannonade, and burnt all the Major's
houses, killed and carried off hogs, sheep, poultry, &c. The
militia fired on the barges and killed two men."
Chatham, (New-Jersey) April 25. Last Saturday night a
party of about 70 of the enemy from Staten-Island, came over
to Elizabeth-Town. They" landed at Halftead's point, and
were difeovered between that and the town, by Captain Hend
ricks, who was patrolling with a small party of about ten or
twelve ; and though so much inferior in numbers, he kept up
a galling fire upon them, and prevented their penetrating the
town farther than Dr. Winans's, where after plundering some
horses, &c. firing through the windows where Mrs. Winans
was setting by which they wounded a boy through the arm,
and then burning the house of Mr. Ephraim Marih, they began
their retreat, in which, it is said, they had one killed and
some wounded.
Last Wednesday night Captain Hendricks made an expurfi
on to Staten-Island and brought offten prisoners.
Trenton, (New-Jersey) May 2.
By his Excellency WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esq; Governour,
Captain-General and Commander in Chief, in and over the
fate of New-ferfey, and territorities thereunto belonging,
Chancellor and Ordinary in the fame.
PROCLAMATION.
TTJHEREAS by a certain aft of the legislature of this
state, entitled, “ An aft to amend an act, entitled
“ An aft for establishing a fund for finking and redeeming
“ the proportion of the bills of credit of the United States,
The foliowing refahe of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania,
implies that the Rebel government cannot obtain seamen to man
the paltry vefiges of their navy, from the want of specie to pay
them ; this occasions an,eager preference of the Merchants service:
In COUNCI L, Philadelphia, April 25, 1781.
THE Board having taken into consideration a letter from
the Honourable Board of Admiralty, inclofing a resolve of
Congress of the 24th instant, and a letter from the Board of
War, together with a letter from his Excellency General
Washington, containing advices of the most interesting na
ture, and praying the assistance of this Board, to procure a
number of seamen and mariners to man the frigate Trumbull,
for the security of the river Delaware, in the present
emergency.
• Resolved, That this Board will immediately advance for the
Board of Admiralty a competent sum of money, on account
of the United States, as a bounty to engage two hundred and
fifty seamen and mariners to serve on board said frigate, in the
river only, and to be discharged at the expiration of three
weeks, or sooner, if the present necessity shall cease.
Resolved, That this Board, preferring voluntary engagements
to coerceive methods, do earnestly recommend to all persons
well affeded to the publick interest, to promote and forward
the manning said vessel, without delay, as the only means to a
void the disagreeable alternatives of impressing, or interrupting
the trade of the port.
Resolved, That the Council will give such further aid to the
Board of Admiraltv, as shall appear necessary to equip said ves
sel, without delay.
Extras from the Minutes,
T. MAT LAC K, Secretary.
May 12.
By a person arrived from Philadelphia, we are informed that
last Saturday a large body of the inhabitants with Paper
Dollars in their hats by way of cockades, paraded the
streets of Philadelphia, carrying colours flying, with a DOG
TARR'D, and instead of the usual appendage and ornament
of feathers, his back was covered with the Congress's Paper
Dollars ; this example of difaffedion immediately under the
eyes of the rulers of the revolted provinces in solemn session
at the State-House assembled, was diredly followed by the
Jailor, who refufed accepting the Bills in purchase of a glass of
rum, and afterwards by the traders of the city, who flint up
their shops, declining to fell any more goods but for gold or
silver; it was declared also by the popular voice, that if the
opposition to Great-Britain was not in future carried on by
solid money instead of Paper Bills, all further resistance to the
mother country were vain, and must be given up.
The above is the most accurate account of the annihilation of
the Congressional currency that we have yet been able to ob
tain.
We are informed that Vice Admiral Arbuthnot has made
the following promotions in the Royal Navy, viz. EDMUND
AFFLECK, Esq; to be Commodore, with the rank of Rear
Admiral, on which occasion that gentleman hoisted his broad
pendant, and last Saturday was saluted from the ships of Vice
Admiral Arbuthnot, Rear Admiral Graves, and the rest of the
fleet then lying off Staten Island.
