The Pennsylvania journal, or, Weekly advertiser — Philadelphia, Pa., 1776-07-03 00:00:00, page 3

C'P, °f a letter from Lieut. Col. Camphyl, to Gen. Heire, dated
SIR, Bufen, June 19, 1776.
I am sorry to inform you, that it has been my unfortunate
lot, to have fallen into the hands of the Americans, in the
middle of Boston harbour. But, when the ciicumftances which
has occasioned this disaster are understood, I flatter myfelf,
no reflection will arise to myfelf or my officers on account of
, —On the r^th of June the George and Annabella trans
ports, with two companies of the 71st regiment of High
landers, made the land off Cape-Ann, after a passage ot 7
weeks from Scotland; during the course of which, we had
not the opportunity of Speaking to a single vessel, that could
give us the smallest information of the British troops hav-,
ing evacuated Boston. —On the 17th, at day light, we found
ourselves opposite to the harbour's mouth of Boston, but
from contrary winds it was necessary to make Several tacks to
reach it.-—Four Schooners, which we took to be pilots, 'or
armed veffik in the service of his Majetty, (but which was
afterwards found to be four American privateers, ot 8 car
riage guns, la Swivel guns and 40 men cash) were bearing
down upon us at ^o'clock in the morning, at half an hour
thereafter, two or them engaged us, and about rr o'clock,
the other two were elofe along Side. The George transport, on
board of which was Major Menzies and I, with 108 ot the
Second battalion, the Adjutant, the Quarter Matter, 2
Lieutenants and § Volunteers were paffingers; had only 6
pieces of cannon to oppofc them : and the Annabella on board
of which was Capt. M'Kinzie, together with 2 Subalterns, 2
volunteers, and 82 private men ot rft battalion, had only 2
Swivels for her defence. Under such circuniftauces, I thought
it expedient for the Annabella to keep a head of the George,
that our artillery might be used with more effea and left ob-
Bruaion. Two of the privateers having Stationed themselves,
upon eur larboard quarter and two upon our (larboard quar
ter, a tolerable cannonade ensued, which, with very tew in
ictmiffions, lasted till 4 o'clock in the evening, when the ene
my bore away aud anchored in Plymouth harbour. Our lots
upon this occasion was only, 3 men mortally wounded on board
cf the George, one killed and one man Slightly wounded on
board of the Annabella. As my orders were for the port of
Boston, I thought it my duty at this happy crisis to pitfh for
ward into the harbour, not doubting I Should receive pro
tection either from a fort or Some Ship of force Rationed th-rc
for the Security of our fleet. Towards the elofe of the even
ing we perceived the 4 Schooners that were engaged with us
in the morning, joined by the brig Drfeno; of 16 carriage
guns, 20 Swivels, and Ix 7 men, and 2 fchoomr or 8 carriage
guns, 12 Swivels, and 40 men, get under wry and made to
wards us. As we flood up for Nantafket-Road an American
Battery opened upon us, which was the Soft serious p oof we
had, that there could Scarcely be many friends of ours at
Boston, and we were too far embayed to retreat, especially
as the wind had died away, and the tide of flood, not half
expended. After each of the velidshaving twice run aground,
we anchored at George's Island and prepared for action.
But the Annabella by Some misfortune got aground so far a
lern of the George, we could expert but a feeble Support
from her mufquetty. About 11 o'clock four ot the Schooners
anchored right upon our bow, and one right a stern of us;
the armed brigantine took her Ration on our starboard tide,
at the distance of 200 yards, and hailed us to strike the
British flag—Although the mate of our drip and evety Sailor
nn board (the Capt. excepted) reftfed'to tight any longer,
% have the p : eafure to toform,ou, that there was not an
officer, nga-commiiTioued i-fEeX, or private man of the ,/n
Rego bur what Rood to their quarters with a ready and cheer
ful obedience. On our refuting to Strike the British flag, the
action was renewed with a good deal of warmth on both
sides, and it was our misfortune after the Shatfcombat ot an
hour and an half, to have expended every Shot that we had
for our artillery. Under fu&cirimmOances; hemmed in as
we were with fix privateers, in tbit middle of an enemy's
harbour, beset with a dead calm, without the power of ef
capiag, or even the most diftanc hope of relief, I thought it
fill; therefore all wife men thiak that the Americans will keep
on the defenfive, intrench thcmfelves at every pats and never
come to a general decisive engagement, but when sure of vic
tory, They will no doubt harrafs the British mercenaries in
their march, cut off their convoys, and keep them as much as
possible from all kinds of provifious.
" Sir P. Parker failed daft month from Cork with Lord
Cornwallis and 3000 men for Cape-Fear river in North Caro
lina, where General Clinton is gone from Boston to take the
command with xooo hand of arms fiom Virginia, to put into
rhe hands of the Scotchmen fettled on the head of that river;
and when Corn wahis arrives, they are cither to invade Suu : h-
Carolina or go down to Virginia, to Petcrfoourg on James
River. General Burgoyne failed from Portsmouth the 411
inst. with Colonel Philips and Captain Foy, (who command
ed the British artillery at Minden) and 30c© Bruofwick troops,
the 29th regiment, an. 'marines, to the amount in all of 4000
men for Quebec, 4000 are toon to follow tor the fame place.
If they can (next Summer) they are from Canada to penetrate
into the Colonies over the lakes. Next month the Hessian
troops and a few regiments from England and Ireland aie to
fail for Boston, when Howe is to leave that place, leaving a
ganifon there, and go to Loag-LHud with about 20,000
men for the grand army, where, after making his ground
good he is to Subdue the province of New-York, and from
thence through the feify penetrate to Philadelphia. 70 or
So ships of war, from to to 3% and'4o guns, are to keep con
tinually cruising on the coast, to prevent any supplies of arms,
&c and the transports havg about 12 or 14 guns; but as the
men of war are not above a quaver manned with feainen,
and the transports have hardly leamco enough to navigate the
Ships: It is imagined that many will be taken by the provin
cial privateers, if the Americans will tight like common men.
By land it isfoppofed t,e Americans m.uft be iuccefsful if they
hive either Spirit or Sagacity : tho' administration depend a
great deal on the assistance they are to get from traitors in
North-Carolina, ard from the Scotchmen in Maryland, Vir
ginia and the Carolinas. Au old and experienced General
laid the other day, that the Americans were wife in tiling the
pick-ax and the spade, for by entrenching phemfelves always
they might save many lives, and if they followed the wisdom
of the Roman General, Fabius, io opposing Hannibal and
the Carthaginians, the Americans mud be fuccefsful in the
end. Indeed, it appears now, that America has no other al
ternative but to submit to worfc than Turkish Slavery, or de
clare itfc'f independent of Great- Britain, in which case many
of the European powers would be glad to afford her all the
assistance in their power. We have this day a report that a
veffe! from Philadelphia bound to Bordeaux with flour, &c.
has been brought into Briftul, the ciew having Seized and
confined the Captain."
^xtraa tfa letter from Amflerdam,
" I am very sorry to confirm the report of a vessel from
Philadelphia to France being in Briflol. Meffis. Bayard,
Jackson and Co's, letter of the 1 3th of January, 1776, to Capt.
Mellon, is published in all the news-papers of the 12th of
April; and the villains have told of fix other Capts. that fail
ed with them on the fame account, and the Signals they arc
to make at tne Capes of Delaware on their return."
became my duty not to Sacrifice the lives of gallant men,
wantonly in the arduous attempts of an evident impoflibili
ty. In this unfortunate affair Major Menzies and 7 private
Soldiers were killed, the Quarter Matter and 12 private Sol
diers wounded. The Major was buried with the honours of
warat Boston.
“ Since our captivity, I have the honour to acquaint you,
that we have experienced the utooft civility and good treat
ment from the people of power at Boston, insomuch Sir, that
I Should do injustice co the feelings of generofr.y, did I not
make this particular information with pleasure and Satisfacti
on. I have now to request of you, that io soon as the dif
tra&ed Rate of this unfortunate controversy will admit, you
will be pleated to take an early opportunity of Settling a cartel
for myfelf and officers. I have the honour to be with great
rcSpca, your molt obedient and most humble Servant,
AIICHIBALD C'4MPBEL£,
General Howe. Lieut. Col. of the xd Bat
talion of the „lt Regt.