Capt. Cummings to the command of his Majesty's ship Con
federate, late the Rebel Confederacy.
,Capt. Sweney, to the command of the Assurance, of 44 guns,
vice Capt. Cummins.
Capt. John Graves, to the command of the Bedford of 74
guns, vice Commodore Affleck.
Capt. Stirling to the command of the Savage, vice Captain
John Graves.
Captain Russel, to the Hussar, late the Protedor.
Captain George to the command of the Vulture.
And Lieutenant James Duncan, to be Captain of the
Avenger, vice Captain George.
" aligned as the quota of this state," puffed at Trenton
the feyenteenth day of November last, it is enacted, that
,it/hall and may be lawful for the Governour and Privy Conn./
61, immediately after passing the said aft, and thereafter
from time to'time, as often as the fame may be thought nc.'
ceffary, to ascertain and declare the general current rate of
exchange between continental currency and Ipecie, as by
said aft may more fully appear.
1 have therefore thought fit by and with the advice of the
Honourable Privy Council of this state, to issue this pro.
clamatiofy to declare and make known to the citizens of. this
state, that the said Governour and Privy Council have, on
the day of the date hereof, afeertained and declared, and do
hereby ascertain and declare the present exchange between
continental currency and specie to be ONE HUNDRED and
FIFTY for ONE.
On Friday the 6th of April, the Tender Bill was passed by
the General Assembly of Philadelphia, but not without a fen.
fible protest of twenty very refpe&able and opulent gentle
men, against thirty-four desperadoes, justly stiled the Scum of
the Province ; their brethren the Jonathans of New-England,
(endowed with real mother wit) have long since repealed a
similar law. The following are the names of the gentlemen
who protested against that dirty business the Tender A& : Ro
bert Morris, Sharp Delany, John Steinmetz, George Gray,
Henry Hill, Daniel Hiefter, David Thomas, Henry Haye's,
William Harris, Joseph Parke, Evan Evans, Adam Reigart,
James Jacks, James Dixon, Moses M'Lean, Thomas Lilly,
John Allifoh, John Patton, Thomas Mifflin, Joseph Powell.
Was a catalogue of the opponents likewise pubiifhed, they
would be recognized only by the Cordwainers and Canaille of
the Continent.
A brig from Philadelphia, of fix guns, loaded with flour,
bread, &c. bound for Port au Prince, in Hispaniola, was
sent in here last Sunday by one of his Majesty's fliips.
A brig from Santa Croix for South. Carolina, that had been
taken by a rebel privateer off that coaf:, was sent in last Sa
turday, having been retaken by one of his Majesty's ships.
May 5. The Goodrich private ship of war, John Buchanan,
commander, has taken and sent into Bermuda two Dutch
ships, the Margaretta and Catharina of 900, and the Leon
derton of 400 tons, both from Curragoa, bound to Rotterdam,
laden with tobacco, sugar, coffee, cocoa, cotton, hides, dye
woods and indigo. They- were taken the 12th and 25th of
April last, off the Western Ifiands: Captain Buchanan was
spoke with, in company with his prizes, by the brig Abbey,
Captain Taylor, Bermuda then bearing N. N. W. distant 16
leagues.
Bills drawn by the French General and Admiral at Rhode-
Island have been lately fold in Philadelphia at the rate of
Sterling for Pennsylvania currency, while bills drawn by the
officers of the British (northern) army are fold in Maryland
and Pennsylvania at 150 per cent, the par of exchange in Phi
ladelphia is 166 and two thirds.
NE W-Y O R K, April 27.
A small rebel schooner privateer, of four swivel guns, and
13 men, was sent in here last Saturday by the privateer schooner
General Arnold, Capt. Neilfon, of this port. She left Rhode*
Island the 16th, and was taken the 20th instant.
GIVEN under my hand and seal at arms, at Trenton, the
twenty-eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred and eighty-one, and in the
sth year of the Independence of the United States
America. WILL. LIVINGSTON.
By his Excellency's Command,
Bowes Re^d, Secretrarv.
GOD SAVETHE PEOPLE.