" P. S. On my arrival At Boston 1 found that Capt. Max
well, with the lightjnfantry of me id battalion ot the 71st
regt, had the misfortune to fail into the hands of Some o.her
privateers, and was carried idfo Marblehead the r®th iaflaut,
Capt. Campbell, with the grenadiers of the xd •atiaboh, who
was ignorant as we were of the evacuation ot Botton, flood
into the mouth of this harbour, and was Surrounded 2nd ta
ken by 8 privateers ibis forenoon,
“ In case a cartel is eftabliflicd, the following return is as
near as I can effect; The numbrof officers, non,commiffion
cd officers and private men of the 7HI regt, who a;e prifnaers
of war at and in the neighbourhood of Buftou.
The George Traft rt: Li^ui. Col. Archibald Campbell.
Lieut, and Adj. Archibald Campbell, L ? cut. Archibald BU
ucaves, Lieut. Hugh Campbell, Quartet-Mallei, Wm. Ogilvie,
Surgeonb-Mate, 4 l)avid Burn*, Patrick M'Dougal, volunteer,
and acting Sergeant-Maj. James Flint, volunteer, Dugald
Campbell, do. Donald M'Bane, James Wilfoo, 3 Sc jeans,
4 Corporals, 2 Drummers and 90 private men.
Tee A^abcUa Tran/po^t. Capt. George M'Kenzie; Lieut.
Collin M'Kenzie; Ensign Peter Frazier; Mr. M'Ket zic,
Alexander M'Jaii:h, Volunteers; Four Serjeants; Four Cor
porals; Two Drummers; Eighty-one Private Men.
Lord Howe Traafyort. Capt. Laurence Campbell; Lieut.
Robert Duncanfon, Lieut. Archibald M'Clean; Lieut. Lewis
Caihuun; Duncan Campbell, Volunteer; Four Serjeants;
Four Corporals ; Two Drummers; Ninety fix Private Men.
Ann Tra^pm. Cipt. Hamilton Maxwell; Licut. Charles
Campbell; Lieu\ Frazer; Lieut. -—— ; Four Serjeants;
Four Corporal.- ; Two Drumaicts; Ninety-fix Private Men.
In COMMITTEE 0 F SAFET Y.
P/HadelpHa, July 2, 1776.
To the INHABITANTS of PENNSYLVANIA.
THIS Committal too much occupied in the various and
multiplied butinefs of the department in which they are
placed, have fetdom troubled the public with addresses, and
indeed but little occaiiun has been afforded tor them, especi
ally in juftißcation of their own conduct, while general
acquiescence in their authority prevailed, and entire confi
dence in their integrity and abilities remained ; but they are
not so blinded by fed love, or so left in their own importance,
as not to perceive lately, that both confidence and authority
are considerably fliaken as.d impaired. Not refling on a
foundation altogether popular, their exiftenac has been beheld
with jcaloufy, and by an opp firion formed on miflaken, or
unworthy principles ; their curious, in almoil every branch
of the public service, has been traduced and vilified.—ln the
honest discharge ot duty, they ha"c been obliged to hand the
unmerited repigaches or many individuals, as well as of lome
public bodies.—After accumulated mortifications why they
flill continue to keep their feats, ought to be accounted for,
left they justly be supposed infcnlible to the feelings Of men
cf honor. —But it is heceffary fiitl to flatethe traufaaion which
has principally given rile to this address.
About the beginning of this month, the committee ap
pointed Capt. Samuel Davidson Commodore, and Commander
in Chief of the Naval Armament equipped for the defence of
the River Delaware,—-the motive, to this appointment, at a
board of thirteen members, when there was not one drflcnt
ing voice, ' were such as these. 1 ?
iff. Tbit during his continuance in the Service asCaptain,
of one of the armed boats, he was cenfpicuous among the
officers, for care and attention to his duty, and while he
maintained a fhia diferpiine, he had the addrels to conci
liate the regard and affections of his crew, and always kept
his boat well manned.
xdly. That having on the return of Capt. Davifon from a
short voyage, in which he was spared from the Service of this
province to go into that of the Congress, and while perfect
harmony yet exited between this board and all it's officers,
and on a deliberate cftiniatc of the comparative merits of
each, given him, though a younger officer, the more impor
tant command of the Floating Battery, in wlich rhe fame Su
perior good conduit was obfrivable, the COnmittee acted
but confidently with themselves id elevating him to hill
higher rank.
3<lly. A clamor having been formerly excited against a Su
perior officer, because, as was Said, he had not been of the
fleet, and ftlme of the officers having since declared they
would yield ready obedience to any Commodore, if taken
from their own eftablithment, even though he (hould be the
youngest among them, the present appoin ment as it pre
vented the necessity of going out of the fl-ct, was c-onfidered
rather as conciliatory, than as adminiftring cause of uneasi
ness and difeoritent.
They were well aware of the obvious military maxim, to
which they had tun counts, of advancing men according to
Seniority, but this maxim, though perhaps proper in eld ella
blifhments, where a long course of fervicc in the lower clafics
are supposed 10 confer the necessary qualifications for the
higher, may and ought occasionally to be dispensed with in
the formation of new ones, where there can be bu^ a Render
pretextfor their qualifications from this cattle. Merit ts to be
fought out, and prefeoed wherever to be found, though am
bition Should be disappointed, or delicacy offended In many
infiances have the Co, grefs departed fieri this supposed fun
damental maxim, aud their country has been be,refitted by it.
The refinance of the officers of the armed boats to this ap
pointment, and their indecent vemonftrance are well known.
They were countenanced and Supported by men, whose de
citions on public queftious, influence, in forae degree, the pub
lic opinion. Mutiny was jollified and abetted, and difobc
dience triumphed over authority, -
The Committee thought it their duty to adhere to the ap
pointment they had mule.—l he Conference ot Comm.tiets
interpofid by the following relclution agreed to immediately
before their difiolunon.
“ That it be recommended to the Committee of Safety, of
this province, to confine the c ,roman,! of Commodore David
son to the Girip of war and floating battery belonging to tk:s
po vinre, and to iTne no orders to &e C<pt~. or other officer's
ufche row-gallic, lue-flup or fit e-iaftsilootigh the Said Cun
modore, until the Convention mee's and that it be recent
Attended to the Captains and other officers of thciow-gallie*,
RUN-AWAY from the fubferiber on Sunday night last,
living in Chester county the two following feivahts,
v>z. one named EDWARD GRAY, about § feet 6 inches
high, pock-marked, with Straight black hair, about 26 years
of age, fays he was born in London, and Served bis time
with William Hicklin, in New-Castle county ; he understands
all fores of plantation work, and favs he worked at the mil
leriog business two years, with one Reynolds in Nottingham,
Cacril county. —Has on, when he went away, a white fliirc
and trowfers, made of country linen, country cloath coat and
jacket, leather apron,, and took a lcy<h and hangings with
him.—Said Gray was bailed out of gaol by the fubferiber,
and for mv Security indented himfeif to me; it is hoped that
every h^.t &son will endeavour to apprehend said Gray,
dot for the reward only, but in order to bring him to justice.
The other named JOHN DILLIS, (who ran-away the se
cond of June,) about 25 years of age, born in New-Eng
lan; is a flout well built fellow, about 5 feet 10 or it inches
high, with dirty coloured hair, his foreteeth wide apart;
lays he belongs to the Row-galleys, and has been Seen
about Port- Penn. —Had on when he went away, white Shirt
and trowlers, red under jacket without sleeves, no Shoes nor
Stockings; is fond of drink and company, and a very great
liar.—Any perfoa taking up the fame and Securing them, so
that the fubferiber may gt them again, Shall have FIVE
POUNDS for Cray, and FORTY SHILLINGS for Dilies,
with reasonable charges for Dilhs, paid by
July >d. § WILLIAM KERLIN.
TO BE LETT
A LOT of good grass ground, in Spring Garden, con
taining near 4 acres, with a commodious brick house,
two stories high, 4 rooms on a floor, barn, stables, fmoak
houfe, gaiden, and two ppmps of good water, occupied br
William Shipley.—For further particulars enquire Of David
Pancnaft, in Fourth-street, between Race and Vinr-ftreet. §
BY virtue of a writ to me ditched, win be loid by panne
vendue, on Saturday, tbe 13th day of July inst. atthree
o'clock in the afternoon, on the premises, a e r retain nieffuage
or tenement, stables and other valuable improvements, and
lot or piece of ground thereunto belonging, known by the
Sign of the White Hoifc, situate on tbe north-east Side of the
Germantown main Sheet in Germantown, containing one
quarter of an acre and 37 ppiches, bounded by ground of
Jolin Reese and others.—Also one other lot or piece of
ground, Situate in Germantown aforefaid, containing o»c
acre and an half and 18 perches of land, bounded by ground
of John Wiftar and others,— Also, at tbe time and place
aforefaid, will in likemanner be fold, sundry houfhoid a,d
kitchen furniture, &c &c. the whole late the property of
Adam Haas; Seized and taken in execution, by
WILLIAM DEWEFS, Sheriff.
A LETTER, dated Wiliiamfburg, June ISQ 1776.
was dropt about ten days ago; the perfun who found
it, will much oblige the owner, by leaving it at the Printers
hereof
T\VENTY~DOLLARS REWARD,
RUN AWAY from the Province Ship (called the Montgo
mery) lying 111 (he mcr D-laware, opposite the Fbrt-
Hland: Five Marines, belonging is William Broun's Com
pany, viz. PETER ABLE, ab<ut 26 years of age, 5 feci 9
or to inches high, fair curly hair, large white eye brows, very
light eyes, was born in Conogocheague, (.umucoaud coun
ty, Speaks broken Dutch? bad on when lie went away, a
new oznabtig Shirt and trowfers.
WILLIAM TINLY, burn in England, about 1; years of
age 5 feet 6 inches high, frefh complexion, cuily h-ir, for
merly lived in or near Ledbury, Virginia, but enhiUd in L^-
gafter.,
EDWARD THOMAS, born in England, about 26 years
of age, 5 feet 6 inches high, red hair and much filched, for
merly lived in or neay Harford, Maryia^d- ~£
ANDREW PEG AN, country born, about 19 years of age,
$ feet Bor 9 inches high, hraight and well m aflf> a weaver
by trade, supposed to have gone to his father s in Martick
towoftip, Lancaster county.
JOSEPH KENNIER, born in Ireland, about 5 feet 8 inch
es high, 24 tears of age. well made, wears his hair tied; r:. :
it is Supposed, go towards Harford in &xaiyland, where ne
formally lived. ?
Whoever takes up Cid Deleters and brings them on coao&
said Skip, or confines them mi fol, hwi have the above /e*
ward or FOUR CT EARShr ?^, paid by
Bw. W^LliteM BROWN.,
OF THE
Provincial Conference of Committees,
Of the Province of Pennsylvania; held at the Carpenter's
Hall, at Philadelphia. Began June 18th, and continued
hv >djou„omebK to June zyth, 1776.
&c. to pay all due obedience to the Committee of Safety
until a new appointment (hall take place."
The Board astonished and fuiprizcd would have remon
strated against it, not without hope that on a fair and impar
tial State of the question, those who from the nature of their
appointment could have nothing in view but the public
happiness, and who could not have been insensible of the
benefits of good order and discipline, would have recalled
this hasty determination, which may be so fatal to both, but
the dissolution would not allow the necessary time.
The Committee doubt not the purity of the intention
which produced this resolution, and by whjch their power
in so important a branch is so greatly mutilated if not alto
gether destroyed. They well know the regard due to the
representatives of the people, and are disposed to submit
to the recommendation; though wounded and dishonoured
by it ; but they would have it underwood, that the conti
nuance of many of their board under such circumstances, if
of necessity, as no body of men can at prefect be ap
pointed to supply their places, and as they perhaps may,
lettered in their autherriy as they are, fiill. render Some
Small Services to their country. They however think it
incumbent on them to declare, that many bad confequrn
ces may probably proceed from a divided command. Mi
litary authority is not of a nature to be participated,
and when attempted, the greatest mifchiefs Commonly flow
from it. Should this unfortunately prove so in our Case, the
Committee are not refponfikle, they have performed their
duty, and look forward with pleasure to the Short period of a
few weeks, which is to deprive them of the feats they have
held, oflate, so much to the difiktisfa&iou of Some men,
and uncaGoefr to tbemfefves.
Exlraft fr.m the Minutes,
WILLIAM GOVETT, Secretary.
Just PUBLISHED and TO BE SOLD, by
WILLIAM & THOMAS BRADFORD,
At their Book Store, adjoining the London Coffee-Houfe,
PROCEEDINGS
SEVEN POUNDS Reward.